It was my Mother-in-Law’s 90th birthday. For such a momentous occasion I wanted to make her a memory book.
Helen lived in Ireland and was brought up in a small cottage over-looking the river and which can be found at the end of a long leafy lane. It is still the family home today. Using a little artistic licence I made the scene more colourful than in real life although in my mind’s eye I have portrayed it exactly how it is!
I started with a whimsical sketch which I transferred to a painted background, layering fabrics and securing with stitch until I had the desired effect.
I put in photos taken throughout Helen’s life, from childhood to present day. Guests at her birthday party wrote messages and photos of her special day are included together with birthday cards to make this book something to be treasured.
The book comes with a quilted bag to protect it although I mean my books to be tactile, to be well-used and well-loved and, above all, touched. The fabric will inevitably fray but this adds to its charm.
This book represents Helen’s life and was used as a memory book to help her remember times past.