I'm late to the party again, but I still wanted to make a card for Marilyn, who is going through some very difficult things right now.
Our challenge was to make cards featuring nature, so I pulled out all my nature-themed paper collections. Ultimately, I chose a piece of paper featuring a wreath with lots of natural elements.
Because Marilyn may use our cards to bless others, I wanted to make a standard-sized card that would be easy for her to mail. However, the wreath was too large for that, so I cut it in half.
I chose a sentiment that I thought was appropriate for Marilyn, but which also seemed like something she would send to others. After cutting out the sentiment, I glued it down on top of the wreath.
Lastly, I added three pieces of ephemera from the same collection -- the bird, the butterfly, and the leaf in the lower right corner. In real life, they have a slightly golden sheen, which adds a feeling of warmth to the card.
I don't usually make cards that only feature items from one collection. That's just not how my brain works. But, in this case, everything just fell into place.
Date: Monday, March 30, 2026 GMT Views: 1299
Favorited:11
Registered: February 22, 2007 Location: L’etoile du Nord Posts: 11353
Mon, Mar 30, 2026 @ 7:50 AM
Gorgeous card, you've put together all those beautiful elements so thoughtfully!
------------------------------ -----LizBeth"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, ..." ~~1 Thess. 4:11 (NIV)
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 140482
Wed, Apr 01, 2026 @ 10:45 AM
At first I thought that the sentiment was part of the wreath and you'd just added a matting layer. Even for something from the same pack, I think it's the way the big pink flowers are so close together that makes it look as if it fits just there, and then the butterfly overlapping it helps the effect too. Beautiful paper, but I'd rather not have snails in my garden thank you.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: January 19, 2014 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 119360
Sat, Apr 04, 2026 @ 3:01 AM
The wreath paper you chose is so striking, and cutting it in half was such a smart way to make it work on a standard card without losing its impact. The sentiment sits so naturally over the florals that it feels like it was designed to be part of the artwork. The added bird, butterfly, and leaf give the whole piece a gentle warmth, and that soft golden sheen you described must be beautiful in person. A thoughtful and comforting design for Marilyn, and one she’ll be able to share forward with ease.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: January 19, 2014 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 119360
Sat, Apr 04, 2026 @ 11:54 AM
Congratulations! You are featured in the Weekly Favorites. Please see post 1.
We are on a mission to celebrate the beauty of designs within our amazing community. Your unique tastes and creations are what make this community so special, and we would love to see your favorites from this week! If you come across any beautiful inspiration in the galleries that caught your eye, please share them on this thread. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and talent within our community.
We cannot wait to see the stunning beauties you found!
Registered: April 3, 2007 Location: In a state of oblivion.... Posts: 15925
Sun, Apr 05, 2026 @ 9:48 AM
Love this - it's such a striking card. Great sentiment and I love the springy feel it has.
------------------------------ HeatherYou cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Ralph Waldo EmersonFounding Member of the Punchkateerz - "You don't have to be crazy to be one of us, but it sure helps." Featured Stamper #1003
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: January 19, 2014 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 119360
Sun, Apr 05, 2026 @ 10:46 AM
Congratulations! You are featured in the Weekly Favorites. Please see post 17.
We are on a mission to celebrate the beauty of designs within our amazing community. Your unique tastes and creations are what make this community so special, and we would love to see your favorites from this week! If you come across any beautiful inspiration in the galleries that caught your eye, please share them on this thread. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and talent within our community.
We cannot wait to see the stunning beauties you found!
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 116860
Mon, Apr 06, 2026 @ 3:31 AM
Katy, this is gorgeous! Great wreath and butterfly and bird. Super pretty card that she will love for sure. Thanks for making it for Marilyn. Many hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: January 19, 2014 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 119360
Mon, Apr 06, 2026 @ 1:54 PM
Congratulations! You are featured in the Weekly Favorites. Please see post 41.
We are on a mission to celebrate the beauty of designs within our amazing community. Your unique tastes and creations are what make this community so special, and we would love to see your favorites from this week! If you come across any beautiful inspiration in the galleries that caught your eye, please share them on this thread. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and talent within our community.
We cannot wait to see the stunning beauties you found!
