I often receive emails from customers asking me for ideas on specific cards. One of the more common questions is whether or not a bright color card is appropriate for sympathy.

On March 7th my mother-in-law, Mary, passed away unexpectedly. Although she was 90 years old she wasn’t ill. She had been living in assisted living for the past 5 years but was agile despite mild dementia. Bob the Builder had received a call the day before advising us that Mary was found unresponsive. It was determined that she had suffered a brain aneurism and she passed away peacefully the next evening. Bob the Builder and I flew back to Washington state and spent 5 days with family. She raised five children, Bob the Builder being her youngest. She was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years then transitioned into a full time position at Walla Walla Community College as their receptionist. She was the first face or voice anyone came into contact with and she was excellent at her job. So excellent that the college deemed an entire week in 1980 “Mary Curcio week”. She had a warm smile and a contagious laugh. She loved to volunteer in her community wherever she was needed. As with all weddings and funerals, it’s also a time to reunite with family and friends, many of which we hadn’t seen in decades. Despite the cold and rainy weather it was apparent how loved Mary was. The turn-out was much larger than we had expected and many shared beautiful stories about her life.

We came home to numerous sympathy cards. Every single one included thoughtful greetings and handwritten messages. Bob the Builder and I commented on the hand-stamped cards that were created by many of you. They were distinctively different than the others as most of them had used bright, cheerful colors or images. Mary’s life was full and blessed and it was a happy reminder of her.

With that in mind, I wanted to create a sympathy card that was also cheerful and bright. I used the Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit and the Heartfelt Sympathy stamp set.

The Sweet Soiree designer paper both bold and bright and one side of each sheet has silver foil accents. I stamped the greeting using Versamark ink and covered it with Silver Stampin’ Embossing Powder and then heat set it.

The Washi Tape and the tassel are both part of the Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit along with the Marina Mist scalloped velvet ribbon. The ribbon is so soft and it’s easy to work with. I adhered it using Glue Dots, wrapping the raw ends to the backside of my white layer. The silver tips on the tassel tie in nicely with the silver foil accents on the designer paper and the embossed greeting.

While the designer paper may not be your first choice for a sympathy card, Bob the Builder and I would like to remind you that your handmade card is far more important than the color or image. Thank you to all of you who sent cards and emails. We felt your prayers and thoughtfulness. We know Mary’s at peace with our Savior and because of our faith, we know we’ll see her again.

JOIN ME LIVE TOMORROW!

Join me LIVE on my Facebook page HERE TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 28th at 8PM EST – 5PM PST – 6PM MST – 7PM CST for a new paper crafting demonstration! I’ve got lots of inspiration and there will be interactive fun!  Be sure to “like” and “follow” my page so you don’t miss the live notification reminders. Plan to join me – it’s a free event so invite a friend to join us!

Heartfelt Sympathy Photopolymer Stamp Set – 138764

Versamark Pad – 102283

Marina Mist 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 119682

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 100730

Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper – 145564

Embossing Buddy – 103083

Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder – 109131

Heat Tool (Us And Canada) – 129053

Sweet Soirée Embellishment Kit – 145578

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

Mini Glue Dots – 103683

Supply List