Contrary to the title of this post, today's cards are very simple, made with Flourishes' Thinking of You set. Both cards use Classic Ivory cardstock, BasicGrey Perhaps designer paper, and Palette Cognac ink. I've recently fallen newly in love with this set -- classic, elegant, understated, but with a touch of sweetness. Ideal for sympathy cards, an occasion for which you don't want to go flashy or overboard with the design.
Many things come to mind when I have need of a sympathy card, primarily the beloved departed and the bereaved who will receive the card. I want to put love, care, respect and compassion into it without it being all about me and my love of stamping. It's a delicate balance. The crafting process, the time involved, and the details of a custom creation can pay great tribute to a lost loved one, whether made ahead, or at the time of need. Generally, I appreciate having a suitable card at the ready when I want to express my condolences without delay.
I hope my sincere and heartfelt sympathy is understood when I send a card. As I open the card and write my sentiment, then seal it and mail it, I think of the life and loss it recognizes, the broken hearts, the difficult healing process. Most of us have been through that, ourselves, at some point. When I've received sympathy cards in the past, it's meant so much to me that someone simply cared enough to tell me so.
May it be a long, long time before you need to send a sympathy card.
Just a note: If you're in the mood to see some cool Copic techniques, hop on over to the Flourishes Newsletter where Christine is sharing some great information. I think you'll enjoy it!
Thank you for your time today. Take care, and happy stamping!
Stamps: Thinking of You (Flourishes) Paper: Classic Ivory, BasicGrey Perhaps designer paper Ink: Palette Cognac Accessories: Kaiser flat-backed pearl, satin flower with pearl, Spellbinders Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
These are very beautiful and certainly convey the sympathy you express. I need a sympathy card but have been putting off making it because they are difficult cards for me make. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: SueB | 02/19/2010 at 01:12 AM
Beautiful cards and beautiful post. You spoke my mind! Thanks for sharing, once again.
Posted by: Peggy | 02/19/2010 at 03:16 AM
Elegant to the nth!! Amazingly simple, yet just because it is simple it is elegant and I would even call these cards regal! You are so right about not going overboard on a Sympathy card!
Posted by: velta | 02/19/2010 at 04:26 AM
Leslie - your cards are absolute perfection and have inspired me to purchase Flourishes' Thinking of You set. Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork, your vision, and inspiration.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | 02/19/2010 at 04:47 AM
Your cards are so elegant and tasteful and really showcase the beauty of this set.
Posted by: nancyk | 02/19/2010 at 05:54 AM
Perfection!! Absolutely gorgeous with a quiet elegance.
Posted by: Cindy H. | 02/19/2010 at 06:23 AM
Classic, elegant....yes!! You make me want this set, Leslie!! So gorgeous!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 02/19/2010 at 07:01 AM
Lovely cards, the second is my favorite!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 02/19/2010 at 07:20 AM
These cards are both so lovely, and anyone can see the care that has gone into them. I love that satin flower, too.
Posted by: Lynette | 02/19/2010 at 07:34 AM
Beautiful! Love the Cognac ink-looks great on your card.
Posted by: Bev | 02/19/2010 at 10:10 AM
Leslie, your cards are just lovely and so perfect for a heartfelt sympathy. These cards would be appropriate for the loss of either a male or female loved one. TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 02/19/2010 at 04:30 PM
love the classic elegance and simplicity of these cards. Thanks for sharing. I've been lucky and haven't had to make one yet.
Posted by: yogi | 02/20/2010 at 06:42 AM
Leslie, this is my favorite set also for the same reasons. Your words regarding sympathy cards resonate with me also.
They are the hardest or most difficult to make but convey such meaning to the receiver. I am grateful for your post and love the card also!
Posted by: Traci Major | 02/20/2010 at 02:55 PM
These are so elegant and beautiful. I am sure they will bring comfort. ~chris
Posted by: mudmaven | 02/20/2010 at 02:57 PM
Simply gorgeous Sympathy card - Leslie!!! Hugs ~S~
Posted by: Silke Ledlow | 02/20/2010 at 03:46 PM
Beautiful card and beautiful post Leslie.
Posted by: Libby | 02/20/2010 at 11:28 PM
These are absolutely beautiful and so soothing...I know this first hand! I love the single pearl on the first...just the perfecly placed embellishment, and that little flower on the second rounds it up to all out classy!
Posted by: Laura (scrapnextras) | 02/21/2010 at 12:43 AM
Elegant and perfect!
Posted by: Danielle | 02/21/2010 at 06:12 AM
I agree completely with your description of a proper sympathy card, one of the most important occasions for sending a card. So often I'm a bit shocked at handmade sympathy cards - they look downright cheery and festive! I've never seen a commercial sympathy card look like that. Anyway, your cards are lovely, restful and soothing, just as it should be. Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | 03/05/2010 at 11:25 AM