Sunday, September 12, 2010

Sympathy and Sorrow

Some of my time in the studio today was spent making sympathy cards. Ouch, I know. You never want to have to use these, but reality being what it is, you do need them.


In this case, I used two challenges to help me make these cards. I used the color challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary. Then I used the sketch challenge at Stamping 411. (Ladies over at Stamping 411... I miss you! I haven't been able to do a challenge in several weeks. This is a shout out to your awesomeness. You inspire me constantly... thank you!)

I started with a Crumb Cake base. I stamped the floral swirl from Elements of Style set. On one card, I used Crumb Cake ink and on the other one I used Crumb Cake that I stamped off once. I stamped the flowers from the Close as a Memory stamp set on to Very Vanilla. I used my markers to color the flowers in Tangerine Tango and the stems in Old Olive (is that cheating?) I layered that on a piece of Early Espresso. Then I stamped the sentiment on Very Vanilla and used that punch (I forget the name and am too lazy to go look it up), and I layered that on a Tangerine Tango and popped that up. I used a strip of espresso behind the flower and used the edge punch again there. I added the half pearls on the edge punch and more of those on the flower centers. It gives it a touch of class that I just LOVE. Inside the card, I stamped the message from the Close as a Memory set, which says, "Your loved one will always be as close as a memory, and the God of all comfort as close as a prayer."

The real sad truth is my only living grandfather died this past week. He'd been really sick for a while and has spent the last several weeks in a hospice home, so it isn't like it was a surprise, but it is never easy. I made these beautiful cards to give my personal condolences to my grandmother, who'd been married to him for over 59 years and their only living child, my aunt. I know they'll like them and most importantly, I hope the cards convey my sympathy and understanding of their loss.

Thanks for looking...

12 comments:

Hi, I'm Lee Conrey! said...

Beautiful Cards....so serene.

Lisa Martz said...

Beautiful sympathy cards! Great job on the challenge. These types of cards are never fun to have to make, but these are beautiful.

Julie Gearinger said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. These cards are gorgeous and I am sure that your grandmother and aunt will cherish them. I will keep them in my prayers- I am sure that after 59 years of marriage, it will be a difficult time of adjustment for your grandmother.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Kerin said...

These are beautiful sympathy cards, the pearls are such a perfect touch...sorry you needed them though :(

Deb said...

These cards are beautiful! Very nice for sympathy!

Patti Chesky said...

Thanks for the shout out! We at the Stamping 411 are glad to see you back! Sympathy cards are often the hardest to make, but your creations are stunning! I'm sure the recipients will find some peace just looking at your beautiful card!

Connie Babbert said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your cards are beautiful and will certainly be appreciated.

Selene Kempton said...

These are absolutely stunning! Very beautiful design. I'm sorry about your grandfather.

gbarron56 said...

Love both the cards. The pearls are a nice addition. I know these will be appreciated by those who receive them. Great job with this week's sketch. Thanks for playing along with the Stamping 411 Operators! Blessings, Gretchen

Unknown said...

Very pretty!!! Thanks for playing along with us this week over at the Stamping 411 Blog!!

Mary Brown said...

Oh...these are wonderful. The pearls are just the perfect addition to this set! Thanks for playing along this week on the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge!

Unknown said...

Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss, but you've created some lovely cards in tribute to him. I'm sure he would be proud of you! Blessings to you!