Handmade with Love

Sewing, baking, gardening, canning, carpentry, metal work and jewelry making. My maternal grandparents were both amazingly talented and resourceful creators of all things handmade.  Living through the great depression and two world wars they both learned early to make and build the things they wanted and needed. From sewing clothing and furniture coverings to building their home (and even a car!)  Bobcha and Pop-Pop could do it all, and do it well!

Pop-Pop was a foundry worker at Bethlehem Steel, and when he wasn’t at the factory he was in his shop in the basement or tinkering in the garage. If something broke, he fixed it. And if he couldn’t find the part, he’d make it.

I'm proud to use this beautiful jewelry box every day!

The doily and runner are from the other side of the family.

One of the most cherished things he ever made was this jewelry box for Bobcha. An anniversary present (sadly I don’t know what year), it held a place of honor on her dressing table. I remember from the time I was a small girl watching Bobcha choose her jewelry for the day and thinking there was magic in that box. Many of her favorites were pieces Pop-Pop made for her. He spent countless hours cutting, shaping and polishing the stones to create unique designs.

Here are a few examples of Pop-Pop's jewelry.

Bobcha taught me to sew. In their tiny kitchen we cut, pinned and stitched. Stuffed animals and dresses, sometimes with a pattern, but often without she was a wiz with her machine and nothing was ever too hard for her to make.

Teenage angst and the excessive 80s were not lost on me. I reveled in leather and heavy metal and thought the handmade meant poor. But they knew better and loved me still, standing quietly by while teenage rebellion turned to venturing out on my own. Living on a shoestring I began to realize that handmade meant so much more. And I was thankful for all the lessons learned.

Now the jewelry box proudly sits atop my dresser. It holds treasures made by Pop-Pop and earrings that John and I made together. It is handmade with love, and has magic inside.

Today’s post is part of the Holiday Stashdown with Marie at Underground Crafter, where we’re sharing stories about our most cherished (or not!)  handmade gifts.

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!