With Sympathy

My teacher friends are requesting cards again this fall, and unfortunately sympathy cards are always needed. Instead of just mass producing a bunch of the same design, I decided to play around with my JustRite alphabets to see what I could create. I started out with a Classic Oval Stamper border and the Brayton alphabet for my first card. I really like how the sentiment stands out front and center. Very simple and clean. For the next card, I wanted my sentiment to be a little smaller so that my stamped background design could be seen more. I used the same combination of stamps as the first card but just took off the oval border stamp.
For the next card, I experimented with combining large and small alphabets together. To use the tiny alphabet, I needed to transfer my letters to the Classic Rectangle Stamper block. I used the Brayton alphabet for the large letters and the Small Font Set for the tiny letters to spell out *for my friend*. I really like the way you can create any sentiment you want with these combinations of alphabets. Then I got to thinking that not everyone needs a sympathy card for a friend per say, so I decided to make my smaller sentiment more generic in nature. So I changed out my small fonts to read *and caring thoughts*.

When working with the alphabets, it does take a little set up time. That's why I always like to stamp off at least five or six of the sentiments. You can mass produce all at once or save your stamped sentiments for later. I prefer to make the cards up all at once while I have my supplies out.

For the floral images on my cards, I used Papertrey's Spiral Bouquet stamp set, patterned paper, Plum Pudding and Lavender Mist cardstock. For the scallop edges, I used a Fiskar's border punch. Spellbinder's dies were used for the embossed squares and scallop squares.

??...I've questions as to what JustRite Stamps I suggest to purchase first. I really suggest that you take some time and go throug ALL the wonderful products JustRite has to offer. There are so many new alphabets and borders, it might be hard to decide what to get first. Think about what you want to create.....do you want to make monogrammed cards for generic cards? Then perhaps an alphabet stamp with fun borders might be the ticket. If you're making wedding or baby invitations/cards, then definitely look at the more specific baby and wedding stamps. If you want to make Christmas or gift items, then look for those products.

For my preference, I like to stamp with the wood stampers best. I can easily change out the ink colors and I like the feel of working with a wood stamp block. But if you want a single ink color that you'll be using lots and want to mass produce easily, then be sure to look at the original stampers. It's all up to you and the possibilities are endless. Have fun!!