For today's Sunday Inspirational post I'm sharing a sympathy card. From the time I first began stamping with Stampin' Up!, I knew that a handmade sympathy card is one of the best cards we can make and send. We get caught up in all the fun holidays and birthdays–and those are so important to commemorate. But when death comes, and it will for us all, a handmade card is like a hug that lingers long after the services are over, the family and friends have gone home, and we are alone but still in need of comfort. The handmade sympathy card remains with its creative touch reminding the recipient that you cared enough to make something just for them, the words remain so they can read them again and again reminding the recipient that he/she is loved, prayed for, and cared for.
My inspiration for this card came by something somewhat similar online somewhere. I'm sure you have had the same thing happen–an image you see captures your imagination and lodges there. You create your project and then go to find the original only to discover you didn't pin it or save it and can't find it. Such is the case with this card! So please know that the original inspiration is from some creative soul out there in cyber space:)
This is a very simple card to make. And if you have read any of my previous posts about sympathy cards, you know that I have pretty strong views about what should (and should not!) be part of a sympathy card. I like simplicity in sympathy cards. To me, it's not the time for lots of bells and whistles, fancy embellishments and amazing techniques. So this very simple watercolor wash is a great sympathy card technique IMHO.
I went with 3 different shades of blue in the card itself to symbolize heaven and evoke peace. And the watercolor wash, viewed through the window, is like a human spirit soaring upward to meet its maker. I think that image is very unique in a sympathy card and also very welcome! The one other little detail that is not overt but very subtle is that I sponged a bit of white ink on the window. The Night of Navy card stock was a bit stark. Sponging with a bit of Whisper White ink toned it down just a bit.
All the Stampin' Up! supplies are pictured and linked below. It's really a stamps, ink, and paper card–no embellishments at all. But it's made with lots of love. I encourage you to make a STACK of sympathy cards to have on hand. More often than not, death comes unexpectedly. Be prepared to show you love and care by sending the very best–handmade.
Lovely card. I agree, not time for lots of embellishments.
Thanks, Dianne. I appreciate it.