Sympathy cards are never easy to make, but they’re some of the most meaningful cards we can create. Today, I’m sharing a project featuring the Fabulous Fuchsias Bundle and other products from The Rabbit Hole Designs. This card combines elegant florals with a bold, textured background for a design that feels heartfelt and up lifting. Whether you’re crafting for a loved one or simply building your card stash, this project will inspire you to blend delicate details with creative techniques.

With Sympathy Card:
The Beauty of the Fabulous Fuchsias Bundle
Florals have always been a go-to for sympathy cards, and the Fabulous Fuchsias Bundle is a standout. The detailed stamps and coordinating dies make it easy to create dimensional, polished designs. For this card, I stamped the fuchsias in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto Hammermill Smooth Cardstock. This combination is perfect for alcohol marker coloring—smooth blending and crisp outlines every time.
I used my OLO Markers to bring the flowers to life, opting for vibrant shades of pink and purple to create a design that feels both elegant and hopeful. There’s something calming about sitting down with markers and adding layers of color; it’s one of my favorite parts of card making. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by alcohol markers, here’s a pro tip: work in small sections and blend while the ink is still wet. This will give you seamless results and prevent harsh lines.

Layered Backgrounds: Adding Depth with Stencils
The background for this card is where the magic happens. I love a good stencil, and the Overlapping Circles Stencil is so versatile. For this design, I wanted a layered look with shades of green to complement the florals. Using Distress Oxide Inks in Peeled Paint, Mowed Lawn, and Rustic Wilderness, I created a multi-tonal pattern on light green cardstock.
Here’s how I achieved the layered effect: I started by blending Peeled Paint through the stencil, then shifted and flipped the stencil for each subsequent layer. The overlapping patterns added depth and interest, and the final layer with Rustic Wilderness tied everything together. Flicking water onto the inked background added a soft texture that feels organic and balanced against the bold florals.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to rotate or reposition your stencils! Experimenting with angles can completely transform your background and make it look more intricate than it actually is.

Bringing It All Together
Once the background was complete, I mounted it onto a piece of black cardstock cut slightly larger than the inked panel. This subtle frame is an easy way to make your design pop. For the card base, I used a top-folding A2 base—a classic choice that works well for any design.
The florals were arranged with dimension in mind. I adhered the main square floral cluster with foam adhesive to give it prominence, then tucked two additional floral pieces underneath the edges. This layering added a touch of movement and kept the design balanced.
The sentiment, “With Sympathy,” was stamped using the Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. I love how crisp and bold this ink is, especially for sentiments. After die-cutting the sentiment, I added it to the card with small foam squares, giving it just enough lift to stand out.

Finishing Touches
The little details are what make handmade cards so special. For this card, I added white gel pen highlights to the fuchsias to enhance their dimension. A few Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots from The Rabbit Hole Designs brought a touch of sparkle without overpowering the design. These subtle accents are like the jewelry of card making—just enough to elevate the overall look.

Exclusive Offers
Before you go, here's a little something special: use my code Rick10 at The Rabbit Hole Designs website to save 10% on your order! Plus, for January, every order includes a random pack of Enamel Dots as a free gift. It's a great time to stock up on some crafting goodies.

Why Handmade Sympathy Cards Matter
As I worked on this card, I found myself reflecting on the importance of sympathy cards. They’re a small but meaningful way to show care and support during difficult times. When you create a card like this, you’re not just crafting—you’re offering comfort and connection. The time and thought that goes into a handmade card truly make a difference.
If you’re inspired to try this design, I encourage you to make it your own. Experiment with different color palettes or stencils, and don’t be afraid to add your personal touch. And as always, thank you for stopping by and sharing this creative journey with me.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins
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