More Handmade Cards from Friends

I always have trouble making sympathy cards, don’t you? Maybe it’s because they’re not super fun. The creating process may be enjoyable, but there’s always the sadness for friends and family in the back of your mind. It’s hard to create when you’re sad. And you want them to be comforting and beautiful, yet still a little reserved and “peaceful” looking.

Here are six more ideas for sympathy cards for you. All but the last one were made by my Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator friends.

This is from my friend Jackie. Jackie is the “J” in our Friday BS&J challenges. I love the colors and the embossed Whisper White Cardstock layer.

My friend Mary created this card. She used the same Good Morning Magnolia Stamp Set as Jackie, but by using the Designer Series Paper, it’s a totally different look. I love the way she highlighted the blossom by adding a Whisper White circle behind it. Instead of detracting from the focal image, it helps it stand out.

This card is from my friend Susan, the “S” in BS&J. I love the borders on both sides. And, of course, I love Purple Posy and Gorgeous Grape on Whisper White.

Kathy is a new friend, but she creates the most beautiful and amazing cards. The colored vellum is so elegant.

Here’s the card from Christy. The soft watercolored background behind the focal image is so calming, don’t you think?

The next card is from Mary Ann. Mary Ann is such a sweet lady. Before the pandemic, she attended live classes, but now she’s crafting on her own. She sends me some of her creations, and they’re all lovely!

I love the foil with the black background, as well as the cardstock and vellum flowers.

All of the cards I received are so beautiful. These aren’t all the cards I received. Some of my friends sent beautiful and heartwarming “store bought” cards that are no less amazing. And while all the cards are so lovely and sweet, the messages and sentiments warmed my heart. Thank you, all of you, for your thoughts and your prayers for my family and me.

Life is slowly returning to a new normal for our family. It’s hardest, of course, for Mom.  Mom & Dad had a sweet Golden Retriever that crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago. They had both wanted a new dog, but didn’t want one that would outlive them. When Dad got sick, they decided they didn’t need more responsibilities. Mom had thought about adopting a small dog for companionship after Dad passed away (that sounds so weird. I’m still getting used to the idea that he is no longer physically here). It had to be small enough for her to lift into the bathtub. But if it was that small, she would have to get up when it needed to go out (day or night) and stay out with it until it was finished, because my parents’ house is against a wooded area and there are coyotes and at least one bear. She started thinking maybe having a dog would be more work than she wanted right now. What would she do with it if she were gone all day? What if it wanted to go out at 6 a.m.? She’s getting to sleep in until she wants to get up for the first time in her life. Did she want to get up with a dog? Wisely, she decided to put all serious and life-changing decisions on hold for a year. But then…

Several family members had gone to the house after the funeral. Close to dusk, we were getting ready to head home. As I was walking to my car, I heard it. There was a cat in the woods. A cat? There were never cats at my parents’ house. But there it was again. A pitiful, “Meow!” coming from the edge of the woods. A little gray and white cat was sitting on a log. My niece, the “Cat Whisperer,” called her in, and she and her husband fed it scraps from the kitchen.

Mom is adamant about not having cats in the house. Dad wouldn’t have liked it, so she won’t do it. But she has fixed a little house for it on the carport and feeds it twice a day. And it’s becoming more and more tame.

I can’t help but think that this little girl was sent to keep her company without being a lot of work right now. How weird is it that it showed up the night everyone would be leaving and she’d be “alone” more than she was used to? And as long as the cat sleeps on the carport, she will be safe, because no animals come that close to the house.

I have no idea where the cat came from, but I’m happy that Mom has a little companionship and something to care for – at least for now. She’s finding her way in this new normal, and I’m so proud of her. She has always been strong, but I’m looking forward to seeing her grow into this new stage of life. I can only hope I’ll be that strong and independent when I’m her age. Oh, but wait! Mike & I have an agreement, and I get to go first. So she’s being an amazing example for Mike.

Thanks for stopping by Stamping with Buffy. Have a lovely day!