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Thursday, September 23, 2010

my "Mom" tribute canvas is complete


Okay...where to start.  The background of this project....prepare for some deep thoughts.  When I do projects like this, I put a meaningful process into the layers of the design which result in a lot of little details that are significant to my personal feelings or history, especially in my wording as well as the number of elements I add in clusters (pearls, flowers).

Some tidbits about my mom that are represented in the canvas:
  • Her name was JOY
  • Was an artist = the art of Joy
  • Wrote poetry = book text
  • Didn't like her wrinkles (which I thought were beautiful) = wrinkled tissue paper 
  • Had three daughters and a fabulous stepson = four flowers
  • Passed from this life = ascending pearls from her name
  • Had incredible color eyes (blue/brown) = color pallet
  • Was an elegant, gracious person = style of design



Whew....and now onto a lighter note...the creative process! In these next four pictures I'll show you how I started.
  • 12x12 canvas
  • Book text torn and attached with decoupage glue or gel medium
  • Torn and wrinkled tissue paper defuses the text and adds wrinkles for texture
  • 2x2" Twinchies covered with Basic Grey papers


Dry fit (arrange without adhesives) onto the canvas.


Once happy with the layout, I started gluing the pieces in place with Glossy Accents.  I used foam mount to lift some of the squares up for dimension.  I added my details of pearls, lace and flowers.
Thanks for listening.  I just love papercrafting and making something significant.  Hope you get inspired to make a project with depth of meaning too! 

Cheers!

90 comments :

Vanessa said...

This is one of the most amazing pieces of art I've ever seen, Shari!! What a beautiful, thoughtful tribute to your Mom! You put so much meaning into every inch of this gorgeous canvas, I can't stop staring at it!

Debbie said...

What a beautiful piece! Thanks for sharing the details. I'm sure you're mother would have been proud of it, wrinkles and all.

Ayana Posadas said...

Wow... this is GORGEOUS!!!
Thanks so much for sharing!

Kelly Rasmussen said...

wow shari...this is absolutely gorgeous! love how each element has a special meaning...it shows how much thought you put in to making this beautiful piece.

Lin said...

Shari, this is so lovely! I didn't know your Mom was an artist, but not surprised - that's something you got from her. How wonderful that the 2 of you could share that. This is such a loving tribute....brings tears to my eyes. She was so lucky to have you as a daughter. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful piece. Big hugs!

Kathy (krolski) said...

Gorgeous canvas and tribute to your Mom! How cool that her name was "Joy" and it's obvious how much joy she brought to your life.

Suzanne C said...

This is just stunningly beautiful and beyond that a fabulous tribute to your mom.

Cynthia Schelzig said...

So beautiful and full of harmony and design....here is to all our mothers.......

Shalini said...

this is surely one of the most gorgeous piece of art i have ever ever seen... its absolutely stunning!!! i have been trying to take in every bit of it by going all over it again and again...

Thanks so much for sharing this with us... it's very very special indeed!!!

Godelieve said...

Absolutely wonderful!

Lucy Abrams said...

Shari this is incredible. So beautiful. Every detail is perfect. What a wonderful piece of art.
You are amazing.
Sending hugs and love. x

JulieHRR said...

........THUD!!! This is an incredible tribute to your wonderful mama, Shari. {{{{{Shari}}}}} Thank you so much for sharing it. It literally took my breath away.

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

Gorgeous.. I love your symbolism used and that you shared it with us... every detail is so meaningful, beautiful, and graceful.

It is a masterpiece.. What a beautiful tribute to your mom...and what an amazing daughter she also created!

Shari Carroll said...

Thanks everyone, creating this is also closes a chapter of grieving and opens the next for memories and reflection. Hope I didn't depress anyone, it's all good, I am well.

kybarb said...

It's gorgeous! What a wonderful idea! I would never have thought to make something to hang on the wall but now I want to make one for both my parents who have passed on. Thanks for sharing something so personal and wonderful!

Heidi said...

Shari,
This is moving on so many levels! Thank you for sharing. Beautiful.

kybarb said...

Shari-I hope you don't mind that I shared your wonderful canvas on my blog with a link to your blog so my friends can read more about how you made it! http://vintagekybarb.blogspot.com/

Babsarella said...

What a fabulous tribute to your Mom!! Thanks for sharing it and giving us all the great details!!

Tiffany Ervin said...

Oh my! This is really special and beautiful Shari, from the handmade flowers to the trims and buttons, love it!

Nancy said...

Truly lovely, Shari...thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute to your mom....you've inspired me!
blessings!

Latrice said...

This is such a special piece! It is stunning, beautiful, amazingly gorgeous. It is so inspiring how you chose the pieces to add and the meanings behind it all. Love it hon.

Latrice said...

This is such a special piece! It is stunning, beautiful, amazingly gorgeous. It is so inspiring how you chose the pieces to add and the meanings behind it all. Love it hon.

Jennifer said...

wow. stunning. you amaze me!

Libby Hickson said...

Shari this is incredible - what a beautiful tribute.

Jules said...

Hi Shari

What a beautiful creation in tribute to your Mum. Lots, and lots, and lots to look at and admire.

So much thought and love has gone into this fantastic project and thank you for sharing your thoughts behind it all.

As you say all part of the healing process and much more artistic than the tear stained letter I wrote to my Dad when I lost him.

Love Jules xx

Froggietalks said...

That is amazing!!

Whimsey said...

Amazing - absolutely stunning!

Anna K. said...

This is so beautiful! You put so much thought into it and everything is reflected perfectly!

Unknown said...

This is BEAUTIFUL!
I love it and I'm sure she would too.

Enjoy this gorgeous piece always.
xoxo,
Becca

Kath Stewart said...

this is so beautiful shari...moved me to tears...a wonderful tribute to your Mom...you put your heart and soul into it and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all...hugs kath xxx

Regiane said...

Stunning!!!Can I lift?

Jill said...

So beautiful- there are truly no words to express how gorgeous this is! And I love all of the meaning you incorporated into your art. Thanks for sharing this amazing tribute. WOW.

Alice said...

so very elegant and beautiful. such a wonderful tribute to your mother. thanks for sharing the process and the meaning of each element. it's so touching. a work of art from the heart! i love it!

Joy said...

How beautiful Shari, just love your masterpiece and what a beautiful way to honour your Mum that you loved so dearly, she would be very proud of you, sending big hugs!

Barb said...

I just want to keep looking at this! What a beautiful tribute to your mom, Shari. It is so full of pretty details. I'm glad you explained what each one means. It helps us get a feel for all the love you put into creating it. I recently lost my mom too, and reading your post for me was very special! Thanks for sharing!

Sarah J Moerman said...

Wow, Shari! This is STUNNING! I'm so glad you shared the significance of the different elements. I'm big on meaning and significance in general (I had to love the meanings of my kids' names) but have never thought to translate that to my 'art'. I'm sure this piece must be very special to you. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Rachel Greig said...

This is breathtaking! Love everything about it, and what a great way to find closure. I'm sure your Mom would have loved it.

sideoats + scribbles said...

Wow Shari, this is just awesome. I got choked up looking at it. Just wow. Hugs to you!

vsroses said...

WOW BEAUTIFUL...

Donelda said...

this is amazing!! thanks so much for sharing such a personal project!

Natasha Kara said...

Another wow from me too. I LOVE all the thought and meaning that this holds. It is just extraordinary. Such a special tribute. A true work of art.:)

Kathy said...

Wow Shari..I am at a loss for words.

What a meaningful and wonderful tribute to your mother. I love your step by step process. I think this is also beautiful to help others and me different symbolic elements that one might not think of. Not only are you an amzing artist like your mom but you have a wonderul heart that comes through in all you do.
Thanks for sharing this emotional tribue
Hugs,Kathy

Meg said...

This is so incredibly stunning. Just wow! What an amazing tribute!

Anthonette said...

Amazing project, Shari! I love how you incorporated so much of your mom's life into it. I love it!

Paul B said...

A stunning and extremely beautiful canvas. This post reminds me so much of your book Layers and how your thoughts and feelings go into your pieces. I love the white, ethereal quality of the piece, heightened by the text which has been covered by tissue. Legible but also slightly off focus. You have produced a meaningful work of art which perfectly expresses your memories. This is the best post I've seen on a craft-related blog that I've ever come across . Pxx

Nancy Wethington said...

Absolutely beautiful!

print photos onto canvas said...

Love the art! your work is oustanding!!! What a unique style you have.Thanks for sharing Keep it up...!!

Isla said...

This is absolutely beautiful. What a unique and loving tribute to your Mum, with each element having its own significance. Taking it all in brings a lump to my throat!

debbie said...

this is so gorgeous and what a wonderful tribute to your mom!

Kathy Martin said...

Wow! Fantastic! A work of art! :)

Anne said...

Wow Shari this is a GORGEOUS piece of artwork! What a fabulous way to pay tribute to your mother.

Jen Gallacher said...

What a lovely tribute to your mother!

judy said...

Thanks for sharing both your beautiful work and the process of making it. It is not only striking
to the eye but also very touching
and beautiful to the soul.

Jess said...

This is so beautiful. I hope you will feel peaceful when you look at it. (Hugs)

Elena C said...

I, too, want to thank you for sharing so much of your inner self. The piece is absolutely beautiful...and the story behind it makes it memorable!!! It would not have meant half as much to me if you didn't have the story behind it as to how it was made and why... I have never seen that before, and you can bet I will always think of why I'm doing what I'm doing from now on.
You are a true BLESSING to your readers.
e

Anita Rex said...

Shari this is so beautiful. I love how all the different aspects represent your mother. Such a special piece that will remind you of your mother for years to come.

Barbara said...

This is a beautiful work of art and a stunning tribute to your Mother! It is a lovely way to celebrate her life and we thank you for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! What a beautiful tribute to your mother!

Judy Lamers said...

Just lovely Shari. Glad you shared it with us.

Joyce across the Pond said...

I'm so glad Jennifer McGuire gave the link on her blog...this is a stunning creation...a fitting tribute to a great person, your Mom.Thanks for sharing it with us and explaining how you arrived at this wonderful piece of art.

Lynne Forsythe said...

Oh my Dear Friend.....Shari Carroll....what a beautiful tribute! Brought a tear to my eye...the love you put into this...and all the special meanings!! A big huge hug to you!!!

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

So incredibly beautiful, Shari! Both the piece and your description of the process brought tears to my eyes! Sorry about the loss of your mom and so moved by your tribute! Hugs, Linda W.

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing both the process and the personal

jintyoo7 said...

Shari, your mum's tribute is exquisite and how you worked the whole process out, is just full love. I was very close to tears. I no longer have my mum and was going to create a scrapbook for myself and siblings but your tribute has inspired to do otherwise, more than words can say. You are an incredible artist. Thank you.

Dotty Jo said...

A breathtaking piece of art Shari, and a wonderful tribute to your Mom. I am deeply moved and cannot thank you enough for sharing this wonderful work with us, Jo x

Cathy P in AZ said...

This is sooo beautiful - in every way from the artistic to the sentimental value. What a fabulous tribute to your mom! I have tears in my eyes as I type this...and I am sure your mom would have loved it too. Thanks for sharing this work of art and love.

Sonia said...

Hello~ this is absolutely divine. It is elegant, meaningful, rich & so full of grace which leaps off the canvas. You did an incredible job!
Simply marvelous. I am sure your mom is smiling down from heaven every glimpse she gets.
Thank you for sharing such a truly personal reflection in your art.

Eveline said...

What a marvellous tribute to your mother. You'll enjoy looking at it and remembering your mother.
Eveline.

Agata said...

Amazing!!! THanks for sharing the creative thoughts and process!

Cindy Lyles said...

This piece is so inspirational to me personally - an incredible piece of Art, and I thoroughly enjoyed you explaining the details, or layers, that went into the symbolism behind the embellishments. Amazing - absolutely amazing!!

Anonymous said...

Shari, you must feel so much JOY for making this beautiful remembrance of your mom, but also because of the way it has touched so many of us with whom you were gracious enough to share it. Thank you for sharing - and explaining each detail - it makes it even more beautiful. You are truly talented and when you use it to create such beautiful art you honor the One who blessed you!

Joanne said...

I have never seen a more beautiful and meaningful piece of art. I am so glad you have shared this with us. Thank you.
Luv Joanne xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Shari, this is just so beautiful I have been here three or four times a day just looking at it again, and again and each time I find something new. It prompted me to buy your book which arrived this morning. The hoover is where I left it in the middle of the room when the postman came, the book eagerly read and already some tags made. Thank you for sharing so much.

donna mikasa said...

Absolutely beautiful and so meaningful. I've visited this post several times just to admire the sheer beauty. Thank you for sharing.

Linda said...

Oh my lord, HOW DID I MISS THIS? What a stunning tribute to your mum! Simply GORGEOUS!!!!

Jeffy said...

What a beautiful piece !!! Wonderful !!!

Lynlee said...

Amazingly beautiful! Thank you :)

Anonymous said...

I normally don't like to place comments but this project is soooo beautiful and mean so much that I just have to say: keep going, you are doing beautiful art that touch people really deep... thanks for sharing this.

Stephanie said...

Oh wow. This is so incredible! It makes me want to make one for my mom, for her new scrap space... but her birthday is in 6 days... maybe for Christmas ;)
Thanks for posting!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful,Wow, amazing, lovely, georgeous, I love this peice of art work. It is breath taking. My mother passed away two years the end of this month. This is such a special tribute to your mother. Thanks for sharing!!!!!

vaishali sabnani said...

AMAZING WORK...ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS...!!!totally bold over!

Jensters said...

This is so amazing and how you explain your thoughts behind it....well done you a great memory of you Mum x

Angela said...

You have inspired me! This is so soft, elegant and truly a beautiful tribute to your mother. I just love it.

Anonymous said...

Stunning ! wow! the thought you put into this is a beautiful thing! It is truely a creation from the heart.

Susan said...

This is the most beautiful piece . . . I am so inspired to do one reflective of my Mom who has been gone for 10 years now. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt work.

Jan☺ said...

The piece, the creative process and the philosophy behind it-all beautiful. I am sure your Mom was proud to have you as her daughter.

Barb Ghig said...

Oh my, what a GORGEOUS project! Thank you so much for your inspiration!!!

Anonymous said...

Very inspiring and absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

The Colour Press said...

Stunning.

selena said...

il est superbe, j adore!