When I saw that Lori Anderson was hosting another of her great blog hops I was ready to sign up, especially since this one has to do with memory jewelry – that is, jewelry that’s created to honor the memory of someone who has played a special part in your life.
Clara was my paternal grandmother, and was special not only to me, but to our entire family. Christmas Eves and family birthdays were always spent at Grandma’s house on Hendee St.
Grandma was gentle and soft spoken, but also very strong. She’s been gone many years now, but I can still see her in her dress, apron and cute little old lady shoes. She always wore a jeweled pin on her apron or a necklace, and had tea and cookies every afternoon at 4:00. To this day I think of her everytime I see a box of Lorna Doones!
God only knows what I was jabbering at her!
I’m the youngest child in our family by over 10 years so Grandma was already 70 years old when I was born. I knew her as the adorable elderly lady she was at that time, but I’ve always been fascinated by the lovely young woman she once was. So much so that way back in high school I painted this portrait of her –
The image I chose to use for my memory bracelet is from her wedding picture. I photocopied the photo, inserted it into a lovely brass stamping piece from B’Sue Boutiques and coated it with ICE resin. After that it was just a matter of adding a few crystals and a length of chain that I threaded with some tea dyed ribbon.
I like to think that Clara would have approved!
Thanks so much for joining me on my little trip down memory lane! Now go and check out all the talented artists and their beautiful creations on this blog hop –
http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2012/11/participants-for-memories-and-thanks.html
lilruby jewelry 
Your Aunt Clara was a beautiful lady, and your tribute bracelet is beautful. The tea dyed ribbon looks great with the dark brass.
This is exactly what this type of jewelry is meant to be. Too many people make jewelry like this using pictures of strangers. How odd! I love it.
I was also blessed to have my grandparents live next door…and what a blessing to have their memories and outlook on life as I was growing up! Your bracelet is a wonderful tribute to your grandmother
this is wonderful
This is a wonderful tribute: I love your memory bracelet and your memories of your Grandmother. These are precious – thank you for sharing!
I think Clara would have definitely approved! Thank you for sharing about your grandmother. I loved reading your post, and I think you created a beautiful, unique focal to honour your grandmother’s memory. I hope you have many happy years of wearing that amazing bracelet.
Such a beautiful photo of your nan and elegantly framed, a fitting tribute
Very touching Joan. Yes, Clara would approve of your kindness and creativity. Love the way you write-which i have said many times!!!!
Your tribute bracelet is lovely! I love the portrait you painter of your Grandma – she was a beautiful young woman.
I love the Grandma stories…those special memories, like Grandma Clara’s tea and Lorna Doone cookies, are so precious! I can’t help but wonder what my grandchildren will remember about me…what might I do with them today that they will remember forever? And of course, like everything you create, your bracelet is amazing!
The bracelet is beautiful, a wonderful vintage style! And you’re a very talented painter, too!
A beautiful bracelet rich with memory and meaning! Thanks for sharing! I hope you are enjoying the hop
Hugs
Terri G.
I love the vintage bracelet and the photo of your nan is beautiful.
I love your bracelet. It is gorgeous and a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. I imagine her wearing it!
Clara was one beautiful lady. I love that picture of you as a toddler talking to her. She seems supremely interested in what you have to say! I love that the piece you made has this old fashioned charm. It reminds me of mourning jewelry. A fitting tribute. Thank you for sharing your story. Enjoy the day. Erin
I’m sorry I called Grandma Aunt Clara!!!
Lol Terry – maybe you were thinking of Aunt Clara from Bewitched!
A heartfelt thanks to each of you for your kind comments – I’m always honored when someone takes the time to read a post from my little blog!
That first pic of you jabbering made me laugh and cry. Soooo sweet.
Lovely post of Aunt Clara and lovely work too.
Peace and Love.
Such a lovely piece – I very much enjoyed your story & photos:)
I love your bold design!
oh my goodness! that photo of you and your grandmother is just fantastic! I bet she was anxious to give you an ear and you look like you made good use of it. I think you captured the essence of this connection so beautifully with your bracelet.
That is SO amazingly beautiful.
Thanks so much Lori – it’s an honor to be included in your fabulous blog hops. I’m already looking forward to the next one!