Monday, October 08, 2007

Makeover Monday

I was at the $1 store the other day and found this little shadow box. Isn't it adorable? And for a $1, you can't lose. I snatched it up and brought it home to give it new life!

Yesterday afternoon was spent at my in-laws going through all of Muriel's things. My job was to go through all her costume jewelry....man did she have lots of it! I was able to keep some of it for myself, but some of it was just so butt ugly it had to go to the little girls that live next door! It will be perfect for playing dress up! They'll love it. It was so fun to go through her jewelry boxes. But it was also hard. So much of her jewelry brought back bittersweet memories.

When I got home, I knew what I wanted to do with my new little shadow box. I wanted to put a picture of Muriel in it and if possible, a piece of her jewelry inside it as well. The picture I chose to put inside the box was the one I took of her and my FIL a few Christmas's ago. You've seen it on my blog before.

I first painted the front of the frame gold, to match the designer paper I chose to cover the box with. It is called Harlequin Romance and is made by Imaginisce. Once the paint dried, I covered each side of the box with the designer paper. I covered the back inside panel with the Harlequin paper as well. I distressed the paper with my Ranger Distress Ink in Walnut to age it up a bit. This process took all of 10 minutes, no kidding! Next, I matted the photo with some more Imaginisce paper, this time the pattern is called Timeless. I mounted the photo to the back panel using Mono adhesive glue. The sentiment, "cherish" comes from the Baroque Motif SU set. I stamped it on white cardstock and matted it with gold metallic cardstock. I used decorative scissors to cut around the sentiment. It's mounted with dimensional tape.

See the cloth tape measure next to the photo in the box? I got the vintage tape measure at a flea market a few years ago. Muriel was an seamstress so I thought it'd be the perfect touch to add to the box.

The pearls in this picture are Muriels. I wanted to put them in the box, but it's a long strand and wouldn't fit inside. I'll have to find something smaller instead. As much as I like this shadow box, I don't love it. I feel like it's missing something, maybe on the outside? Does anyone have any good suggestions for me to finish this off? I'm at a loss. I could really use your help! Leave me a comment if you have an idea...

Saturday night was homecoming dance night here in town. Eldest Son looked handsome as all get-out, once again. Here's a picture of the handsome couple. They are just friends. He met her at church. Sounds like they had a great time. He's lucky he was able to go at all that night. About an hour before he was to leave, I received midterm notices in the mail. He's failing 2 classes and getting a D in another. I was furious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I clearly did not win the Mother of the Year award for the next 20 minutes as I went on a rant of great proportions. Not my finest hour, for sure. I was THIS CLOSE to not letting him go to the dance. At that moment, life came crashing down on me, I was being given too much to handle in such a short time. The job loss, the death of Muriel, the failing grades. What, oh what, pray tell, have I done to deserve all this? A book I was reading in the church library the next morning helped me put it all into perpective...."this is the day that Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Regardless of my circumstances.

Hugs,
Amy

19 comments:

  1. What a beautiful shadowbox, Amy! I love it and don't think it needs anything. The memories inside are what should shine. It sounds like good Mom came back in time to let him go to the dance, so don't be too hard on yourself for your 20 minute rant!

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  2. Amy. I like to review your blog to check out all your wonderful creations but as with others, my heart and prayers have gone out to you for your recent trials. While ago - I was looking for the verse that speaks of HIM not giving more than we can bear for encouragement. I sensed the Holy Spirit leading me to leave the following verse for you. I hope it will bring comfort.

    1 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined ~ what GOD has prepared for those who love Him."

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  3. Great photo. You definetly have had stress in your life, but know God is with you. It is hard for us as parents, but our children feel our stress & he is dealing with the same losses that you are but in a different way. Hugs and the shadow box is a wonderful keepsake to remember Muriel. Chris

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  4. Anonymous6:33 PM

    ((((HUGS)))) I am so sorry things are going this way for you. I hope things turn around very soon for you.

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  5. Amy,
    Your shadow box is lovely. Is there a small piece of jewelry, perhaps a stickpin or the like, that you could attach to the frame? I laughed at the "butt ugly" comment, appreciating your candor. With regard to Eldest Son, he has the last half of the term to get his grades straighted out. I have 27 and 28-year-old sons,and your life is so parallel to what I experienced 10 years ago. We were having financial difficulties that were the result of circumstance. My dad died. My boys felt and reacted to the stress in ways I didn't deem positive. We got through it, and we're all better people today because if it. Just from reading some of your posts, I believe that your boys have a solid foundation, and with that, I can assure you that he/they will come around. As for your coming down on him, you're entitled and one day, he'll thank you for it.

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  6. Amy, I'm sorry for all you're going through. I love your blog, and read it regularly. I will pray for you! ((HUGS))

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  7. Anonymous9:16 PM

    Amy. I have been browsing blogs for about 6 mths now and for some reason yours is the only one I actually read. We have alot of things in common and one of them is that I also have the awesome responsibility of raising boys. When I read that your eldest wasn't doing so well in school that just added to the list of things we have in common. I beleive that I have boys for a reason and that God must have faith in me to raise them. He has faith in you too and God will not put you thru anything that you can not handle. Rest in the fact that God is in control and He loves you and wants only the best for you. We sometimes question the things we have to go thru but I just want to encourage you to "be still and know that He is God"

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  8. I love your altered shadow box Amy, it's awesome! And, hang in there with the grade thing - this too shall pass. He may have been affected by everything else going on around you all, it has been quite a month in your household! I know how overwhelming it can be, but remember, God never gives us more than we can handle...if that doesn't help, then ground him for life (or until he graduates) - lOL!!! Thinking about you. {{{STAMPIN HUGS}}} Alex

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  9. Your shadowbox for Makeover Monday is very beautiful!!

    I am having my own difficulties trying to get my 9 year old to put forth effort in school and homework. Oh I have a long road ahead of me (and two younger children after...ugh!)

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  10. Anonymous9:50 PM

    Hi Amy,

    I love the shadow box, what a wonderful tribute to Muriel.

    I know you have had a lot on your plate for quite awhile now. Sometimes we forget that the kids are also going through huge changes in their lives too. Be glad this is midterm and not the end of the term. There is still time for your son to make improvement!

    Keep your chin up!
    Lori

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  11. Anonymous2:02 AM

    Nice frame Amy .. Your blog is like "una mina de oro" (gold mine?)
    A lot of kiss

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  12. Anonymous8:50 AM

    I love the shadowbox. May I suggest using a smaller photo and adding a brooch or pin in the corner? I love the vintage tape measure.

    I can totally relate to kids and grades. My daughter just turned 17 and still doesn't have her driver's license. She's had her permit for over a year but the deal is she can't get her license until she has grades of C or better in all classes. She puts in no effort at school and I don't know what to do with her. At least I'm proud of myself for not giving in on the driver's license issue. Will see if she gets her act together this year. Hopefully part of your son's grade issue is related to the recent family issues and will only be temporary. I'm sure he's experiencing some stress from his Dad losing his job and from losing his Grandmother.

    I hope things improve with him and you are able to find some time for yourself during these trying times.

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  13. Anonymous9:17 AM

    What a lovely tribute to Muriel! I love it! I might be inclined to add a tiny butterfly which would indicate her tranformation in life. Perhaps a tiny flower with one of her pins or earrings in the center would work too? It's really beautiful just the way it is.
    Your son might be having struggles of his own right now, but try to focus on what a joy he is to be in your life; rather than his school grades. Nobody said life was easy, but you're such a thoughtful and caring person, I'm sure this will soon fade to a bad memory. Hug him a little tighter today and tell him you love him no matter what. You'll be so glad you did:) Wishing you a better today than yesterday and an even brighter tomorrow:)

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  14. Dear Amy, love your beautiful shadowbox. A lovely piece of art/family memorabilia, a treasure. I have a 17 year old son and know what you are going through so get in line behind me on the mother of the year thing!!! I was going through a horrible time last year helping a dear friend with cancer and chemo and away from the home several days a week. My son's grades slipped for the first time. I just had to put it in perspective, I wasn't there to push and check up on him but I was where I was needed most. I was disappointed and I know my son slacked off because I wasn't on the job, but in the grand scheme of things they were only high school grades. I just couldn't be in two places at once. I am glad you chose not to punish him by keeping him home from a beautiful high school memory, but he has plenty of time to be restricted now until his grades improve!!! You did the right thing. Keep your faith and your loved ones close!! I have been enjoying your blog for months, you are an inspiration.

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  15. As I was reading, I was just thinking "you have to let him go. The girl will be dateless and it's not her fault." LOL. You made the right choice. Now you'll just have to help him. Maybe you can check with his teachers how he can improve? Wish I could have better suggestions for you, but I don't even have kids. I sure am thinking of you with the trials you're facing right now. Hang in there Amy.

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  16. Anonymous10:10 AM

    Oh Amy, I feel for you...but you got lots of good advice here about the boys. Remember that LIFE has affected them too...but I also applaude you for laying into him...kids need to know how important education is...

    I think you are doing an amazing job as a mom. HUGS

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  17. Amy, I read your blog every day, and even though I don't always comment I find that you always post something that I can relate to in some way. I've been moaning and groaning about all the things going wrong in my life -- and believe me, I have quite a list -- but I know that in the eyes of God I must seem like a selfish, ungrateful little child. It's so hard for us to see past the here and now, but Tina couldn't have said it better than by quoting 1Cor 2:9. Thanks to you both for the lift!

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  18. Anonymous11:30 AM

    Amy, your shadow box tribute to Muriel is lovely. I've no doubt that you will find just the right touch to make you love it as much as you loved Muriel. It sounds like you handled your son quite well. I'm sure you are aware of this but your children have gone through all the traumas you've gone through over the past weeks and months and have suffered losses as well. Many kids aren't even aware that they are affected by such events but their behavior tells it all. It sounds like you are using a good combination of discipline and compassion. Keep up the good work, Mom!

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  19. Anonymous1:47 PM

    Dear Amy.....I love the shadow box..wow... your work is always soooo awesome...I was drawn to your blog right away even with out scrolling down and seeing your comment and artwork...your photo...your are such a beautiful woman.....I love your hair..I want mine cut just like yours and letting it grow out so that maybe.....????? some day??????after reading your blogs for several months now I have found out your are just as beautiful on the inside too...you are doing a wonderful job, your family is truely blessed.As a little bit of a side note about your son....He sounds alike like mine was back then...he too is very handsome, and loved all the fun and games and romance of school much more than the book learning part even though his potentional was sooo much more. We tried everything...knowing that he was so much more capable...but every quarter it was the same thing...even summer school for 3 years too..his freashman year we thought that would be the lesson he really needed no fun that summmer WRONG...he was thrilled...what a great way to learn ..his theory was... see you can get all the IMPORTANT facts in a few short weeks soooo why do we have to drag out school for 9 months!!!so he did 3 years of summer school and then after graduation we thought no way he'd want to go to college..WRONG again... he went to college...Deans list all the way through then on to his MASTERS and NOW he has his PhD and teaching COLLEGE!!!!Go figure when we asked him why oh why did you put us through so much in HS he said nothing turned me on in HS.. the classes were all picked for you the facts just poured out nothing more than filling in the squares ......soooo...there is a light at the end of the tunnel for sure.....
    Hang in there lovely lady...God will not give you more than he thinks you can bare.....
    I'll keep you in my prayers...thanks for still posting even through all your trials....know that you have many many friends out here...love and friendship always, candy

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