Apron Strings

This is "Apron Strings", an ATC that I made for a private swap. It's one of my most favorites from the last month or so. I love the way the frayed ends look like they are reaching for each other in places, as if they would weave themselves back together if only they had the chance. While making this card I was thinking about how moms are encouraged to "cut those apron strings", yet those same moms who follow that advice and separate from their kids prematurely are often the ones who yearn to have those "apron string" days back later on. What if we didn't cut them? What if we encouraged our kids and trusted them to let go when they are ready instead? Would we still yearn for those early years or would we be content to know that our kids moved on when the time was right? Maybe all is well and we don't need to cut the apron strings in order to let our kids fly.

This piece was created on illustration board using acrylic paints, rice paper, cotton trim and gold and black inks.