Sunday, January 3, 2010

In Loving Memory




A few weeks before Christmas I asked some art friends about their opinion about what I can make for my niece for Christmas who lost her baby in utero at the end of July. This would be a bittersweet Christmas for her and I just wanted to let her know that we hadn't forgot. I got so many great suggestions it was hard to decide what to go with. Jewelry was a little too personal. An ornament was a good idea but I wanted something she could see all year, not just Christmas time. I decided on a simple little wooden plaque. I layered the background with vintage children's book text, lots of pretty paint and printed with bubble wrap. A few flourishes, some jewels the color of her birthstone in a set of three representing her family (mom, dad, brother) and an ever blooming flower. I stamped the words and added chipboard letters for her name. I think my niece liked it because it made her cry. I included a little stand so she can display it next to the tiny urn that holds her daughter's ashes. Thank you everyone for the ideas and the compassion.

On a happier note, I wanted to share a little project that my daughter made for her dad for Christmas. She's a pack rat like me and sees the usefulness in everyday items like matchboxes and mint tins. (Which reminds me, my mint tin is still in the fireplace where I charbroiled it...) She made a little shrine.


She made little people out of her and her dad and made them holding hands. She wrote "there is nothing better than going to the arboretum with your dad." She cut out trees and poofy cotton ball clouds and layered them to make them 3D. Very sweet. I think he really liked it. He thought using the mint tin was very cool.

We'll get him over to the art-side yet...

17 comments:

  1. So touching, what a wonderful gift!!

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  2. She's your DD alright!! What a very touching and unique gift, Lisa... bless her!
    On another note - the pics you took of your tree are amazing. They really do look like mini snow globes, don't they? At first I thought they might be resin?

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  3. What a loving tribute for your niece. I know she will always treasure it. And you have a very creative family - your husband is a very lucky man.

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  4. These are both lovely and thoughtful gifts.

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  5. What a beautiful thoughtful gift. They are sure to treasure it. And such a creative little girl you have! The tin reminds me of our "paper dolls" prompt. I adore how cute everyone looks.

    -Sarah

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  6. Oh Lisa
    The plaque you made for Amy is beautiful and the tin Celia made is just wonderful. What a lovely creative family you are!!!

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  7. Lovely memorial and your daughters tin is just perfect too!

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  8. Love your memorial placque - very sweet, and beautiful. I was also so touched by your daughter's little mint tin shrine. She is quite the artist already! Just had to comment because it put a big smile on my face this morning.

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  9. Very tasteful. She should appreciate that someone understands that she is in a lot of emotional pain. Most people don't know what to say so they say nothing. (I know) As for your daughter, I wish my son loved art they way I do. Your lucky!

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  10. A lovely, loving memorial!

    Your daughters little clasped hands are the perfect touch!

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  11. LisaC - These are both such touching pieces! I would have cried too... I'm glad you made this for her and it looks like your daughter is a great artist herself. :-)

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  12. Your memorial plaque is beautiful and touching.

    What a great designer your DD is.

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  13. As always, your work is truly beautiful! I am sure the plaque you made for Amy will be treasured forever. Very touching!

    Also, your daughter's project is very clever. You both are so very creative!
    xox
    -T

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  14. Both pieces are wonderful. I'm sure your niece was very happy someone is still treasuring the memories of her lost little one.

    Your daughter did a great job.

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  15. hi lisa...i'm just checking out your blog. we are both signed up for a class on suzi blu. you have some great things going. i am loving how creative your daughter was. the hands she drew for herself and her dad were so sweet.
    glad i found you.
    c

    www.chrissygardner.blogspot.com

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  16. That was so thoughtful of you Lisa. It's beautiful.
    I love what your daughter made for her daddy!! so creative :)

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