“Nothing is harder…

than saying goodbye to someone you love”

This is what the sentiment on this Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box says.

What do you put on a gift for someone who loses a child? I struggled with this for several weeks, before I saw that particular sentiment, and felt, in my heart it was right.

This box was part of a gift for my dear friend Alicia, who lost her 4 year old son, Ethan, in June.

I wanted to make a special box to hold the engraved bracelet I got, with her son’s name on it. I didn’t want to just throw it together. I put much heart, time and thought into this, and in the end I was happy with the result.

This the close up of the silver bracelet I got engraved with Ethan’s name.

Ethan was such a little cowboy, and I thought the the two “O” that loop the bracelet were SIMILAR to horseshoes, like a little cowboy. I know that sounds like a stretch, but I truly did think that! LOL! There were so many different bracelets to choose from, so this one stood out to me.

I know Ethan will always be in Alicia’s heart, and in some way “with her” everyday, but I figured it would be nice to have something with his name on it. I guess I got that for her because that is something “I” would want. Weather she wears it, or keeps it with some of Ethan’s special things, is up to her.

Now here is how I decided upon my design elements. Often when there is a particular feel, or message I want conveyed I will GOOGLE meaning for the things I am considering using. It helps guide me.

I chose the Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box, because it was perfect size for the bracelet.

I chose the pansy flower on the petal front because:

The name pansyis from the French word pensée, meaning thought or remembrance. The pansy is a delicate looking flower often with a “face.” The pansy is quite durable and a “flower for all seasons.”

The pansy image is from Wood Stamper Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16” with Bonus Pansy Center & 15 pt Special Occasions Font

I stamped just the Pansy onto some Lavender Moon cardstock, then colored it, adding some adhesive pearls

The sentiment is from Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” I said already why I chose it. I just felt, in my heart, it was perfect for the gift and conveyed the message I wanted to send. I don’t think there are any real perfect words for something like that, but this was as close as I could get.

I cried the entire time I made this! LOL! My eyes were little slants for 2 days.

I stamped the sentiment onto clearly creative cardstock, in white stazon, then layered over my oval frame-which was on dimensionals for a “3D window” effect.I used clear mini glue dots to adhere it to the frame so you couldn’t SEE how it was attached.

I chose the color purple because:

Nature of Purple:

Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child’s imagination or an artist’s creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.

Culture of Purple:

The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt’s Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

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I personally have a silver bangle that reads “The journey of a 1,000 miles” on the front, then on the inside reads “Begins with a single step” I saw it the LAST day of Alexa’s chemo, and it just spoke to me about our long journey, and to remember we can and will get through ANYTHING, but it is ONE STEP at a time. This bracelet brings me much comfort. My friend Paulette got it for me 😀 I never take it off.

I also have a purple rubber bracelet for Cancer Awareness that  reads Courage, Strength, Hope , Faith. I had special made right when Alexa got diagnosed. Inside the band reads”Faith in healing Alexa”. Purple is also the color of Cancer Survival. I never take it off! Even when I’m all dressed up! That also reminds me to appreciate EVERY moment with my family, and not take ANYTHING for granted.

I need more wrists! LOL!

Also my friend Sonia sent me a necklace (by Jennifer Cassady-who is currently expecting, and is on a short medical leave)with my 3 children’s name on it! That is another personalized gift I cherish. I get LOTS of compliments on it too 😀

Dave and Alicia are so strong. I know God blessed their lives with Ethan because no one else could have been better parents to him. While his time on earth was brief, he impacted so many. He had a big purpose. The Weimans were blessed to have an angel amongst them. To have had the love of Ethan and many wonderful memories that they will forever cherish.

If you didn’t know of Ethan, this is his story—>Ethan’s Caring Bridge site

Also in honor of Ethan we had a Digi Stamp set called the –> Weiman Wranglers  <—made in honor of his precious life! All proceeds were to benefit the Make A Wish foundation of IL, in honor of Ethan. We have raised over $ 2,000 so far!!

The Weiman family asked if ANY of you purchased the images, and created anything you are willing to part with, his mom Alicia would love to include it into a special memory album she is working on, to preserve Ethan’s memories!

Please email me for their address if that is something you can or would like to do.

On a lighter note I have to say I got so much enjoyment from the kid stories you all shared on THIS POST!!

I am going to be redecorating my children’s rooms AGAIN. We are getting new carpeting put in, so since I have to move everything out of their rooms anyway, it is the perfect time! I am going to get a big bulletin board for him to put his artwork on, thanks to the MANY suggestions 😀 I will do this for the girls room too. Oh and the play room! LOL!

Make sure you check out the JRS blog! Lots if ideas.

Well thank you for stopping by! I have a TON of emails to go over from like the past 2 weeks or so! Sorry! If you emailed me Ill be in touch soon.

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Pretty Petal Pocket (petite version)

Stamps:Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” , Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16”

Cardstock:Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Clearly Creative Cardstock

Patterned paper: Guide Lines

Ink: White Stazon, Black, Copic Markers

Ribbon: Stitched Plum Pudding

Oval Nestabilities, adhesive rose, adhesive pearls