Free to Be

Oops ~ I see that I cut of the font in my original post. I used Pea Aimee.

Karis, I think your layout is just fabulous! AND I GET it! I think I like that you left it open for individual interpretation - that's the mark of a true artist and you certainly are among the true artists! Beautifully done - very, very creative!

Karis, I think your layout is just fabulous! AND I GET it! I think I like that you left it open for individual interpretation - that's the mark of a true artist and you certainly are among the true artists! Beautifully done - very, very creative!

Thank you Sara......so much for the compliments. This was a bittersweet project for me. I got an e-mail from Chloe's dad today, who I also sent the LO too. He said he felt he needed to check his mail, even though he's on vacation in Eluthera right now, and saw the photo and wept big crocodile tears. They have had a bit of an estranged relationship this past year and he too got the symbolism. Amazing what photos can do to elicit emotion.

Very interesting and clever. Really a great layout. Love it.

Great job and sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to words. i love the birdcage cluster in the middle - that says a lot right there. well done and itsn't it fun to try new techniques?!

So many times I think the lesson is in the journey and just look at where you have been with this page! Wonderful.

Wow! This is an amazing layout. I love the various pictures of Chloe and that fantastic birdcage in the middle. Lovely colors and blends throughout.

Oh Karis! What can I say!?! I cried reading the intro! What an amazing tribute to your beautiful amazing daughter :-) The symbolism works and as the others say - less is more. The freedom of the birds, flying out of their cage, which i took to represent the mind and how it can hold you back is powerful and the colours you have used breathtaking. I don't know how you did the digital painting but you have outdone yourself. This is STUNNING!

Oh Karis! What can I say!?! I cried reading the intro! What an amazing tribute to your beautiful amazing daughter :-) The symbolism works and as the others say - less is more. The freedom of the birds, flying out of their cage, which i took to represent the mind and how it can hold you back is powerful and the colours you have used breathtaking. I don't know how you did the digital painting but you have outdone yourself. This is STUNNING!

Thank you so much Jode for your sweet and thoughtful comments. The birdcage represents a number of freedoms ~ though you've hit one of the nails squarely on the head. The digital painting is a technique I was trying out from the book "Digital Expressions" which I've come to love!! So much to learn. With PSE there are so many different filters we can use, such as the "watercolor" filter applied to the center photo on the left of this layout; however, the painting is done "freehand" with a variety of dry mask brushes, cloning tool and changes in opacity. The book gives some step-by-step instructions. It has been a great addition to my ever-growing library!

Very touching and beautiful layout. Thank you for sharing.

cool, fabulous layout. so creative.

This certainly is a work of art, Karis. Oh my. Very artistically done without being overdone. Gorgeous.