Cards for Sad Occasions

Sympathy Cards

You always want to send love to someone who is grieving, but making a sympathy card can be really challenging.  What colour/s are appropriate? How will the person be feeling? What sentiment is appropriate? What do I write inside? Does it look right?

Thinking of You Cards

A similar difficulty is "Thinking of You" cards or a card for someone with a terminal illness.  It's not appropriate to say "Get Well Soon" and it's not right to send "Sympathies".  What do you say to that?

It seems to me that after birthday and thank you cards the next most common card for me to make are Sympathy or Thinking of You cards. Grief is a fact of life and I can tell you from experience that a handmade card with a brief message of love is always welcome.  

Here are my tips for making Cards for Sad Occasions. 

• Choose a clean and simple design.
• If you are going to make one Sympathy card (or other similar card) make a batch so you always have a few on hand.
• Use muted colours (nothing bright) or neutrals such as white, black/ grey, craft, silver, gold and copper.
• Second generation stamping gives a soft look.  
• Keep patterns simple and subtle.
• Use versatile and simple sentiments such as "Thinking of you", "Sending Love and Prayers", "You are in my Prayers", "You are in my thoughts", and even "With Sympathy".

If you want to see a blog post and video from Catherine Pooler (which inspired some of my cards) click here. 

I used products from Catherine Pooler Designs and Memory Box (available at Craftie Café).  I used Rhubarb Stalk and Sweet Plum inks from Memento (both muted colours) and Versamark ink for a subtle watermark on the background.

Happy Stamping...
Love

Best of AGT: The Light Bulb (a poem)

This poem was first published on 4 February in 2011 here at AGT.  In honour of my two 'happy' lists last week, I thought it was time to revisit this poem.  Enjoy

 

The Light Bulb

Today I saw a Light Bulb

In all its shining glory.

Before you scoff, remember,

Every Light Bulb has a story.

It begins with doubt and darkness,

A task that is unclear.

There might be tears or anger,

Confusion mixed with fear.

This child doesn't get it

It makes no sense up there

'What is the point?' she questions

'I don't even care!'

The teacher frowns, uncertain

Into a smile her lips then curl,

"I'll show you a trick," she says

As she sits beside the girl.

Sometimes a child just can't see.

They think a different way.

This girl feels very lonely, 

The worksheet's suddenly "mislaid."

The teacher talks to others.

She tries lots of games.

She even gives the topic, 

A bunch of other names.

One day the teacher gets it right,

She breaks right through the wall.

The little girl before her

No longer slips or falls

Instead she gets the concept.

Something up there clicks.

This little girl is smiling,

She's finally found the switch!

Then we see the Light Bulb,

It comes on behind her eyes.

Her hand shoots up into the air,

'I know, I know,' she cries.

Today I saw a Light Bulb,

In all its shining glory.

I smile because I'm so privileged,

A character in its story.

 

 



Two Lists

                                                                           Source

Things that make me HAPPY

Listening to music while I walk
Light bulb moments
Seeing my friends smile
Laughing
Playing with Shelly
Hanging out with my Mum (Don't tell her, though)
Sleeping
Talking to the BFF
Praying (even when I'm sad, it lifts my spirit)
Going to Church
Stamping/ Creating 

Things that I do everyday 

See friends smile
Laugh (I hope I do this everyday)
Play with Shelly
Hang out with my Mum... living with your Mum makes it hard NOT to do this everyday
Sleep- I love sleeping! 
Pray

Things I do at least once a week (I am counting this under the everyday list)

Talk to the BFF
Go to Church 
Creating and Stamping

The only thing on my Happy list that I don't do on (at least) a weekly basis is "Light Bulb Moments".  I don't know if I can adjust that one.  There are too many factors out of my control that contribute to Light Bulb Moments. 

Sometimes, there are parts of our life that don't make us happy.  There are often parts of our life over which we have no control.  Focus on the stuff that does make you happy.  Focus on the big picture.  Focus on the little things that you can control and relax.  Have some fun.  Do what makes you happy.  Even if it's only for a minute.  

Love

Mothers' Day Gift Guide (part 2)

Hey Everyone,
It's 9 days until Mothers' Day!
Are you organised? Do you have a card and gift? Have you arranged to see your mother that day?  Want to give your mum an awesome gift this year? Stay Tuned!

If you want to make your own card, or you make cards and need some inspiration, check out Part 1 in this series.  You can also check out my Pinterest board of home made cards.  Here are some gift ideas and gift giving tips to make you the "favourite" this Mothers' Day.

A REST!

Whether it's her first Mothers' Day or her 50th Mothers' Day, this gift is perfect! There are so many ways you can give ya Mum a rest on Mothers' Day.  You could do any or all of the following:

• Take over the kitchen for the day - cooking AND clean up.  
• Get the washing done for the week! 
• Make some coupons for Mum to use when she needs a break e.g.  "This coupon entitles Mum to a 30 minute nap at a time of her choosing!" (click here for downloads and here for a second option)
• Give Mum a night out with her Mum.  Let them rest together.  
• Take Mum out of the house and let her enjoy time with her kids. 

A Spa Day

I know we all can't afford to send Mum off to the spa for a full day of pampering.  Some of us can't even afford to get our toe nails clipped!  There are lots of options though.  It doesn't have to be the whole day.  Choose a treatment you think she will like and book her in.  If you can't manage that, give Mum a voucher for dollar value you can afford and she can book a treatment she wants.  

Is the Spa totally out of the financial question?!  You can do it at home click here for some great ideas for pampering your Mum at home! 

Experience! 

Most mums I know always put their kids first.  They often give up time, money/ a career, little luxuries and Bucket List experiences for the privilege of motherhood.  So, if you can manage to stretch the budget... (or you have siblings who can chip in), the perfect gift is an experience Mum has always wanted.  Check out Redballoon.com and Adrenaline.com for some awesome deals on experience gifts.  

Some ideas:

• High Tea at a fancy restaurant (this one would be great fun for you to invite friends and their mothers to join you).
• A guided tour of the closest city.
• A night at the Theatre - see what's playing at your local performing arts centre or theatre (not the cinema).
• A Gold Class Cinema experience
• A ride in a limousine
• A personalised shopping experience with a stylist and voucher to purchase clothes she loves.

You can find cheaper options... like creating a Drive-in Theatre in your driveway or preparing all the fixin's for high tea at home.  Click Here for more ideas. 

REAL Photos! 

When I say Real Photos... I don't mean digital.  Get yourself organised and print those puppies out.  If you really want to win the gift giving competition you are having with your siblings, you should get them framed or put them in an album (with labels).  Even if you don't talk about it, you are competing with your siblings for 'favourite'... yes you are.  

TIME

If you are an adult, I am about to drop some science on you here.  This might just change your life!  There is nothing your mother wants from you more than your time.  She wants your undivided attention.  Think back to when you were a kid and all you ever really wanted was some time with your Mama!  Time when you could just enjoy being together was golden.  Reading a story before bed, playing a board game, going to the movies, painting each others' nails or playing with your trucks were the best things ever.  

Now that you are all grown up, your mother remembers those moments with fondness and wishes she gave you more of them.  Don't be too busy for your Mum this Mothers Day.  You don't have to break the bank to give your Mum what she really wants this Mothers Day.  You just have to devote some time to being with her.  Give your Mum some undivided attention this Mothers' Day and you will be the favourite, for sure! 

Now, Get scheduling, Get reading or printing or creating or whatever, but Get to it! 

I hope your Mothers Day is Magical.