Of buttons, ribbons, lace and Love

There are boxes of ribbons,all labelled, sorted and ready to use. 
Buttons too, bottles and jars of them!

For the longest time I was unable to open, much less use, the huge stash of  "Treasure" that my Mum left me. It seemed too painful and every little bit and bob caused memory to come flooding back. You see, when I lost my Mum, I lost my "Partner in Craft".

We had many wonderful excursions to buy, long hours of planning and trying and many, many shared crafting experiences. Mum was a dabbler, another trait I inherited, so the stash was overwhelming.

There are rolls of tiny flower ribbons

 Now as her 5th year anniversary looms the stash has most certainly become mine. Time has a way of smoothing our pain doesn't it?

There are stacks of recycled spice jars crammed with tny embellishments like these butterflies.

Life had been pretty tough for her and as a result she was recycling, repurposing and upcycling way before it was the done thing. We were, all five of us, dressed from clothing that was cut from family donations. Her attention to detail and loving care made everything she did special and beautiful. We knew we were rich with her love and care!

I adore the laces that are layered in tissue, with many of them carefully passed down from relatives.

The most poignant sight for me after her passing, was the basket with a three quarters, finished sweater sitting within her reach, beside her bed. The wools have long ago been given to local charities as she wished.

How many times recently has the fine crochet thread been the perfct embellishment?

This week as I dipped and dived into the buttons and the laces I was filled with the overwhelming feeling that Mum would be cheering. She would be excited about the way crafting is crossing over into all areas. But I can also hear her voice saying "Measure twice, cut once!"

Aren't the crocheted flowers adorable? How many colours do you need? There are carefully sealed packets of these in all the colours of the rainbow. Now all part of my Treasure Stash!

If we are a product of our family then I say "Thank You Mum" for my love of crafting was generously nutured by you.

I happily made this set of cards using the Unity Quote Bundle and Susan K. Weckesser for Unity - "Grandma's Needlepoint" so I can participate in the Unity "Friday Friends With Flair" Blog Challenge this evening.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this sentimental post. Our memories can inspire us too!
Julie