time to spread her wings... in honor of Carissa

If you've been around my blog for a long time, you may remember me posting about my sweet sister Carissa, who had Down's Syndrome and who was such a big part of our lives (you can read about her here and on my other blog and on Single Dad Laughing, my brother's blog).  Yesterday marked the third anniversary of her passing, a day we celebrate in her honor as "You're My Favorite" Day, because that's what she always told everyone. 

I wanted to make a special little gift for my parents, and since I just started the amazing SheArt Workshop by Christy Tomlinson, I knew I wanted to try my hand at a mixed media art piece.  This is seriously outside my comfort zone, a lot more artistic than crafty, but I loved the style and I decided to give it a go.  I'm so glad I did, because it's tapping into a whole new part of my creative spirit that I LOVE.  I'm only one week into the class and I can't get enough.

We always called Carissa "Sunshine Sissa," and I wanted the piece to reflect that.  I created a dark blue background, and then made her figure all bright and sunny, with the bright sun shining down on her.  I gave her wings (a butterfly punch cut in half) and chose the phrase "it was time for her to spread her wings" to communicate what we all feel about her passing -- that it was her time to go, and that she has been freed from the limitations of this life.  I gave her a little pearl necklace in tribute to the pearl necklace from my dad that she was buried with.  A long time ago, he got a beautiful pearl necklace to give to each of his daughters on her wedding day, so it was a special thing for Carissa to have hers on the day she returned to Heavenly Father.  It was one of those little things that I didn't think anyone else would notice, but my dad noticed it first thing!  That was so special to me.  He also noticed the sunshine, and my sister noticed the music in the background, which was another special thing because Carissa loved music so much.  I love every little detail in this piece, and every moment I spent creating it. 

I have to say, though, that this new creative outlet might not be good for my health -- I've gotten next to no sleep the past couple of nights because I've been too busy thinking up all the fabulous mixed media projects I want to create!

Thanks for stopping by!

Materials: 4x6 art canvas; Patterned paper -- Scribble Scrabble (dots in the background), Cosmo Cricket (dress); Accent stamps, rub-ons, and chipboard negative for yellow flourish -- Fancy Pants