Two Sympathy Cards Compared

We've received several requests for more sympathy cards at Karen's Card Shop, the shop I help run at my church. So I got to work and made both of these cards back-to-back. They are in some ways a study in contrast, so posting them together makes sense.

First, the soft, controlled card.

Stamps: Hero arts Holiday Pine Branches, Gina K sentiment
ink: Distress, VersaMark; paper: Papertrey white
accessories: clear embossing powder, Martha Stewart butterfly punch,
heat gun, rhinestone, glue, sponging tool

This card uses a resist technique (clear embossing) and very soft distress ink to offer sympathy. The color is soft and clean and monochromatic, and the little punched butterfly is understated. This card's power rests in the understanding that the loved one's spirit is gone but also beautiful and transformed and full of hope.

I see the first card as the perfect card for someone whose grief is overwhelming and tragic and fresh, someone who needs to be surrounded by comfort and calm and love so they can express their grief as they see fit.

Now, the second card.

stamps: Gina K Elegant Florals, Papertrey sentiment
paper: Papertrey white; ink: Hero Arts wet cement, charcoal, navy
accessories: rhinestones

This second card has a completely different vibe. It's got a simple color scheme that has more pop than the first card, a bit more energy, a bit more contrast. While still stylized like the first card, there's more movement here, more depth, more to catch the eye and move it around the card. The bling is subtle but present. The leaves bracket the sentiment like a hug, balancing the asymmetry which reflects the unbalanced feeling of grief.

I see the second card going to someone who already has some peace with the loss, who maybe was expecting the death after a long illness or as the end of a long life well lived. The energy of this card feels more celebratory than the first, and so fitting for that sort of loss.

Sympathy cards are among the hardest cards to make. We want them to be personal and meaningful, comforting and kind. Ultimately, we can't always know how they are received, but when we pour our feelings into them, write a short, loving note, and send them, we are showing love in difficult circumstances.

And really, showing love is what this hobby of ours is all about.

Praying comfort, peace, and love to all who are grieving this day.