Tribute To Friend

[Kindaki]

my husbands best friend (like a brother to him) just passed away. he leaves a wife, two babies and lot of family and friends behind who are going to miss him. he was only 30. I want to make something special for my husband and maybe his wife too. I would love some input on ideas for what I might make. we are already making a scrap book for the kids with stories and pictures so they will know who daddy was. I am thinking maybe a nice frame for his wife that I can tool something pretty on or a keychain with his name and dates. for my husband maybe a wallet or a cuff bracelet. This is the first death of someone close to us that was not already in their 80s and it is very hard on us. I am hoping throwing myself into a project will help with the grief and pain. maybe one of you has something you did for a friend or family member who passed that you would like to share so I can get some ideas.

[Torquewrench]

I have made leather 3 ring binders. Last name on spine, first name and some tooling on front, on the front I cut an ellipse out to frame an 8x10 photo. I make the photo slide in a pocket made from clear vinyl, a slot has to be cut in the lining and stiffener to allow photo to slide into the pocket. I try to do the tooling to suit the persons life style. On the back I do whatever comes to mind. Last one has seven roses as the lady wanted seven roses laid on her casket before it was put in the mosalim. (I call them drawers). This can be used as a memory book for the spouse and passed down to the kids when time is right.

Hope this helps,Ross

[spooky]

No idea, just throwing out random thoughts... how about a messenger bag with tooling on the front that has the person's initials, but very subtlety. Or, if the family is inclined, how about a bible cover??? Or a cover for book that friends can write messages at the funeral??? Not sure if any of this helps.

[Kindaki]

thanks for the suggestions. I am thinking about making a book for his wife, like a journal.