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
What a beautiful tribute to your sister! It perfectly captures the spirit of her that you described.
ReplyDeleteOH this is beautifully sweet! Lovely lovely she art for a fabulous reason!!
ReplyDeleteI took the She Art class also and LOVED IT! Rock on!
That is such a beautiful and sweet tribute to your sister and I'm sure you're parents loved it. I love the clothing you have given her and I reeeeally love her hair, so stylish :D Fab canvas :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about it being bad for your health, I go to sleep thinking of all sorts of She art girls and waking up thinking of them too!! :)
Hannah
This is a totally amazing piece of art! I continue to be so impressed at how you use your talents to convey both a sense of art and share the Spirit of our Heavenly Father. I know your sister is gone on to better things right now, but how lucky you are to have each other! I am sure she will continue to inspire you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing something so precious with the rest of us.
Tomi- this is absolutely amazing.. I am always in awe of your talent... reading your description made me cry. I may not have ever met you sister but hearing you talk about her has made me feel like I know her.
ReplyDeletelove the tribute to your sister. lots of love went into this piece you've created.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and work of art! Such a special tribute to your sister and your family; I just love all the special touches and the meaning of each one. I came to your post from the Flickr group, as I just started the SheArt course. I love your creations; you've done a beautiful job with each one. I'm so excited about the course, too and right there with you about getting no sleep. I stayed up last night watching some of the videos and am at it again! :)
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