Oct 27 2007
A Difficult Card to Make
It may not look like it but this was one of the more difficult cards I’ve ever made. A friend asked for a card for a male friend of her’s who’s suffering a grave illness. He’ll not survive much longer so she asked that I not delay.
There were the usual considerations when making a card for someone else’s use: lightweight for no extra postage, not too bulky for mechanical mail handling yet with enough dimension and special details to set it apart from mass produced cards. This particular card needed a quiet, masculine feel and an appropriate sentiment so I immediately thought of Lovely As A Tree and these words from the older SAB set, Garden Collage. However…I had a completely different card made…trying to come up with something more expressive. It’s now in the scrap heap and I came right back around to Lovely As A Tree.
I had misgivings and second thoughts and uncertainties about this card all along the way. I wanted a sentiment on the card front but did she expect or need a sentiment inside the card? Was she hoping the card would say enough that she wouldn’t have to struggle with her own words? What, exactly, does one say? I don’t know the gentleman, myself, and I’m not sure what her relationship with him is. Unfortunately, when all these questions arose she was not available to answer them. I had to ask myself, how shall I make this soothing and thoughtful without looking like a sympathy card? Will the somewhat faded image of the mighty oak evoke yet more sorrow for him and his family? I was so concerned about getting it right.
I stamped the oak images opposite of how I’ve used them in the past, placing the leaves in the foreground this time. The leaves are colored with SU! markers. The tree is stamped on the River Rock panel with True Thyme. Sanded was stamped over that in River Rock. I resolved the inside/outside sentiment dilemma by cutting an oval window in the card front so the sentiment is visible whether the card is open or closed. The design issues were relatively small worries. My most pressing concern was the individual who would receive it and the effect it would have on his frame of mind.
I learned something from this most difficult card, though. I need more appropriate sentiments and verses for this type of card and I need to have them ready before the occasion is at hand. It won’t be the last time I’m asked for a card like this and I’d just as soon have a selection available. I’m sure you’ve all been through this same process. Thank you for visiting today and for wading through another long post with me. I’ll try to be a little more brief next time. Have a great weekend!
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Sanded, Garden Collage
Paper: Naturals Ivory, River Rock Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock, True Thyme, Timber Brown Stazon, Chocolate Chip, markers in So Saffron, More Mustard, Really Rust and Old Olive
Accessories: Thyme stitched ribbon, linen thread, swirl clip, Creative Memories oval cutting system
This is gorgeous and very appropriate for such a difficult occasion. Thank you for being there for your friend. I’m sure she appreciated being able to send a one of a kind card to her friend.
Please continue with your conversations with us just like this. I’m sure I speak for all that read your blog - we enjoy and learn from both your stamping and your words. There is no doubt in my mind that your card is appropriate and comforting. I was comforted just by seeing it on here. I love how you attached the leaves on the clip. Lovely as a Tree will always be one of my favorite images because of the intricate lines and beauty when stamped.
This card is just lovely and soothing. I too have struggled with this dilemna - a male friend who is dying of cancer. Finding the right words is so difficult. Thanks for sharing the not only the details of this card but also the story. I read your blog every day and I’m always amazed by your talent. Thanks! carol
You are so thoughtful Leslie; this card is perfect and I’m sure it was appreciated.
It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the most beautiful cards I’ve ever seen. Beautiful in its simplicity and even more beautiful in the soothing feelings it invokes.
I haven’t posted a comment on your blog before, but you are on my short favorites list. I really enjoy the beauty of your creations and the stories you tell with them!
Once again, you rose to the challenge with flying colors, although this was definitely a more difficult and complicated challenge. This card is both beautiful and sensitive and oh so appropriate. Well done. Linda
Beatuiful card! I think the recipient is going to really appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into this card. I can see how a card like this would be such a challenge. I sure would not know where to begin.
Leslie, this is just a perfect card for the circumstances. Love the soothing colors and the way you colored those leaves. I am so sorry for your friend’s upcoming loss
I think it’s really lovely and the colors seem just right to me. The saying is very appropriate and I’m sure the recipient will appreciate getting a card like this. I can make sympathy cards with no problem for my grandma to buy from me, but when it comes to someone I know, it’s so hard. You did a great job.
This is perfectly beautiful, and very fitting for the friend. You did a GREAT job, I don’t think it could be nicer.
Leslie - your card is lovely, masculine, and soothing. I believe it reflects every element you set out to express. I thouroughly enjoyed your post, so please don’t worry about it’s length. Many blessings to you and your friend, and of course her friend.
The card is beautiful and thoughtful…well done! Your friend will love it, as will her friend.
I know you struggled with this, but I think it’s absolutely perfect. I’m so sorry for your friend as well.
Leslie, What a beautiful card! It’s perfect. It’s very soft, gentle and caring.
As always you came up with just the right thing. I’m sure your friend will not realize all the thought processes you put into it, she’ll just think it is just perfect, but I understand completely the many ways you considered it to make it perfect. TFS
What a thoughtful and beautiful card!!
Leslie, this is absolute perfection.
I look forward with great anticipation to our visits together. This is just perfect as is everything you have shared. I am sure it will be well received.
Leslie,
What a lovely card for your friend in this difficult time! It was so kind of you to share your thoughts as you made the card. I’ve often struggled when making sympathy cards as I personally get such joy out of making cards that I almost feel guilty about the occasion that calls for the card. I too question every little thing I do to a sympathy card as I don’t want to do anything that may add to the person’s grief or be inappropriate. I think you hit the mark with this card. Lovely and soothing.
Shawn K.
I just found your blog and LOVE your cards. What a great card you came up with for your friend. That’s always a hard one–putting your heart in the card.
A card Leslie filled with love and thoughtfulness that your friend and her friend will treasure. TFS
without a doubt, this is one of the nicest man’s card I have seen. I like the colors, sentiment, and I am a River Rock fan to the upmost. Thanks for the card idea.
A challenging card to make, but you did a great job. What does one say to someone who is suffering from a terminal ilness. It is something I have struggled with on the occasion when I have had to make cards like this. Very serene and timeless!
This card was made with compassion and care, and by someone with a big and gentle heart. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
A beautiful and perfect card.
I enjoyed hearing how you came thru the process, I am teary eyed reading it, nice to hear the Love that goes into others cardmaking, and it shows, this is a Lovely soothing card, Just Perfect and I am sure the giver and reciever both are very happy with it!
Thanks for sharing your gift Leslie, because thats whats its like when I look at your creations…but also your talent of verbage that goes along with it.
Leslie, your card is absolutely lovely and I think you hit the mark perfectly. The sentiment is quite appropriate and the layout and embellishments are soothing and very touching. I know your friend will love this card and I hope it brings a moment of pleasure to the man who receives it. Ya done good!!
Very elegant, but with an masculine edge, I really like the monochromatic softness, but with the touch of color that the leaves give!
This is such a gorgeous card!!! The oval, the swirl clip and leaves are gorgeous — so sorry for the reason you had to make it — but I know it will be well received!!!
I lvoe this, but there isn’t much you do that I don’t love!
This is simply a gorgeous card and the sentiment is so appropriate! I love how you shared with us your thoughts as you struggled to get just the right card. Thank you - this has been a real learning experience for me.
Those really are some difficult cards to make…but I’d say yours is perfect. I’m sure the recipient will think it’s perfect as well.
Oh Leslie thank you for sharing your struggle and journey to make this wonderful card. I know your caring spirit will shine through this card for your friend as well as for the recipient and his family.
This card is truly lovely. The care with which you selected each element is very touching, and your talent as a designer is obvious in the end result. Thank you for sharing your thought processes along the way. Your words give everyone something to consider when faced with similar situations of having to make that “difficult” card for someone dear to us.
What an exceptional card, I’m so excited I found your blog!