They say that an apple never falls far from the tree and when it comes to crafting, there must be some truth in that old cliche. However, if my mother was the tree, then she was a mighty oak.
All of my life I can remember her making things even when she had a house to run and FIVE daughters to raise. She had a fine arts background, but her real talent lay in a variety of crafts. She was an extraordinary seamstress. Vogue patterns were a doodle, her smocking was exquisite and her needlepoint was simply stunning.
But her talents didn't stop there. She was also a fabulous miniaturist. She had this incredible ability to make the most realistic figures out of polymer clay. Not content to restrict herself to doll houses, she and her husband designed and built whole scenes. How about a scuba diving boat ON the water and a whole bunch of divers exploring a coral reef UNDER the water. Fish, coral, bubbles the whole lot all handmade.
Above is one of her earlier creations. We lived in Pennsylvania and my father was an avid hunter, not just for the sport, but to provide much needed food for our table. And without being to eco about it, my parents used every part of an animal that could be used short of making needles from the bones.
These are pheasant feather vests and shoes. My mother glued every single one of those tiny feathers on by hand! When the light hits it, it shimmers and flashes an irridescent beauty that has to be seen to be believed.
My mother loved to make things...
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