Life,  Projects,  Table Talk

My Favorite Family Photo Wreath

Many years ago, I signed up for a Family Photo Wreath class at a grand opening of a new art studio in town. The studio was owned by the wife of of a dear friend. She brought in her family to teach classes for the weekend grand opening.

Now, everyone knew how gifted she was. Her family were equally talented in their own unique ways. I was so excited for the class.

The one for the family photo wreath.

I knew the teacher was the studio owner’s sister. Other siblings were teaching other classes during the weekend, but this was the class that I was drawn to take.

I had purchased other gifts made by this artist’s sister before.

Stamped silverware. Garden stakes. Lots of cute handmade things that caught my eye when I took classes from her sister in the smaller studio.

When I signed up, I was given directions. To bring in photographs for the wreath. I chose black and white copies. Specifics were given to make sure that the photographs were printed in sizes to fit into the frames that would be provided.

When I arrived on that Saturday morning, there was a table set up in the area in the front of the studio for the photo frame wreath class. I found a spot and sat down waiting for the class to begin.

In front of each seat was a grapevine wreath and a box.

I loved the box.

It had a sticker on the front with the logo for Thistlewood Farms on the outside. What a beautiful logo.

The contents were wrapped in a beautiful silver striped tissue with a monogram seal and lots of white fluff to protect it’s contents when opened.

Inside was an assortment of little silver picture frames, covered floral wire, and a sweet photo card that gave directions on how to make the photo wreath. It was exquisite.

The teacher arrived.

She was soooo bubbly; full of life; and possessed a magnetism that drew you in.

Her instructions began. I pulled out my black and white photographs of my kids and grandchildren and began to follow her instructions. I laid out the photos to match those little silver frames and began to snip and insert and lay out and fiddle with arrangement.

We took those green covered floral wires and added those to the back of the frames and began to lay and overlay our photos on the grapevine creating the design that we liked. Then, when happy with our design, we twisted those wires to attach each photo. It was so easy, creative and beautiful when finished.

Now, she giggled and talked and encouraged us and moved around the room assisting and entertaining as she went.

And then she stopped by me.

She began the conversation by telling me how excited she was…she was heading to New York that week to meet Brooke Shields. Goodness! What on earth did this women do for a living??? So, I asked.

That’s when it happened. She looked at me and said,

“I’m a blogger; and so, are you.”

I answered, “but, you just met me. How do you know that?” She looked at me and said, “because of how you are making your wreath.”

Our conversation went on to explain the meeting in New York. What she did in blogging. But, she repeated it again.

You are a blogger.

I made note of her blog site. And began to follow her journey. For years I have followed her blog. Celebrated book launches with her. Gone to her home for open houses. Joined her Mastermind group.

She never gave up on me.

If I met her anywhere–at a conference or lunch or a presentation or a book signing, her first words to me were, “have you hit publish?” She has been my encourager and has believed in me far more than I have believed in myself at times.

So often, her confirmation of what God had already birthed in my heart were poignant and timely.

She still encourages me.

Pushes me to do things outside of my comfort zone; but, I know that I need to do.

Do you have someone in your life like this friend?

If you aren’t following her, please do at—Thistlewood Farms. You can still find her amazing photo wreath creation in her thousands of projects here.

As I took this photo frame wreath off of my wall recently to add more pictures of my grandchildren, I realized this was a creation from the heart. A creation that truly has impacted me and will continue in the future.

What a great gift idea! For retirement, weddings, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, birthdays…and I bought another box for my daughter in laws, because giving is my thing.

And, if you want to create your story or perhaps for a gift for others…here’s what you will need:

I’m attaching links for your convenience to help you create your personal story. These cost no more to you, but may help the blog as an Amazon affiliate. See my disclosure policy.

This is such a special addition to my home. It has graced so many walls in so many ways. It has been in groupings; had a burlap wreath behind; been centered on a tobacco basket; hung on a chalkboard. Do you get it’s versatility?

This photo wreath will always be a special focal point in my home.

It will speak boldly to me of not just the wonderful images that reflect my family; but, of this wonderful memory of this encouraging friend.

I’m sure that she has no clue of the impact that that class and this project had on me. Or that this precious wreath is a wonderful reminder on my wall.

But, isn’t that like all of us?

What we say or do. Things we have done or said in the course of our day that impact others. I am hoping my impact is for good.

That I might repeat that lesson in that studio many years ago. Perhaps speak into the lives of others in such a way that they leave encouraged and ignited to be all that they can be and who they were created to be. To applaud their successes. And cheer from the sidelines. Thanks, KariAnne, for being my cheerleader.

Join my blogging friends who are sharing their projects today. Follow at Sydney’s blog!

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