Encouraging Card for A Friend

Sometimes I make cards and it is easy, the process flows smoothly and the outcome is pleasing or at least the result does not wind up in the scraps box.  Then, there are times, like the card I’m sharing today, when I knew in my head what I wanted to do, but the process of getting it from my brain to the end result was not pretty.  

I made this card for my very dear friend, Lee Shank, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  I wanted the card to be extra special and to provide encouragement for her during her ensuing treatments.

The gate-fold, lattice front is made with a Spellbinders die.

The ornate pin is removed to show the message beneath.

An enlarged version of the message is shown below.

And here is the image on the inside of the card.

The image is a stamp from Susana Loves Stamps Blank Canvas Collection. You can see the collection HERE.
The background colors are from Dyan Reaveley Dylusions Sprays combined with Tim Holtz distress ink pads.  I'm sorry I did not keep track of what I used.
Here is how I made the card.

Card is 6” x 8”

For Card Base:

1.       Cut a 12” x 6” piece from Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe - Exquisite Motif (4500427) and score at 6”.

For Lattice Cover:

2.     Cut 2 pieces of 2.75” x 6” from Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe – Bazaar of Wonders (4500435).

3.     Use Spellbinders Shapeabilities S5-152 Fancy Lattice die to cut each piece.

4.     On one piece leave a ¼” border on the right side before placing the die.

5.     On the other piece leave a ¼” border on the left side before placing the die.

6.     The borders will allow you to score for a hinge that will enable you to fold the lattice pieces over the front of the poem.

For Poem:

7.     Cut a 5” x 6” piece from Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe – Exquisite Motif (4500427).  Use the opposite side of the paper than that used on the card front for contrast.

8.     Using 8 x 8 paper pad, cut a 5/8” frame from Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe – Apothecary (4500433) that measures 4 3/8” x 5 3/8.

9.     Cut a 3¼” x 4¼” piece of white cardstock, manila tag or manila folder.

10.  Using Versamark or other clear embossing ink pad, stamp with “What Cancer Cannot Do” stamp.  I’m sorry, I do not know the manufacturer of the stamp.

11.   Emboss the stamped image with a fine, gold embossing powder.

12.  Using Tim Holtz distress ink pads Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Dried Marigold, Wild Honey and a touch of Peeled Paint, blend the colors on the stamped cardstock to complement the Graphic 45 paper.  Edge the cardstock with Vintage Photo when finished.

13.  Mat poem on top of frame.

14.  Mat poem/frame on top of cardstock from step 7.

15.  On the two lattice pieces, place a score line on the longer side at ¼” and fold on the score line.

16.  Attach the lattice pieces on top of the poem/frame with Score Tape or other strong adhesive.  The pieces should overlap by one row.  You can use a decorative hat pin as a closure as I have, or ribbon if you choose.

17.  Attach the entire poem/frame/lattice to the front of the card using Score Tape or other adhesive.

18.  Embellish the rest of the card as you wish.