Funeral flower tribute cards
I was so pleased to be able to put my crafting to good use this week. A friend of mine is helping a friend of hers with funeral arrangements. The logistics of a funeral can be so overwhelming, and I was glad that I could help them with some lovely, bespoke cards for the tribute flowers that will be used to adorn the coffin and chapel for the service. The ladies were “in a bind” when they visited the florist and didn’t like any of the pre-printed cards that were available.
But I was quite nervous about these. Perhaps because it was for a friend of a friend, I was worried that they wouldn’t be as nice as what the ladies envisaged. But, I talked through some of the different design options with my friend and that really helped me get over my nerves. I did my best and my friend was pleased with the end result.
Here’s a close up of each card:
Funeral flower tribute cards are another crafting experience I can now check off my list. I’d never thought of personalising these, but I’m actually really pleased with the result!
How to make funeral flower tribute cards
I designed these to be 4 1/8” by 5 7/8” so four from 1 A4 sheet of cardstock. I designed the text in Microsoft Word and printed on the paper before cutting the sheet in half, width-wise and length-wise, then decorating each one.
I remember the tribute card on Princess Diana’s coffin, and the fact it needed to be readable by cameras from a distance. I thought the larger size of these would make them easier to read without needing to get so close to the arrangements.
In loving memory of my Partner
- I used an italicised Garamond font that comes with Microsoft Word, in 28 point and 72 point.
- The floral stamp is from MayMay’s New Creation stamp set, stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento dye ink, then coloured with alcohol markers.
- I used VersaFine Clair pigment ink in Acorn to “age” the edges of the paper after rounding corners with a ½” corner-rounder.
- Finally, some simple, self-adhesive champaign-coloured pearls and gems finish the look.
For Barry…
- The “I will always love you” line was taken from part of a poem that is going to be read at the funeral, so will be particularly special.
- I again used an italicised Garamond font that comes with Microsoft Word, in 28 point and 72 point.
- I embossed the card with a rose vine folder that I had on hand; I had several floral embossing folders I could have used, but I knew this was going to go onto a rose wreath.
- Using a make-up sponge, I lightly applied VersaFine Clair ink in Summertime over the embossed roses and Shady Lane over the leaves.
- I die-cut the scalloped border from gold vellum that I first backed with double-sided adhesive and applied these on the top and bottom before rounding the corners with a ¼” corner-rounder.
- Again, self-adhesive champagne coloured pearls and gems finish the look.
With deepest sympathy
- I used Script MT bold font that comes with Microsoft Word, in 28 point.
- Because this tribute was from a man, I was keen to keep it fairly simple. I used a stub corner-rounder for a more masculine look compared to the others.
- Then, VersaFine Clair pigment ink in Acorn to “age” the edges of the paper.
- I die cut a couple of butterflies from vellum and a random scrap of floral paper which I attached, just in the middle, so that the butterflies wings would add dimension.
- Finally, self-adhesive champagne coloured gems to embellish.
Though our hearts are heavy…
- I developed the wording for this card based on knowing that it is accompanying a star-shaped wreath, since the deceased was interested in astronomy. The font is Harrington, in 26 point and 48 point.
- I used the ¼” corner-rounder, then inked the edges, this time using a Memento dye ink in Paris Dusk to emulate the night sky.
- Knowing the person giving the tribute, the gems used to the adorn the card are very much her style. I received a large pot of these flat-backed gems for Christmas last year; they’re from Wilko, here in the UK. I’ll have enough gems to decorate cards for the rest of my life, so I was glad I could use a couple for this project.
All of the cards received my customised “Handmade with love by Sandy” stamp on the back. After my initial nervousness, I am pleased with the result, and will have to remember bespoke, floral tribute cards if I am ever involved with planning a funeral.
What about you?
Have you ever personalised the design of the card that is often included in professional floral arrangements, or seen such a thing done? What do you think of these? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you would like my help with creating a funeral service folder, or helping write your friend or loved one’s obituary or eulogy, or even create a bespoke floral tribute card, I’d be pleased to discuss your requirements to see if I can be of service; I know that such material often requires a quick turnaround and I will be honest with you about whether I can accommodate you. Use the contact form to reach out with a work request.
