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’ DimensionalsÂ
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
So sorry to hear about your loss, Brian. Your card is beautiful. I’m sure that Margie will appreciate your thoughtfulness, especially since the card is handmade by you.
Thinking of you and your family, Brian. I’m sure the card will mean a lot to Margie.
Brian
So sorry for you loss. Your card is beautiful I know it will bring your Family much comfort. Travel safe.
Kitty
I’m very sorry for your loss Brian, I’m sending prayers for everybody in your family in this difficult and sad times. Your card surely be loved by your aunt Margie, it’s truly beautiful.
We are sending thoughts and prayers to you, Brian, and all your family for the loss of your Uncle Ellis. What a lovely picture of your Aunt Margie and Uncle Ellis (yes, time really flies).
Your sympathy card is so beautiful … the muted tones, textures, and flowers from the You’re Lovely set make a perfect offering of sympathy and love, Brian. Your aunt will treasure this.
Brian, I am sorry for your loss. Your card is lovely, surely to be appreciated by your Aunt Margie. (I had an aunt Margie, who also passed – she was the best!). Wishing you safe travels.
Barb E.
Prayers for you and your family. May peace and solace come swiftly.
So sorry for your family’s hurt! Know you have a hug and prayers!
kj
I’m so sorry for your loss, what sweet memories you have of your family gatherings. My condolences to the family & Margie, your card will mean so much. Nicely done.
Brian, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your family member who seemed to be such
an inspiration to you and others. Keeping good thoughts and prayers coming your way.
The card is so very warm, elegant and soothing. I know your aunt and other family members will take comfort in receiving it.
So sorry …warm thoughts and prayers to you and your family . Thank you for sharing that sweet picture . Your card is lovely .
Deeply sorry for you loss, Brian. Prayers for you and your family. The card is perfect.
So sorry for the loss of your loved one Brian, it sounds as though you have lots of wonderful memories to treasure. This is such a beautiful sympathy card, Cathy x
Sorry got your loss Brian. My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.
So sorry about your uncle. How wonderful though that you all got together every year! Your card is lovely.
Sorry for your loss.
Oh Brian….I am soooo sorry for your loss…I am so glad that you are going to be bale to go and be with your family! There is no doubt that you being there will brighten up everyones spirits!
I think that this is the most beautiful card I have seen in a long time…..LOVE IT!!!! The simple yet elegant textures as WOWZERS! Hugs to you!
Safe travels today as you say goodbye to Ellis. Your card is beautiful and heartfelt. I hope you can find the silver lining and enjoy seeing all the kin.
Brian, May loving memories of Uncle Ellis comfort you and your family during this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially Aunt Margie. She will love your card. It is beautiful. Blessings.
so sorry for your loss, be safe in your travels. You do awesome work Brian and I love following your blog
It is always difficult to learn of a loved one passing on. Ellis will live on in your memories and heart forever. Margie and you as well as the extended family are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Your card shows your love. It is beautiful. Safe travels to you and your family. Love and Hugs.
So sorry for your loss Brian. You created a beautiful card for Aunt Margie, I know she will treasure it. May your family memories bring you peace.
Brian- I am so sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories you have of your Uncle Ellis and the special, warm family times you spent together. I hope they will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
My sympathies are with you. So sorry you have lost a special Uncle. These days it is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, so it is wonderful that the tradition of the annual reunion was maintained. That picture is so sweet. Safe travels, lots of hugs, and focus on good memories. The card is beautiful. Love the design and colors. Surely Aunt Margie will treasure your gift and your presence at this time.
so sorry to hear of your loss. prayers and thoughts with you and your family. safe travels to and from.
So sorry to hear of your loss Brian. My thoughts are with you and your family today. What a beautiful and thoughtful card! Safe travels and sending hugs.
It sounds like your uncle was a special man. I hope your pictures and memories give you comfort. Your card will certainly comfort your aunt.
Brian – what an absolutely beautiful sympathy card you have made for your Aunt Margie. I’m sure she will treasure it. I hope your Uncle Ellis didn’t suffer and I am so sorry that your family has lost such a treasured person. I think it’s wonderful that you are taking the time to travel to S.C. to be with your Aunt and the family at this time. You stay safe during your trip and let your Aunt Margie know many are praying for her and the family.
My condolences on your loss, Brian. Travel safe. And may warm hugs and loving thoughts comfort you and your Aunt Margie.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My deepest sympathies Brian!! My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss of someone near and dear to your heart. Your card is AMAZING to say the least! Short on time but this card shows such beauty with the elegance of softness! Perfectly done for a sympathy card Brian!
Once again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Such a sweet picture of your Aunt and Uncle and lovely card. So sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for your family.
My heart goes out to your family. A handmade card means so much and I’m sure the process of creating it was as healing as receiving it will be. I am sorry such a sorrowful occasion brought on this particular card but it is outstanding- I was wowed by the softness and colors before I even realized it was a sympathy card. Blessings to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Brian! This card is so beautiful and I hope your Aunt with be comforted. Praying for your family and your travels.
My prayers are with you and your family Brian. I wish your visit to SC was for a happier reason. I love the quote (author unknown to me) that”other things may change us but we start and end with family”. Your card is beautiful and I’m sure will bring some peace to your aunt.
I’m so sorry for your loss Brian. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Safe travels to South Carolina. The card you made for your aunt is beautiful and I’m sure it will be special to her.
Brian we are sending thoughts and prayers your way I am so sorry for your loss. Your card is lovely and I know that your aunt and your family will love it and appreciate it.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in gathering with your family.
So sorry for your loss Brian – (((hugs))). She will love your brilliance and especially just YOU being there. Special prayers. xoxo
Brian, I’m so glad I saw this card on Pinterest and clicked to see it closer. What a beautiful card in honor of someone special. So sorry for your loss. I love the way you’ve layered the Deco Labels Framelits and created texture.
Brian I’m sorry for your loss. I hope the family gathering brings comfort. Your aunt will love the beautiful card you made.
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. Your card is so comforting and heartfelt!
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your beautiful card will mean a lot to your aunt and being there with family is the best medicine. I feel like your family will have lots of fond memories to share and remember to honor your uncle on his passing.
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a lot of fond memories that will keep him in your heart for ever. The card is beautiful, I’m sure your aunt will appreciate it, and the fact that you made it means even more.
so very sorry for your loss. The card is so beautiful. I made a card for a friend who had lost her father in law and she said it made it so happy because I had taken the time to make a card and because it was so beautiful. She went around showing to everyone at the reception. Cards really do mean a lot to people, especially when you make it with love…
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss Brian. Prayers for you and your family. Your card is gorgeous and I am sure your Aunt will treasure it. Safe travels my friend.
Margie will love the beautiful card you lovingly made for her. So sorry to hear about your loss, Brian. Thoughts & prayers to you & yours.
So, so sorry to read about the loss of your Uncle, who
was obviously a very special person in your life. From the
picture you showed of him, he certainly didn’t look old enough
to be your Great Uncle, so glad you considered him to have
a younger title! :):) Hugs to you and your Aunt and good for
you to go and show your love and support.
Your card is so elegant and fitting. You could not
have designed a more fitting card.
I will have to try something like this as well as
it looks so impressive and sends such a powerful message. I find
sympathy cards the hardest card to design, probably because the
reason it is being created…anyways…thanks for taking
the time to share, especially on such a sad occasion in your life! 🙂
Jennifer, Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Your card is so lovely. The background looks like fine corduroy. I like how you cut out the flowers also. The whole card is so elegant looking. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Uncle Ellis. Your Aunt Margie will need lots of hugs to help her get through some tough times ahead. I lost my husband of 52 years in June so I know from experience to tell you to keep in touch with her often.