Healing Flowers

Regular readers know that I started a card shop at church where we sell cards made by several members of the church (including me), as well as several kind readers of this blog who've donated cards. (Thank you, Lisa and Eva!)

The shop is dedicated to my friend Karen Wenzel, who died fighting leukemia in November, 2015. At her funeral, many people commented on cards she had sent them and how much they meant. I opened my birthday card from her just hours after she died. She'd sent it the previous morning before being transported by ambulance to the James Cancer Center.

Cards were just one of many ways Karen showed her love for so many people. She was always giving people little gifts (often books) and spent much of her time working with children, a butterfly rescue organization, and Stephen Ministry.

Proceeds from Karen's Card Shop go directly into the church's general fund, and this week, we passed the $500 mark after only eight months in business! The pastor decided some of that money would be used to purchase copies of a new book from Stephen Ministry to give to church members diagnosed with cancer. The book, titled Cancer--Now What?, is a practical guide for those with cancer and their loved ones. It guides and supports cancer patients and their families through the medical, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges they may encounter.

If you would like to learn more about the book or order a copy, click here.

One of the best-selling categories of cards in Karen's Card Shop is Get Well. I played around with Beautiful Blooms II (Papertrey) and came up with this cheerful cascade of blooms in a fun and fresh complementary color scheme.

The ink colors are Archival French ultramarine, manganese blue, and black, and Memento Bahama blue. The pops of blue and orange add to the energy and movement on the card, as do the two opposing rounded corners.

Of course, I couldn't put a rhinestone on the envelope, but I did add some orange Stickles for a little shine.

I'm tickled blue and orange that Karen's Card Shop has done so well...and that we can use some of the money in Karen's memory to provide comfort and guidance to those who are fighting the same fight she fought.

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,
Susan

Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Beautiful Blooms II, Keep It Simple Healing Wishes
paper: Papertrey white
ink: Memento Bahama blue; Archival French ultramarine, manganese blue, black
accessories: Corner Chomper, Stickles, rhinestones