My mother was an elementary school teacher which is probably why she was so crafty, but not just crafty, she was creative. Although long before she was a teacher she made things.
She could wrap the most beautiful and unique looking presents with ribbons and bows and freehand draw anything.
I recall a spider ornament made out of pipe cleaners that she designed and mass produced for several school Christmas bazaars. I never got the spider/Christmas connection, but it was a huge hit.
When I was little, my mom handmade a lot of my clothes, all of my Halloween costumes and before you ask, yes, there were several mother/daughter ensembles. She made clothes for my dolls and even Barbies. I can’t even imagine sewing anything that tiny. I would spend hours in fabric stores with her looking through giant books of sewing patterns and fingering cloth for weight, texture and durability. Thirty years ago, patterns were $1.25 or less so I’m sure what was an enjoyable hobby was also a cost effective way to clothe her family.
I remember being fascinated by her sewing basket. It was filled with straight pins, scissors, the regular kind in various sizes and pinking shears, which I loved but was forbidden to touch. There were also needle packets, measuring tape, chalk, seam rippers, thimbles, buttons and spools and spools of colorful thread.
Does anyone sew anymore? Like with a needle and thread or a sewing machine? My grandmother had an entire room in her house devoted to sewing, crocheting, etc. I can barely replace a button and if I craft with Lucas, I have to follow directions provided by someone else. Apparently, I did not inherit the crafty gene and I do not own a sewing box.
My mother also dappled in ceramics, or rather used a mold and painted mugs, (see my past post Ceramic Mugs) knick knacks and because she loved decorating her home like her classroom, holiday items; including these decorative Easter eggs I found in my Easter stash.
I had forgotten all about them.
The eggs are rudimentary but whimsical and fun and I’m thrilled to have them.
Finding items like these amidst my own, items that were once my mothers, especially things that she made make me maudlin and miss her terribly.
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Those are beautiful, Tonya. What a wonderful treasure to uncover, and now share with your children.
What a wonderful surprise. Finding things like this bring a smile, but also punch us in the heart, yes? xxoo
What a beautiful surprise. A reminder that she is always with you.
I love them & I get it. This is my first Easter since my mom died in January and I am struggling.
I know exactly how old treasures make you miss the person that owned them. My mom made our clothes, too. I think it was the generation. I wish I had a few of those pieces today.
I was wondering where those were! 🙂
So glad that we kept them.
It’s funny – the mom I knew didn’t make a lot of things. I wonder why she stopped. I wish I could have seen the clothes she made for you and her! 🙂