Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Cherish

Remember this post from last week or so when I talked about how there's "change in the wind" and I can feel it affecting my creations, as well as the details of my life? If you didn't read that post and want to, you can go here. :)

Well today I finished the first piece made with this fresh wind in my sails! I am so pleased with it. It is just so "me" that I honestly can hardly bear to sell it! But that's part of the process for me, as well as the joy, of creating these days: making things that are authentically ME but with someone else in mind brings me a lot of pleasure.

This piece is called "Cherish" and though I realize it could mean different things to different people, here's what it means to me (this is the description from my eBay auction!):

"I created this heirloom box because lately I've been struck my what feels profound: What I dreamt of as a young, single woman and what I will be remembering wistfully as an elderly woman are the years I am experiencing RIGHT NOW. These days I drag through, just hoping for them to end so that I can sit down and...well just sit down!! :) I live for the evenings, the quiet, the grown-up conversations, losing myself in my embroidery, sipping a cocktail or escaping into a t.v. show plot. But I used to think so longingly about what it would be like to be "grown-up," married and a mama. And someday, I'm told, I will think longingly about being a "young" woman with strength, energy, a handsome husband and beautiful children who want nothing more than my attention. THESE ARE THOSE DAYS.

This box represents THESE DAYS and is the perfect place to keep artifacts from these days...baby shoes, "love notes" in a child's scrawled hand, a dried flower from a loving husband, a binky that someone is too big for or a post-it on which you scratched the "cutest thing" your toddler said that you wouldn't remember otherwise. This is a box that will undoubtedly become an heirloom because of what it will come to mean to you about your own life. This one-of-a-kind box is in great vintage condition. It has the "shabby chic" look we all love so much! The lid and bottom of the box have been lined (not by me) with what looks like vintage wrapping paper. The top of the lid has been lovingly enhanced by me with vintage images printed on fabric, hand-embroidery, vintage trims, chiffon ruffles, buttons, charms and more. The center image of the woman in the hat is by Harrison Fisher and is filled with the very best dried French lavender.

In addition, I would be delighted to add a custom, "personalized" embroidered element to the lid that will make it "yours." Some examples are an initial, a name or a phrase that is personal to you and yours." Well that's it, Friends! I'm listing it on eBay tomorrow morning. I've got so many more fun things in process but I just HAD to show you this one. :)

Hugs to you...now go Cherish your own Sweeties...



Here's the auction, if you're interested! Well...right HERE. :)

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cheryl, that is a really really beautiful creation! And I love where your heart was when you made it! Your post made me kind of teary because well...I am so constantly thinking of and worrying about the future and well...this is it you know!? This is what we day dreamed about when we were little girls and we need to savoir and appreciate each and every day. I know that on a literal level but emotionally it is so hard to appreciate the present you know? I love your keepsake box and I kind of hope you keep it for yourself? Cece

roseroomnz.com said...

That is so beautiful, a fabric mosiac. Your needlework is perfect, you must keep it:) Take Care - Rachaelxo

Britt- Sparkled Vintage Charm said...

how fabulous!!! so cute!!! I love them sweetie! :-)

Alison Gibbs said...

Wow!!!! That is absolutely beautiful. No wonder you are finding it hard to part with.
Alison

Lori said...

Cheryl, what l lovely creation! and such a beautiful description of what it means to you. i am so with you on having trouble parting with things you have made that you just love...i think you would laugh if you knew how many things i "bought" for my self from my own etsy shop...it's kind of silly really...

Anonymous said...

Miss Cheryl,this has to be my next FAVORITE piece you have made right after the DOLL book you made. It's obvious your heart and soul went into it.I would'nt want to part with it either!It truly is so sweet and beautiful. What a lovely keepsake! :)
XO,
Jenn

Niesz Vintage Home said...

What a lovely sentiment...and BEAUTIFUL keepsake box!

I can see how it would be hard to part with something that was created because of such feelings.

Kimberly :)

tea time and roses said...

This is so beautiful... I clearly see why it would be difficult to part with it...it is just lovely.

Smiles...

Beverly

Anonymous said...

Hello Cheryl, this really is quite beautiful and your description made my eyes leak!! I admire my 'swap' collage every day and this new creation reminds me of it, just stunning!! Have a wonderful weekend, KN Linda Lilly Cottage.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I just love your blog..i see you comment on Lori @ Faerie Window. And wanted to tell you, you have a very sweet spirit about you. Your post about yourself is quite cute..you and your sister are adorable. I will be back to visit:-)).
Smiles,
Jeannene

speckledhen said...

It's beautiful, Cheryl. And so perfectly YOU. Thanks for keeping it real, sista. Love you!

regina barnett said...

I LOVE THE KEEPSAKE BOXS. EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS WHAT I LOVE. I KNOW I COULDN'T PART FROM IT. THE STORY YOU TOLD WAS A TEAR DROPER. I WOULD KEEP IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT BELONGS IN YOUR HOME.

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Cheryl, this is the prettiest fabric mosaic I have ever seen! Great job and so wonderful! A treasure for sure. xo, Becky

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Absolutely priceless. I shall have to go take a peek, and wish for giant bids for you. You are such a talent.
Blondie

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh that is gorgeou!!! WOW! you put so much work in to that and it really shows! I want it :)

You are so right about the 7 facts tag! It has been so much fun getting to know about other people!

thanks so much for visiting me :)
Amy

Betty said...

Cehryl, That box is so wonderful. I love the "story" behind it. What a beautiful treasure that would be,

Anonymous said...

Hi Cheryl,
That box is gorgeous!! I love all of the colours, the roses...everything!
Kathy :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, it really is beautiful! I can see why you don't want to part with it, I wouldn't either!

Anonymous said...

Awwww, Cheryl! What a beautiful creation and with so much heart put into it!!! It's so special!
I hope whoever gets it will indeed cherish it forever!