Good morning! I hope that you all enjoyed your Monday and played along with us during Creative Cuts & More's mega recipe blog hop. If you didn't have a chance to see the project that I created for the blog hop, please take a moment to go here to see it. You'll also have a chance to win a RAK from me in a random drawing I will have for it next week. So make sure that you read this post and find out how you can be the lucky winner! :)
Well, I was asked by my husband to create a card to send to our sister-in-law (she is married to my husband's brother). She lost her father last week and has been in mourning. I have to confess that I do not enjoy creating sympathy cards because I tend to cry as I'm making them (yes, I'm that emotional...LOL!). This one was challenging for me to do because I really wanted to make a special one for her. I was so grateful to find Kazan's sketch yesterday at 2 Sketches 4 You. It took the pressure off of me to try an design it all by myself (thank you, Kazan!). I used some glitter paper, Teresa Collins patterned paper, handmade crepe paper ruffles, and an artisan shaped card base which I cut using my Cricut and SCAL. The handmade flower is made from vintage dictionary pages and tissue paper using the instructions from Donna Salazar's video (these are her dictionary flowers, version 2.0 ;-D ).
Our sister-in-law got the news that her father took a turn for the worst while she and her husband were out celebrating her birthday and watching the theatrical performance of "The Lion King" in San Diego last week. Needless to say, they left as soon as they heard, but by the time she arrived at the hospital, her father had been given so much medication that he didn't even recognize her and she felt that she couldn't even properly say good-bye to him. That truly broke my heart when I heard about it! Okay, I'll stop now since I'm crying already. Anyway, if you would join me in lifting her up in prayer and asking the Lord to comfort her during this time of loss, I would appreciate it.
So sorry that this post isn't as positive as I usually like to share on my blog. However, I hope that it will serve as a reminder for us to go out and fully love and appreciate the ones that we have with us RIGHT NOW while we still have the blessing of doing so! I'll leave you with this music video...it's one of my favorite songs by Point of Grace that encourages me whenever I hear it. The song is called "How You Live"...Enjoy! :)
So true, so true...I was thinking along those lines last night. I gotta kiss my kids all I can while I can. Same goes for everyone I know and care about (maybe not the kissing part, but ya know what I mean ;)..) You created a very beautiful card!
Posted by: Mustangkayla | November 10, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Your right, it is often so very difficult to make a sympathy card. Know that your friend will be in my prayers. I had a similar experience with my beloved grandmother. Even now 23 years later I mourn never getting the chance to tell her I loved her. But I know that she is above watching over her family.
Posted by: Jeri | November 10, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous card!!
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | November 10, 2009 at 11:25 AM
You are so right, we should tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them and are thankful for them NOW and not wait 'til it's too late. Many blessings.
Posted by: Yolanda B. | November 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM
this card is absolutely gorgeous!!! I'm so sorry for your sister-in-law's loss. I'm sure this card will bring her a lot of comfort in knowing someone is thinking of her and thinks enough of her to create this very beautiful card.
Posted by: Cheryl N | November 10, 2009 at 02:27 PM
This is a beautiful card and a beautiful post. Sometimes we all need a reality check to make us realise just how lucky we are. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sue-ann | November 10, 2009 at 02:30 PM
hello my dear friend - thank you for sharing such a beautiful card with us and I am sure she will appreciate this very thoughtful gesture.
hugs
k
Posted by: kazan clark | November 10, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Very very pretty card.. I am sure your sister-in-law will love your thoughtful gesture.
Love,
Smita
Posted by: Smita | November 10, 2009 at 07:43 PM
I'm sure your beautiful card will be greatly appreciated Christine. I can definitely relate to the crying when making sympathy cards.
Posted by: Linda | November 10, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Christine I'm so sorry to hear of what your sister-in-law is going through, she will be lifted up in my prayers...Your beautiful card will touch her heart and she will feel your love and get comfort in that.
Blessings
Joyce
Posted by: Joyce B | November 11, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Beautiful card and the colors. Love that flower. I have a flower tutorial on my blog for the flowers I have been making.
http://danieladobson.blogspot.com/2009/09/tissue-flower-tutorial-and-blog-candy.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=190513
Posted by: Daniela | November 11, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Christine- You have such a sweet spirit and it shows in everything you create. . I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law's father. Of course my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. Your card is just beautiful. I'm sure it will brighten her day. xoxo
Posted by: Cris C. | November 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I'm so glad I found your blog. I love your work - so shabby and soft and just plain beautiful.
Posted by: NinaB | November 12, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Beautiful, Your flower turned out terrific, I will have to give this a try myself!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | November 14, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Wowza! Love this one! Great flower! Wonderful soft colors! :) Kathy
Posted by: Kathryn Martin | November 14, 2009 at 06:21 PM
I like it a lot
Posted by: karen aka soccerboyz mom | November 17, 2009 at 02:45 PM