With Sympathy, gingko leaves - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Hey, I've got 2 more cards to post today.  The second will follow shortly.
Unfortunately, I've needed to use several sympathy cards from my stash lately.  So, I've made 2 more to replenish my stock.  I know that some stampers don't like to make sympathy cards.  I'm not one of them.  I like creating them, because I know how meaningful it can be to receive a hand crafted card in that situation.
Kris, someone that is now a very good friend and co-worker (and my SU demo!), gave me a hand crafted sympathy card when one of my parents passed away.  At that time I barely knew Kris.  When I realized that someone I barely knew had taken the time to make that card for me - well, it really warmed my heart.  I still remember opening and reading that card 9 years ago.  I hope that the sympathy cards that I send to others, will mean as much to them.

Well, I guess I'd better get back on track or I'll be blogging all evening, huh???

CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 has another great challenge this week...of course!  Take a look at Laura's sketch.

It's been a while since I did a sponged background and I love doing them.  So, I sponged!  Here's the result.

Ahhh....did I mention I love sponging?  Yeah?  Ok.
I used 4 inks for the sponging, keeping the lightest in near the center of the panel.  I stamped the gingko leaves before removing my masks...except along the right edge.  I wanted a couple of leaves to extend beyond the masked area to give the illusion of some depth.  The rest of the card is self explanatory, I think.  But, if you have any questions, please ask!
Thanks so much for taking a look,

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), always artichoke (SU)

ink: certainly celery, pear pizzazz, old olive, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: harvest berries, simple sentiments (PTI)

other: gems (Affinity by the Paper Studio), distressing handle and pads (Ranger)