Best to Stock up on Sympathy Card While You Have the Time!

i dont know about you but I never seem to have enough sympathy cards. For years I would make them as I needed to suit the deceased. Call me slow, but I finally figured out that that is not an efficient way to do things. And the family of the deceased will be pleased to get a card at all, let alone a handmade card.

So I spent some time last week during our weekly Skype call with my in-laws making 16 simple sympathy cards in pretty generic, will suite just about any sympathy situation, white and soft sky (pale blue). i actually looked up recommended colors for sympathy cards online.

The reason for 16 is the way the cardstock cuts, makes for easy math with the card fronts - 4 to a sheet.

After I had cut the Soft Sky layer, I cut 2 Stitched Shapes ovals out of each, in the middle, so it wouldn't show. this way, I do not have to waste extra paper or use up a bunch of odd shaped scraps. I intentionally planned so I could do this with my layout. The greeting white oval did have to be cut from scrap, because there was no way to hide that. I still saved paper.

I used the Thoughts & Prayers quite old stamp set. I don't remember what year it came out but it was a very long time ago. 2009? Anyone remember? Stampin' Up! has a newer sympathy set, which came out in 2015 Annual Catalog, but I have struggled to use it. It is beautiful but I just cannot seem to get the layouts to look nice. I know, it is just me, being honest...

Sorry the lighting is a little soft. I didn't want to run to my studio downstairs to use better lighting. Plus it seems to fit the somber theme of the cards.

Anyway, the 2 hour (yes, it was) Skype call I pretty much finished these up. I did stop to talk and such. But what a great use of my time. I don't like being on camera that much either. Its my hubs parents and the focus should be him anyway.

Next step, getting these signed and out the door. I know, even if I am a few months behind, people will appreciate me thinking of them during their time of grief.

And next batch of cards is sympathy cards for pet owners, cats and dogs. I have Bella & Friends for dogs and Pretty Kitty for cats. I will likely make up a bunch of thank you and other pet related cards at the same time. No, I don't think I need 16 of these but maybe 5 of each should last a while, then again, a lot of friends have lost their pets in the last few months.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember I am on Facebook and I try to do Live at 5! Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. Stop by and see what I am covering that day. Honestly, some days (okay, mot of them) I plan it about 15 minutes before. Wednesdays was about 5 minutes before. I am a planner by nature, and don't like to be rushed or procrastinate, but I am finding it is kind of fun to see what I can whip up on short order.