Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Grandest Woman I Never Met

Priscillas Mason Jar
Beautiful Treasures Inside


Works of Art In Mind Already With These



3 Rings created using her old buttons.

The Earrings That Her Daughter and Granddaughter Will Wear.

I hold in my hand a vintage blue Ball Ideal mason jar that's probably 60 years old, atleast. It is filled with buttons that have been collected and passed down over 3 generations in the past 90 plus years. I received this jar from one of my best friends who thought that I could probably find some things in there to make rings out of. They had been passed down to her by her mother Priscilla Thomas who passed away several years ago.

What I found was more than some beautiful old buttons. There are some absolutely amazing treasures in this old jar. Some are knicked, cracked and aged and then there are those that have worn spots on them from a woman rubbing them during times of pain or sorrow. Priscillas grandmother collected buttons and so began her love of beautiful buttons at the age of 11. As she grew, so did her collection and at times, she would lovingly pull them out and look at each one. She would probably remember where that button came from, the person it reminded her of and possibly a happy story or two. Priscilla traveled all over because she would go where there was work for her husband. Although her life was ever changing, the buttons were always a constant. Priscilla worked hard at raising strong independant children who have a love for God and ares just as giving as she apparently was.
Her daughter said to me that Priscilla was probably in heaven smiling at the fact that someone would be adorned with something that she found special to her and just maybe would have a story to tell as well.

I have taken a few of these beautiful treasures and created earrings and rings so far. I have some plans for some of the other buttons as well. For now, I am honored to have been included in Priscillas life through her buttons. The sharing of these will begin with her 2 Daughters Darlene and Denise, her Granddaughter Katie and her Great Granddaughter Abbey. Each of these beautiful girls will be wearing a piece of Priscilla and have their own stories to share as well.
So today I am honored to introduce to you Priscilla Thomas, the Grandest Woman I Never Met.

25 comments:

  1. LOVELY pics! I wish mine turned out that good!

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  2. I truly wasn't trying to draw attention to my designs, this weeks blog is all about an amazing woman that I wish I had gotten to meet.

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  3. What a lovely story. I'm sure Priscilla's family will cherish what you make for them!

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  4. I love the way you remembered the owner, as you think about creating new treasures from her treasures.

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  5. ummmm have you been holding out on meee? You know I specialize in button creations!! LOL
    I am jealous of your collection

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  6. What a lovely post - you have a way with words!

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  7. Such a beautiful use for a precious collection! Great job!

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  8. What a lovely sentiment. The emotional ties between the artisan and her/his creations bring out the very best in us.

    Sometimes, in the rush to fill the shop, I think we hurry to make things and somehow lose our emotional connection.

    Thank you for sharing this story. It will serve as a reminder to me to slow down and create from the heart.

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  9. i used to love hunting through my mom's bucket of buttons she got from her mom... its thrilling and you cant help but paint a story while looknig at the treasures!

    wonderful blog post!!

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  10. what a great story. thank you for sharing.

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  11. Great, great story, and fantastic treasures!!!

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  12. Those are lovely along with the story. I hope you'll keep us posted on what you create with these wonderful surprises.

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  13. What a wonderful story. Those buttons are keepsakes, to be treasured. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!

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  14. Very interesting background to go with these items! Using buttons in the earrings is a really clever idea too!

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  15. What a touching story. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. What a lovely story. Such treasure!

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  17. Wow, look at those beautiful vintage buttons! My favorite is that black faceted one. I have a jar of old buttons that I've collected since I was a kid, and many of those buttons came from my mom. It always brings up great memories :)

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  18. Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments. This blog story is truly a part of my personal life and I wanted to share it for a very special friend.

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  19. such a lovely, touching story ♥

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