Monday, August 13, 2012

Swirlydoos "Vintage Traditions" Round Robin

 At Swirlydoos, we have a Round Robin Challenge every month. It is the perfect challenge for those who have misplaced their MOJO, want a reason to Scrap lift without the ramifications, or just need a jump start to scrap. This month, I was in week 2 following Cheryl. Great inspiration!! Using this months kit was perfect for the black and white picture of my Grandmother who just passed away a few weeks ago. Lord knows I miss her more than anything!! She was a seamstress and taught me how to sew at an early age.. I was making Barbie Doll cloths when I was 6 or 7 years old. She would always save her finest "scraps" in a brown paper grocery bag, and when we went to Brooklyn on Sundays, she would always have that bag ready for me. Complete with cones of thread and a stash of needles. Laces, silks, organza, zippers and buttons...oh my...But the treat was to be able to sew on her Singer Factory Machine!!! Loved working the treadle as she fed the fabric through. When I was 16, my parents bought me a Factory Singer at a factory closing down in Brooklyn. My grandmother made sure one was reserved for me.  I still have that Machine, it still works, but I use it in my foyer as a conversation piece. My sweet husband attached a beautiful mirror that he stained the same color as the wood on the sewing desk surface and I have my family photo's displayed on it. It will always remind me of my grandmother. I wonder if her machines are  still in her house in Brooklyn. She lived with my parents the last few years of her life. I never asked her, as she stopped sewing years ago. I would love to have them. The photo below is one of the last I took of her a few months ago. She was tired. At 97 years old, she was so tired...♥
 

I cropped the photo and turned it black and white for this layout.


I love the Kaisercraft flowers in the kit. I enhanced them by creating my own flowers and just putting the Kaisercraft flowers in the middle. I used my trusty old Tattered Florals die. 


 The dress form represents the years I spent sewing with my grandmother. She taught me everything I know about sewing. In high school, I failed the final in my HomeEconomics class because I didn't
know how to thread the school machine. But I could sew a complete outfit better than anyone in my class!!
 
  
Just a close look at the Kaisercraft flowers. I die cut the leaves with white card stock using one of my favorite Spellbinders dies. I spritzed them with Glimmer Mist in Olive Vine and a pinch of Suede.


The white photo mat was cut with my Cricut Expression using the Ornamental Iron 2 cart. The butterflies are from the file I created for this kit. This time I used Rock Candy Distress crackle paint on them.


10 comments:

  1. Such a gorgeous page, Lisa .. and it reflects your wonderful memories of your Gramma.

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  2. This is so gorgeous, Lisa! Love the colors and the punched border and how you used the Kaisercraft flowers for the centers of the flowers you created! Beautiful setting for a special photo of your grandma!

    Cheryl

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  3. Oh this is so beautiful and thanks for sharing about your dear Grandmum...

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  4. What special memories held so dear are captured here, Lisa!! Amazing LO and I love that you included the sweetly embellished dress form! ~ Blessings, Tracey

    http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/

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  5. Stunning layout Lisa!! Love the colors, and your flowers....they're always so beautiful!! The pic of your grand-ma is just gorgeous, and what a heart-warming story!! My fave is the diecut you made using your expression....I think you've inspired me to take my machine and the carts out of retirement!! It's been way too long since I've used them!!

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  6. BEAUTIFUL LAYOUTLisa... my mom used the same machines and taught my daughter some sawing and when she passed away last year ...she left one of the sewing machines for my daughter. Would love to see a pic of how you display your machine . what spellbinder dies did you use for the flowers and leaves .. they are gorgeous. Leida

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  7. HI my dear friend,

    I seem to always be in "catch up" mode lately. Life is just running away at such a hectic pace. I adore your layout of your grandma...it is so poignant and your story attached to it is so heartwarming.

    Thank you for your lovely warm comments and for just thinking of me now and then. It means the world to me.

    xx

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  8. A truly beautiful and special layout Lisa. What a special way to preserve your grandma's memory. Big hugs sweetie!

    -Frank

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  9. Lisa, hi!!

    Your stories behind your layouts always touch me ... especially when they're about your grandmother! I am so sorry for your loss, but at the same time, I am so grateful that you've been creating such gorgeous, gorgeous keepsakes of your memories with her.

    And thank you for the sweet comments on my blog!! I would *love* an exchange program to Florida!! I've only been there once (Orlando) but I do remember the pretty warm waters in St. Petersburg and THE SUN! :) One day you'll have to visit Portland! Now is actually a great time (even though in the NW, we're in the upper 90s) because it's warm yet so green and beautiful. :) Well dear lady, I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and thank you again for the beautiful eye candy!!!

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  10. What a wonderful memory of your Gramma. She gave you a special gift. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Your layout is beautiful. I am always amazed that each and every single layout you produce is meaningful, touching and just so beautiful

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Love hearing your beautiful words!!!!