Don't Hide Your Family in a Box

I probably have three boxes full of family photos and memorabilia as well as ten or twelve photo albums. Many days, I look for interesting ways to display my family (photos and history). That's part of how Treasured Traditions got started too.

We are working on some new unique, hand crafted Memory Boxes and other wonderful ideas for ways to make your family a part of your everyday life. Celebrate family every day!

Check back soon for pics of the Memory Boxes which we'll offer in solid oak or pine options as well as your choice of stain color. Give us a call at 260-402-1533 if you have family treasures that you don't want to hide in a box any more!

To Part or Not To Part?

Art is truly subjective as is collecting baubles and unique items for future designs. Sometimes it’s a struggle as what to do with distinctive items when I sit down to get creative or decide to thin out my personal collection of goodies. The hoarder gene says “keep this kitschy gem for a future project”. The realist says  “how many of these shiny objects must you keep in a small space?”

Take the singular art nouveau cufflink that lost its mate some time ago. It’s design is quite fetching. It would be a shame to part with the nostalgia and glamour exuded from this type of cufflink. But what to do? Keep it for a rainy day project? Sell it? Use it in a mixed media design or some jewelry creation? Well today, this classic men’s fashion ensemble will patiently wait for a future inspired project for another day!!

Something Old Into Something New

One of the most memorable items from childhood might just be Grandma’s hanky. Those lovely works of art were embellished by women with lacey tatting and other crochet adornments (another lost art today).

My Grandmother Iva always carried one in her apron or house coat pocket ready for a runny nose, dabbing away tears, or even impromptu bandage. On more than one occasion, I watched her iron these linens into perfect, compact sizes. Still to this day, I seriously enjoy ironing hankies (might be the only thing I like ironing). Over the years, more than one gift had a vintage hanky from her stash tucked in for me to cherish in the future.

 

In talking with ladies at a recent event, I was asked if Treasured Traditions offers “hanky baby bonnets”. That day, my answer was “no”. Today, my answer is a resounding “YES”! What a wonderful way to keep these delicate treasures as a part for future generations.

 

We now offer two options for “vintage hanky baby bonnets”: antique creations from our hanky treasure trove and custom bonnets from your personal hankies. Both are a darling gift for baby’s journey home from the hospital, a baby christening, other newborn special occasions. These hankies can then transform in to a bride’s “something old” on her wedding day. Drop us a line (june.hoffman@gmail.com) or a call (260-402-1533) to find out more about hanky baby bonnets or other unique creations for your and your family.

Patience is a Virtue

They say "good things come to those who wait". We all have to be "patient" even when we want things "right now". My nineteen month old niece (Linnette) reminds me constantly that she needs "Elmo" NOW (all the time).

Growing patience is like growing beautiful flowers in that you must water, nurture, care for, and really work diligently on bringing tiny seeds to lovely, full blooms. Some of my favorite mixed media components include Scrabble times, dictionary pages, and other bits and pieces of our lives (which encompasses a lot of stuff). My "Patience" design reminds me that it takes a lot of many wonderful parts to create artsie beauties.

"Patience" is a gentle reminder for a friend that you must be willing to look at many aspects to grow your patience. It's truly a virtue. You can look at patience too as most wonderful results are worth the wait and time involved.

Oh, we have plenty of time to show Linnette that "Elmo" and other great things (in life) are there; we just need patience on the journey.

Cherished Birthday Gift from a Friend

I celebrated my birthday last Friday with family and friends. It feels great to have so much love gathered in one spot. It's always cool to receive birthday gifts too.

I loved all my gifts and was especially touched by the gift from my friend Dawn and her husband Brian. Dawn is the artist and owner of Donnibelle Studios here in Fort Wayne. Her mind is always working on ways to take past loved treasures and give them new life. I guess that's one of our shared loves. Dawn is also an encouragement to my creativity with Treasured Traditions.

I am the proud owner of a Donnibelle original heart locket encrusted with my birthstone (amethyst) and other findings. I can't wait to find two appropriate special photos to adorn the inside of this wonderful locket. Thank you so much for an awesome, unique birthday gift!

Take a look at Donnibelle Studios sight to see a wide variety of her great creations.

 

Almost Happy Valentine's Day!

Most people have a favorite holiday. Mine is Valentine's Day for a couple of reasons...I "love" LOVE. I think we need more love in the world or at least showing more love (kindness, care, and respect) for others. And February is my birthday month so having a holiday in the same month just seems cool to me.

With Treasured Traditions, I get to BE creative for me and others. I enjoy being able to take "old" and make it new. So in this spirit, I crafted some super cute "pockets" from authentic, genuine sheet music. Keep in mind that the sheet music was very "loved" and shows all the age and use (rips, tears, handwriting, and even "lipstick" on one page). One of my personal "rules" is to not cut, alter, or otherwise "use" pristine paper (sheet music, books, maps, etc.). It's okay though when the paper is seriously "loved".

I have a stack of old atlases, dictionaries, and cookbooks just waiting for me to give it a second life. Can't wait to bring together old ephemera and give it a special twist. All ideas are welcome as inspiration! Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Happy January!

It's extremely cold throughout the Midwest and beyond. The idea of going outside day or night just gives you the shivers (all over).

Just wanted to share with you about the Treasured Traditions birthday month celebration. Middle of each month, we'll draw one persons name from those followers who have shared that information with us (privately). The monthly birthday winner will get a special little gem from Treasured Traditions. If you didn't circle your birthday month at one of the holiday events last month, feel free to private message us via email or on Facebook.

To keep the warm weather cheer in the air, here's a pic of one of our favorite "Life's Better on the Beach" ornaments.