elegance and lace…

The Shabby Tea Room‘s challenge #122 asks for cream/white, kraft, pink and lace and is inspired by this gorgeous photo…

I love the rich textures in this image and the beautiful vintage quality.  The more I looked at this photo, the more certain I became of the image I wanted to use. There is a wonderful copy of my paternal grandparents wedding photo, that I’m fortunate enough to own. It is one of my ‘treasures’ and I have been feeling the need to work with images that have a close personal connection…

I created an easel card with a copy of this photo, stitched onto a layer of handmade, antique lace and a patterned paper mat.  I love seeing my grandparents as young people.  My real life memories are of them in their old age.

My grandmother played the piano by ear, well enough, that she accompanied the silent films in what was then the largest movie theater in New York City.  If she heard music once, she could play it for you.  She painted wonderfully too.  My grandfathers talents were in mathematics.  He’s the only person I have seen who could add up a page of 6 digit numbers, while viewing them line by line and his answer was always right!  I didn’t inherit any of his talents!  They loved their children and grandchildren, and were kind and loving people, which is perhaps the best thing that can be said about anyone!

The patterned papers are from Prima’s ‘Botanical collection, the sentiment tag was die cut with ‘Romantic Rectangles’ from Spellbinders and the sentiment comes from My Favorite Thing’s ‘About Love’ stamp set.  I used some hand dyed seam tape and a dear little heart and key charm as well as some Prima paper flowers.

Even with dimensional embellishments, this card folds down to fit into a clear plastic card box for mailing.  I love easel cards.  They look so lovely on a desk or table top.

This is the view of the back.  I first encountered easel style cards on Splitcoast Stampers website which you can see here in their tutorials.

I’m also linking this post to a wonderful Danish blog called ‘Vintage Udfordring’.  I started looking into Danish paper crafts after a quick but fabulous visit to Copenhagen last year.  I find Danish culture fascinating.  It’s currently an anything goes challenge and you can visit a translated version HERE.

I’ve got to steel myself to go out into 109 degree temps.  Think I should just hose myself down first!  Hope you’re staying cool~~

*Hugs*

Rebecca