Dance like nobody's watching;
love like you've never been hurt.
Sing like nobody's listening;
live like it's heaven on earth.
~ Mark Twain
Yay!
The first canvas for Aoife's room is done!
I have to admit I was a bit nervous about it. I mean, come on, the girl wanted pink and purple for Pete's sake...talk about taking me out of my comfort zone!
But I did it! So yay me!
Her other stipulation was it had to have a ballet/ dance theme. Thankfully that wasn't as hard because we both share that little obsession. Phew!
In order to make it as personal and as meaningful as possible I used special papers celebrating her firsts for the background (like a certificate celebrating her first haircut, her first drawing of us as a family of four, her first passport, her birth announcement...), the wall paint we used in her room, and the tie- back from her new curtains to create the tutu (we used a different ones in the room), as well as little special symbols dotted around the place.
I love that her drawing of me (from that first drawing of us as a family of four) shows through down the bottom of the painting. I see so much symbolism in that. That is how I want to be as a parent. I want to raise capable, independent adults, who live their own lives and follow their own dreams, but know that I am always behind them, supporting them and cheering them on.
it's lovely :)
Posted by: Deborah Mortlock | 05/30/2012 at 01:47 PM
Thanks Deborah!
Posted by: Carin | 05/30/2012 at 02:13 PM
Oh Carin... YAY you... definitely!!! This is just beautiful... and I LOVE the meaningful ephemera that you have used in the background... such a stunning and creative piece... filled and made with love to adorn Aoife's wall... I bet she adores it... well done Carin... and awesome words about what you want as a parent... so lovely...
Hugs
Jenny x
Posted by: Jenny | 05/30/2012 at 02:25 PM
I love it Carin!! It is beautiful and she will treasure it forever!
Posted by: Paty Shaulis | 05/30/2012 at 03:21 PM
Oh my goodness I LOVE This, so glad it is going to someone who will love it, but a part of me wants it for myself teehee. I think that's a good thing I think art should be something you want to bring home with you and cherish
Posted by: Meg | 05/30/2012 at 04:30 PM
What a beautiful painting, and so special with all the bits and pieces you included! Love the colours and the pretty ballerina, and the details on the side of the canvas. Wonderful job!
Posted by: Nordljus | 06/01/2012 at 01:13 PM
Thank you so much Jenny! It was certainly infused with love. Hugs to you too.
Posted by: Carin | 06/01/2012 at 01:47 PM
Thank you Paty!
Posted by: Carin | 06/01/2012 at 01:48 PM
Thank you Meg! So glad you enjoy my art!
Posted by: Carin | 06/01/2012 at 01:51 PM
Thank you Katja!
Posted by: Carin | 06/01/2012 at 01:52 PM
It is perfect!!!
My younger granddaughter loves pink . . . and I don't! It's become a joke between us.
Posted by: Vicky | 06/01/2012 at 02:31 PM
That is great work Carin - well done you! :-)
Posted by: tinajo | 06/01/2012 at 09:46 PM
WOW - this is AWESOME!!! Really beautiful job mama! And I loved reading about all the personal touches - especially the idea of including one of her own drawings. AND I think you did a brilliant job with pink and purple - the green really makes it all pop! xoxo
Posted by: Kristin Van Valkenburgh | 06/01/2012 at 10:31 PM
I was behind - just read my sweet PPF comment. AND yes - opening Etsy this year!!! xoxo
Posted by: Kristin Van Valkenburgh | 06/02/2012 at 01:15 AM
Vilken fin present till din dotter! Jag gillar verkligen att du använt små symboliska saker som passar just henne - och som ingen annan behöver veta om.
Posted by: Elin Folkesson | 06/02/2012 at 11:02 AM
This is absolutely beautiful - and so meaningful, I'm almost speechless. Gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Kathy | 06/08/2012 at 03:34 AM
This piece of art for your daughter is GORGEOUS!! I've been interested in mixed-media for awhile, but haven't really done much yet. This is a beautiful example of mixed-media with heart and meaning. Yay You!
(I'm from Liv's class too.)
Posted by: Dara Dokas | 06/10/2012 at 11:06 PM
Hi Carin! I've been trying to get to comment on this post for over a week. I love this piece you did for Aoife.
Was looking over your more recent posts--kids are looking cuter than ever!
Posted by: Lisa C | 07/14/2012 at 06:24 AM