When I was a little girl my grandmother and grandfather moved from the city to Valley Stream, Long Island.
One day after picking blackberries with my grandfather, he said that he had a surprise for me.
We went inside the house and down to the basement.
He carefully pulled out a large scrapbook and handed it to me.
To my delight it was filled with sketches, paintings and inspirational words. I loved that some of the pages had been covered with a vellum paper to protect the drawings from smudging.
It must have belonged to the girl who had lived there before, and my grandfather found it when he was cleaning out the basement.
I sat there forever looking at every page. It was magical looking at someone else's artwork and favorite words.
From that moment on, I just knew I wanted to create. The inspiration sparked something inside and I have spent many hours creating journals of inspiration for my family and friends.
I have created
A Scrapbook of Inspiration,
filled with my own artwork, sketches, design ideas, and inspirational words.
This scrapbook has vellum papers to protect each piece of art. Fifty pages of artwork, the cover is bound with a cranberry red binding and the hardback cover is filled with script written in gold on a cream colored background.
The book measures 9 1/4 wide by 12 inches height. The depth of the scrapbook is two inches.
Each page contains an original painting, a print, a drawing, or a collage.
Occasional envelopes hide bits of inspirational words that have inspired me over the years. I have created this book with love and creations to be a keepsake, or to awaken the artist within you.
Perhaps a gift for someone who would enjoy some creative inspiration.
I have put my first
Scrapbook of Inspiration, filled with art, ribbons, bookmarks and pockets of inspirational words,
on a shelf in my etsy shop.
Papa never knew how much he inspired me with a gift of an artwork scrapbook. He spent years painting oil paintings by number, secretly wishing to be an artist himself. I only started painting years after Papa passed away.
We never know what will illuminate our lives, or who will spark the creativity that lives inside us all. The song for this post is
illumination.
We never know what will illuminate our lives, or who will spark the creativity that lives inside us all. The song for this post is illumination.
Karen, it is beautiful. And, what a treasure this scrapbook is.
What a lovely creation. And what a lovely story behind your desire to create. One never knows what will be the impetus, but I am particularly charmed by the grandfather who gave you such a gift.
Karen, what a wonderful story about how you were inspired to create...i am only sorry that your grandfather isn't here to see how his gift has led to your amazing talents...i am sure he is smiling down from heaven...your scrapbook of inspiration is gorgeous...someone will be very lucky to own that beauty!!!
Well I am not surprised that your beautiful work is already sold! What an incredible thing to make! I love the idea that your grandfather inspired you like that. What a precious story:>)
I AM BREATHLESS AND SPEECHLESS.....Did you do this by hand, or is this a published piece? I must go to etsy...Karen, this is most gorgeous. Isn't it fun to put your heart and ideas on paper? Paper is the best invention of humanity!!!!
Blessings to you, my creative friend! Anita
It was so wonderful to hear where your imagination was first touched. What a wonderful story. The scrapebook looks so beautiful.
Hugs,
Penny
Gorgeous - what a wonderful gift it would be - to myself!
How beautiful! I noticed it was gone this afternoon when I looked! Someone will have a work of art to enjoy! ♥
This is such an inspiring post!
I have a gazillion notebooks from my past but need to organize them and make them beautiful like yours.
We lived on Long Island when our children were growing up. So glad you enjoy the New York photos.
Reading this, Karen, I found myself getting quieter, slowing down to take in each and every word and photograph carefully. This is such a beautiful story, filled with tender inspiration - and the result is a gorgeous piece of work.
What a beautiful story, and what beautiful art. Karen, I think your Papa knows you are an artist, and I think he looks down and is so proud of his part in that inspiration. laurie
Hi Karen,
What a beautiful post! So sweet and inspirational. You have created an heirloom, I hope you have someone special to pass it on to.
Speaking of inspiration, thank you for the sweet and encouraging comment you left on my "blogging for newbies" post. I will hopefully make a badge one day but for now, the post is listed under my "Tutorials 101" on my side bar. You are welcome to link it if you'd like.
Thank you for your encouragement to all the new bloggers out there!
Have a wonderful weekend~
Jodie
Oh, I love it and the sweet, endearing, inspiring story. What a precious treasure. I hopped over to find it in your Etsy shop, but is was gone. Oh well, I'm thankful that someone else gets to cherish it and that I am able to keep enjoying your online Scrapbook of Inspiration.
This is so beautiful !! Memories of your Grandfather is still with you !!Fantastic post !!
It is so very beautiful!!!...m..
YOur blog is beautiful and your pictures are divine! If you have time stop by http://shabbychictreasures.blogspot.com/
I am giving away a pretty rose teapot for the month of April!
Hugs,
Olivia
This is so lovely. I would love to do something like this. You now have inspired me to do this.
Hugs,
Carey
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