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Friday, February 15, 2013

In Sympathy

Hello, and good morning.

Today's card was made for a sad occasion.  Yesterday my stepson, who is 21 years old, made the very difficult decision to have his lifelong companion, a soft grey kitty named "Powder," euthanized at the vet's suggestion because Powder, who had lived a fulfilling 18 years, was exhibiting signs that his kidneys were shutting down.  He was a loving kitty, loyal to his best friend through thick and thin, and my stepson has never known a day in his life without him.  We are all very sad for him and the very tough decision he was adult enough to make to make his beloved companion comfortable one last time.


I took guidelines for this card from the challenge going on over at Flourishes in their Pick One Challenge, found here.  You choose one each from three sketches, three color schemes, and three types of embellishments, giving one lots of opportunities for creativity.  I like this idea!  The choices are from the following:

Pick1Challenge-step1 copy 
Pick1Challenge-step2 copy 
 Pick1Challenge-step3 copy
I flipped the second sketch on its side and changed the focal shape from a rectangle to an oval.  The color scheme and embellishment are more obvious.


I used the stamp set "Calla Lilies" and colored the image with Copics.  I used markers from the blue/green series, though oddly they're showing as brighter blue.  Hmmm...  

The side layer was embossed using Core'dinations paper and then sanded to bring out the lighter color.


The sentiment...now that was a tough one.  I tried it on white CS, but it was too bright and detracted from the image, so I then decided to use vellum which I colored with one of the same colors I had used on the image.  It toned the little banner down and helped it blend with the background much better.  A vintage button and vintage velvet ribbon were used.  A bit of additional ribbon and some Dew Drops complete this simple, masculine card.

Thank you for joining me, and please say a little prayer for my stepson.  He's missing his buddy something fierce.

Hugs,

Shea



Supplies:

Stamps: Calla Lilies (Flourishes)
Ink: Versafine Smoky Gray, Night of Navy (SU)
Paper: X-Press it Blending Card, Pool Party, Night of Navy (SU), Core'dinations (aqua)
Extras: Dies: Ovals Stax (Dienamics), vintage button, vintage velvet ribbon, RRR ribbon, Copics, dimensionals, vellum, Fancy Fan ef (SU), Dew Drops.

Challenge entered:

Flourishes Pick One Challenge 

16 comments:

Kristie Goulet said...

So sorry to hear this Shea! Praying for your stepson. Love your card!!

Kristi said...

Shea,
Although this is the card we all hate to make,your is very lovely. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

Hugs,
Kristi♥

ChristineCreations said...

Such a hard reason to have to make a card, but such a lovely creation for him. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Flourishes!

Maria said...

So sorry to hear about your stepson's cat. It's difficult when a loved pet passes. Your card is very pretty with beautiful flowers and colors!

Janice said...

A lovely card for such a sad occasion, I can sympathise, been there! Hopefully your bundle of fun below will help ease the pain. Jx

Unknown said...

I think this is one of the prettier sympathy cards I've seen, although it's probably because cala lilies are my favorite flower and turquise one of my favorite colors :) So sorry for your step sons loss. Animals are just like having children.

dpkennedy said...

Lovely sympathy card. The embossed background adds great texture! Thanks for playing with Flourishes!

Donna Ellis said...

Aw, Shea, sad indeed. Kitties are just so sweet, and I'm sorry your stepson had to make that decision. Our kitty was 20 last March, and we had to put him to sleep, too. They are just amazing. Your thoughtful card is so gentle, peaceful and sweet. I know he will appreciate your loving thoughtfulness.

Silke Ledlow said...

I'm so sorry to hear about *Powder*...it's never easy to make that final decision :( !!! Your card turned out beautiful...and perfect for the Pick 1 Challenge! Thank you for joining us...hugs ~S~

Stacy Morgan said...

Very pretty sympathy and great idea switching the sketch. Thanks for playing in Flourishes pick 1 challenge.

Julie Koerber said...

Oh, that is so very sad. I had to make that decision as well and it's not easy. I know your card will give comfort to your step-son!

Heather Rogers said...

So sorry to hear about your son's kitty. I am a cat lover myself so it breaks my heart to hear of this. I am sure he lived a wonderful life with your son. He will LOVE this card. Thanks for participating in the Flourishes release challenge. :)

Cheri said...

<3

Unknown said...

Oh dear such a sad occasion to make a card for, your card card is beautiful and I love the clean lines and layout, I do hope your stepson is coping ok.
Luv n hugs xx Cara xx

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles said...

Such a beautiful card for such a sad occasion. I hope your step son is managing to cope okay with the loss of his best buddy.

Cindy Lawrence said...

So soft and lovely, Shea. I'm so sorry to hear about your stepson's kitty...so very sad. :( We love our kitties so very much; so I feel his pain. {{hugs}}