My cousin Allyson is someone I've always admired immensely. Lots of summers growing up my parents would load us into our big brown VW van and we'd drive from Virginia all the way to Utah to see our family out west. Even though Allyson was older than me (which is a big difference when you are a very short, dorky 13 who is a little too into Anne of Green Gables and the other is a beautiful tall nordic-blonde 16) she'd without fail look out for me and include me in her activities, taking me horse-back riding or showing me the amazing doll houses that she built from scratch. By the time I was a junior in college she was married and had her first boy. They lived not too far from my apartment, and I loved walking down there and hanging out with them and playing with the baby. She still continues to be a role-model for me even though I rarely see her, these days. She has five small children and her husband is almost done with his English PhD, and I imagine that their home now is a haven of all things good and wholesome and interesting, just like it was when they had just the one sweet baby. The top two pictures are ones Allyson sent me of art her children did, in frames made by her husband Bryan. Stunning! And the bottom picture is a frame, also built by Bryan, given to Steve and I for our wedding. It's one of my favorite things.
11 comments:
Lynne, those are wonderful gifts from your cousin and her family. I think the insight you gave us on your relationship with her gave the pictures and frames more substance and value. I love them. thank you for sharing!
Those are lovely!
I love frames!!!! We framed a watercolor Molly did in first grade to hang in our bathroom. We took all of our colors from it!!!
tall, true, but more gangly and nerdy than Nordic-knockout, and certainly just as into Anne of Green Gables. I loved to hang out with you because you are amazing (obviously).
even though it's bryan, not me, who is frame-talented, the beauty of frames is that they are everywhere. you can pick up a beefy, intricate frame at goodwill or the DI, and paint it or leaf it with stuff from a craft store, which is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. you can also make them with floorboard moulding if you mitre an inside edge for the picture to fit into. there's something about seeing one's own pictures in big fancy frames that the kids just love.
Yes Allyson is amazing. From the time I was first married, I continually heard my mother-in-law talking about her extraordinarily talented and capable niece Allyson! It's true that kids love to see their art framed and hanging around the house. I hope that Allyson will give us some more lessons on frame-making and gold-leafing.
Lynne, I agree about always looking up to Allyson. I always thought she was so calm and collected and TALENTED! I remember the watercolor she did of Great Grandma that hangs in their house. And the fruits in the kitchen. And all of her cool photography...Man, the list goes on. And I really must say I think she is a great mom. I think she has a very clear and positive perspective on life that is reflected in her kids. She's a great inspiration for lots of things! Hooray for Allyson! Loved the post.
I immediately saw those framed art and thought, "How cool...I need to do that!!!". I used to have older cousins I admired like that too. One became a marine biologist on the west coast though we grew up in landlocked Ohio!!! Anyways, I LOVE the one they made for you... I clicked on the photo to enlarge it and the quote is so great!!
I am definitely going to have to try that myself as my resident wood worker is out of commission due a busy work schedule:)
boy do I feel loved. here's to superb cousins! (even if you all live much too far away)
Can I join your family????
You have decorated your home with beautiful accents, I just love them.
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