Sunday, December 26, 2010

A Heart from the Heart

My mom is so special and is always caring for other people. I wanted to do something special for her this Christmas. This is a painting I did a couple of years ago. It was built by mom's grandfather from England and is the home she was raised in. I have always loved this place. I spent lots of time with my grandparents there when I was growing up.

I scanned the painting, moving into the computer and converted it to blue and white in Photoshop.

I then printed it onto fabric and chose some coordinating ivory and white fabrics and some embroidery floss in ivories and blues.


This is the final results after embellishing and adding beads.


This is my mom after she opened her gift...and my favorite part of the whole project...


Following are just (tee hee) a few close-ups...OK, a lot.

















I didn't take a good photo showing where I added my initials and the year, but you can see it somewhat in the photo below.


This is the back of the pillow where I added a 'doily' heart pocket and placed a handkerchief in it.



24 comments:

Unknown said...

Connie, how thoughtful and wonderful. I'm sure your mom will treasure it forever. It is gifts like that I wish I could give and received, specially in a time of gift cards. Blessings, Marta.

Denise@alloverroses said...

Your pillow is amazing Connie! What a beautiful and very thoughtful gift to your mom! Your mom is adorable. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful creation.
Have a wonderful day.
Denise

ShabbyESP said...

What a sweet gift and I am sure your mom will treasure it.
It is a very lovely pillow

Suzann

Me! said...

Wow! Everything about it is wonderful. The thought, the idea, the original painting, the care, the workmanship, the design, the love . . . Mom must be thrilled with her daughter and her gift! Merry, merry Christmas!
~Debbi

Kim B said...

Beautiful pillow and beautiful mom. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas, Hugs, Kim

Gerry Krueger said...

Don't you just love it when you find a way to reuse a favorite thing... This is great... I just moved my mom into assisted living and I may steal this pillow idea as she can't put things on the wall.... It is truly lovely in the blue and white..

Gerry K.

Mosaic Magpie said...

What a treasure you have created here. I love the pocket on the back with the handkerchief. What nice little surprise touch. That is why your work is so awesome you think to add little details like that!
Debbie

Rita said...

Oh my Connie, what a wonderful pillow: so precious in every little detail.
I bet your mom just loved and will treasure it for ever!
with warm wishes
rita

Sandies' Patch said...

What a wonderful, thoughtful gift!
So beuatiful too!

Sandie xx

Rebecca said...

This is just lovely, what a heart felt gift with so much love put into it. You can see she so appreciated the beauty and thought of such a gift.
Wishing you a blessed New Year
Rebecca

faraona said...

Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪..♥

Dorthe said...

Connie, your heart for your mother, is gorgeus---sooo beautifull.
What a wonderfull work of art.
I can see you are part of Mosaic Magpies heart swap, and anyone getting a heart from you, would be beautifully giftet.
Dorthe

Connie said...

I love what you did with the photo. I may have to do something similar -- very ingenious!

Laura's Rose Garden said...

Happy New Year Connie!!
The pillow you made for your mom is truly EXQUISITE!!! It is a priceless treasure for sure. Thank you for sharing all of your treasures (Including your Momma!!)
Warm hugs, Laura.
P.S. I am having a Give-Away

Laura's Rose Garden said...

Ooops! I forgot you have already commented!!! Love and hugs, Laura

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I just found your blog and wanted to say this heart is really gorgeous...and beautiful work of art! What a joy to make it...and to receive it! ♥

Riki Schumacher said...

Connie, this is knock down beautiful! I love it. And you can tell your Mother loved it. Thank you for posting about my giveaway, really appreciate it. Have a Happy New Year. Hugs, Riki

Lynn Stevens said...

Wow, That is incredible!!!! To be able to give her such an amazing gift and special keepsake. This just makes me want to learn how to do crazy quilting all the more!!!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Connie:
Such a beautiful piece. I'm sure the gift will be cherished for many years.

I'm also in Debbie's heart swap. I'll be back to explore more!

xoxo
Donna

Anonymous said...

Connie, I caught my breath when I saw the first picture of the finished heart. It IS breathtaking! And you have a pretty Mom. And how lovely to be able to grow up in England...
a dream really!
Thank you for stopping by my blog today and for your sweet comments.
Blessings,
Diane

Julia said...

Just beautiful !, I haven't done any CQ for quite some time, but seeing your work really inspires me to get back to it..
Julia ♥

Uniquely Ella said...

Hi Connie, I love the picture of your mom with your gorgeous project. Your mom looks so sweet and happy, god blessher. Your heart pillow turned out gorgeous, I love the blue and white.
Thank you for visiting my blog, the flat back pearl heart you had asked me about, I got from a company called PRIMA, they make flowers and bling. I got it at a local scrapbooking store, I hope this help.
xxx
Marlene

Wildflowerhouse said...

What a treasure to be sure. Your stitching is beautiful and the house is fabulous. What a wonderful gift.

NickiLee said...

Hi Connie, What a gorgeous pillow - stunning! Your mother looks like she won a million $'s!

Thank you so much for stopping by my bog and writing me to check our your tips for reogranizing - I'm going to have to wake up early to be able to sit and read all that I want - what a fabulous couple of blogs you have!

Big hug!

Nicki Lee