My extended family is very close. For as long as I can remember, my family has honored its April tradition of heading to South Carolina for our family reunion. This reunion (my maternal grandmother’s side of the family) has been hosted by Aunt Margie and Uncle Ellis (they are actually my great-aunt and great-uncle, but we’ve never called them that). For years, Margie and Ellis have generously open their home so we can all spend a couple of hours together and eat delicious food – even if it’s too hot to be hungry.
My Uncle Ellis passed away Friday morning, and I am headed to South Carolina for his funeral today. While it will be nice to see the family (and to hug on Margie’s neck), I’m sad about the loss for our family. I made this card for Margie:
As I designed this card late Friday afternoon and completed it Saturday morning, I kept this week’s The Card Concept challenge (Add Texture) in mind. Guess what I did – I added texture (I’m smart like that). A special THANK YOU to Teresa Klein for selecting my card last week as one of The Card Concept’s first winners – what an honor from such an amazing designer! If you missed my Clean and Simple card, you can see it here. Here’s this week’s challenge banner for The Card Concept:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Texture. You already know I love to add a little touch of texture to cards, right? I feel like I have succeeded at adding texture if you want to run your finger over the card – I don’t necessarily want you to run your finger over the front of a card, I just want to want you to do it. A silky ribbon, a raised background, a rough piece of twine – all of these can add interesting texture to a card. Even the appearance of texture on a smooth piece of paper adds intrigue, so background stamps can come in handy, too. The elements of texture on this card include: sanded Core’dinations cardstock, silky ribbon, stamped wood background, raised images and paper snipped flowers.
- Card Definition. The Card Concept team asks us to define the style of cards we make. While last week’s card was Clean and Simple (it was a one-layer card with minimal images), this week’s card is Clean and Layered (still clean and tailored, but contains layers of shapes and images). Lesley Croghan, developer of several card challenges I participate in – Freshly Made Sketches, The Paper Players and The Card Concept – created a special post to describe the difference between Clean and Simple and Clean and Layered AND even used my card from last week as an example of Clean and Simple – how cool is that?! You can see her post here.
- Sale-a-Bration. I’m getting so excited about Sale-a-Bration. This is the second time I’ve used the Sale-a-Bration stamp set You’re Lovely, and I think it’s lovely. The images on this stamp (the sketched border and the flowers) can really go either way – fun and sassy or soft and beautiful). The addition of the sentiment from Petite Pairs defines the look I wanted to achieve.
Stamp sets: You’re Lovely, Petite Pairs, Hardwood Papers: Sahara Sand, Neutrals Core’dinations (Sahara Sand), Whisper White, Pistachio Pudding Inks: Jet Black StazOn Accessories: Deco Labels Collection Framelits, Whisper White 3/8″ Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I knew I had this picture on my laptop but was surprised to see it was taken back in 2007. Yikes! That was a long time ago, but this is how I will always remember this lovely couple:
Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Brian
Brian so sorry for your loss. have a safe trip. your card is lovely……..
thoughts and prayers are with you. beautiful card
Brian, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.
Your card is beautiful and your aunt will cherish it I’m sure. Please give her a hug from me.
So very sorry for your loss. You have made a beautiful card for your Aunt in honor of your Uncle.
Brian so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Travel safely.
I am sending my condolences for your loss, Brian. You make us so happy each day with you posts that we are affected, too, when you are sad. You can tell by all these responses how much people care. I hope you are uplifted by everyone’s good wishes.
This is just gorgeous Brian! I love the neutral colours and the contrast of the flowers. Beautiful! 🙂
So sorry for your loss xx
Lizy xx
wow, I luv the color combo, so striking……so glad you played along with us at Card Concept!
sparkle & shine *~*
Holding you close and hoping sweet memories will comfort you.
Brian, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sure this will be a difficult time for all of you, but your card will certainly help. It’s beautiful and the love you share shows in your work. Hugs!
So sorry to hear about your uncle. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I’m sure your aunt will appreciate your beautiful card!
Sorry to hear of your loss Brian. I love the card you’ve made. Beautiful.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Brian. What an awesome picture of your Aunt and Uncle. Travel safely.
Saying goodbye is so hard. You’ve designed a beautiful, soft card to say your sentiment quietly and with love. So sorry for your loss, Brian.
Sending thoughts and sympathy to you and your family, Brian. You’ve designed
a breathtakingly beautiful card for Aunt Margie that will bring her much comfort as her days come to pass. Safe travels and hope you feel comfort knowing that the memories together with Ellis will bring comfort and peace to your heart.
Take care and thank you for sharing your wonderful card.
Brian, what a pretty card you made for your Great Aunt Margie, I’m sure it will mean a lot to her. I’m so sorry for your loss & will keep you, your aunt & the rest of your family in our prayers. Have a safe trip to SC & back.
Only just seen this – sorry its late.
My thoughts are with you – its a beautiful card.
I lost my old neighbour & friend Lottie the week before last. She would have been 99 in September this year. She was an inspiration to me when we were neighbours, and made growing old less scary. People like that always stay in your thoughts though
Vxx
Oh Brian, I am sending you thoughts and hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you have so many happy memories of your Uncle. May they sustain you and bring you joy. Your Aunt Margie will surely treasure this beautiful card. ((hugs))
So sorry for your loss and so moved by your lovely tribute to your family.
So very sorry for your loss Brian. Keep the wonderful memories in your heart. Travel safe and give your Aunt many hugs.
Oh Brian I’m so sad to read this – I’m really sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories to have and I can tell you love him from your post. You aunt will absolutely love this gorgeous card you’ve created – it’s one of my favourites. xxx
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have created a stunning card..made with lots of love. I’m sure your aunt will love it. Thanks for joining us again this week at The Card Concept.
What a touching card and story. May it bring solace to your aunt knowing that your uncle meant so much to you. Enjoy your family reunion despite the sad occasion and celebrate your uncle’s life.
Your post warmed my heart! Your uncle obviously meant the world to you! Happy family time spent with your family is to be treasured, along with this sweet picture…two kindred spirtis…totally in love!
Another fabulous card Brian! I am in so awe of your talent! The detail on this card is amazing and so perfectly and flawlessly executed! You are truly blessed with a naturl sense of design! Beautiful choice of colors, subtle and comfoting! Your Aunt Margie is going to treasure this card.
Oh Brian, I am so sorry for your loss! I know your wonderful memories will be such a joy to you as time goes on! Your picture of them is precious! Your card is so beautiful and I know your Aunt Margie will cherish it! It was made with love! Safe travels and your family will be in my prayers!
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Sorry to hear about your uncle. The card is beautiful and I feel sure that your (great) aunt will treasure it! Safe travels.
I’m a new subby of yours on YouTube and here. I love your work but I’m so sorry to hear about your Uncle. I know I don’t know you but feel very proud of you for honoring your family by attending reunions. We always go to ours also. I hope you and your Aunt are doing well.
Carole