My Wonderful Nan

Recently I've been sorting through lots of old photos of my Mums and came across this beautiful one of my Nan taken when she was 19 yrs old --- in 1903.

Violets were her favourite flower and as these are out in the garden at the moment I had to take this shot!

My husband scanned this original so as we can pass copies onto various family members and there was a spare one ----- so I felt it was only right and proper to make a small memoir.

Over on the PaperArtsy Blog the current theme is 'Niches" so the 2 went very nicely together. To find out more about the 'Niches' click on the link here.

I began by dismantling this small chocolate box which measures 3cm x 8cm. Here is a list of the paints, inks and stamps used in this project.

Fresco Chalk Acrylic paint in blush, lake wanaka, china, haystack, beach hut, inky pool and very berry.

Stamps from PaperArtsy ESN03 and HP1004, Clarity Word Chain No 5.

Ink brilliance crimson copper

Mica powder in antique red

Treasure gold in ruby and olive bronze

Grunge Paste

Crafty Individuals stencil

Blue watercress blaze embossing powder

The box was given various layers of paint and then I added the dictionary definition of niche to the upper part of the sleeve. The 2 sides of the sleeve had grunge paste added through the stencil and then once dry more paint was added.

I then stamped Inspire and heat embossed, added some stamping which was brushed with mica powder and then added touches of Treasure Gold to hi-light areas.

The inner part of the box was painted and then stamped with the text on the sides. The MDF heart was given 2 coats of blush paint, stamped, Nan added with peel-offs and the edges touched with Treasure Gold.

When I was growing up my Nan lived with us and many hours were spent on her lap watching her crochet, then when I was 5 yrs old she taught me to crochet and knit. The table cloth in the background of the picture was crocheted by my Nan and we used this on our wedding day underneath the wedding cake. The flower was a pattern I learned from the great lady all those years ago and I've never forgotten how to make them. 1884 being the year she was born.

I know niches usually have statues or such likes but this is my version.

The lovely Lucy - Annie,

at 19yrs old,

photographed by the Eastbourne Photographic Company on October 23rd 1903 !

The finished sides.

Lucy - Annie was a very special lady who inspires me each and every time I pick up a crochet hook. Sadly she died whilst I was carrying my daughter at the grand age of 96! so unfortunately  they never met, but now she too is a great master of the crochet hook.

Thank you as always for stopping by, I hope you have a good week, take care. Jane x