Thursday, July 12, 2012

Make Every Moment Count

Do you ever have an idea in your head for a card that you just have to make? Sometimes I feel that way and the feeling won’t go away until the card is finished. Lol it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a good card, but it’s one I just have to get out of my system.

Well that’s how I felt when I saw Cath’s Hooked on Hexagons Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. A whole jumble of thoughts rushed into my head when I saw the challenge – memories of my first attempt at patchwork (a grandmother’s flower garden table mat, with lots of wonky stitching!) when I was about 10 years old, my dear dad making some of our clothes when we were younger and a visit to a museum in the US years ago, where I spent so much time looking at every last detail of the patchwork quilts there.
Make Every Moment Count

Stamps (Hero Arts) - Old Letter & Special Time


Some of the quilts in the museum were accompanied by a full history which had been passed down through the generations. However, some quilts had little or no information on their origins. So much time and love had been poured into each and every one of them and the unfinished ones on display really had me wondering what had happened to the people behind them. Also I was fascinated by the little snippets of information that could be gleaned from the back of some of the unfinished paper pieced quilts. Sometimes the backing papers were cut from old newspapers, letters, postcards or whatever was available to these very resourceful quilters who made the most of everything, including their time and supplies.

DSCN0338

So I wanted to recreate something like that on my card by using paper, inks (antique linen & walnut stain), a stamp (Linda, thanks again for the Old Letter stamp) and some old floral fabrics. After cutting, inking and stamping the hexagons, I tacked fabric on them and whip stitched the hexagons together. I left the tacking and the end of the piece of thread I had used to sew the hexagons together to add to the unfinished look. The red tacking thread I’ve had for years and is one I use sparingly, as my dad used it and also the thimble in the photo. When I finished the card I realized I hadn’t a clue what sentiment I’d use on it, but as soon as I saw this Hero Arts sentiment in my supplies, I knew it was the one for this card.

16 comments:

Contagiously Crafty said...

You've captured your inspiration perfectly while ultimately creating a lovely card. You must feel very pleased with the final product. Nice card!

judkajudi said...

The card is wonderful, and just like treasured quilts, the story behind it adds so much! How sweet that your father had a thimble and sewed clothes for you!! This is precious!

Jacquie Southas said...

Your card is beautiful - the sentiment is perfect - but your story behind it adds a whole other dimension,

This is something I would frame & display for me or give to someone who would appreciate understand the history of the red thread.

thanks for sharing

Susan said...

What a creative card! I really love it. And I agree with you about looking at quilts- that is always my favorite display at our State Fair. It's amazing how much love and effort and detail goes into those quilts.

CinnamonSally said...

This is gorgeous Heather and so clever. I also had a go at a small hexagon quilt years ago, it never got finished!! perhaps one day when I have more time....

Lin said...

Fantastic post, Heather! I had completely forgotten about that paper-piecing method for Grandmother's Flower Garden! This is a wonderful card; love it to "pieces" :))

Kara Lynne said...

I love the story with your card! The stamping is so much like the old hand-written letters and great fabrics too!

Dawn T said...

what a wonderful card Heather. Great idea. I remember my first attempts at patchwork too...

Deirdre said...

Gorgeous creation Heather - love it.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Wonderful! This is very inspired and the card is gorgeous and special!

donna mikasa said...

You always work wonders with fabric! I love this, Heather! Glad you got it out of your system! ;)

Maureen Morton said...

Wonderful story and lovely memories, Heather - thanks so for sharing. This will become an heirloom, too. Beautiful richness and amazing design.

Lyndal said...

Seriously gorgeous creation Heather - I LOVE the story you have stitched into this card :)

Diana said...

I really like this card. I too, love patchwork quilts and I instantly thought of them when I saw your card. Thanks for sharing.

nancy said...

You've told a story with this card. I often think those are the best ones.

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Heather Maria! Thanks for linking this up to the Hooked on Hexagons Challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

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