Treasures that teach: :

As a young girl I was blessed to have some amazing influences in my life. Many of those people have moved on and are no longer with us, but lately with all the reflecting I have been doing, I have been spending much time thinking about and appreciating what those I admire and aspire to be like, have left behind. For years now, before I even knew my husband Kevin, I knew his Grandmother Fern. I grew up babysitting for Kevin's mother, in her beautiful home full of the work of her mother, Fern Shaffer. Fern lived there for awhile and I was able to spend some time with her, but she wasn't well during those years. I remember how much she enjoyed watching her grandchildren laugh and play throughout the house and telling her that I loved her "pictures." As much as I always enjoyed seeing them, I never realized until just the other day, exactly how amazing they are. Lately, when I find my hands getting a little tired of all the knitting, I am enjoying sewing again and now - embroidery. Learning this new craft has made me look and appreciate so much around me in new ways - our clothing, pillows and lampshades throughout our home, the simple graphic patterns and how they come together on, well, everything, and again, at Fern's "pictures." After all these years, I am seeing her artwork in a new way.



I've always loved the light that comes into her home, but it made it difficult for me to get many pictures. I was only able to capture the top piece well, but that just means I'll be sharing more another time. To think of all the hand-stitching that was done to create every detail and each picture, is unbelievable. I love the combination of the soft watercolor background, with the texture and color of the threads. I am so grateful to Fern for sharing her talent. Her work will continue to teach and inspire us. We will enjoy their beauty and the light that shines from what she left behind. Thank you Fern.