This is a portrait of my great-grandmother Carmella, she was my father’s father’s mother. She enjoyed playing games, was an upholsterer (her husband was one, too), and was faithful in praying for the salvation of her grandchildren. Before Breezy and I were born, she crocheted us both baby blankets so that Daddy’s children would have blankets made by her (she made them before we were born because her arthritis was gradually getting worse). My daddy spent a lot of time with her when he was young, and when she moved to Florida, he visited her every year. I don’t remember her very well, as she died when I was young, but Momma says that we would’ve really enjoyed her company and playing games with her.

Below is a project I created with her picture, as well as instructions if you would like to make one with your own special photo.

Supplies:

• Stiff Material – we painted gesso on muslin (but acrylic should work just as well)
• Wire – small piece, I used 20 gauge
• Embellishments – I used eyelets and ribbon (pictured are eyelets [those are what the metal tools are for] and hemp cord)
• Photo – one with special meaning or a story behind it

Directions:
Layout the hanging in the way you would like it to look. I used different sizes of the painted material to give the project a bit more interest, and on one of the pieces I wrote my great-grandmother’s name. Stick down each layer (I used both glue and adhesive squares), adding embellishments as you go. When it is finished, insert the hook. If the project is heavier on one side, try to put the hook where it will cause the rest to hang straight. Otherwise, just center the hook. Here is how I put on my hook:

Bend the wire, so that is is easy to squeeze together when poked through. With a needle, poke a hole in material, large enough for the wire to go through. Do this on both ends of the wire. Poke wire through, and bend the back all the way up.

This is the finished product, and I plan on changing the ribbon to a light blue to give the piece a bit more color.

Hanging on my wall in my room. I hope to make a few more of these with old photos of special family members.

I wish I had the opportunity to get to know her better, and remember her well, but that was not the Lord’s will. From what I’ve heard she was a fun lady to be around, a wonderful great-grandmother.

Categories: Family | Handmade | Inspirations | The Home | Vintage