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Saturday, January 25, 2014

The search for the perfect image...


Well hello there crafty peeps. I really must start including friends in my salutation too because I do have some dedicated followers that happen to be friends that aren’t the crafty type. They help keep me motivated as well by simply telling me how much they love seeing and being the recipients of some of my work.
So, a big thank you is going out to all of my wonderful followers for all your words of praise and encouragement; both on and off this lil ole blog of mine. They are truly appreciated.

I hope you are all well and settled into the new year of 2014. As I sit and type this post there just so happens to be another blizzard taking place outside my window. It started last evening and will continue into tomorrow. I don’t know where you live, but here in Southern Ontario this winter has been a non-typical one. I’m sure the vast majority of us living here feel that we are definitely going to be entitled to the best spring/summer that Mother Nature can conjure up!!! Do you hear that Madam???

I’m here to share with you a card that I made for a friend. It’s probably the most difficult one that I’ve ever made. It is a sympathy card; made out of respect for what I perceive to be the most difficult loss in this world; the loss of a child.

I had to search for the perfect image because just anyone wouldn't do. You see, my friend lost her beautiful 5 year old daughter, and I choke on those words each and every time I say or write them.
 
Sweet Tayah lost her brave battle with Neuroblastoma just before Christmas. This unimaginable loss has deeply affected me and I cannot imagine what it is like for her family that are left behind. The only comfort to be taken is the fact that she is no longer suffering.
 I found what I perceived to be the perfect image for my card at A Day For Daisies.
It is called Mama Snuggle and I hope you can understand why I chose it.
 
 
I printed the image onto Neenah cardstock and then colored it with my Copic markers.
Hair – E99 Y23 YR23, 24
Skin – E50, 51 E21, R20 E000, 0000
Flowers – YG61, 63, 67 RV91, 93,95
 
 
Here is a closer look at this gorgeous image...
 
 
 
 
The next difficult task I was faced with was finding words, where no words exist to express how I feel about a loss of this magnitude.
 
 
You can see what I wrote on the front and this is what I wrote on the inside…
 
I truly don’t know how anyone survives this loss; perhaps they never do and are simply forced to tuck it away somewhere deep inside and carry on.
I followed a sketch, but unfortunately I can’t remember where I saw it. I really should write it down because by the time I finish something using it the sketch challenge is usually over, LOL. However, I do like to give credit where credit is due, so sorry about that.
The papers are from my stash and I made the flowers using a Martha Stewart punch. The little extras are Viva Decor pearl pens, stickles and a pearl stick pin.  
Well crafty peeps and friends alike that’s it for today.
I hope you all have a pleasant weekend, no matter the weather. 
Thanks for stopping by my blog today, and I hope to be back before too long.
 :) S
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

8 comments:

  1. Hi sweetie!
    This must be the most beautiful card you've ever made.
    The image is so beautiful, and that in combination with the sad occasion, brought tears in my eyes.
    The words are very well chosen.
    It must have been so hard to make this card with your friends and their daughter in mind.
    Hugs and kisses, Sandra

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  2. Sandra, You have made one of the most beautiful and hardest card to ever make. You have captured the true meaning of love and loss with your words and the mother and child is the most elegant beauty of everlasting love. I pray for the family and you to deal with this unbearable loss. My heart is so sad.
    Hugs, Pat

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  3. Well, your story and card tore at my heart. I cannot imagine losing a child either--nor do I want to. But the sentiments on your card are absolutely beautiful and healing, Sandra. You couldn't have said anything better if you tried.
    The card and image are gorgeous. Your coloring is wonderful, as always. I would think that this card will be treasured by your friend all the days of her life.
    And may Mother Nature be kind to you this spring. Wish I could send you some of our weather--it is too good to be true at the moment. Of course, when you finally warm up we will be roasting, so you can't have it all I guess. :^)
    Big hugs, Penny

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  4. OMG Sandra. I'm still wipping a tear away, I couldn't imagine losing a little angel and keep on living with this terrible loss. your card and image are perfect for this sad occasion. I love how you coloured them and your words are beautiful beyond belief. great job. Hugs, Brigitte

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  5. Gosh Sandra, it doesn't seem right to say what a wonderful card it is considering it's purpose but you have done a lovely job on this. Gorgeous colouring on that very emotive image and the words you chose are so very apt for such a terribly sad situation.
    We haven't had a blizzard here (yet) but it's so darn cold!! I've had more than enough of winter as have you I'm sure. I also wanted to say thanks for all your lovely comments on my blog - very much appreciated and it's always so nice to hear from you :)

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  6. Beautiful and heartfelt card and sentiment, Sandra. So sorry to hear about Tayah.
    Hugz,
    Roxann

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  7. What a beautiful card. My best wishes for your friend. Sadly I understand the feeling because I went through the same about 7 years ago. Although as you say, one never recovers, with time, you can remember your child with a mixture of grieve and happiness, and treasure the memories because they make you happy in some way. I love the image and I'm planning to use it for a card for a new mum, however I understand why you chose it. Best wishes

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    1. Hello Aurora, thank you for your insightful words about the loss of a child. I'm sorry to hear that you too suffered the loss of your child 7 years ago. I appreciate knowing that with time a person can find comfort in the fond memories they have. I'm glad you using this gorgeous image for a happier occasion, take care. Sandra Dow

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