Monday, January 9, 2012

The New Normal

I have no idea what the New Normal is, but at least I got to make a few cards this weekend, which feels normal to me. I will resume the One-Layer Wednesday this week, too, making one more step toward the New Normal.

Sadly, I had to make a sympathy card yesterday. Patrick Haikal, who was married to one of George's cousins, died this weekend of cancer. He was just 38 years old. I really hate cancer.

The first version of this card is simplicity itself. The background shadow stamp uses VersaColor Atlantic ink, and the flowers and sentiment use Ocean Depths (I think) from VersaMagic. Blues seem to fit the mood of a sympathy card, don't you think? I masked the bottom of the shadow stamp to stamp the flowers.




After photographing this, I decided to add a few pearls.




Can't decide which I prefer. I think I like them both equally. Which do you prefer?

Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts (shadow), SU
paper: PTI white
ink: Versamagic, Versacolor
accessories: pearls

41 comments:

  1. sorry to hear about your loss. I prefer the one with pearls, but they are both beautiful.

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  2. It's equally beautiful, with or without pearls. I'm sorry you had to make it. I hate cancer, too!

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  3. Love them both Susan but you know I can't resist pearls. On a sympathy card they remind me of tears, sorry for your sad news.
    Val x

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  4. Sorry to hear about your loss, it's so hard to send out cards like this.
    It looked good without the pearls, I'm not sure which one I prefer. I like the colors:)

    Petra

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  5. My sympathies to you and George's family.
    I really prefer the first card ... feeling a little guilty since I seem to be the first to say it.
    Pat

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  6. This is a beautiful card, either way. And if it were used as a birthday or anniversary card, I'd love the pearls added to it. But as a sympathy card, I wouldn't put the pearls on it. My sympathy cards are very basic and CAS, no ribbon, bling, or layers. It's just how I feel about a sad situation.

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  7. Sorry to hear you had a death in your family. This card is lovely and very sincere. Which craft room area did you decide on?

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  8. Susan,
    I am so sorry for your families loss. I will keep George's cousin in my prayers.

    Love the addition of the pearls.

    Lynn

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  9. I'm sorry for your family's loss. Both cards are lovely, but I prefer the second card. Life is precious and the pearls just seem to reflect that. TFS

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  10. My condolences to your family, Susan. Love both cards, but I like the ones with the pearls best...they add a bit of interest and dimension.
    Glad to hear you are settling in your new home and, most importantly ;), stamp room.

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  11. Susan, this is beautiful. One of my favorite one layer cards of all time. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your card with us!

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  12. Beautiful Cards. I like the added pearls. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Such a young person. I hate cancer too!!

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  13. So sorry for your loss. These are both beautiful cards. The pearls made me think of tears. So, I guess it depends on whether or not you want that impression. I'd say leave them on, since the occasion is so sad.

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  14. So sorry to hear about your hubby's cousin's hubby (think I got that right). I agree, cancer is not nice. Breaks my heart when young people in the prime get their life short circuited and even more when little kids get it. A good reminder to live each life to the fullest.

    Great card. I sold all my shadow stamps and am a bit sad I did :( Both are nice, but think I vote for the second with the added pearls for a little "something".

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  15. I prefer the pearls...only because I'd hate for you to take them off and possibly leave a mark on your pretty creation. See, less work for you! I'm so glad I've held onto my shape stamps through the years.So sorry for your loss...I hate cancer, too.

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  16. I agree with Valerie; the pearls made me think of tears. Appropriate for a sympathy card. I just had to do two sympathy cards within a week of each other. Both older men who died of cancer...thankfully both of them are in heaven now, not suffering any more.

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  17. So sorry, Susan. there's seems to get a lot of sadness. associated with the beginning of this year. I so hope it improves. I hope you and all your family will be comforted in your loss.
    I like the first one just s it is-and thank you for the idea, which i am going to copy as I may need one soon as well.
    I hope you are loving your new home and craft space.

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  18. I'm sorry for your family's loss. At first I liked the one without the pearls, but the more I look at them, I like the one with the pearls. I'm a lot of help, aren't I? Either way, they are both lovely cards.

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  19. Hi Susan, Beautiful sympathy card, with or without pearls, I'm just sorry you had to make it at all. Cancer is the pits:{
    I'm glad you found solace in your card making, Gay xxx

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  20. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. As to your question, I like the pearls. They add a touch of elegance.

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  21. Condolences to your family. They are both beautiful cards (as always), but I love the one with the pearls!

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  22. Both cards are so lovely, but like others, I prefer the pearls because they remind me of tears.

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  23. With pearls is my favourite, always difficult to make sympathy cards I find. Love the simple design.

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  24. Oh my gosh this is fantastic. I like both, but I really favor the card with pearls. Your image is from one of my favorite SU! sets.

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  25. Sorry for your family's loss. Cancer is awful at any age, but a life lost at 38 is extra sad. :( Your sympathy card is very pretty. I love the blue colors. I favor the card w/o the pearls. Looking foward to seeing your new one layer Wed. card. :)

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  26. Condolences to you and your family. Both cards are lovely. I do prefer the one without the pearls.

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  27. Deepest sympathies to your family - cancer creates a lot of heartache for many families.
    My personal favorite is the one with the pearls - but they are both beautiful.

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  28. Sympathy cards are so hard to make. Both your cards will be well received, I am sure. I do like the one without pearls best though.

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  29. Love both of the cards but for a sympathy card, I prefer the one without pearls.
    Mary-Jane

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  30. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think both are beautiful-I agree with those that said it reminds them of tears.

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  31. I have to admit I like it better without pearls, but it may be morbid. I think it doesn't look as "happy." I don't know why I think sympathy cards shouldn't look happy, but it's just my thought. My condolences to you and your family.

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  32. I thought of tears when I saw the pearls on the second card. It was such a strong feeling that I think I need to be aware of bling placement and style when making sympathy cards. Beautiful card for a tragic loss. My sympathies.

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  33. Beautiful cards! The first one is my favorite. Can't believe I prefer it without the pearls. I sure wish shadow stamps were still popular. I'd love to have one like this as well as other sizes and shapes. The stamp companies should remember that there are always new people to stamping... like me! :)

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  34. I'm with you in hating cancer - I lost one of my best friends to it 10 years ago, and another friend's son-in-law just died of it at 28.

    I like both cards - if I were sending it to a man, I'd use the first one. The pearls make it more feminine so I'd use that one to send to a woman.

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  35. Sorry for your loss.

    My eye is drawn to the one without pearls.

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  36. Great way to use this stamp. I have this one...will have to try it with a shadow stamp. Like the pearls. Sorry to hear about your cousin's spouse.

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  37. I prefer the pearls. Pearls look good on anyone, even on cards.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!