Paisleys & Posies Sympathy Card
This is the kind of card that I find the absolutely hardest to make. It’s a sympathy card for the grieving parents of a newborn who only lived 13 hours. The parents are related to my husband and we are their only family in Michigan. I could go on and on about how incredibly sad this has been for them but I am sure you don’t need me to give you all of the details to see how difficult this card was to make. I was there in the hospital room when this sweet little baby boy made the gentlest of transitions to the “other side” and I have cried more than I thought was possible for him. His mother will surely be rewarded for her incredible patience and courage. She has such a deep faith that I know will see her through the difficult days and weeks ahead.
I wanted to make a card for the family but didn’t feel making a baby sympathy card was the way to go. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong sympathy card but I couldn’t bring myself to make her a baby card that said I was sorry for her loss. What kind of a card would you make in this situation? I would really like to hear your experience in this area. I have never had to make a sympathy card for this situation so your advice is greatly appreciated.
Card Instructions
This card started out choosing the beautiful Petals & Paisleys specialty designer series paper. After cutting and adhering down those layers, the sentiment was inked and cut with the layering oval framelits. A small piece of burlap ribbon was taped down then the sentiment was layered on top. The leaf was cut out, then the square was cut out with the 1 3/8″ square punch and the scalloped square framelit was cut to layer underneath. I decided that there needed to be just a little more embellishing so I stamped the little leaf and cut it out with the coordinating framelit, adhering it on the sentiment. Then the retired wooden elements from last year’s Into the Woods suite were colored with the gold Wink of Stella and adhered down.
SUO Challenges has a great challenge right now to showcase designer series paper from the Holiday Catalog! I will 
be submitting this card. Why don’t you take a look at the wonderful designers’ cards and then play along with me!!
It’s All in the Paisley & Posies Details
- Stamp Sets: Artistically Asian, Paisleys & Posies, Flourishing Phrases
- Paper: Petals & Paisleys Specialty DSP, Soft Suede, Mint Macaron
- Ink: Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Mint Macaron
- Cool Tools: Paisley Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits, Layering Squares Framelits, 1 3/8″ Square Punch
- Finishing Touch: White Perfect Accents, Into the Woods Elements, Gold Wink of Stella
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From God we come and to him we return. So sad. I can’t even imagine the pain. Things like this really put into perspective how blessed we truly are. You’re family is in my prayers. I think you did a wonderful card for such a heart breaking occasion. I would have made the same decision to stay away from a baby theme. Big hugs.
As paper crafters, we express our sympathy and grief through beautiful and carefully crafted cards. This card is just what it needs to be- beautiful, comforting and heartfelt. My heart is with you and this devastated family.
Debbie,
A very good Friend lost her child at 6 days. This was 50 years ago. Once in awhile we talk about her and how beautiful she was. And we smile because we knew her. We kissed her and held her. I am so Blessed to be a part of this miracle 50 years ago.
I love the card. I think that’s the card to give them.
You are a loving person Debbie. Being with your Friend is most important. Hold her hand and let the silence envelope you.
This card is a sweet heartfelt gift from your heart to theirs! Love your chosen colors, designer papers and sentiments. Your strength in faith will sustain you all…
Thank you, Roselee! We really are truly blessed. Please keep Sarah in your prayers. I will pass on the hugs!
Cindie, you are so right. I really was able to express myself with this card. Thank you for your support! It’s been so much harder than I thought it would be.
Terry, thank you for telling me your experience with this kind of devastating loss. I know that with time it will get easier. I am taking your words to heart and making sure to spend more time with her. I saw her this morning and plan to do it more often.
Katy, I can always count on you! Thank you for your sweet comment. Faith and family truly help us to be stronger during difficult times. <3
Will pray for comfort and healing for this family. How comforting to have you in their lives. There are no words to convey the sadness their are feeling and their family and friends……..
The card is so beautiful, I know they will treasure it.
Char, your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated! Thank you so much for your support.
Whether it’s a new born or a lovable older child, loss is always devastating and one never truly gets over it. Time easies the pain but the memories are always there. It’s so difficult to understand the purpose of death for such a young soul, but only God has the reasons why. I can only say this dear little soul was needed back in heaven. I also feel this baby is meant to pray for the souls of the parents. They are suffering now but will see their adorable baby again.
Thank you for your very kind comment and words of wisdom, Marlene! I so appreciate you reminding us all that there is always a divine reason for all losses and hardships. With time comes ease…
Debbie- this is gorgeous!! Love the use of the DSP along with your wonderful sentiment and finishing details! Thanks for sharing with us at SUO Challenges- hugs and have a blessed week, my friend!
Debbie- I did not have a chance to read your post when I first commented…I think this is perfect for the grieving parents since it is neutral yet comforting with the sentiment that is so true. Only the Lord knows why He needed to take their little one home… saying a prayer for all of you. Hugs and God Bless!
Beautiful paper which suits the occasion perfectly – and there are really no right or wrong ways to create such a card for anyone – but the love you’ve shown in creating your lovely card certainly shows through. So glad you joined the fun at SUO!
Heaven has gained another angel! I would agree that I would go with a non-baby sympathy card. The one you created is lovely and perfect for the situation. Thanks for playing long with the holiday papers challenge this time on SUO Challenges!
So kind of you, Julie! I really appreciate your sweet comment and prayers for the family!!
Thank you, Julia! I really hope they felt the love that I had in making this card.
Heaven has indeed admitted a sweet little one! Thank you for your lovely comment.