Wednesday 26 September 2012

Love... and a Giveaway...

...today would have been my Grandma's 100th birthday - I so wish she was here to celebrate this milestone, although quite what she would have made of this crazy world we live in now I really don't know.  In honour of her 100th birthday I have decided to have a little giveaway.  This Studio 490 Art Part piece is made from a haul of new goodies that I was demoing at the weekend.  To join in with the giveaway all you need to do is leave me a comment here.  I will announce the winner, who will be chosen at random, next Wednesday, 3rd October 2012.





The base of the piece is two Art Part hearts, coloured with Distress Inks and Stains and then overstamped with a really cool honeycomb background stamp from Art For You... I love that background stamp loads... I can see me using it time and again.  I added some Stencils For Arts bits and bobs on the base and sanded the edges to make them a bit shabby.  The rose is stamped three times onto Grungepaper and then decoupaged, coloured with Fired Brick Distress Ink and assembled with a diddy resin flower for the centre.  The LOVE is from the Hearts Art Parts pack... coloured with Fired Brick Stain, dried, sanded to age and then popped onto the stalk of the Echinacea flower - I chopped the leaves off the bottom of this piece and used some of the offcuts to shore up the underneath of the LOVE... so it had something to sit on at the same depth as the stalk (if that makes sense lol)  The butterfly was stamped onto more Grungepaper and coloured with Wild Honey and Fired Brick DI and then shaped to sit a-flutter on the bottom of the heart.  I punched a couple of holes in the top of the heart and added some wire for a hanging.




Indulge me do please... a few words about my lovely Gran.  Everyone always says that they have the best Gran in the world... and mine really was.  She spoiled me with her time - we used to go for lovely walks along the river where she would point out wildflowers to me and taught me all about nature.  And the long walks along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal which was just by where she lived - we used to take a jam-jar and a little fishing net and bring home tadpoles.  We used to catch Sticklebacks and Minnows but she would never let me bring those home.   She used to take me out in the summer holidays on trips to Otley - and every single time, without fail, I would fall into the pond and get my pants wet.   We used to go for walks near Charlie Parker's farm - I remember one time she got caught short... and needed to do the necessary.  In a field of bulls. I never saw her move so quickly, haring across the field with a herd of bulls starting a stampede.  And once we were safely out of the way we couldn't stand up for laughing. Happy memories.



My Gran was quite a reserved woman, not one for public displays of affection... but I didn't need that because I knew that she loved me, the way she would spend so much time playing, teaching me, making cards (ok, covering her in glitter and Gloy glue), telling me stories of the olden-days when she was a yong girl growing up in Wales.  I remember coming home with my O'Level results - not doing as well as I should have.  Instead of berating me, she simply said "you can re-sit them".  





She was a very wise lady -  she had her own fair share of hardship during her life and I think that her aim for me was to give me as much knowledge as possible so my life was easier.  I am sure I am the woman I am now because of my formative years with my Grandma, I just wish that she was here to see how my life turned out.  I was 17 when she passed away, I was never going to be ready for that day and when it came it truly felt like a part of me died too. So. To my dear Grandma, Happy Birthday, where-ever you may be, I will always carry you within my heart and my memories.

That's all for now peeps... thanks for looking... TTFN

Hels x

69 comments:

Gerrina said...

Special people never are totally gone; If you think of them with warmth in your hart they stay with you forever! Lucky for you that you had a grandmother that is so special to you! Mayby she will find this all to much, but she was one of the people to get you on this incredeble crafty yourney! Thereby for sure worth to remember! Hugs, Gerrina

Glennis F said...

A lovely story about your Gran, Hels, I can tell that she was a great friend for you.
Thanks for the chance to win your gorgeous piece.

Lynn W. said...

Aaaaw - your Grandma sounds like such a special lady indeed. I miss my Grandparents too and am thankful for the special memories of them all. Your Grandma obviously did a good job of imparting her knowledge and love to you and I'm sure she's looking down on you proudly from above.
Thanks for the chance to win your lovely heart hanging.

Lynn Hardy (formerly Lynn Wild - just married)!

Sheilagh said...

What a lovley tribute to your grandma, such lovely memories you have and I am sure her infuence has made you the girl you are today. I had the best gran in the world too, I have lovely memories of her. We walked along the Leeds Liverpool canal too, the Bootle end of it...She told wonderful stories and I hung onto every word.

I hope when I am gone (not for a good while yet God willing) that my grandchildren will remember me with the same love and affection you do.

Aquarius said...

What a lovely way to remember your gran and thanks for sharing those childhood memories with us.

Korry said...

This brought tears to my eyes ! It is a lovely tribute indeed.

My nan is very special to me and she is 98 this year, I hope I'll get to celebrate her 100th with her.

It is a lovely hanging and thank you for the opportunity to win it !!!

Loetitia

EmmaT said...

Morning Hels,
can i just say you dont get herds of bulls, that many entire males would end up fighting and killing each other! Weather it was a herd of heifers, steads or cows it would have been frightening, being a farmers daughter ive been there and the dog was no use just out ran me! Your nan sounds like fun and reading this it reminded me of my much missed nan.
I love this heart project today, it would look great hanging in my farmhouse kitchen.
Emma

Gabrielle said...

Oh my! You reminded me so much of my Granddad (who I adored) who died when I 17 too. Just the nicest man ever. Quiet, unassuming, gentle and yet he was just adored by us all. My Nan too was lovely but I had many more years with her and so it's often my Granddad I miss the most as he went so soon. Many happy return Hels' Grandma - wherever you might be xxx

Unknown said...

What a lovely story about yiur Gran. Lovely memories are in our hearts.
Love your heart Hel.

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh Hels! What lovely memories you have of your Gran, I was lucky that my Gran live to be 101 and continued to be source of inspiration and wisdom till she died. We caught her transplanting trees when she was 98! Your gran was clearly a great influence to you and she would be proud to see you now! Chrisx

Artyjen said...

It sounds like she was a great Gran Hels! You have some great memories too ;) I never knew either of my grans they were long dead by the time I arrived on this planet!! One of the pitfalls of being born to older parents I'm afraid! LOL
xoxo Sioux

Dee in N.H. said...

Beautiful story of your sweet Gran. WE always miss them. Thank goodness we can keep the memories close. Oh and thanks for a chance to win the beautiful heart too!

Helen said...

What lovely memories you have shared! and the heart art piece is just beautiful! Have a lovely day.

Carole Z said...

You're Gtandma sounds lovely, so wonderful to have such special memories. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to her and for the chance to win your fabulous piece of art, hugs Carole Z X

Anreda said...

What a great memory you have of your grandmother, so it should be a grandmother :)

Unfortunately I only knew one of my grandmothers and she was disabled, so it was not possible to play outside.
But I can look back on a loving grandmother, she listened to me and played with me inside ...

Oh, so now when I think back to her I miss her anyway!
Ehmmmm ... but once again search form her photos.

Thank you for candy, I keep my fingers crossed again ...

Great day today with lots of great memories!

Hugs, Anreda

Unknown said...

People we love so much - and who loved us - are never really gone. My precious Nan passed away in February this year. She will be 99 on 23rd November and I will still make her a birthday card. My Nan experienced so much and saw such change in her life, but was constant in her love, support and protection of her children and grandchildren. I miss her so much but will share her story and keep her memory alive with anyone who will listen!! Keep on talking about your Gran Hels, and she will never be far away.
Kim

Sarah said...

Gorgeous piece Hels, and what a marvellous way to honour what would have been your Gran's 100th birthday. Thanking for sharing your special memories of her. Sarah & the Honey Monsters x

ellen vargo designs said...

Classic "Gran" story... the running of the bulls...I can almost picture it... what lovely memories! xxx

Linda said...

What a lovely post Hels, brought a tear to my eye. I think we all loved our grandma's and yours sounds like such a special lady. She obviously taught you well.
What a lovely tribute this is and thank you so much for the chance to win such a beautiful piece. xx

Marleine said...

Hiya Hels,
What a lovely decorative heart to remember your Nan with.
Thank you for sharing your memories. They made me smile, laugh, then brought me sadness of your loss . Such stories would be good in a memory book .
Keep smiling. X

Claudine said...

Beautiful piece in honor of your grandmother. Your works really speak of fondness and love!! Thanks for sharing with us.

Joanne said...

I loved my nan, only had the one, never knew my dad's parents. She was tiny and she adored me just like your grandma adored you. Good to remember eh?
Hugs Joanne xx
ps cu@7

betjunroe said...

Oh Hels, that is such a sweet, sweet story about your Grandma! It brought tears to my eyes remembering my Nana and the good times we had. She always had a story to tell or a little quote. Thanks for the memories. Bette

Barb Cady said...

What a lovely lovely post Hels. I have just looked after my grandson for the first time all on my own and was imagining what I would be able to do with him when he is older. I do hope that he will have memories of me as you have memories of your dear Gran. Hugs xx

Andrea said...

thats an amazing piece for a special nan Hels and Happy Birthday to your nan, my nan sounds much like hers and I have lots of wonderful memories of times with my nan, Sophie used to see her great nan a lot when she were little, sadly nan died when Sophie was 3 but she still remembers her great nan sining rhymes to her, lots love to you xx

Yvonne said...

Oh sounds like you really did have a special time with your Grandma, Hels! Beautiful memories :)

Hlora said...

what a lovely story about your Granny ))
So adorable. Love everything about this card.

Williams said...

I understand exactly what you mean, i was lucky enough to have nanna till i was 40. she taught me how to knit, how to bake and make pastry. she didn't judge she just loved and i loved her more than anyone else. I am what I am today because of her and i miss her. but like you i have the memories and they make sure she lives on. you Gran lives on because you shared her with us all

Pam Brind said...

Happy Birthday to your wonderful Nan and carry her love with you always

Pam

Redanne said...

Hi Hels, what a lovely story about your dear Grandma and your piece is a wonderful tribute to her memory. You are a very thoughtful Lady and she would have been so proud of you! Crafty hugs, Anne x

maska said...

What a lovely story about your Grandma.
Love your heart.
:)

Kim Robertson said...

Hels I met you Sat at Ally Pally and thought you were lovely and having lost my husband last December the story of your childhood with grandma touched my heart. I also lost my dad at 23 and I remember the feeling of emptiness that I felt both times. If we could wish on a star for one last moment with the ones we love , I would grab it with both hands and wish with all my heart and I wouldn't waste any second with any more tears just laughter an love. Your grandma sounds like a special figure that helped define who u are. So I'm sure she is proudly looking down at her girl.
Best wishes
Kim xxx

rachel said...

beautiful piece of work and lovely way to remember your gran! Hugs rachel xx

whyducks said...

Oh Hels you made me cry reading that. What wonderful memories to have and how lovely to have her so alive in your heart still. I only hope that someone feels the same as you do about her, about me when I die, but I doubt it! A lovely heart hanging, I don't think you should give it away, you should keep it for your Gran's remembrance. Sniff thanks for sharing xx

Maisie Moonshine said...

Thank you for sharing your memories Hels, and your beautiful project. Happy Birthday to all the loved and missed Grandmas - where ever they may be.

Maisie Moonshine said...

Thank you for sharing your memories Hels, and your beautiful project. Happy Birthday to all the loved and missed Grandmas - where ever they may be.

kerry said...

Hels thats a lovely story you've shared.
Your nan sounded special - and what a lovely piece you've made in her memory for a special day to you
Hugs x x

hotpotato said...

I know how you feel about your gran, I felt the same way about mine who died 17yrs ago this November, infact her funeral was on my birthday!

barbiepinkfairy said...

What a lovely tribute! I unfortunately lot my grandparents at a very young age so few memories. I lost my Dad earlier this year, I miss him so much but good memories and no regrets or guilt about anything. "some people come in to our lives and quickly go, others stay a little longer, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same"

Jolanda said...

It's lovely to have good memories of your grandparents - and yes, she was a wise lady!!
The heart you have made is beautiful and I'm sure she would have loved it :)

Craftychris said...

What a lovely tribute to your Grandma - I loved reading all about her and your memories of her - thank you for sharing. I loved my Grandma too, she was really special and also quite a character. I haven't been able to blog for a while and have been catching up on your recent posts - fabulous projects as usual!! Thank you for the chance to win xx

Sue said...

Your Grandma has certainly helped to make you the special person you are Hels. I only knew one of my grans and she was very special to me.
What a lovely tribute you've made for her.

Julia S-W said...

Gorgeous to read the memories of your Grandma Hels. Thing is, she's clearly still there with you and no doubt have a laugh about your humble beginnings with gloy (yukky stuff!) and glitter. She will also be immensely proud I'm sure. I loved reading the tale of your memories - even the bit about being caught short - I wonder if people still do that?

I saw you making that lovely hanger (I think it was that one anyway) so I'm crossing my fingers for a chance to win.

Have a lovely evening.
Juliaxx (the shy one!!)

Pat said...

Thank you for sharing the story of your Gran Hels it made me think of my mum. I have very few recollections of either of my grandmothers but your story makes me think about my mums relationship with my daughter. I only hope my grandsons remember me with the same love.
Pat xx

Kate Yetter said...

What a fabulous memory with your Grandma. Stories like that can never be erased! So wonderful that you can hold onto those memories. Thank you for sharing. And your wall hanging is all fabulous and full of Studio 490!

Unknown said...

Ah ... thats really sweet. I did all my crafting with my Gran,made Jam, Learned to knit,gathered up roadkill pheasants for dinner and knicked Christmas Trees from the woods!The little heart is lovely and a fitting tribute.
Karen Ives

Unknown said...

Ah ... thats really sweet. I did all my crafting with my Gran,made Jam, Learned to knit,gathered up roadkill pheasants for dinner and knicked Christmas Trees from the woods!The little heart is lovely and a fitting tribute.
Karen Ives

Fuchsia said...

Its absolutely lovely Hels I am sure your Gran is looking down and loving it too !
My gran taught me to Knit with those little basket set you could get :0))
what she would make of today well! we have seen some magnificent stuff in our lifetime much of which will never be seen again
Hugs x

Unknown said...

Oh how wonderful to read your fabulous and funny memories with your Gran - how I envy you being able to share that precious time with her.

Your heart is fabulous - love the textures and the colours are glorious

Maggie said...

Gorgeous happy memories of your Gran Hels which will always be with you.... she sound like a wonderful person.
My lovely Nanna died aged 102 I also feel so blessed to have known her she shared her love of crafts with me also, My children also had the benifit of knowng their Great Granny for which I am so grateful.

Your Heart is beautiful fab colours and texture, I'm getting addicted to Studio 490 and it is all your fault lol......thank you for sharing xx
Maggie

Kyla said...

Lovely memories of your Gran, mine is 87 and now lives in NZ, a few years ago we visitedher on new years eve (a 23 hr flight!), she didnt come home until nearly midnight as she was out having fish and chips with friends!!! We sat there waiting for her to come home so we could celebrate with her!! Gotta love Grans!
Kyla


Jenny Marples said...

What wonderful memories Hels. Your Gran would be immensely proud of you without a shadow of a doubt. My Nanna used to recall places she had been by the food she had eaten there! No one ever leaves us as long as we remember them and keep them in our hearts. Hugs to you on this special day. Buttons x

Rita said...

Happy Birthday Grandma. What a lovely way to celebrate her 100th birthday Hels. What a beautiful artpiece for your generous Give-Away too. Hope I'm lucky. Hugs Rita xx

Sharon said...

Oh Hels, what a lovely, touching tribute, my Grandparents are sadly missed too but memories of them live on in my heart. Thank you for the chance to win your lovely hanging.
Sharon xx

Annie said...

Hi Hels ...a very touching post. how lucky you both were to have one another x my Nana passed away when I was 17 and like you I missed her terribly. I know she is still around me and I just hope she is proud of my achievements. I am sure your lovely grandmother is proud of you too.

Crafty hugs

Annie x

ria gall said...

Hi Hels
I am sure she is looking down on you and is very proud of all that you do.
Our loved ones are never far away because they live in our hearts.
Ria

Val in Spain xxx said...

Lovely piece again today Hels. Sadly i never knew either of my grans or my grandads come to that as they all died before i was born. I feel really envious of you as i think I missed out on not having that older loving person in my life.lovely memories for you to cherish.

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Hels, I truly loved watching you demo this Heart at Ally Pally, it is stunning, I just wish I had been near enough to see you actually make it, the monitors didn't do your demo justice. It is truly gorgeous, and I need to get some more of the Art Parts elements for my attempt at your projects.
The words you have used today to speak of your Grandma, they are straight from the heart, and you truly still miss her passing. She seemed a very knowledgeable lady and imparted that knowledge to you, which has made you the person you are today. I had to chuckle when I read about the 'call of nature' and the bulls, I could picture it in my mind ha ha. Happy Birthday to your Gran, she is in a far better place, on the right hand side of God, as is my Nana, she was very similar and taught me 'right' from 'wrong' and influenced me in a very positive and loving way. What a 'from the heart' tribute to your Gran on her birthday.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Joanie said...

Hi Hels, quite often there is a special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. I had a very similar relationship with my nana - I went everywhere with her and we always walked - miles in fact. I spent all my school holidays with her and when I had a Saturday job used to go to her house for my lunch! Now I am a nana myself and I have a lovely special relationship with my 4 year old granddaughter - she's "her nan's girl". She is always asking to come to my house for 'a sleepover'!I am teaching her papercrafting and she loves it. I hope she has similar fond memories of me as we do of our gran and nan.

Hugs

Joan x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Your Gran sounds amazing! This is beautiful as well!

Clai01 said...

Hearts are such fitting reminders or symbols for those we love.
I enjoyed reading about your Grandma Hels and thanks for sharing it.

Rhonda said...

Oh Hels, brought tears to my eyes with your lovely story of your Grandma. I had one a lot like yours and am so grateful we got to spend time together when I was "younger". She shaped me a great deal and I am forever grateful. Thanks for the chance to win your Love hanging.

craftimamma said...

i've been way behind on my visits this week Hels. So glad I've managed a catch up today and haven't missed the chance to win this little beauty. It's a lovely tribute to your Grandma and the day you do the draw is my lovely Daughter's birthday. She would love this piece so I'm keeping my fingers crossed my number gets drawn so I can give it to her ;o)

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Becky said...

Love the heart you have done Hels your Grandma would be very proud of you.x

Suzanne Pattison said...

What wonderful memories you have - I am sure if she had made it to 100 she would have been very proud of you and your fantastic achievements.

darcydaydream said...

A lovely story about your gran. They are special aren't they. I used to tell my nan everything. She was a true friend and very sorely missed. Love the heart such a lovely tribute.....x

Carol Plume said...

oh Hels - just seen this - I lost my Nan just over a year ago and everyday hurts! Your nan, and your special relationship, sounds the same as my nan...its heartbreaking isn't it...xx
Bet she's smiling down on you and so very proud of you and all your achievements....xx

Planetsusie said...

Hi Hels - I seem to be doing loads of catching up recently. I have just seem this and think it is beautiful. I love your embellishments and the story about your gran. My nan was very similar - she used to let me stay with her and my grandpa at the weekends and she'd curl my hair in rags!! I looked like Looby Loo I can tell you. She loved me loads - although she was also very reserved. I still miss her even though I lost her over 25 years ago.

Hugs to you Sue Pxxx

nightingalehoop said...

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