A dear friend and her family lost a loved one recently, and it broke my heart to hear the news. I live too far away to give literal hugs to the family, but not too far to send condolences and love.
Sympathy cards are the most difficult cards for me to make. I always cry. Knowing what I know about the family, I created this card for them. I know they won't mind me sharing it with you, here.
I wanted this card to be special, so I created a small original water-colored painting/illustration to use as the main image. I used a fine lined pen to draw the sunflowers on Italian cotton watercolor paper, and painted the image with DaVinci artists watercolor pigments using a fine Sable brush. Music is a big part of their lives, so I incorporated sheet music from a beautiful, vintage book of music.
We send our love, north to Virginia...
Artist supplies purchased from DickBlick.com:
Fabriano Acquarello Watercolour Extra White Cold Pressed 140lb Cotton Paper
DaVinci Artists Watercolors
Copic Multiliner .03
A beautiful, one of a kind from a one of a kind heart.
Posted by: Michele Ghent | October 02, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Just when I think you can't wow me anymore! Wow!!! This is absolutely gorgeous!! I love it!
Posted by: Lesa Rapp | September 30, 2011 at 07:13 AM
Such a touching card! I love how personalized it is with your original art! It's so lovely!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | September 30, 2011 at 04:46 AM
Your card is gorgeous, and filled with your love. I'm sure it will be saved forever, maybe even framed. You are so sweet and kind and thoughtful. I'm sorry for your friend and your loss. Death is such a hard reality to deal with. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by: diane mcvey | September 29, 2011 at 09:24 PM
So beautiful and meaningful to your loved ones. Life can be very hard sometimes. I'm sorry for their (and your) loss.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | September 29, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Your post made me tear up! I'm sorry for your friend's loss, and the distance that you personally feel during this difficult time! This is a beautiful card made with a heart full of love and concern! May you all be comforted during these days!
Posted by: Sherri D. | September 29, 2011 at 04:58 PM
I am sorry for you loss, Anna. I wish you could be there, but at least this card comes with a part of you.
Posted by: Shala Carter | September 29, 2011 at 03:04 PM
This is beautiful Anna! I know they will love it and appreciate you thinking of them.
Posted by: Linda Palmer | September 29, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Anna - I echo each and every comment posted in response to your exquisite original watercolor. Your well thought out card and heartfelt expression of sympathy is truly something to behold and mean more to us than you'll ever know. We treasure your friendship. With heartelt gratitude.
Posted by: Gabriela | September 29, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Your card is so beautiful and your friends will surely feel the love you put into it!
Posted by: renee m | September 29, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Very beautiful - and thoughtful.
Posted by: SueB | September 29, 2011 at 06:10 AM
So sorry, Anna! I never make a sympathy card until I need one, just for the reasons you posted. You created such a heartfelt, sweet card that I am sure the family will treasure forever.
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | September 29, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Created with the love in your heart for your friends, I know this stunning card will help them through this difficult time.
Posted by: Jennifer Woodward | September 29, 2011 at 05:09 AM
Your original Sympathy card will certainly warm their hearts. They will know the love and hugs you send along. You are a good friend. The sunflowers are beautiful. Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | September 29, 2011 at 04:27 AM