Monday 7 May 2012

To Have and to Hold, The Wedding..sneak peeks

My daughter's July wedding is very fast approaching and the invites have been sent and acceptances received. My future son in law used to work for a print firm and they have been able to get all their invites, Order of Service, place cards etc designed at cost price and printed for free as a wedding gift.



I rather like the phrase they have chosen as I think that really is one of the best parts of a successful and happy marriage.

I also recently bought my daughter a garter which has a tiny blue ribbon on it. I am sure that this is a world wide tradition but a Bride is supposed to have,
"Something Old
Something New
Something borrowed and 
Something blue "

on her body/person on her wedding day. The old is her bracelet given to her by her Grandma (now sadly deceased) on her christening day. The new is easy...dress, etc, the blue is on her garter so we still had something she needed to borrow.


That set me remembering that I had a tiny blue ribbon sewn on the train of my own wedding dress. I suggested that if  I could find it I could take it off, add it to the garter which she could "borrow". She she could then give me back the garter which can be used by the next bride in the family. I managed to track my dress down to my parent's loft where it has been in a box for 30 years (31 in July).



I opened the lid and saw my beloved dress...now looking rather faded but I took it out and I will admit put it on....and I was delighted to find that it still fitted me! My dear Hb and I laughed so much with me dancing up and down the hall with it on ;0)
I found the tiny blue ribbon just where I had sewn it as my "something blue" all those years ago on the bottom of the train. 


Now I know at this point you are probably itching to see a photo of my dress?

I know I don't usually do personal photos but just to show my dress in it's former glory here are a couple from my Wedding Day, 25 July 1981. I had to photograph them in the album which has plastic protective covers so these are not good copies but you can clearly see my dress..



This is me with my bridesmaids Sarah and Anne. I will also prove that I did once sew...I made the bridemaids' dresses myself. After looking quite dated for years I think that the fabric is now almost Cath Kidston ;0)










And here is me and my soul mate.....that was the best day of my life. I met and married a man who I adore to this day. I was only 20 and he was 24 when we married and everyone said I was far too young and it would never last...well here we are nearly 31 years on from there. It's funny I still feel so emotional when I look at these photos. I spent a while looking through the album and I actually had a little tickle at the back of my eyes. Many of our family and friends in our photos have long passed away but the over riding memory is of such a very happy day and the start of an amazing life with M. I am truly blessed. 

OK enough reminiscing!! 


So here is that little ribbon I was looking for under the train of my dress. I admit those stitches are pretty rough but how could I possible know in 1981 that in 2012 I would be photographing it for a blog post. Goodness me in those days we had never even heard of a computer. 

I carefully unpicked it and carefully sewed it on the garter.








So here is the garter with the smaller blue bow that came with it and sewn above is the larger, paler blue bow from my wedding dress. I have given this to Milly and she loves it. I was recently going to throw out my wedding dress as I could not see any reason for keeping it but I am so glad I kept it a little longer. I also found my headdress and I have a great plan for the fabric flowers on it...watch this space.

I feel that today's card challenge needs to be wedding related so this is another card I made recently using the same lovely Lili of the Valley stamp called Wedding Couple. I am still playing with ideas for The Wedding Card and I will let you into a secret that it is now work in progress and looking good.


I added lots of layers to this card and made a box for it rather than the usual envelope to avoid crushing the lovely mulberry paper flowers I added. 
I have put this one up for sale in my Etsy shop here


I coloured the image with my trusty Promarkers pens and highlighted it using my Prismacolor pencils.
Rather than using matting for my image and paper I used my Martha Stewart border butterfly punch. I used the single punch for the green butterfly which I added jewels to for some sparkle. There are also jewels on the bride's headdress and at the centre of her flowers. 

My sentiment is one of my circular LOTV stamps. 
As you can see this is one really butterfly wedding card!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Lil's Little Fairies Anything Goes
2 Sister's Anything Goes
Make It Monday Linky Party #88
Pretty Little Ribbons #10 Blossoms and Butterflies
Sunday's with Chrissy #29 Things with wings I have LOTS of butterflies here.
Stamping for the weekend 4 layers on a card plus their 3rd birthday blog hop I counted at least 6 layers om my card.
Joanna Sheen Flower Power
Crafter's Companion Here comes Summer #24


It is a bank holiday weekend here in the UK so we get a day off today... hooray! The weather is still very dull and chilly but the torrential rain has abated here in the South East.

I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the lighter days. I was amazed how far behind my garden is compared to last year. I happened to read this post  from my blog from the same weekend, last year and I had Digitalis in FULL flower! This year there is no sign yet even of the flower stalk, just leaves are visible. Come on sunshine, come back soon.  Thanks as always for your lovely visits and for those of you desperate for a Bear update he is growing fast and the only damage so far is one eaten laptop cable! I was on puppy sitting duties for a couple of hours last week. Here he is with my son....

Bye for now,

Jane x

58 comments:

  1. Awe Jane, you looked lovely on your wedding day and your dress doesn't look one bit dated, believe me, I'm such an expert on wedding dresses now!!! ;)(Still none yet!!!)Well done on still getting into it too!!!
    It's lovely that you can pass on something for your daughter to use. I had a brooch pinned to my underskirt that had belonged to an old aunt of my mothers for my 'old'.
    Pretty card, as always.
    'Speak' soon,
    V xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks Vivienne..*blush* it's so funny seeing my wedding photos on here. I hope you have still got that brooch for something old and borrowed for L? Have a wonderful holiday and "speak" soon,
      Jane x

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  2. fabulous take on our layer challenge at Stampin for the Weekend. The cards are gorgeous!! Thank you so much for participating!

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  3. Jane - what stunning photos and the card is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing and inspiring on MIM - I am so glad tht I stopped by your incredibly interesting and engaging blog! Wow you are one interesting lady.
    Stamping Shanni

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    1. That's very kind Shanni and great to see you here,
      Jane x

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  4. Hi Jane,
    Your card is beautiful, and so perfect for or challenge.
    Thank you for joining in with us at the Pretty Little Ribbon Shop challenge blog:)

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  5. Now that was just the funnest post to read. The pictures are fantastic. You are beautiful and I won't even mention how jealous I am that you still fit in your dress, oops, I just mentioned it! LOL What a fantastic trip down memory lane and your dress is amazing. I think I actually snorted outloud when I read your comment about who knew in 1979 I'd be blogging this in 2012..hahaha. So true. Some of my pictures from back then need to stay in the past! LOL I never did understand polyester...GAK!

    Your card is just excpetional and I love that it flows so beautifully with the colors and embellishments and image. Well done!

    Thank you so much for linking up your talent and creative ideas with us at Make It Monday!
    Lisa xx

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    1. Hi Lisa, great to read your fun comments. I must admit I realised I had made a typo...our Wedding was 1981- LOl - 1979 was when we met! I have edited that in the post. It was so true though that we did not even use a computer then, a pocket calculator was about as far a technology went at that time. Thanks for visiting and please come again,
      Jane x

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  6. What lovely memories you have, and what lovely memories you are building for your daughter.

    Helenxx

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    1. That's so kind of you to say that Helen,
      Jane x

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  7. Fabulous card and colours and love the wedding pics. I saw this on MIM..Faye

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    1. Hi Faye thanks for visiting I shall pop over to yours in a mo,
      Jane x

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  8. What a nice idea! I like the thought of an item from a happy marriage going to a new young couple. Your card is lovely. I like all those layers, and the puppy makes me smile. Happiness all the way around :)

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  9. I'm so glad I made you smile Linda, I was sure the puppy would work ;0)
    Jane x

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  10. Lovely card and so nice to see your wedding photos, they're beautiful. Thanks for joining in with us at Sundays With Crissy. CoB

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  11. Hi Carole thanks for visiting,
    Jane x

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  12. Lovely romantic post, Jane! Your wedding photos are charming, and your dress is gorgeous, you looked really lovely! What a sweet idea to use the blue ribbon from your own wedding day for your daughter's wedding too.
    I loved the little card as well. Hope the sun comes back for us all this week!
    Helen x

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    1. I will admit Helen that I am a real romantic. I am so glad I did keep my dress all this time if only for one tiny but very memorable ribbon. Have a good week, we had a quick visit of the sun for 1 hour here today and I dived out into the garden to have a quick tidy.
      Jane x

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  13. Thank you for sharing your photos! I really enjoyed looking at them. How sweet, using the ribbon from your dress on your daughter's garter. Such a sweet idea.

    I love your card! So happy and pretty!


    ~Cheryl~

    **I am having a couple of give-aways on my blog. Feel free to stop by if you are interested.**

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    1. Thank you Cheryl, it was one of those "light bulb" moments! I shall come over to your blog, thanks for the offer of your giveaway.
      Jane x

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  14. Dear Jane,

    This was a wonderful, wonderful post Jane! I loved seeing your dress and you young lovebirds too! You did pick a great guy back then, and now it's Milly's turn - I love it! I've said this earlier but I just cannot wait to see the Wedding2012 pictures... Tissues will be needed I'm sure.

    Have a wonderful week, dear friend, and sunshine to your days!

    Yours,
    Mia

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    1. We did look so young Mia didn't we? It was such a special day and as you say I cannot wait until it is Milly's turn. I am going to have to keep really strong that I don't cry too much ;0) I am so glad you are really getting better from your flu now and there really is sunshine on it's way for us all soon.
      Take care,
      Jane x

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  15. My mother had 4-leaf clovers in her shoes as that's the way they finished the verse---something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a four-leaf clover in each shoe. I don't think I followed the tradition, but my borrowed item was the wedding dress. We were just out of college so we were penny-pinchers.

    Lovely card design!
    Jane

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    1. That's such fun to hear another version of something old Jane. I was a 2 nd year physiotherapy student when we married which is why I made the bridesmaids dresses and we even had to set our own church hall up for the reception the night before. On the morning of my wedding I was making sandwiches for the evening Buffet! It just shows what fun you can have even on a shoe string budget.
      Jane x

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  16. Jane I so enjoyed your lovely post. I can't believe the time is flying so, I remember your post telling us all about this wedding date and it seemed so far away. I love the sentimental blue ribbon from your dress to Milly's, what a lovely tradition you may be starting. You were sure a sweet, young and beautiful bride. Thank you for sharing your special photos. And to think you can fit in the dress!
    Love the wedding card and colors.
    xoRobin❤

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    1. Thanks dear Robin. I know when I told you of their wedding it was December 2010....where did all that time go. We have obviously been busy people haven't we?
      Jane x

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  17. The photos and your card are STUNNING Jane..Saw this on MIM.. Give Bear a big belly rub...Hugs Loz

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    1. That's so kind Loz, thanks for visiting me here,
      Jane x

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  18. What a wonderful blog post to read through... your card is beautiful, bright and I'm sure well received... Lovely to have you participate in the Joanna Sheen Challenge this fortnight.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed my post Sandie. Thanks for stopping by,
      Jane x

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  19. Hi darlin jane this was a joy to read, aw how lovely, the dog is super cute too litle bear! your card is gorgeous, all in all such a wonderful post hunny huggies June xxxxx

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  20. Thanks so much June, Bear is growing so quickly and is having his 2nd set of injections tomorrow. My son and his girlfriend will then be able to walk him outside. Have a great week,
    Jane x

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  21. Jane, Perfect card for such an occasion. I love the yellow butterflies used as accents, also enjoyed seeing the wedding photos.

    :) Chris / CS Designs

    PS. Saw your card on Make it Monday.

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    1. Thanks Chris I do love my butterfly punches they are so useful and make such pretty accents. Thanks for visiting via MIM .
      Jane x

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  23. I'm going to try this again - just two words showed up on my earlier post! I so enjoyed your wedding photos! Such lovely memories... I was married in 1982 and I had a southern belle dress! Your card is darling - I saw you on Make it Monday, too!

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    1. It must be your 30th anniversary this year Lori. It's great to have happy memories. I'd love to see your dress it sounds beautiful. Happy Wednesday.
      Jane x

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  24. Oh I love your blog Jane! More gorgeous photos... and another beautiful card! Fabulous image, great layout, and perfectly embellished! Thanks for joining our Sundays with Crissy Challenge (again!) this month! Hugs, Shannah xox

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    1. That's so kind Shannon I love people stopping by. It's fun meeting so many fellow crafters. Please pop by again.
      Jane x

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  25. Dear Jane.. I loved reading this post. Thank you for sharing your wedding photo.. I really like getting to see my blog friends so I can put a face on the friendship. You and hubby are both gorgeous and you're right.. the fabric in the bridesmaids dresses is back in style! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. We don't look so young now and my hb has a lot less hair now Teresa - lol! Glad you enjoyed the photos. It was fun looking through the album and sharing these two.
      Jane x

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  26. What a lovely story Jane. You looked so content and happy on your big day. Love what you have done with the little blue ribbon.
    You have made a lovely card on the wedding theme. Thank you so much for joining us at the Joanna Sheen challenge.

    Edna x

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Edna and your kind comments, I love your blog name ;0)
      Jane x

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  27. Oh what a truly special post this is Jane. I thank you for sharing with all of us the joy of that amazing day..wow, you and he looked so very handsome and beautiful! And to fit in your wedding dress today...come on!! That's downright awesome. It must've made you feel wonderful! And to share it with your hubby must've been wonderful too. What a touching thing to use the blue bow..truly special! I am so very excited for you and your whole family as you await the big day..so many memories being made already. Your extra touches of love make each moment that more special. Love your card as well, Jane..you are so talented!!

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    1. I think you can probably feel how excited I am getting Shirley, only 80 days to go now. It was such fun running about the hall in my wedding dress 30 years on, we were in fits of laughter. It was fab to still fit in it although it has got quite faded after all those years in a box. Just to have it kept it for that one ribbon was so worth while. As I always say your comments about my card are so appreciated coming from such the talented artist that you are. Have a great evening,
      Jane x

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  28. Hi Jane

    Oh wow, what a lovely post to read. Your photos are wonderful and your dress is beautiful. Don't think I would fit in to mine!!

    Your card is gorgeous, such a great image.

    Thank you for sharing with us at Make It Monday this week.

    Michelle :o)

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    1. Thanks Michelle I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. Thanks for visiting my blog and you kind comments,
      Jane x

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  29. Hi Jane,
    With all the tlc that is going into the planning of your daughter's wedding, it's bound to be an exceptional day. And how thrilling for you to be able to not only take a trip down memory lane, but also to be able to fit in your own gown like it was just last week! Always glad to visit here to see what's new in your creative neighborhood- like this latest wedding themed card! Please give Bear a good tousle from me, but only if Billy approves! :o)

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    1. 78 days and counting Michele. Thanks as always for your kind visits. Bear loves to tousle,in fact he owes me a new pair of tights ;0)
      Jane x

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  30. Ooh, such a lovely post Jane...I have started reminiscing myself here as I read....Me and Mr H were the same age as yourself when we got married...seems way too young now when I look at my daughters but he is definitely my soul mate!
    You must be so excited as you make all your preparations and you are all going to have such a wonderful day, Jane.
    Your photos are beautiful and I love your pretty card as always,
    Hope you have a happy weekend,
    Susan x
    P.S Bear has grown so much...he's adorable!

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    1. It's great to remember our wedding days isn't it Susan. I was 6 years younger than my daughter who marries in July.In fact at her age now I had a 2year old! Bear is growing by the day.Enjoy the weekend the sun is back here.
      Jane x

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  31. Jane, your wedding dress is stunning. Very simple style and lovely lace. Bridesmaid dresses are supposed to be looked back at with a slight cringe! Like any fashion, if you wait long enough, it returns to be all the rage again. LOL

    your card is so adorable. Thanks for visiting me from MIM, returning the gesture and so glad I did.


    Cheers,
    Kasey ~ in Oz

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    1. It's so true Kasey fashions go round full circle. Thanks for visiting me...MIM is a great challenge forum.
      Jane x

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  32. Hi Jane, Well I am so pleased I stopped by your blog to comment on behalf of Crafters Companion, I had no idea I was going to share your treasured memories of your wedding and your link to your daughters wedding. I loved your story and the card perfectly completed your blog. It's my Silver Wedding this year and i still have my dress,like yours it's in the loft. Sadly mine won't fit but the love and memories do. Best Wishes for your daughters wedding day. Thanks for entering the Crafters Companion challenge.

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    1. I'm so pleased you visited Margaret and happy silver wedding for this year. We are so looking forward to our big family celebration in July .
      Jane x

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  33. Jane, your cards are so lovely and layered with love and intricate pieces of art. Want a blessing and inspiration it was to visit you.

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Jane x