Card Swap - Sympathy

I was asked to join my first card swap on the Cricut Message Board.  There were a variety of different themes, and I chose sympathy.  I always have such a difficult time creating sympathy cards and am looking forward to some inspiration from the others in my group when I receive my set next month.

I used cream and black cardstock to create the card.  The card itself is A2, as per the group instructions.  I cut a mat with the same cardstock, and embossed the top portion.  I scored two lines, and then left the bottom un-embossed.  I put a black ribbon around the mat, between the two score lines.  The flower was cut from Home Decor.  I did the shadow in black and used the same cream cardstock for the top layer, embossing it with the same Cuttlebug folder used for the mat.  I computer generated the sentiment and punched it with a Stampin' Up punch.  The shadow punch is also Stampin' Up.  I popped the flower and the sentiment and also added a couple of gems.  Then I did it again, and again, and again...!!