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Monday, November 30, 2009

Sisters of all kinds

Sisters are a beautiful thing

My older sister just had a "biggey" birthday. It was important to me present her with something very special this year. She's had a hard year, like so many of us at this time. She's worked her tail off, taken classes to improve her opportunities in business (yes, even at her age), and driven huge amounts of miles all over the Los Angeles area for the opportunity to make a sale in the housing industry, which she is new at. In other words, I love her dearly and wanted to bring a smile to her face, and hopefully a laugh.

I was successful! After seeing the fabulous projects that a dear "art sister" of mine, Diane Cook, and a blogging friend of hers, Colette Copeland, put together for an article in the recent Winter 2010 Belle Armoire Jewelry, called the "The Art of Presentation": Sisterhood", I WAS HOOKED. The timing couldn't have been better for me to see this article. I knew I had to package my gift of a new cuff in some way special for this birthday. She deserved it! So I took the magazine over to a dear "art sister's" house, Diana Frey, and the two of us brainstormed some designs. I haven't been near a sewing machine since the 80's, really. But somehow, that all comes back to you, like riding a bike I guess. We took a high school picture of my sister's and put it on photo transfer paper for fabric, found at Michaels. I brought tidbits of fabrics and scraps I had, and Diana went to her magical drawers, pulling out some darling accents. Then I just whipped this baby up, in about four hours!! I know the next one will take an hour, but like I said, I haven't sewn in a million years, thus the time spent!

It was all worth it. My sister, Kami, held the little bundle of hand made paper, tied with a wide silk ribbon, and slowly began unwrapping. She held up the little fabric bag with her picture on the front, kind of squinted, asked "is that me?", then we handed her some reading glasses, and she started laughing! It was successful, my work here is done! She didn't remember the picture, and we got a big laugh out of that as well. Oh, she loved what was inside as well. So thank you to all my art sisters help on this one. Couldn't have done it without Colette, Diane and Diana.

9 comments:

Esther said...

wonderful surprise!! very mixed media, as i love!! our sisters are our bests friend are'nt they Riki? you are a good sister!! very unique bundle!!

Sueann said...

Fabulous!! The best part is that she laughed and then enjoyed the present as well!! What a blessing to have a sister!
Hugs
SueAnn

Charlene said...

Soooooooooooo sweet! I wish I could have been in the studio with you & Diana. WHAT FUN!!!! I know you sister loved you gift for her. Yes, I know what you mean about not using the sewing machine in awhile. I took a transfer class & have been doing aprons. In fact... just finished one for Diane Cook since I had her name in that Art Exchange going around. Hope she'll wear it at Adorn Me. I can't wait to meet you there. I am so hoping that Diane, Diana, You & I can go to dinner one night that week. Hugs~Charlene

Diane said...

You are the precious one Riki! You not only made a beautiful cuff for your sister, you made a lovely package for her to keep it in ~ forever!
That is a beautiful thing....
xoxox

The Joy of Nesting said...

What a wonderful sister you are!!!! Especailly when it comes to the "big" birthdays!!!! :)

Yep just like riding a horse, except the "horses" these days are electric no more 4 hours of pedaling required!! :) ((G)) Oh please forgive me Riki!! I couldn't help myself, but it does seem that if you close your eyes "progress" leaves ya in the dust!!

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

farmlady said...

I think that when you do something with love it makes all the difference to the one who receives it. Your sister will always remember this wonderful and thoughtful gift from her sister.
..., and isn't it a "gift" for you to have such great friends.

A bird in the hand said...

I'm thrilled to have had a tiny part in your sister's gift! I have a sister too who is also my best friend.
Your folder is very fine :-)
Love, Colette

Cindy said...

Riki, what a special gift. It turned out just incredible!! I love that mixed media style involving fabric, sewing and old pictures...all so beautiful but a mystery to me (I do not sew). Yes, you had some wonderful friends help it seems (Diana, Diane and Colette)...what great blog friends they are!

Diana said...

I know the love you put into this sweet gift for your sis. She will truly appreciate the thoughtfulness, creativity and time that you so generously and lovingly put into these gifts.

Hugs
Diana