My husband lost one of his very best friends to cancer last week. This card will go to his dad. I know a lot of people find sympathy cards difficult to make and prefer to make them ahead of time to have them on hand. I like to have some on hand too, but for close friends and relatives I prefer to make the card with my loved one in mind. I find it therapeutic. At such a sad time it brings me comfort to revisit my memories of the friend that we lost and make a card that represents them. Keith always had a pond or a terrarium wherever he lived. He took such pride in choosing the right vegetation for the habitats he created. He got that from his dad. Myron has a beautiful garden with a lovely little pond in his backyard. I hope when he sees this card, he can see how much love I put into it and how Keith inspired it.
I started planning out the card last week with TLC1093 "Embedded Embossing". It's a little bit rogue on the challenge, but I really like the results of these die cut words with the embossing folder. I didn't plan ahead but it worked out perfectly. I grabbed this background from my background drawer--nice colors for a koi pond. And I die cut the words from some sticky labels and stuck them to the background. Like I said, I didn't plan ahead, but the words just happened to be in this perfect place where they kind of swirl into the ripples of the water. Awesome. I painted the ripples and fish with acrylic paints and Wink of Stella on the ripples. Then I splattered with some shimmer and edged with some Nuvo Mousse. Finished with a simple sentiment to tell Myron how much we care.
I kind of cheated and found this lovely koi brooch in today's IC so I could tag with that keyword because I want you all to see how fabulous this came out.
A proper tribute to our dear friend, Keith.
Registered: October 13, 2006 Location: North Attleboro, MA Posts: 10870
Sat, Feb 14, 2026 @ 6:38 PM
This is so beautiful, Jen. Your heart shines with every detail that Keith's dad will see and appreciate. The background is beautiful and the fish are so incredibly creative. Nicely done, girlfriend!!
A brand‑new ATC/Coin Swap is sailing in for June, and our theme is "The Sea". Hope you’ll dive in and join the fun! All the details are waiting for you here.
I do the same thing most of the time, too. That is one thing I love about our craft, being able to personalize them. This is absolutely beautiful and heartfelt. You can feel the TLC you put into this. I’m so sorry you have lost such a special friend. Love and hugs.
Registered: July 22, 2007 Location: Carshalton, Surrey. UK Posts: 81674
Mon, Feb 16, 2026 @ 6:04 AM
Congratulations your card is on the Weekly Favorites Please see post 33.
Share with us your favorites this week please. We would love to know what caught your eye in the gallery and it is good to share the love.
------------------------------ Janine (aka Jay_Bee) Find a few favourites and share some love - check out theFavorites ForumDirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: July 22, 2007 Location: Carshalton, Surrey. UK Posts: 81674
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 @ 12:32 PM
Congratulations your card is on the Weekly Favorites Please see post 44.
Share with us your favorites this week please. We would love to know what caught your eye in the gallery and it is good to share the love.
------------------------------ Janine (aka Jay_Bee) Find a few favourites and share some love - check out theFavorites ForumDirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: May 20, 2008 Location: Kenneth City, Florida Posts: 850
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 @ 8:04 PM
Jennifer, this is such a fun and whimsical card. You did a great job, capturing the essence of the water and goldfish. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Word Art Wednesday. We have a new challenge starting today and would love to have you join us again!
------------------------------ "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
Registered: July 22, 2007 Location: Carshalton, Surrey. UK Posts: 81674
Wed, Feb 18, 2026 @ 12:50 AM
Congratulations your card is on the Weekly Favorites Please see post 52.
Share with us your favorites this week please. We would love to know what caught your eye in the gallery and it is good to share the love.
------------------------------ Janine (aka Jay_Bee) Find a few favourites and share some love - check out theFavorites ForumDirty Dozen Alumni
