A Gift of Handcrafted Paper

A few weeks ago, several of my crafty friends joined me for a day of stamping, talking and hanging out.  I love spending the day with them!  Sometimes we create a lot of cards/projects.  Other times, just a few.  It kind of depends on how much time we spend just talking.  Imagine that.

My friend Ellen brought along several pieces of some gorgeous paper that she created in a paper making class that she attended.  This paper is so very pretty.
I love the textures and the blend of colors.  I had been trying to decide just how to use this gift of hand crafted paper.  Last weekend I decided to add to my supply of sympathy cards and I knew (right away) that I wanted to use these papers.

I created 4 cards; 2 of each style.

Click on each photo to enlarge it.

I knew I wanted to keep these cards clean and simple, so that the hand crafted paper is the focal point.  I simply tore the edges of 2 sides of the piece, in keeping with the natural edges that already existed.  There is a piece of gold thread looped and placed behind each sentiment panel.
The only other addition is a bit of glossy accents over the flower on each of the first 2 cards.

These cards came together just as I planned, which doesn't often happen.  And I love the results!

Thank you to my friend Ellen for sharing some of this treasured paper.  Aren't crafting friends wonderful?

And....how about this?  Oh, yes.