Unfortunately I recently needed to send a sympathy card to a friend. They are the one card I really struggle to make, as it makes me upset just putting it together, so I create them as needed. I realised though that it means I don't have any stashed away somewhere so I can send it asap, so needed to come up with a design so I could make a few for when they are needed.
I always like to use blue on sympathy cards, I suppose its because of the whole 'feeling blue' saying, and also because its such a calm, cool and serene colour too. It doesn't feel right using bright colours or anything too busy for the design as I simply want to say I'm so sorry for their loss.
I started this card by cutting a panel of white CS the same size as the card front. Using my MISTI and Waffle Flower inks I stamped the branch from the 'Casual Comfort' stamp set, moving the branch across each time with a different colour.
I then used my paper trimmer to cut a section from the middle of the panel, just big enough to show the sentiment (from the same stamp set). I laid the panels on the card front to work out where the sentiment would go and heat embossed it in silver. The panels were then popped up on foam tape.
It seemed a little plain but I didn't want to add any more colour. So I decided to mix some water with my Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in 'Pure Platinum' and flicked it over the card. It added interest without being too eye-catching. I also glued on some clear sequins from Neat and Tangled just for a little more shine.
By the way, when I opened the mousse it wasn't as thick and gooey as it had been when I first used it. I was going to throw it out (as I had done with a gold one a few months ago) but after I mixed water with it on a plate, it was absolutely fine!!
I hope I've given you maybe another way to create a sympathy card. This is an older stamp set but the images and sentiments seem to be timeless, definitely one for your stash. If your thinking of purchasing this or any other CAS-ual Fridays Stamps products, don't forget to use my special code to save yourself some money!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you back here very soon. Enjoy your week!!
Take care
Shona
Simple, clean and heartfelt...that is all a sympathy card should be but I have a hard time with them, too. They always suck the mojo right out of me. Yours is ideal...a little color with a lot of style. LOVE the way you split the panel to surround the sentiment. Just perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy mom always told me to look for the muted colors when picking out a sympathy card from the store. She always flinched over sympathy cards that used cheerful colors or images. I've been conscious of that as a crafter too, *and* try to make those my most professional looking cards cause I don't want someone to think I just pulled out the construction paper and glue. I sometimes see sympathy cards posted on blogs that could be Sweet 16 birthday cards if you changed the sentiment, and I wonder what they are thinking. I think your card is just right :-) Its always best to have several on hand when you don't need them so you aren't trying to make one while emotional. Or just buy one for those times. Reminds me that I only have one sympathy card in my stash and should make a couple more. I have a theory that the more you have, the less you actually need them. I hope so anyway!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea for a sympathy card - I keep telling myself to make some to have on hand but never quite get there... I too tend to quieter colours for sympathy cards, but I must admit I got some strong coloured ones when DH died, and they were o.k. too - that's one time when the 'thought' really counts. Isn't it fabulous to be out in the garden again?? Hope it's sunny down your way, it's closing in here now.
ReplyDeleteI might have mentioned that I started making cards because I had something specific to say to someone I loved. Sympathy cards are hard, but I think they are also the most welcomed of all - it's wonderful knowing someone cares that much, right?
ReplyDeleteYour card was undoubtedly appreciated, Shona... and really very beautiful, too... xx
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