Just in case there is still one more name on your gift list, and you can't figure out what you can possibly give to that person . . . . here's an idea that might be perfect! Well, of course it depends on WHO that person is, but often times we have people in our lives who really don't NEED anything; they seem to already have everything that they need and want; and yet you still want to give them a little something to show them how much you love them. This Vintage Collage Wallhanging is so super simple that you could whip it up this afternoon and take it to Grandma's Christmas Dinner or even to the family Christmas Eve get-together.
This project is really quite beautiful, and it is very personalized . . . . and it can be as creative as you are! But it really works best if you give it to someone you love who tends to be rather sentimental ;o) especially for Grandmas, Mamas, Aunts, or Sisters. But you could also make something up for Grandpa or Daddy, especially if he has a hobby or a sports interest. Our Grandpa really loves John Deere tractors. So we could make up a collage for him using images of tractors, and then include pictures of him in his younger days with one of his tractors . . . . or perhaps you could make a collage with a poem that Aunt Sally wrote once upon a time . . . . or a song that Uncle Bob wrote back in 1962 and include a picture of him with his favorite guitar. So many different ways that this project could be interpreted!
I decided to use a favorite family recipe that has become a traditional treat, especially at birthdays, but has even been included in a couple of family weddings. This is my original recipe for Waldorf Astoria Red Cake. I wrote this recipe down over 30 years ago, given to me by a special aunt on my husband's side of the family. For many years after that, we would always have Red Cake for every birthday celebration. And it became one of our most important traditions. Every time I would pull those recipe cards out of my recipe box, I would think that I really needed to re-write the recipe down on a new card, because it was getting so old, tattered, and worn. If you look closely, you will see that there are stains from all the years of use when children would spill vanilla or smear buttery fingers over the card. In one place, you can even see some tiny scribbles in a childish hand.
I realized that these cards are truly a treasure just the way they are! But the originals won't last forever, but the memories will . . . . and one way to keep those memories alive is to preserve them today. So, go ahead and be creative with your design, and use whatever treasured momentos you have in your family, and make a collage that will preserve those memories for generations to come.
Vintage Collage Wallhanging
Supplies:
* Frame
* Vintage momentos such as pictures, images, baseball cards, tickets, tags, anything that you might use to create a scrapbook page
* Glue or acid-free scrapbooking tape
* Acid-free scrapbooking paper
* Various trims and embellishments such as stickers, tags, puzzle pieces
* Vintage buttons
Step 1:
You can either use the original momentos or make photo copies of them on acid-free paper.
Step 2: Cut out the copies or using the originals, mount them on acid-free scrapbooking paper in a coordinating color of your choice.
Step 3: Place objects on acid-free paper background. Include any additional paper shapes or designs to complete your composition.
Step 4: Add any additional ephemera or embellishments desired. I also added a small notation in the corner of each of my wallhangings with the date and that it was from me, Mom!
Step 5: When your collage is complete, place it into the frame and lock the back into place.
Step 6: If desired, you can embellish the frame with vintage buttons, lace, or ribbons.
This is such a quick and easy project, but it shares treasured moments and family traditions with someone you love very much . . . . or several someones, as in my case I made one of these collages for each of my adult children and their families. They will all remember the family tradition, as they have all carried on the tradition in their own homes. Such a personal gift for anyone who shares a love of family traditions, whether it be our parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren . . . . . really anyone you want to tell, "I love you, and I remember all the special times we have shared together." Have a wonderful Christmas with those you love . . . . and remember that the giving is what makes your heart glow with the warmth of family, friendship, and the love of our Heavenly Father. Blessings this day!
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