There are lots of terrible things in this wonderful world. There are lots of wonderful things in this terrible world. Whether you see the world with a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” perspective, I think you’d agree that one of the hardest things in the world is to watch a loved one struggling.
Today, I am sharing a card I made for a friend who has really been having a rough time as of late. I can’t take away her pain, and I can’t change the circumstances. That’s hard for me. I can only let her know that I love her and that I’m here for her. That’s all I can do. 
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- You’re not the center of the universe! I’m a huge proponent of letting everything be centered perfectly on a card. It’s such a habit that I have to force myself to offset features every once in a while. When I do, I love it! My initial instinct was to center the oval along the piece of Designer Series Paper strip (both horizontally and vertically). It looked wonderful, but I really like it this way, too!
- Color pops. While the Designer Series Paper strip in the backround is full of bright and beautiful colors, the eye is drawn to the Melon Mambo umbrella and Melon Mambo sentiment. I based this card on Basic Gray and bordered the DSP and image in Basic Gray. As a result, the Melon Mambo really pops.
- Stamping off. There are four images stamped on this card. While we typically think of a shadow stamped in black, I like the faint look of the shadow in Basic Gray. (Incidentally, this card is from me, but that image doesn’t really represent me very well. The card would be less beautiful if it featured the shadow of an overweight, 6’5″ goofball.) For those who are new to stamping, we could have achieved a similar look by inking up the stamp in Basic Black, stamping that image on a piece of scrap paper and then stamping on the card. That’s called “stamping off” in my craft room. While the raindrops are a focus of this card, I didn’t want them to “steal focus”, so I stamped them off once before adding them here.
I don’t normally invest in Hostess Stamp Sets – unless they really stand out to me. I really like the sentiments and images in this Million-Dollar Moments set in the Spring Catalog, so I got it. I was glad to have it when I sat down to make this card. Want to put in a hostess order so you can have this set? Just give me a call! 🙂
Just like yesterday’s project, I added a piece of the featured Designer Series Paper to the envelope flap.
Stamp set: Million-Dollar Moments Papers: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper Inks: Basic Gray, Melon Mambo, Marina Mist Accessories: Ovals Collection Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Brian
The Stampin’ Clubhouse. You want to be a Charter Member of my first online hostess club, so go ahead and sign up! I’ll have lots of surprises for the members each month – and you don’t want to miss out. We need two more people to round out the first club, so please check out the details here.
It’s true Brian, it’s hard to see someone you love going through a tough time in their lives. At times you feel helpless to ease their pain and most times saying “I know how you feel” might seem inadequate because you might not have gone through the same troubles so, the only thing to do is what you just did, send a pretty card with a lovely message to let them know you will be there if they need a shoulder to cry on.
I hope your friend’s troubles will soon pass and having a friend like you surely helps.
PS. 6′ 5″!!!!! no wonder you stood way avobe all of your friends on that photo at the convention!!
So beautiful and meaningful. I know she will love it and it will make her day!
You are a very thoughtful friend and she’ll love this card because I certainly do!!! I absolutely love it!!!! I love everything about it! Awesomely well done and yet simple. Love it!
Brian, Brian, Brian – I’m not happy with your description of yourself! You are not a “6’5″ overweight goofball” – you are our tall, handsome, artistically gifted leader who has a great sense of humor and the ability to keep us smiling. Now, you go take a “time out” for 10 minutes and think about how amazing you are. Then come look at this gorgeous card that you so lovingly made for a friend who needs a friend right now. She is so lucky to have you and so are we.
Oh my goodness Grace, you are absolutely right. There is nothing, NOTHING goofbally about our super handsome host. He is just amazing and talented, among other wonderful things.
What a lucky gal to have a wonderful friend like you. TFS such a simple yet meaningful card!
Wow, Brian! I can imagine this card for me, because my poor DH is going through a lot right now…hospitalized him twice in 2 weeks and he’s still having trouble breathing! God bless you for your generous heart, dear friend! You are awesome! I so love your card and thanks for the deets!
Sharon, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband, I hope he will soon feel a lot better.
So sorry Sharon, my hubby just went through bladder cancer surgery so I know how hard it is, not only on him but on you also. Will keep you both in my thoughts.
Ditto what Grace said. Word for word.
Brian, great post. Great card. I think the image represents your friend who is in a storm now. Maybe the umbrella represents you, the sender. Making the hard time just a little more tolerable by putting a smile on her face, even if it’s just for a moment. That is always my objective when I send someone a card. As Bruce Springsteen said, “The devil’s in the mailbox”. Sometimes, there’s an angel in there too.
Sharon, what a sweet post! Love your metaphoric interpretation of the card’s images. –Terri O
Thanks. Midnight rainbows! What a cool name
ooh brain your such a great friend , Ithink every one needs a friend like you , thank god we have you ! I’m so blessed to have met you finally , thanks brain your the bomb !!!
ooh ops, Brian , not brain , but yes your all brain too !! I’m sorry
Brian you bless so many lives and inspire in so many ways. You creative spirit shines in so many ways! A wonderful post and a most wonderful card!!
I’m one of your friends who doesn’t know you except by your wonderful work and great comments online–nice, funny and wise. Thanks for all you do to inspire–and make me laugh out loud!!
What a very nice card for your friend Brian. I really like the como of the striped dap and the stamped image set off a “tinge” to the side
A beautiful card, Brian…and I love that you off centered the main piece! Beautifully done and I am very sure that your friend will have great comfort from your lovely card. TFS!
I really like this card . The brightly colored umbrella and the colorful striped paper all work together . Your friend wil cherish this card . Something that got my attention ….I don`t believe in my years of stamping have I ever stamped off black to get a softer gray …yes,I have stamped off for many colors or second generation stamping ….but why hasn`t that ever come to mind ? It gives your focus figure a shadowy look for sure as needed to make that colorful umbrella pop! Good tip my big tall friend … I surely am glad I joined the club !!!!
Brian, what a perfect day brightener for your friend! I, too, love how you stamped off the black to get that wonderful gray image and raindrops. The colorful backdrop DSP along with the color of the umbrella gives the card the “feel good” that you want for your friend, too.
My “little” brother is your height, Brian … I’ve been spending a lot more time with him in the last few months and I always feel safe with him around … plus, I know he has “my back”. I get the same feeling about you especially when you speak of your mom and your niece and nephews.
Hugs! Suzie
Beautiful card and sweet post today, Brian. Prayers up for your friend and her struggles…and you worrying about her. –Terri O