When Creativity Becomes Something More
Has anything ever hit you so hard that it just stays with you? That you can’t get it out of your head? This has happened to me a few times, but this is the first time I felt I could actually do something.
The Story That Started It All
If you have been part of the digital scrapbooking world for any length of time, you probably recognize the name Anna Aspnes. She is, without question, one of the premier designers in our community. She is also someone whose work I have admired for years, not just for its beauty, but for its depth, originality, and storytelling.
So when Anna shared the story of her young niece, Carissa, it stopped me. Carissa had been in a horrific automobile accident and suffered traumatic brain injuries. The images Anna shared of her head wrapped in bandages were devastating. There are some things you see that you cannot unsee and this was one of them.
Even now, I have to take a breath when I think about it.
Why I Said Yes Without Hesitation
When Anna reached out to the design community and asked if we would contribute to a bundle to help offset the cost of Carissa’s lifelong medical care, I did not hesitate. Not even for a second. Because this was not about creating another kit. This was about showing up.
And I think that matters. It matters that we show up, not just when it is easy, but when something calls to us in a deeper way.
From Idea to Something More
A mini kit contribution was all Anna asked of us. But, for some reason (whch I don’t fully understand, even now) I wasn’t able to stop at a few elements and paper. I mean, really don’t know Anna or Carissa or have any connection to them. So other than the obvious feelings anyone would have about the situation, I had no idea why I felt so compelled to create. But I do have a step-daughter and a grandaughter. I remember clearly when my step-daughter was old enough to drive and venture out on her own. I remember the anxiety we felt every single time she was late coming home. And although my grandaughter is still very young, I know that those worries — and hopes and dreams for her — will be the same.
Working on this project allowed brought up all those things that while very heavy, were also somehow uplifiting. And that is how Still She Flies came to be.
The Meaning Behind Still She Flies
I kept coming back to those images of Carissa’s bandages and how heavy they felt. Anna told us that Carissa loves butterflies (which you know I do too) and I kept imagining her head wrapped in butterflies rather than those bandages. They weren’t hiding her, they were lifting her up.
Every part of this kit carries meaning.
- Butterflies represent transformation, fragility, and resilience.
- Layering and transparency reflect the complexity of healing.
- Soft, worn textures suggest time, patience, and quiet progress.
- Muted tones with light accents hint at hope breaking through.
- The stitches might be my favorite part, not because they are decorative, but because of what they represent: mending, but not perfect repair or a return to the way things were. But more like careful, intentional healing, piece by piece.
- And then there are the words: Even in silence her spirit moves. Still she flies.
To me, strength does not always look “loud”. Sometimes it is quiet, powerful and determined. Gosh. Sorry to sound so deep, but I’m just sharing with you what was going on in my mind.
My Layout and the Meaning Behind It
I wanted to create a page that reflected that idea of strength, not a page to just show off the kit. SO, I leaned into the symbolism even more.
The butterflies surrounding and wrapping her are not there as decoration. To me, they represent protection, transformation, and hope. The stitching layered into the background and are her face is there for a reason too. It is not front and center, but it is always present, quietly suggesting the slow, careful work of mending. The repetition of “still she files’ represents the determination and dedication of Carissa and her family. This page is not just about Carissa. It is about resilience and healing. And maybe, in some small way, it is about those same qualities in myself — and in all of us.
A Community That Shows Up
One of the most beautiful parts of this project is that I was not alone. More than 45 designers came together for this. We all have different styles, different voices and different stories. But we are all showing up for the same reason.
And every single dollar from this bundle goes directly toward Carissa’s recovery and ongoing care. Not a portion. Not after expenses. Every dollar. And I’m thrilled to report as of the publishing of this post, we are already at 3/4 of our target sales!
Create for Carissa Bundle
Explore the full collection, including a beautiful interactive flipbook showcasing contributions from more than 45 designers.
Ready to be part of something meaningful?
Get the Create for Carissa Bundle
My kit, Still She Flies, is included exclusively in this bundle and is not available anywhere else.
A Final Thought
We talk a lot about storytelling in scrapbooking, about capturing memories and preserving moments. But sometimes storytelling becomes something more. Sometimes it becomes a way to hold space for someone else’s story — to honor it, to suport it, and to stand by it. This is one of those times.
And if you choose to be part of this bundle, you are not just buying digital art, you are showing up, too. And for that, I will be forever grateful — and I know Anna, Carissa and her family, will be too.
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