Autumn...a wonderful season of the year that makes me think of the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, the smell of wood smoke outside and the smell of pumpkin cooking inside, skies that shift from a bright blue to a misty gray, perky russet and gold mums, hot spice tea...and, of course, there is the harvest, the gathering of the bounty of summer. Are these some of the things that come to your mind, too?
Just yesterday, I was chatting with my brother on the phone and he was telling me about harvesting the last of their beans and canning them for the winter (I still can't believe that my brother cans produce!) When growing up, I remember the kitchen counters loaded with the last of the veggies from the garden...and was astounded that a small kitchen garden could produce so much.
It was this image that inspired me to name the newest album in the Heirloom Collection series, "A Bountiful Life".
All of us have produced a personal harvest...and this album is designed for you to gather together your bounty, right here right now, and commemorate it in the form of an artistic, hand made, over the top album. It's all about celebrating that amazing relationship and friendship you have with your spouse or significant other, or those special times with your children or grandchildren...it's about the thrill of accomplishment in creating art, decorating your home, cooking a fabulous gourmet dinner, or completing your education after years of classes...it's the oh so satisfying career that you have and all of the achievements that go along with that...it's the wonderful group of friends that you have, women you can call at any time of the day or night because you know they will be there for you...it's the unique and amazing experiences you've had in your travels around the globe...these, my creative friends, are your harvest...and they are a part of your BOUNTIFUL LIFE. Isn't it exciting to think about your bounty...and to be able to preserve all of these aspects of your life, not in a canning jar, but in a luscious, bountiful album that you create?
"Winter is an etching, Spring a watercolor,
Summer an oil painting, and
Autumn, a mosaic of them all."
Doesn't that say it well?
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to create my very first mosaic. Sitting in front of me were small, randomly cut pieces of china that would eventually become a little heart necklace. As I looked at the pieces, I couldn't for the life of me see the finished piece...how would they all fit, would all of the colored tiles look good together, and how would I cover the raw edges? It's amazing how pretty the piece ended up looking...everything fit (in its own random way), the colors looked great together and the grout covered the raw edges and pulled everything together.
And, just like Autumn, and the little heart necklace I created, the newest Heirloom Collection Album is truly a mosaic that will come together to form a unique piece of memory art.
There are many, many parts and pieces, from gorgeously textured and richly colored fabrics, to metallic accents, soft flowers, embossed papers, velvet ribbons and gorgeously woven trims. There is the feel of smooth wax, the richness of gold leaf, and the enduring quality of crackled paint throughout the album. There are pearls, beads and fringes reminiscent of Victorian days. There are layers...fabric and laces, trims, papers...all pieced together in a feast for your eyes (and hands, too!). I can spend quite a bit of time describing the album to you, but it's definitely best viewed through your own eyes. Here is a short video that will take you through the album, page by page, from beginning to end. You'll be able to see, first hand, how all of the parts and pieces come together to created this bountiful. luscious masterpiece...one that is worthy of being a family heirloom.
This book is totally made from scratch and I will walk you through the steps in creating the album, page by page. What's really awesome about it is that you have the ability to add some pages if you want...although it's a very full book by the time you finish using what I've given you.
The album itself is approximately 10" x 12" with 12 interior surfaces to create art and play. There are some very fun and whimsical pages, like the silver "spoon fairy" who guards the folder of your favorite fall recipes.
What will you get in this Heirloom Collection kit?
You will receive all of the parts and pieces necessary to build the album as shown. Some parts may be a little different than mine...like the spoon, the knob, the key, etc...some of the products are one of a kind, some are part of a variety package, but all will be of like quality and all will be beautifully and uniquely packaged, just for you. You will also receive detailed, page by page stepped out color photo instructions to help you put your "mosaic" together.
But, most of all, you will end up with a treasured piece of art...one that you will proudly display and show off to your family and friends, and a remembrance of those things that are most important to you in your life...your bounty!
I am really excited to be sharing this project with you...I can't wait for you to get your hands on it...truly! So, this evening, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Arizona time (right now, we are on Pacific time), this very limited edition will become available.
This amazingly bountiful kit will be offered for $187 (the same as previous releases), and shipping within the US only is $18, for a total of $205. Kits will begin shipping out on September 30th.
Because so many of the products I use in these kits are unique and rather hard to find, the kits are available in very limited quanitities. Previous Heirloom kits have sold out quickly...so you'll want to get your pre-order in right away so that you don't miss out...that will be tonight...six o'clock, Arizona time.
I can't wait to hear from you...and to see completed albums of your bountiful life.
Thanks for your orders...and your referrals to friends and family...I appreciate you!
From my studio to yours,
P.S. I can guarantee you that preserving your Bountiful Life in this artistic album will be TONS more fun than canning those veggies on the counter or still in the garden :)!!!!!
SOLD OUT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDERS!
Ooh Carol
This one is delicious!! So feminine which I love and the fabrics, laces, trims and techniques look amazing.
My heart well and truly skipped a beat when I opened your email!
Now my heart is racing as I wait for 6pm your time to press the button.
I can't wait to get wait to get my hands on it - I'm saying prayers that I don't miss out...
Take care
Shane
Posted by: Shane | September 08, 2010 at 05:51 PM