My niece unexpectedly lost her husband a month ago. When I made this card for her this week, I selected the sentiment “Holding you close in my heart” for a specific reason. I wanted her to know that as she traveled down the pathway of grief, she is not alone. I am there with her. It’s Sunday and time to play with The Paper Players.
It’s Clean and Simple week, and the amazing Jaydee has selected the theme of Spring Flowers. With spring flowers making their appearance here in southeast Iowa, what a timely challenge! However, before you run off to gather your stamps, papers, and inks, keep in mind that when The Paper Players use the term “clean and simple”, we mean cards that:
Have minimal layers and embellishments
Have plenty of open space
Are simple and uncluttered
Colors Of The Day
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
I really love what I have seen created with the Simply Zinnia stamp set and dies. Surprisingly I don’t have them …YET! However, I do have the Zinnia 3D embossing folder and the Flowering Zinnia designer series paper. So, I did the next best thing. I fussy cut out these lovely zinnias from the designer series paper and created a card front using the embossing folder. The sentiment, from the Enduring Beauty stamp set, was exactly what I needed. The coordinating Enduring Beauty die was used to cut it out. Usually, I would have added a beautiful bow, but because this was a Clean and Simple challenge and because I was going to mail this card, I left the embellishments to just three Blooming Pearls. I created a Lemon Lolly version first but decided it didn’t have the clean and simple vibe for which I was striving. Here it is:
To download the free step-by-step tutorial for the Lemon Lolly version of the “Holding You Close” card, which includes all the paper measurements and all of the current products used, please click on the button below. The Basic White version will have the same measurements. For every card which has been posted on my blog since 2019, there is a free tutorial.
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Nueve’s Notes
Hi, everyone! It’s me, Nueve! My mom, dad and I have been very busy doing dog show things. Here I am in Pencil-vane-ee-uh. I like this picture because Michelle is wearing pink sparkle clothes, and you can see the judge point at me ’cause I am the winner.
Here I am running. I like to run around the ring. I have to be careful not to run too fast, though. One time I ran too fast, and then Michelle ran too fast and she lost her shoe. I don’t have to worry about shoes, but Michelle does.
I got to visit my friend Panda in Pencil-vane-ee-uh. He’s a Saint Bernard and is bigger than me! We cleaned each other’s faces one day. He is really hairy!
Because he is hairy, he doesn’t get to wear a pretty coat like me! His mom doesn’t want his coat to get wet and messy. Her name is Stacy, and she gives me treats!
Mom took a picture of me and Michelle and all the pretty ribbons I won.
I had fun showing and playing with friends like Panda. But I also had fun playing with my Uncle Q when we got home. We played with Mr. Slothie. We play a fun game where we play tug. But we have to be careful so we don’t pull him apart. 
When we are done playing, Mom gives us treats. I always let Uncle Q get his treat first ’cause he is older and I am being ‘spectful. A good working dog is always ‘spectful. And that’s me! I’m a working dog. I am Good Boy Nueve!
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Ann, good luck with Neuve on your travels! As for your card, I love all that wonderful texture and those fabulous florals.
hugs
jaydee
So beautiful and I love the pops of texture. Such a great detail while still in keeping with the CAS design. Awesome!
Such a beautiful card Ann – I love all of that textured white space, it shows off your zinnia duo a treat! That sentiment is just beautiful too – I hope it brings your niece comfort, I’m so very sorry for her loss.
This card is just perfect! So sad to hear about your niece’s loss, and I am sure this card was a comfort to her! Love hearing about Nueve too and I hope your time in PA was fun as well as productive!!1
Your card was perfect for your niece. I’m sure she felt comforted by the calming design with a touch of color to give hope. You are a master designer.
Congratulations to Nueve, and all the family! He seems like such a happy guy.
So sorry for your nice. The word “sorry” seems so empty. It must be so hard on her. All of my love goes to her in this difficult moment.
My heart goes out to your niece. What a lovely card you made for her.
I just love reading Nueve’s stories!! And all those ribbons- wow, congratulations! 🐾
Pets are such an important part of our families. The end of January, we lost our 14 year old cat Ralphie. We then adopted a four year old shelter cat, Grayson. He’s so much fun!!
Happy Spring to you and your family!
Oh Ann, how heartbreaking for your niece and family. Such a sweet card for her. Great to see updates from Nueve!!! He is such a cutie pie!!!
I love your cards, Ann, and the sentiment is beautiful! I’m sure your niece will appreciate the special card & sentiment. My condolences to her….
Nueve is adorable! He’s so photogenic! Congrats on all your wins, Good Boy!
Ahhh Ann, sometimes life really smacks us down. Please give my love to your niece. The card is beautiful and Nueve’s story is wonderful. Seeing him and his big friend together is a real lesson, showing how a group of the same colors can look so different!! Hugs, B : )
I had to look carefully to see the pearls. I often think of those days when your cards were covered with multiple pearls. Thanks for the dog story. It’s always fun to read them.
Always love the stories from Nueve…..such a good boy!
So sorry for your niece! You made a really special card for her. I wish that one embossing folder was available individually because I really don’t need the others.