Thursday, June 9, 2011

Fathers

With Father’s Day on the horizon, my thoughts have naturally turned to my wonderful father…the man who’s given me…everything.

A few weeks ago, my mother asked me to make her something to display for Father’s Day—something to commemorate our fathers…here’s my first installment…

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If I were keeping this for myself, it would go into my heritage album, of course…but I think I’ll frame it for Mom…and I know exactly where she’ll put it…

My idea was not just to focus on my own father, but on his, as well…

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I love this young portrait of my father…such a handsome young man…just starting out in life.  What a perfectly amazing husband and father he became…I could never imagine a better one. 

A skilled businessman who still commutes between Los Angeles and his home in Utah each week for work (his boss won’t let him quit!)…but one of his greatest qualities, I think, is his quiet, loving service given to others…an example to all in his family…

His father--my dear grandfather—was such a wonderful influence in my life…but his greatest gift to me was that I always knew how much he loved me…

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Another youthful portrait—long before his father and grandfather years—full of hope, full of life…a farm boy who grew up to be a businessman, a builder, a wonderful help and example to so many…

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And his father…Asahel, the farmer.  A quiet, hard-working, loving husband and father.  I chose to portray them all when they were young on this page…such handsome men…so easy to see the resemblance between them in these portraits…

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I love layering my pages…something about depth and texture I just love…

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The vintage diamond pattern paper and the old journaling sheet are from Crafty Secrets’ new  “Vintage Paper Patterns” CD (it will be available VERY soon!)…

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My daughters assured me that a lovely crinkled seam binding bow would be inappropriate here, so I went with a simple bit of ribbon and one perfect vintage wooden button…just right.

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Vintage photo corners stamped on Kraft cardstock are found in Crafty Secrets’ gorgeous “Photo Studio” stamp set  (one of my favorites!)

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And this fabulous pocket watch image is also from the new “Vintage Paper Patterns” CD.  I covered the watch face with Glossy Accents & cut out another watch frame to add some depth…almost looks real, doesn’t it?!

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{the pretty flourish stamp at the bottom of my page is also from Crafty Secrets’ “Photo Studio” stamp set…}

Three of the most wonderful men…all three born in the same small Arizona town of Snowflake…my father and his father were even born in the same house there…

We’ll be visiting that beloved little town in a few weeks.  I’m so looking forward to revisiting those places where my fathers walked for so many years…from baby steps to prankish boyhood steps to a man’s confident, purpose-filled steps…all in that quiet little town…

…more stories for other days…

So much I could –and will--say in the future here about my father, but for now, I’ll just say…

Thank-you, Dad…I love you.

Julie

29 comments:

  1. I think there is something really powerful in our roots, our family history. How nice that you are able to put these photos together in such a beautiful way. I love it.

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  2. What a nice tribute. I definitely see the family resembleace. I believe you have some of their characteristics too. Take care andkeep on posting those picutres. They are so nice!

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  3. Beautiful work Julie! What handsome men in your family tree! Yes, the watch looks very real! I thought it was then read how you made it. You clever girl!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  4. Oh Julie,
    This is SO beautiful--what a complete treasure for your family!!! I LOVE it and I love the colors..they're so rich...the perfect tribute!!! Hmmm, now what can I make? I have no clue! I guess I better get crackin' on it, shouldn't I?
    XO
    Cindy

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  5. Oh Julie, what wonderful tributes to all your fathers.

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  6. Beautiful as always Julie and certainly a wonderful photographic tribute your mom will treasure. Your trip back to Snowflake will be amazing I'm sure. Snowflake and Arizona just don't seem like they should go together but I'm so glad they do. :) Have a great day! Tammy

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  7. Just beautiful Julie, as your work always is. You can see a great resemblance between the three men, and also yourself! I see a lot of you in them! I love the name Snowflake! I am sure there is a great story behind how it got it's name! I ust know your mum will treasure this creation of yours. She must be so proud of you and all that you do. I think you're a very special lady. Love to you from sunny UK! xxoo

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  8. So very interesting to see the resemblance through the years... a wonderful fatherly homage!

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  9. What a beautiful masculine page! It's so nice to meet your father. Have a nice day, Julie! Twyla

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  10. Such a lovely post...and a good reminder that I must get on top of Father's Day...how could I of forgotten. Things must get in the mail...hugs to you sweet one. xoxoxo
    Love the fact that you have all these lovely images to share.

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  11. Hello Dear Julie! I hope your family has a wonderful day celebrating the important father's in your lives. Ours is today as everyone is available. I am so blessed to have had a wonderful father as well as a super one for my children. What lucky women we are! Elizabeth

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  12. so, I'm finally getting to the lovely new pals I made from the paris party (I know...unfashionably late!)
    I pop over to admire your blog and, just as I'm ooohing and ahhhing at the (beautiful) fathers things, your background finally catches up with me and how lovely it is too!

    I was a little worried that we didn't share any blogging friends (only because I SO don't need any more distraction and a major blog surf is on the horizen) when lovely Koralee popped up in your comments!

    My holiday washing can wait another day - off to peruse your blog. (how is that watch NOT real - I need some time here...)
    fee x
    (pleased to meet you)

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  13. What beautiful work Julie, and very special because it is about your dads. Dads are so important to a girl, I think from him she gets her confidence, I know I did from mine. Your dad is so handsome! :D

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  14. Wow, this was one of the best posts. I love your layout! My father was killed when I was three,so I didn't grow up around him, but luckily I have had a great husband who has been a great father and I have been blessed with relatives who have helped me come to know him anyway!

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  15. Julie, A beautiful collection of family pictures...I'm sure your mom will love and treasure this :)

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  16. Julie,dear, a great way to show the love to your fathers, it is a beautiful picture to be treasured,alwayes, you have done-- and yes the watch looks really real...
    xo,Dorthe

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  17. Hi Julie...this is just beautiful. I love those old photo corners. I am sure your Mom will be thrilled!!

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  18. What a lovely post about all the fathers in your life. I love hearing the your girls helped you with the decision on your seam binding. My daughter also helps me when I am questioning my artwork.

    Love your masculine as I am sure your Mom will too.

    Wish you were closer so we could play with textures and pictures together!

    Have a lovely week, dear friend.

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  19. WHAT A GORGEOUS TRIBUTE!
    AND YOUR SENTIMENTS ARE SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!

    THANKS FOR STOPPING IN...TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION...YES...ALL THE CROCHET PIECES ON MY BLOG ARE MADE BY ME....I JUST CAN'T STOP THE CROCHET MADNESS! LOL


    CIAO BELLA


    CREATIVE CARMELINA

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  20. What a thoughtful and touching gift/tribute to your Dad!
    Best,
    Susan

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  21. Oh what a wonderful wonderful piece. I am sure she will treasure this. How wonderful for you to have such lovely memories as well.

    Love Dawn xx

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  22. A wonderful tribute, Julie. You are so so thoughtful, I enjoy each and every post and card!

    Have a happy Thursday and a wonderful weekend ahead sweet friend o xx o

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  23. What a lovely tribute to the wonderful men in your family! I love the way you share your family history through your gorgeous artwork!

    Kat :)

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  24. So much love in
    every word and
    in the beautiful
    pages that you
    create, Julie!
    I can only imagine
    how proud he is of
    you, too. What
    handsome stock you
    hail from, my friend!
    xx Suzanne

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  25. I couldn't think of a better tribute to such wonderful family members.Beautiful page. What fun it will be to visit where they all grew up. I can't believe your dad commutes from LA to Utah every week, now that is dedication.
    I do hope you get to spend time with him on fathers day.
    Your dad really looks like his grandfather!
    hugs Lynn

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  26. What a great Fathers Day project, you sure are clever! oxox, Diane

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  27. So special, Julie. You are so blessed and, in turn, you bless us all.
    Big hugs,
    Suz

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  28. Julie, This is just wonderful and I'm sure your Mom loves it. I really thought it was a real watch. Great job!!!
    Snowflake - what a cute name for a town :-).
    Hugs to you, dear friend,
    Julia

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