Home - DT challenge 121 CSI

Welcome to my blog, take your time, have a browse, 
leave a comment if you like and maybe even become a follower.
My heart sank when I saw these colours, because I mostly scrap children,

using brighter colours, but I was drawn to journal something about my home.

 I’m always inspired by the way my friend

Heather Jacob uses monochromatic palettes, 

so this page is in honour of her artistry. 

CLICK HERE  

to see what the DT and Special Guests have created. 

With these chilly days, I hope you will tuck yourself up 

somewhere warm and crack the Case File.

I love this patterned paper, just perfect for antique furniture

Kaisercraft - Art of Life collection, “Film strip” 

Lots of beautiful Prima flowers
Chipboard - unknown (I've had it since I wore button up boots!)

 

Tim Holtz die cut - Pediment

Prima- Say it with Crystals

EVIDENCE

Architectural accent - the pediment
Flowers
Book pages - top left
Metal - clock
Twine

TESTIMONY

I chose to write something about my home.  The journalling is on the back of the page.

Let me tell you the story of my treasured Cedar Chiffonier, an antique piece which belonged to my Great Aunt Agnes.  She was the youngest of fourteen children and my maternal Grandmother’s sister.   As a young woman at the turn of last century, her role was to look after her Father until he died aged 90.  His home and contents were then sold, so Aunty had no where to live.

Looking for work, she moved from the country to the city and was engaged as a housekeeper, by a genteel old couple.   In return she was given free board and meals. Aunt Agnes was a thrifty shopper, an good cook and an exceptional gardener. She was also patient and kind; traits she developed when caring for her curmudgeonly Father.

After many years her employers died and having no children or relatives, they left their house and contents to my Aunt.  It was an unexpected and liberating bequest. The house was a tiny bungalow in an inner suburb and Aunt Agnes lived their until her mid nineties.  When she died, her home and belongings were auctioned with the proceeds willed to her nieces, including my Mother.

I used to visit her, when our oldest son was a toddler.  She always baked scones for afternoon tea, which we ate in the dining room, seated on silk covered, balloon backed chairs.   The best china and embroidered napkins were used.  Imagine my nervousness about little sticky fingers and lace tablecloths!   Once, when worried about her bone china, I suggested we have afternoon tea in the garden.  “No my dear, little boys must learn their manners at an early age.”

I always admired her cedar chiffonier, but was away when her estate auction was held.  Imagine my surprise when I returned from holiday, to find the chiffonier in my lounge room.   My Mother had bought it for me as a surprise Birthday Gift.

It holds precious bits of antique china from my family, little keepsakes and photos of the children. Like our home, the furniture has marks and dents but also a wonderful patina that only comes with age.  It has a special place in my home because it links five generations, their lives and their memories.

Despite her lack of opportunity, Agnes made the best of things.  She had a wide circle of friends and appreciated the simple things in life.  It reminds me to be grateful for the life chances I have had; to attend university, to travel, to make my own decisions, to marry and have a family.  Vale Aunt Agnes.

MATERIALS USED

Kaisercraft - Art of Life collection, “Film strip” (Background)
Bazzil cardstock
Prima Hello Pastel collection, “Butter cream” (Grey)
Little Yellow Bicycle - Winterings (Grey stripe)
Simple Stories - Generations (Burgundy floral)
Prima - Say it with crystals
Prima flowers
Kaisercraft pearl
Chipboard - unknown
Stampendous embossing enamel - Aged black
Tim Holtz die cut - Pediment
Cottage Cutz die - Leafy foliage
Spellbinders die cut - Labels 36
Spellbinders die cut - Herloom legacy (sic)
E. K. corner punches
Vintage Brad
Lace
Twine