Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Garden Club


My mother-in-law Ruth was a woman who loved bric-a-brac. There wasn't a surface of her home that was not filled with items that had caught her eye over her many years of window shopping.


Ruth was very particular about her favorite finds and didn't like for anyone to move about her carefully placed displays. She didn't cull through her mementos as seasons changed or a new item was purchased, rather she found yet another perfect spot to best enhance her newest acquisition.



One day, as a new member of Ruth's family, it occurred to me that the cabinets and buffets that offered her bric-a-brac a Place to Be must themselves hold treasures yet revealed to me.


I mustered my courage to ask, "Ruth, what do you keep inside your Hepplewhite?"


Side by side on our knees on the floor, Ruth pulled from the deep recesses of her buffet a multitude of cups and saucers and rather small plates. Each delicate in shape, each a different color, each a different pattern. "These are my Garden Club dishes." she said.


I was absolutely charmed as Ruth told me about the group of women who gathered together once a month at each others homes for over thirty years. Each woman had their own collection of mismatched cups and saucers. The woman of the club always admiring the set placed before them.



Ruth has been gone from us several years now leaving only one surviving member of the Garden Club. My mother-in-law's wonderful collection of luncheon ware has been divided among her daughters, favorite patterns chosen. On this day, May the first, I think of Ruth who called this day Decoration Day. Again something new and unexpected to me, absolutely charming.


Please do not Pin pattern to Pinterest.


23 comments:

Linda H said...

Hi Elizabeth - these little guys are adorable! Great story about the Garden Club and your mother-in-law. What a special memory. Linda

vintage grey said...

Hi Elizabeth!! What a lovely story, and I just love the Decoration Day!! Your Ladybug and Bumble Bee are absolutely adorable!! Have a great night!! ;) xo Heather

Tammy's in Love said...

Oh E! As I said in my blog, you are "the most creative woman I never met!" Those two are adorable felt characters!

Tammy

Terri said...

Beautiful post! What a sweet story to share!
Your little felt people are totally adorable too. I am so glad you had the opportunity to create.
Hugs,
Terri

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Cute little bugs you made and it's nice to see you crafting again!
Sweet story!
Warmly,
deb

RetroSandie said...

Elizabeth, I was thinking of my own dear mother-in-law who is also now gone when I started reading your blog. She sounded the same-even with her Garden Club! I always just love every single little item you make-all of your adorable spring bugs are darling. You are one of my favorite creative ladies. You are a huge inspiration to me as I am sure you are to others. I love your heartfelt thoughts written in between the photos of your creativity. Please pardon my mush...I am happy you are writing and showing your cutie stuff again. Please don't stop!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Your garden club story reminded me of Mrs Smith. She is truly the person who sparked my love for dishes. When we went over to her house for dinner as a child she had a lovely table with gorgeous mismatched dishes. I love that look to this day!

I love you sweet bee! My little bees have made their way home from their winter vacation place and hopefully are filling their hive with lots of yummy honey for me!

bee blessed
mary

Musings from Kim K. said...

What a sweet story of the Garden Club and your MIL. Your felt creations are just delightful (as always). I've been enjoying your gift of felt. I've made three of your yarn wreaths with felt flowers as gifts for mother's day.

Thank you for the inspiration, E.

http://kenward.blogspot.com/2012/04/yarn-wreathinspired-by-creative.html

vivian said...

Elizabeth, Have I told you lately how happy I am that your are back.. Starting my day out on your blog makes me smile! I love your stories.. I love your creations! I love you!!
have a wonderful day
xoxo
vivian

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Those little bugs are the CUTEST!! You should open an etsy shop... You make bugs in the house a good thing..

Blessings,
Amy Jo

My Vintage Mending said...

I am reminded of your guests that once came to your craft room and were underwhelmed. I have had that same visit more than I can count. Your shelf is so wonderful I made it bigger so that I could oh and ah over all the wonderful details...your artistic brilliance amazes me....smiles...Renee

Hearts Turned said...

Oh, how I've missed your sweet stories, Elizabeth! Your mother-in-law sounds so very much like mine...garden parties, luncheon groups...parties for whatever reason! She's one of the last of her groups, as well...

Love your adorable creations, as always...

Wishing you a beautiful day, dear friend!

Julie

Jennifer Bontrager said...

You always make the cutest things. Thanks for sharing your newest creations. They made me smile :) Ecspecially the little ants!

Unknown said...

Sweet little ants, I love them! Enjoyed your story, also!
~~Dorothy

Anonymous said...

Adorable! ♥

Anonymous said...

Hi Elizabeth! I am so glad to see you back. The school year is nearly over - and I will be back to my crafting and blogging, I hope! I miss you!

annemarie said...

Your lady bug and bumble bee are precious - it is so much fun to see all your creations - they always put a smile on my face.

Ina said...

Wow! Thank you for sharing one of Ruth's stories with us. How wonderful that her daughters appreciate what their mother left behind. :)

I love your little creations! THey are so fun to look at.

kimber said...

Dear Elizabeth,
How I have missed you!! I have read you blog thrice over and love it more with each reading! I had been "away" for a bit and imagine my surprise to see that you are back! Great JOY!
xoxo~kimber

kimber said...

Dear Elizabeth,
How I have missed you!! I have read you blog thrice over and love it more with each reading! I had been "away" for a bit and imagine my surprise to see that you are back! Great JOY!
xoxo~kimber

jeri said...

Elizabeth
Just discovered your blog and am in heaven. Love, love love everything you say and create. I would love to learn how to make your felt creations and would like to buy your patterns. Is that possible. I can't find the side bar to do so. Help

so inspired, jeri

Anonymous said...

I love this site and what you do with felt....You sure are an artist!
I have a friend with cancer who is a Master Bee Keeper and I would love to make her the Bee and ladybug....would you share the patterns with me?
My address is:
donnagodfrey60@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love this site and what you do with felt....You sure are an artist!
I have a friend with cancer who is a Master Bee Keeper and I would love to make her the Bee and ladybug....would you share the patterns with me?
My address is:
donnagodfrey60@yahoo.com