Behind the Scenes...Erik Michaels

It's been far too long since the last Treasured Traditions share. 2017 will be a great year. So many show and market opportunities. We'll keep you updated better.

So...a huge shout out to Erik Michaels for being an important part of Treasured Traditions. He's the go-to guy for cutting wood, lots of gluing ideas as well as his extreme love and talents for wood working and photography. We'll share more about his talents in the next several weeks.

Erik Michaels - Nature Photography

Missing You Today and Always

I had the honor of reading an original piece "Missing You Today and Always" at the celebration of life service for a dear photographer friend Judy. Her passing took us all off guard at the beginning of the week. This original writing was a creation of a flood of memories of Judy and so many other friends and loved ones who I've lost over the years. Death is assured; we each have our time. I am glad to have worked with such a talented lady and was proud to call her friend.

"Missing You Today and Always"
by June A. Hoffman

Never far are you as you are in my heart forever.
Your death leaves me with a rift; a chasm; a void that no other will fill. 
My selfish heart aches for you to be with us still.
My rational mind knows the truth that you no longer have pain and suffering and the burden of earthly shackles.

You sit with your loved ones and friends who made that journey before you.
I know not when I will see you again, but I know you are truly with me on each step of my road from now until we meet across the banks of the wonderful forever.

I see your messages in the beauty all around so often unexpected although timely and refreshing.
I hear your voice and joyous laughter in favorite songs and melodies.
I wake from dreams and know for a fleeting moment that you are fine and I am loved.

Know that when I am weak or stray from my path that your teachings and guidance gently move me in a better direction.
You are never forgotten as I hold you dearly in my heart from here until eternity reunites us once again.

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.