Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Not-So-Fun Cards to Make

Sympathy cards are by far my least favorite kind of card to make.  They are hard in so many ways.  These were especially hard.  Today is the funeral of a sweet young mother who left her husband and two young daughters (4 1/2 and 20 months) behind.  We've been friends with the husband's family family since I was a baby.  We even went on a few family vacations together, and his mom watched me while my mom taught aerobics at a gym.
One of the reasons that made these cards difficult is that I can't just sit down and make a card.  I try to make my cards personal.  They are often symbolic of feelings I'm trying to convey, a reflection of what the recipient loves, or what reminds me of the recipient.  I chose a brighter color scheme for the first card because I was thinking of those sweet little girls.  It isn't masculine (though I considered making one that was knowing the father would be the one reading the card), but I intentionally used colors that I thought were happy and might bring some hope.  And the sentiment reflects the most hope and help I can give...prayers.  
The second card goes to the parents.  When they told my parents their daughter-in-law had passed away they mentioned they felt like they were trapped in a nightmare.  The roses seemed soft and soothing to me, which seemed like something they need.
I used the same technique with both cards, inking the leaves/branches and roses (even the sentiment on the second) with multiple inks and then swiping the aqua painter over them before stamping.  I loves softness and the variation that resulted.  I realize there are some shadows and graininess in these photos, but I was more concerned with actually mailing them than the photography aspect.  Most of all, I'm hoping that somehow these cards will bring a measure of peace and comfort to this understandably heart-broken family.
Prayers Card Supplies
Stamps: PTI (Birds & Blooms, Inside & Out: Well Wishes) 
Ink: Hero Arts (Green Hills), PTI (Harvest Gold, Hibiscus Burst, New Leaf), SSS (Fog), SU! (Lavendar Lace)
Other: SU! (Aqua Painter)

Sympathy Card Supplies
Stamps: PTI (Keep it Simple: Sympathy), WPlus9 (Mother's Day Bouquet)
Ink: PTI (Spring Moss), SU! (Blush Blossom, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink)
Other: SU! (Aqua Painter)

12 comments:

  1. Oh Lindsey, those are thee most difficult cards to make. Yours are both gorgeous and I know the family will truly appreciate your cards. So sorry for your loss.

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  2. Oh goodness Lindsey. My thoughts and prayers are with your friend's family. So heart breaking and hard to understand life's order when someone so young passes away. The first card feels like outstretched arms to me providing comfort and the second is so soft and peaceful. I'm sure the family will feel your love and support in your cards.

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  3. This is so sad...I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping that family and you in my prayers today.
    Your thoughtfulness shows through on your beautiful cards Lindsey. Even the envelope is beautiful!

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  4. Two beautiful cards. I'm so sorry to hear of this loss. This kind of loss, young mother and wife, is terribly difficult. My most sincere condolences to you and your family, and to the family of God's newest angel. Your cards are lovely. And you're so right. These are the most difficult of cards to make. These will most certainly help the family in their bereavement. Bev

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  5. Oh Lindsey this is so sad, no parent should lose a child, noo small children should lose a parent. Your cards are beautiful and heartfelt. So sorry you had a need to make them.

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  6. Lindsey, I am so sorry. These tragedies are so hard to understand and comprehend. All we can do is exactly what you did. Your cards and words are so moving. I believe the husband and parents will be filled with the love and care that your cards convey for them. You will bring some light into their terrible dark nightmare. Bless you, Darnell

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  7. Sympathy cards are the hardest to make and to give. Your cards are the perfect blend of comfort and hope. Love them both and I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  8. I am so sorry to hear this and I hope the best for the family, though I know it is very hard and may take a long time, especially for the children. I just pray for peace and miracles of hope for them. Your cards represent that peace and serenity ones wish for during these times of trial.

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  9. so very sorry for your loss...sounds like a beautiful wife, mother & friend. sending hugs♥

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  10. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I know that these cards will bring some comfort to the family. I agree that sympathy cards are the hardest to make. I always like to have a stash on hand, because I do not like to make cards when I am sad.

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  11. Lindsey, you've put into words in your post, and into your cards, such thought and care for this tragedy struck family ... they'll be so comforted by your love and support. Sending prayers to them and to you that His peace will be with you all during this dark time. Anita

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  12. Lindsey, your sympathy cards are really beautiful and convey the thoughts of hope and prayer to the family of this young mother, wife, daughter taken too soon. Such a loss always very sad difficult to understand, wishing peace and God's Blessings to all her family and friends.

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