Challenge 61: The 5 Stages of Grief

[Amber]

"Is there anything in this life but grief?"

Oh my lordy, it's time for my second challenge! Prepare for the waterworks, folks. Cause I'm hittin the big, red emotion button hard this time.

Grief is considered a normal, human life process. It happens to everyone at some point, and is not always as a result of death. Grief can happen after a serious loss, or disappointment, loss of a limb, divorce, estrangement from family, and most notably, death. Many become entangled in a struggle called the 5 Stages of Grief, the process that many go through in order to gain a grasp on their feelings of loss. Some never reach acceptence, and instead stall in one of the first 4 stages. The five stages are as follows:

1. Denial and Isolation.
At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer. Could be days, weeks, even months.

2. Anger.
The grieving person may then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she/he's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He/she may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.

3. Bargaining.
Now the grieving person may make bargains with God/higher powers, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?" In the case of a spouse, it may be attempting to make a deal with the leaving spouse. "Will you stay if I do this?" or begging.

4. Depression.
The person feels numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath. Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration, bitterness, self pity, mourning loss of person as well as the hopes, dreams and plans for the future.

5. Acceptance.
This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss. Finding the good that can come out of the pain of loss.

For your entries, I would you to choose a stage and run with it. It doesn't necessarily have to be about death, although it can be. It can be about the loss of a friendship, relationship, or even the loss of a bodily part (i.e. poor Xander's eye), just a loss of some kind has to have taken place.

Please list what stage you are depicting, and if you would be so kind, what loss has taken place. Feel free to explain a little how you think they are feeling if you would like.


Deadline: March 19th (4 weeks from now)

Entries: I'd like if you guys could cover each stage but I know you may have more than one idea for each stage so I'll say 7. Then, if you do five but have another idea, it won't go to waste.

Fandoms: Angel, Buffy, C.S.I. (Vegas only), Dead Like Me, Dexter, Firefly/Serenity, Friends, Heroes, Lost, Nip/Tuck, Supernatural (I'm trying to catch up so I may not have seen it, PLEASE give an explanation since I probably haven't seen it. I know a lot of people love it though, so it's allowed), Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, That 70's Show, Sex and the City, Scrubs, Veronica Mars, Weeds. And also movies are allowed but if it's something maybe a little obscure provide an explanation.

Providing your resources isn't a must, but it's always nice to give credit to those who deserve it.

[Bre]

Entry One: Dream On
Category: Denial

http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/buffy/episodes/innocence_dreamon_mini.jpg
1024 (http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/buffy/episodes/innocence_dreamon.jpg)

So... I feel like... I should say... Great minds think alike, because this was going to be my next challenge. :p Curses! Except it was going to be just death, but... whatever. :hug: and boo on you. :xd

Alas! On to my first entry. I chose the scene in 'Innocence' when Buffy is talking to Angelus in the hallway when he first reveals himself to the Scoobies, how she is trying to understand what has happened to him, grasping at straws because she refuses to believe that he has changed into this monster, especially because it would have been her fault (in her eyes) because they made love on her birthday, and how he throws it all back in her face, especially the 'schoolgirl' comment, referencing back, IMO, to what he thought of their love making. Wow, talk about run-on sentences. :p

Textures: Salt 'N Burn, Radiance
Gradients: Mine, Default
Images: Screencap Paradise
Text: Episode

[Jenni Lou]

Well, I always like to take advantage in challenges when the person who hosts allows fandom that I rarely see permitted in others and that I don't tend ot art as often. And because I recently rewatched this episode, Sex and the City's "The Post-It Always Sticks Twice" it is! :D

I chose Carrie's break-up with Berger. She is so angry in this episode--and rightfully so--and she actually goes through most of the stages of grief but the anger is the one that is most prevalent. So I hope you like it. :)

I also recently got an HD widescreen monitor so I have no idea how all my new stuff is going to look for everyone else! :s

http://fractured-simplicity.net/daydreaming/fanart/albums/satc/ep/normal_thepostitalwaysstickstwice.jpg (http://fractured-simplicity.net/daydreaming/fanart/displayimage.php?pos=-1911)

credits: me, except for some stocks from sxc.

[ciderdrinker]

For my entry I've chosen the first stage Denial and Isolation

(I feel a bit bad about this because if you haven't seen the final episodes of Supernatural season 2 it's gonna really spoil the impact, but it is just too fitting for this challenge...)


At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts.

After Sam is killed Dean refuses to eat and virtually throws Bobby out of the place where they're holed up, just keeping a vigil by Sam. Isolating himself from anyone, to try and come to terms with his death.

Wounds

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/ciderdrinker/Thumbnails/Wounds.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/ciderdrinker/Wounds.jpg

Credits:
Images: PAAP
Texture: Crossing Shadows
Words: My Immortal, Evanescence

Galathea - I was really inspired to do a piece in your style. Your stuff is so beautiful to look at and the colours are always sumptuous. Your love for the show shines through in your work, and so I thought to do a SN piece in this style was fitting. Thanks hun for the inspiration, and I hope my attempt to use your style doesn't offend you!

[debbiefm]

I love the idea of this challenge:hug:

ENTRY ONE - Stage 4 Depression

When I read through the challenge I immediately thought of the episode After Life for this stage. Buffy confides in Spike and tells him that after she died she thinks she was in heaven. Buffy is in a major funk about being back as she feels she was at peace, complete and happy. She feels sad and numb about being alive again and having to live in this world with all the pain,violence and hard decisions, especially after knowing what's it's like on the other side. She feels a real sadness/loss for heaven and the person/spirit whatever,she was. That's about it...not really about the loss of another person/thing more about the loss of who she was and how she felt.:D

Stuck In A Hell Dimension
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1059/stuckinahelldimensionys1.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stuckinahelldimensionys1.jpg)


Credits:
Images: screencap paradise
Textures: colorblinded, misplaced, bronze.ambition
Stocks: sxc.hu
Brushes: photoshop
Words: from the episode

[Nikki]

First challenge I've been able to make something for in a long long time :D

Mine is Bargaining and it's from Angel season 3. I always liked this scene, and it seemed to really fit this challenge :)

Bargaining
http://moments.misplaced.co.uk/art/angel/s3/bargainingthumb.jpg
800 (http://moments.misplaced.co.uk/art/angel/s3/bargaining800.jpg) || 1024 (http://moments.misplaced.co.uk/art/angel/s3/bargaining.jpg)

Caps: SP || Texture: Mine || Gradients: Mine

[debbiefm]

My second entry is for the first stage, Denial & Isolation

After the events of Becoming where she had to kill Angel, Buffy flees to LA and becomes Anne. She cannot face what she had to do, what she lost. She isolates herself from her friends, family and most importantly her calling as the Slayer. She just wants to be normal and I think that's pretty much it for the explainy bit....brain isn't working:D


ENTRY TWO

Walking Away
http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5561/walkingawaysz1.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=walkingawaysz1.jpg)
Credits:
Images: screencap paradise
Textures: colorblinded, oxoniensis
Filters: xero
Words: me!

[Nicki]

Here is my entry

5. Acceptance.

This is when Buffy finally accepts that Angel is gone.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/bsbsigs/Buffy%20fanart/th_Passion_Surprise011024.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/bsbsigs/Buffy%20fanart/Passion_Surprise011024.jpg)

Pictures: Screencap Paradise
Textures: Reflection, Ugly Business

[Cinderela]

Fabulous idea for a challenge! For my first piece, I chose Dexter, because it's so unusual in the way death and grieving are shown.

Dexter has always thought of his foster father, Harry, as his hero. Harry didn't abandon Dexter when he found out about Dexter's desire to kill. Instead, Harry taught Dexter to turn his killing desires into something good - Dexter only kills murders that can't be brought to justice in the normal manner. This is a piece about acceptance, because Dexter accepts his father's death and pays tribute to him by carrying on with Harry's Code. "The Code of Harry" is Dexter's way of keeping Harry's memory alive, by living the way Harry taught him to live.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/cinderela/Grieve-Dexter-Thumb-1.jpg


The Code of Harry (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/cinderela/Grieve-Dexter.jpg)

My second entry is for the "Depression" phase of grief. Piper on Charmed dealt with the death of her older sister, Pru, by becoming a SuperWitch. She went on rampages, seeking out and killing as many demons as she could find, with no regard to her own safety or that of her family. She refused to deal with her pain and loss until she was "infected" by a Fury (a demon that is exactly what the name implies). The only way to break the spell of the demon is by letting all her bitterness and feelings of loss out. I chose the spiral blur to try to depict the confused, twisted way Piper was feeling until she acknowledged and dealt with her feelings about her sister's death.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/cinderela/Thumb-Grieve-for-Prue.jpg

Grieve for Pru (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/cinderela/Grieve-for-Prue.jpg)

Awesome challenge idea! These pieces here are outstanding! :hug:

[Bre]

Entry Two: One Year Only
Category: Bargaining

http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/supernatural/episodes/ahbl2_oneyearonly_mini.jpg
1024 (http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/supernatural/episodes/ahbl2_oneyearonly.jpg)

So I saw another Supernatural entry earlier in this challenge and it gave me the idea for bargaining when Dean goes to see the RED to exchange his soul for Sam's life, for a certain amount of time to live. I mostly wanted to show the demon in this piece, to show the bargaining that did take place in this scene, and what brought it about as well as Dean in the background, the soon-be-product of the deal. It's kind of a remake of an earlier piece of mine of the same scene, but I wanted more RED-focus as opposed to Dean everywhere. I used the same text and idea as my first entry because I'm under the crazy notion that my entries will be a kind of series about the five stages of grief. :p

Textures: Salt'n Burn, Radiance, Black Lagoon
Gradients: Mine
Images: marishna, stock.xchnge
Text: Episode

[Josh Grey]

I am going for the obvious, Joyce's death, Buffy's lose.

I have two pieces for you. One depression, one denial.

Something You Can't Replace

Denial
Buffy chooses not to believe her mom is dead. She denies it at first, and not until she actually says it, she doesn't believe it.
Example:
BUFFY: (putting her hand on Joyce's) She's cold.

Beat.

911 OPERATOR: The body's cold?
BUFFY: No, my mom! Sh-should I make her warm?

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8210/thebodysomethingyoucantsb8.jpg

Resources used for this image:
Screencaptures: http://www.screencap-paradise.com/
Textures: Only the scratchy ones, which I don't remember from where. if anyone does, give me a shove.
Gradients: http://saltnburn.misplaced.co.uk/, http://left-unspoken.net/shadowoftheday/
Lyrics: Coldplay/The Scientist

Depression:
At that point, Buffy is really depressed. She is stuck at a moment, where everything is blah (couldn't described it diffrently... I think.)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1931/stuckinamomentpp7.jpg

Resources used on this wallpaper:
Screencaptures: http://www.screencap-paradise.com/
Textures: http://www.left-unspoken.net/radiance/ , http://www.obsessionofthemoment.com/ .
Gradients: http://saltnburn.misplaced.co.uk/ .

Great challenge.

Josh.

[Pandora's_Box]

Category 3
Bargaining

This is Dawn trying to bring her mom back with Doc's spell.

Yours (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f93/panbox002/panbox_buffywall_01/yours.jpg)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f93/panbox002/panbox_buffywall_01/yours2.jpg

Ressources: Daydreaming, DeviantArt
Caps: Screencap Paradise
Fonts: Daydreaming

[Amber]

I am LOVING the entries, great job everyone! I would like to remind you guys that there are only FOUR DAYS LEFT in this challenge, so if you would like to run in with your last minute entries, you are coming down to the wire! Thanks to everyone that has participated so far! :)

[alexa]

Wow just wanted to say how cool all these entries are
(I really love Nikki and Bre's pieces. :D), and I finally understand why the episode Willow brings Buffy back to life is called Bargaining. :p It just never clicked before as being one of the 5 stages of grief.

[Josh Grey]

This entry is about Acceptance.

In the episode Prophecy Girl, in season 1, Buffy finds out that she will fight the Master, and he will kill her. After a sea of tears, Buffy accepts her destiny and is going to face the master.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6083/propecygirlmaybeilltakelr1.jpg

Resources:
Caps: My own.
Textures: http://moments.misplaced.co.uk/, http://www.left-unspoken.net/radiance/ , http://adventurous.harbourlights.org .
Gradients: http://moments.misplaced.co.uk/ , http://saltnburn.misplaced.co.uk/ .

[Nikole]

Entry One: Depression

This is just about Wesley after Fred dies. He goes into a depression and just drinks a lot because of it.

I Wish I Could Pretend (http://harsh-light.org/wallpapers/tvshows/angel/wes1cte.jpg)

caps: SP
textures: misplaced
lyrics: sad and wonderful by hawksley workman


Entry Two: Acceptance

This one's about George from DLM finally accepting her death and unlife.

Not So Bad (http://harsh-light.org/wallpapers/tvshows/deadlikeme/george3te.jpg)

caps: striped wall
text: quote from episode

[Bre]

Entry Three: Just Let You Go?
Category: Anger

Mild Spoilers for Season Three of Supernatural:

http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/supernatural/episodes/bedtimestories_justletyougo_mini.jpg
1024 (http://www.primordialsouls.com/art/supernatural/episodes/bedtimestories_justletyougo.jpg)

For my anger entry, I wanted to show this moment between Sam and Dean in 'Bedtime Stories' when Dean basically tells Sam that he should let go of Dean because of Dean's lack of future, which is just damn brutal! Sam's reaction is subdued, but his disbelief and anger at the idea of Dean trying to tell Sam that he should just let go, just like that, is so palpable between them, when they just look at each other and Dean just walks away. I wanted to show the distance between the two of them here, definitely being felt in the entire third season, with the crack and the hands in the lower left corner, barely touching, almost as if they are being pulled apart. The clock in the background is supposed to represent the obvious, the time that Dean has left and the time that has passed, that he doesn't have long and Dean thinks Sam should just let him be, let him die without a fight. I also felt that this was a good scene because it leads to some very unlike Sam manners at the end of the episode, but this was so emotionally charged, I couldn't pass it up. As for the piece itself, it's very Sayjay-esque and I tried to keep up with the 'theme' idea I've had in my last few pieces. I've been moody lately, which is why all of them are so freakishly colored. :p Hope that all made sense.

Texture: Salt'n Burn, Radiance
Brushes: Misplaced
Gradients: Mine
Images: Striped Wall
Text: Episode

[alexa]

Is this still open? I made this today. :D
I realized that this episode is perfect for 'bargaining'. Willow was going grieving after Oz left and really wanted to avoid the depression stage, which lead to some wacky adventures.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/kangarulz/bargaining2.jpg (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/kangarulz/bargaining.jpg)

[Fuzzy]

Great challenge!! I hope i got in on time.... In Oz its the day after the challenge has ended but i know its still the 19th in some places so im hoping! :hf2:

Entry One/Stage One - Denial and Isolation

Gone?
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2403/isolationangelku3.th.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=isolationangelku3.jpg)
Credits
Images: Screencap Paradise.
Textures: Misplaced Moments.
Gradients: Misplaced Moments, Shadow Of The Day.

Explanation:
This moment happened just after Angel came back from losing Connor to Holtz, so hes by himself and shocked... not much else to it.
Entry Two/Stage Two - Anger

You Took My Son!
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4865/youtookmysonwq3.th.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/my.php?image=youtookmysonwq3.jpg)
Credits
Images: Screencap Paradise.
Textures: Misplaced Moments, More Adventurous.
Gradients: Misplaced Moments, Shadow Of The Day & a couple no sure of.

Explanation:
This of course is the moment where Angel tries to kill Wesley... Hes very angry as he should be so hes venting lol.

Entry Three/Stage Three - Bargaining

Bring Her Back!
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5159/bargainingwillownw0.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bargainingwillownw0.jpg)
Credits
Images: Screencap Paradise.
Textures: Misplaced Moments, Radience, Black Lagoon.
Gradients: Shadow Of The Day.

Explanation:
Tara has just died and Willow tries to make Osiris bring her back to life. I used a widescreen format so i could fit more in.
Entry Four/Stage Four - Depression

Oz Is Gone
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5939/depressionwillowhs1.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=depressionwillowhs1.jpg)
Credits
Images: Screencap Paradise, Pretty As A Picture, AUO Gallery.
Textures: Misplaced Moments.
Gradients: Misplaced Moments, Shadow Of The Day.
Brushes: Outspoken Kate.

Explanation:
This piece is about Willow's sadness and depression over the loss of her relationship with Oz.
Entry Five/Stage Five - Acceptence

You'll Go On

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1421/acceptenceangelmw7.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acceptenceangelmw7.jpg)
Credits
Images: Screencap Paradise.
Textures: Misplaced Moments.
Gradients: Shadow Of The Day, Call Her Green.

Explanation:
Angel's baby, his only baby ever is gone and he finally realises it....no need for Connors crib anymore.

[debbiefm]

*Rushes in for last minute entry.*

ENTRY THREE - Stage 2 Anger

This is about Giles anger towards Angelus after he kills Jenny and goes to kill him.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2549/paybackly0.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=paybackly0.jpg)
Credits
Images: screencap paradise
Textures: ugly business, colorblinded

[EndersWrath]

last minute entry!

I'm depicting good 'ol Depression

Darkest Hour
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c214/SheriffMars/darkesthour.jpg

Explanation:
As you said, "poor Xander's eye", and you couldn't be more right :( That line automatically inspired me for this challenge. I actually made this the day you posted the challenge, but I just could never get text to work how I wanted, so thus we get a last minute entry.

Anywho, I wanted to show this very tender moment between Willow and Xander where everything that has been guarded just kinda fades away and they melt into grief/sadness/depression. I originally had the text "Pain and Sorrow, two old friends of mine" but it just didn't seem to want to work with the way I had it, so I thought this up instead since it is such a sad moment for the two, but they at least have each other to comfort each other.

Resources:
Texture: ObsessionoftheMoment
Caps: Screencap Paradise
Text: Mine

[Nikki]

This challenge is now closed :)

[Amber]

Okay everybody, everyone has had ample time to run in those last minute entries, this challenge is now closed for entries! Awards will be within the week, based off of what free time I have what with work and Easter and all. Everyone did a great job and thanks for participating!

whoa. Nikki ran in and beat me as I was posting this.

[Amber]

I had a really hard time with this, and desperately wanted to give everyone an award (I seriously did, but I'm sure that isn't allowed, hehe). I realize that defeats the purpose, so I narrowed it down. I picked a favorite from each stage, as well as places. So here goes. (I hope you guys like the awards, I had a bit of muse block with them. light stocks used on them from Ugly Business)

First of all, I am so pleased there were as many entries as there were. You guys are great, and I was really happy with this challenge. Huge thanks to everyone who entered!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/participation61.jpg

Stage One: Denial
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/joshgrey_denial.jpg
I thought this one nicely captured denial. It was one I thought might be used, and though I enjoyed all of the pieces thoroughly, I liked the harshness, the texture work, the in your face coloring, and the large images of Buffy. It's hard to pull off a face that big, but it's done nicely in that you made one brighter. I do have to point out a slight problem I had, very slight, but always check your spelling on your pieces. Not everyone saves the pdf and can later fix it and it may leave you with a wallpaper you hate for all time due to a spelling error. I've done it before. As with all art, just make sure you lovingly look over your final product before committing to it. Just some advice :hug:

Stage Two: Anger
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/bre_anger.jpg
I had a really hard time with this category. I decided on yours based on the ascending images of Dean walking away. Conveying motion in wallpapers is extremely difficult, especially because the caps are 9 times out of 10 blurred when someone is moving so they are useless. I admire your ability to be imaginative and finding a way to show the distance between the two. I'm also in love with the new way you've been doing your text recently, fantastic choices, and good job on alternating between two very different fonts. I'm a sucker for text.

Stage Three: Bargaining
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/pandorasbox_bargaining.jpg
I did not expect this choice of scene for this stage and was very pleasantly surprised when I saw it. It really does capture what people go through during this stage, they really have not accepted and think there really is something they can do. The white streaks on the texture could have been overwhelming but with the lights of the candles in the caps, they work. I would have been terrified to use such a lighting scheme on such a dark scene, but you risked it, and it came out lovely. The placement is creative, and I like that you kept the colors to a minimum. Great job :)

Stage Four: Depression
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/nikole_depression.jpg
I enjoyed both of the pieces you entered for this challenge, but this one struck me. I often enjoy simplicity more than some overdone wallpaper, especially for scenes like this. It doesn't need a lot of text, it doesn't need a lot of caps. You created a sense of loneliness by leaving Illyria out of the equation which I respect because doing a one person scene wallpaper is difficult. You risk overdoing the images of that one person. It's done beautifully, and the blending of the top of his head into his cheek in the center picture is flawless when blended with the texture usedto bring it together. I'm glad you chose not to do a bunch of softening filters and left him , and the piece gritty. It's suiting and an excellent choice for the stage.

Stage Five: Acceptance
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/fuzzy_acceptance.jpg
This scene really is heartbreaking. Angel's acceptance of Connor being gone seems very personal and I like that about him. No one made him. Again, a nice use of motion, but what drew me in was the texture work. You made a nice frame without overdoing it or withdrawing attention from the actual actions of the piece. I do like the caps chosen, and I'm glad you were able to use so many without overlapping them all or having awful placement. They blend nicely, and the soft coloring really does it justice.

Now, for the places!

Fourth Place
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/ciderdrinker_4th.jpg
The simplicity drew me in. Seriously. It's so simple, but the emotion is evident, and that's what matters. The choice of placement, coloring, the simple text, and even the song used all came together. I have to say my faovrite part is the subtle purples. I love me some purple and yellows together.

Third Place
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/jennilou_3rd.jpg
You know, I just saw this episode recently, and boy is she livid. Awesome choice! The placement and choice of caps it fantastic. I'm sure it's a bit differently choosing images and a layout for such a looooong piece but you make it work. Love the pink, love the text, love the small image of Carrie standing by the table. The white texture all around is a nice touch:)

Second Place
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/fuzzy_2nd.jpg
This piece is just gorgeous. The separation between the light and dark side blends so nicely in the middle. I really dig the texture you used, as well as the peach coloring. I'm also fond of the fonts you used, and the way the whole thing is brought together. Awesome job.

First Place
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/PinkiAmber/bre_1st.jpg
So, okay. The greens could have been overpowering but are just dull and dark enough to keep it from blinding you, and it totally works. Great job fitting that many caps (especially full facial caps, I know what a pain that is) in a way that they aren't overcrowded and seem forced. They are each contributing to the piece and don't appear awkward. Nice stocks choice, the cracks definitely bring the eyeline back to the center, even though she is looking up and Dean looking away, it allows you to start at the center and work your way out rather than dart all over. The filtering is pretty and done overdone, and the tectures are just grimy enough in opposite to the softness of the faces. Beaufiful work.

[Jenni Lou]

Stunning awards, Amber! :) Really. Thanks for mine and the comments as well. A simply splendid challenge idea with lots of brilliant entries. Congrats everyone! :celebration:

[alexa]

Congrats everyone. Very pretty awards :)

[ciderdrinker]

Thank you so much for my 4th place award! The awards are really lovely

[Josh Grey]

Thank you so much for mine, Amber!. The awards are so stunning and unique :) And yep, I have a typo :S did not see it until you pointed it out. Lucky I saved the PSD file.

[slaycandy]

Oh wow! I love those awards they're so awesome! A huge congrats to all of the winners!
SJ
xox

[Pandora's_Box]

Wouaaa!!! Thank you so much Amber for your award and your review. I really tried to show an important aspect of bargaining which is hope with a lightful piece and I was afraid not to be understood so I'm really overly happy right now. And can I say I LOOOOOOOVE my award. :heart::heart:

[Bre]

:thud: Thank you for my awards, woman! They are stunning and the feedback was wonderful, for all the pieces, very insightful. :heart: Boika Twin. Fabulous challenge idea and congrats to the other winners, there were some amazing entries in this thread! :D

[Spillow]

Gorgeous awards! Congrats winners.

[debbiefm]

Congrats to the winners. The awards are superb and great challenge Amber!

[~*Marilyne*~]

congrats to the winners ! the awards are gorgeous Amber ! :)

[Nikole]

Thank you SO much! :D These awards are freaking amazing! Congrats everyone. :)

[Fuzzy]

Thank you for my awards and nice comments!!! :D

This challenge was a blast to enter! The awards look amazing, great job!!

Congrats to all !!