My two grandmas....gone now for longer than I can remember...but I remember so many little things about them.
Anna was a beautiful painter...her specialty was oil painting. I have one of her paintings here with me in my little craft haven...to inspire me, but mostly so I can remember her. I can still smell her sweet grandma smell, feel her soft hands holding mine, and hear her laugh.
Thelma was a wonderful seamstress...her specialty was soft satin nightgowns for me, my dolls, all of her friends, and even my little childhood friends....a hobby that helped carry her through lonely days once my grandpa had gone. I don't think there was anyone in her neighborhood that didn't have a nightie made by Thelma...the memory makes me smile.
I still remember Anna's cooking....I wish I had taken the time to let her teach me, but I was too little to know how special that would have been. She made the yummiest, buttery rolls...melt in your mouth rolls...and heavenly chocolate cake...I only use her recipe. She always had a fridge full of icy cold Coca-Colas in the bottle...just waiting for company....I thank her for my Coca-Cola habit. Everything she did oooozed with her love.
Thelma had a green thumb that was magical. I remember her vines of Gooseberries and garden of fresh vegetables. I can picture her in her gardening hat...I loved to try it on and tie a big bow under my chin...She would always have several violets growing in her house...I remember how soft their leaves were...and outside a lilac bush. To this day, Lilac is my favorite smell...I have a Lilac candle burning now...in January.
I'm so thankful I have their memory to share with my little bean...what special ladies they were. There are times when I miss them so much it brings tears to my eyes...I've learned that no one loves you like your grandma...such a special, needful feeling.
Speaking of little Miss Sierra...she's been such a trooper the last long while...I just love her so. The Dr.s have decided it's time to help her feel better and improve what's going on inside her ears and little body. So, she's getting her tonsils out, tubes in, and another small procedure....all very big for this mama, but I'm so thankful we're to this point....she's too young to be worrying about not feeling well...we'll be throwing her ice cream parties for the next little while.
The card above...and the card below were both created for Emma's Paperie...I've got the supplies listed for you on the blog...just in case you're feeling like treating yourself...sigh...I'm doing my best to stay away from new Valentine goodies...but those cupids with their arrows, the hot lips, and cupcakes with hearts on top....my, my, my...I want them all.
Supplies for this card found HERE.
I've been busy filling orders for my etsy shop, cuddling, wiping tears, sewing on beads, soothing, stitching, traveling, and loving as of late (maybe even locking myself in my bathroom to have a good cry once or twice as well....I'm not the only one who does this, am I?)...I've decided to give each of my pin cushions a name so that I can recreate them in the future....this little love above is named Sierra.
This is Anna...
Meet Thelma...
And, how can I not name one after my own, sweet Mama...this is Sandra...I love her....I do believe that she's the most beautiful thing on this earth...she and her little Sierra of course.
More ladies coming later.
Thanks for your visit!
Melis
Be Mine Valentine
Supplies Used:
Papertrey Ink 2010 Love Tags stamp set and Love Lives Here die collection.
Maya Road chipboard and trinket pin
Memrie Mare scrunched seam binding
K&Co. paper
Melissa Frances trim
OH my! This post made me cry and made me dream of my own grandmothers, long gone. My father has many manurisms(sp?) of my Gram. Sometimes he does them and I will see her. It always brings tears to my eyes. You have such a loving soul, Melissa. Thanks for sharing it with us!!!!!! As always your creations are so very beautiful.
Posted by: ValerieC | January 22, 2011 at 02:46 AM
oh how awesomely sweet!! your grandmas, memories, cards, and all are so beautiful...
and I so love the pincushions you've created.. pure sweetness! :)
Posted by: Viola Mahr | January 22, 2011 at 03:56 AM
Happy Valentine's Day you sweet, sweet woman!! So wish I could express my thoughts the way you do and convey the family riches to my cherubs!
Posted by: Jan m | January 22, 2011 at 07:00 AM
There is such beauty to be found on your blog, both in your paper/fabric creations as well as in your words. Your writing reminds me of Victoria magazine in how it is able to paint lovely thoughts and evoke warm memories, such as you did with your grandmas.
My prayers are with you as Sierra goes into surgery. As a parent whose daughter has had several surgeries, know that Sierra will bounce back much faster than you. And crying in the bathroom is a good thing. It releases a little bit of tension and helps with keeping up the strong front.
Nancy
Posted by: nancy jane | January 22, 2011 at 07:03 AM
What gorgeous creations! It is always such a pleasure to visit!
Posted by: Melisa Hunter | January 22, 2011 at 07:14 AM
Oh I remember the days of ear aches and sore throats. All 3 of my children had to have tubes put in their ears, but oh the rewards of no more sleepless nights and crying. The procedure is very quick and she will be back in your arms before you know it. I would love one of your pin cushions please contact me at [email protected] I love all of them but Anna is my favorite.
Posted by: Becky H | January 22, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Unfortunately I never knew either of my grandmas or grandpas. They all had passed away before I was born. I think I might have missed out on something but I'll never know. As for Sierra's surgery, my son had similar surgery when he was 5 and the tubes helped tremendously. I wish Sierra a speedy healing process. This is a good thing...really!
Posted by: Meghan | January 22, 2011 at 08:25 AM
I'll keep your little one and you in prayer. I so enjoy reading your blog and run to it first! x
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2011 at 08:35 AM
I frequently hide away to cry in private - the emotional release feels so good and helps to cleanse my heart and mind. Your pillows are SO lovely! I would love to purchase one from Etsy - what a treasure!!
Posted by: Denise | January 22, 2011 at 09:07 AM
I love hearing about your grandmas. Life was so simple and had so much meaning then. I would love to just sit and create/craft and work in the garden. Cooking...well that is not one of my favs. :) I am addicted to everything about the 40's. The ladies looked amazing then. I love the idea of all the handmade goodies. Swoon...
Your cards and sweet little pin cushions are adorable. I am in love with Thelma. Where do your pretty flowers come from? I love the different textures. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful creations.
My son had his Adnoids removed and tubes 2x's. The best thing we ever did. A little ice cream and some love and she will be as good as new. :)
Hugs~
Posted by: Heather | January 22, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Your work is so inspiring. I am going to try and make my valentines based on your beautiful vintage look. I even went and ordered from some of your favorite places ;). Thank you! My great grandmother always had cokes waiting for us too! We drank them in these tiny little glitter plastic cups...Ohhh sooo good!
Posted by: Betty Sue | January 22, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Hi Melissa,
Your cards are just dreamy, and your pincushions are just about the sweetest things I've ever seen. I love that you are naming them!
So glad your little one will be feeling better soon. I was 17 when I had all that stuff done...I remember having to rub a little Vaseline into a bit of cotton ball to plug my ears when I showered (no swimming)...now there are probably nice little ear plugs. So silly some of the things we remember.
Take care, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | January 22, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Hi!
I cant contact you via your email so I'm writing here. I love everything that is shabby and all your designs are just lovely! I was looking for something to create a banner for my blog and I've used one of your photos I found on internet. Please let me know if it's ok for me to use it. Here is the link to my blog:
www.sweetandtiny.net
Thank you
Monika
Posted by: Mini Mo | January 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Oh, your memories about your grandmas are even more beautiful than your cards! But they and pincushions are adorable! Love them all!
Give Sierra an extra hug from me. I had adenoids removed when i was about 4 years old. It was a nightmare! I remember as it was not so long ago... I was screaming so loud that my mommy still heard, crying, sitting 4 floors down...Thanks God, there is different technique of doing this surgery at present time!!! More humane i would say.
Sierra will be just fine! Let it be the worst problem solved in her life!
Posted by: Yana | January 22, 2011 at 11:05 AM
so hard when our babies are sick. doesn't get easier when they grow up either. i always feel so helpless. glad Sierra's going to get some relief. best of all things healthy and lots of love. will pray for you and yours.
fond memories are so important to have. glad you can cherish them still. love your creations.
Posted by: laura huffman | January 22, 2011 at 07:29 PM
beautiful.. simply wonderful.. words and creations together.. such a spirit lifter..
hope your little bean feels better, and in turn so will you.
hugs!
Posted by: rebekah f | January 22, 2011 at 09:28 PM
I was so lucky to have my Grannie for a long time..she died when she was 95...I miss her so..am lucky to have my memories and her needlework..my son had the same surgeries when he was 5..and he was able to begin sleeping through the night and grow big and strong...take care lil Sierra..
Posted by: bettyann | January 22, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Love your style, Melissa! :)
Posted by: Johanna | January 23, 2011 at 01:32 AM
OH how beautiful, you are almost
poetic. Your readings come from
the bottom of your heart and make
my days start beautifully. I will
keep Sierra in my prayers.
Posted by: Joanna | January 23, 2011 at 02:42 AM
Simply wonderful creations!! I hope that Sierra is doing better. It is so hard on us, the mothers who have to stand by and watch our little ones hurt!
Posted by: Anne T | January 23, 2011 at 04:29 AM
Wonderful new items! i have a love affair with pins cushions, lol. How about a blue and greenish one for my boys.....
Posted by: dee | January 23, 2011 at 04:48 AM
Melis,
Beautiful cards and the sweetest little pillow!
Posted by: Jan Hennings | January 23, 2011 at 04:49 AM
OH! What a beautiful post! I am sitting here almost crying on my pancakes! You have been so lucky to have such wonderful women in your life! Your projects are beautiful! Best of luck with you little girl!
Posted by: Flor | January 23, 2011 at 08:06 AM
Wishing your little bean a speedy recovery. I know it seems scary, I've been there twice, but my kid's health improved dramatically & I had no regrets.
Posted by: Jewls | January 23, 2011 at 08:14 AM
I really hope little miss Sierra is feeling better soon...she has such a great mama!
And I love reading about your grandma's. Mine are all still alive, and I think sometimes I take that for granted. I need to make a special attempt to spend more time with mine this year...especially my sweet grandma Phyllis.
Your projects are just beautiful, especially those amazing pillows, Melis. How I love their sweetness and beauty. You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: Lea Lawson | January 23, 2011 at 08:25 AM