With Sympathy...

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I have to admit that I don't have a stash of sympathy cards, which I suppose is a good thing. Though they are a wonderful way to give comfort, I don't find much pleasure in making them and they are the most difficult to create. A colleague of my husband recently lost his mother, and I made this card to offer our condolences.

This week's Mojo Monday sketch was a relief as I sat there trying to come up with something simple, yet pretty. I often reach for botanical or floral images, and in this case, I let the paper do the work for me. I stamped the sentiment directly on the designer paper and then cut the sketch elements from complimentary pieces. I used a tearing tool across the bottom for some visual and textural interest and finished off with some little pearls. I know nothing can truly erase the pain of losing a mother, but I believe the kindness of others goes a long way in softening the blow.

BEAN NOTES: Papertrey Ink Birds of a Feather (sentiment) Stamp; Memento Rich Cocoa Ink; Close to My Heart Designer Paper; Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi and Very Vanilla Card Stock; Spellbinders Labels Five Nestabilities; Big Shot; Taylored Expressions July Key Ingredients Twill Ribbon; Kaiser Pearls; Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper Tool

HAPPY BEANS: Stampin' Up The Tearing Edge Tool