Embed Image in the HTML

Safe way to use a background image in an email

I am attempting to create an 'email merge'.
(There are not many Google hits on that expression)
User would like the email to be HTML (not plain text).
Also he would like his Letterhead included.
It goes all the way down the left, and along the bottom.
Thus it should appear as if it is a background, with the text positioned as if it is a layer on top of it (as distinct from being somewhere outside of the image).

I would prefer that the image be truly embedded, rather than being an attachment or a link.

I actually managed to get Word to create a web page, with the image, and text over-laid. (Both positioned correctly.)
It opens up in IE ok
It however does not show the image in FireFox.
I assume that flaw is caused by either -
- The horrible HTML that Word creates
or
- Problems because the image was NOT embedded.

I 'googled' and found quite a few hits, with nearly explained solutions (nearly to my lack of web experience).
Base64 seems to get mentioned a lot.

Does anyone know of a HTML editor that would make embedding an image easy for me ?
Or am I looking for the 'holy grail' ?

Thanks,
Rob

PS
If my request is impossible, perhaps guidance on a safe way to include the image as an attachment ? (It is the background image of the email, but it finds it from it's own attachment)

I fuzzed the image, so I can now attach it, so others can see what I am trying to achieve

If you send an email in HTML format, it'll show up in the background provided that the recipient's email client trusts your email address. Else it is simply blocked.

When sending in HTML format, just send... er... the HTML! A background, with text on it.

You used Word to create an HTML file which caused problems for you. You ought to try something else such as Chami, Coffee Cup, Front Page, Dreamweaver or even Visual Studio. Some of these HTML editors are free.