Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Grandma's Little Doll

A little over 15 years ago, my daughter presented me with a gift..probably the best gift I've ever received.  When I opened the box, it was her Wedding dress with a note..I was, of course, ecstatic to find out she was having a baby.  She asked me to make a girl's Christening outfit from her Wedding dress as well as a boy's outfit since she didn't want to find out the sex of the baby..
I think I was so excited that I took my sewing tools out the next day and started to cut up her gown.  Since she had a girl, she packed away the boy's  Christening outfit so that someday her girls would have it for their children.  It turned out to be such a very special day for me !  This painting was done in pastels.

119 comments:

  1. Un giorno veramente speciale,splendido lavoro,complimenti!
    Buona serata!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much FRANZ for stopping by and for you wonderful comment!!!

      Delete
  2. wow! very, very beautiful pastel painting!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much MYRA!!! I appreciate your comment!!! Enjoy this beautiful day!

      Delete
  3. I love these passages of family life, through some family things!
    There is a strong sense of the life cycle of generations who love each other.
    Your pastel is great for the whiteness, a beautiful white dress that makes me dream of happy days, while  I admire !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much RITA for your lovely comment! It was a very special moment and hopefully a future family tradition.

      Delete
  4. I love your painting and the story, too! Your daughter sounds like a very special woman...just like her mother! Beautiful work, Hilda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much DARLA for such a kind comment. She is a special person ..Enjoy the rest of the day!

      Delete
  5. What a wonderful story, Hilda. I love it - almost brought me to tears. And what a beautiful painting! The christening dress is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much KATHRYN for that lovely comment. I really enjoyed sewing this for her!! Have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  6. Hilda this is such a wonderful tradition! What a lovely idea. And great job too on your pastel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you SUSAN for stopping by and commenting...I really appreciate it and hopefully the tradition will continue!
      Enjoy!

      Delete
  7. Beautiful job Hilda, apt for the impact that the emotions are creating here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you PADMAJA for stopping by and commenting...it was such a joy sewing this dress as well as painting this piece.

      Delete
  8. What a beautiful painting AND a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much THERESA for stopping by and for your lovely comment! Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day!!

      Delete
  9. What a great story and a beautiful painting, and such a lovely idea to use the wedding dress for the christening ! xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you JANE for your wonderful comment!! If it wasn't for my daughter I wouldn't have thought of sewing this gown..but glad she asked me!

      Delete
  10. How special that not only was her gown made out of Mummy's wedding dress, but also that Grandma made it too! You have painted it so beautifully - the fabric looks touchable! :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much SANDRA for your comment. I'm so glad you like it. I was asked by my youngest daughter as well and I made two gowns for her as well. Hers was a bit more difficult because there was a lot more beading in her wedding gown...!! Enjoy the rest of this wonderful day!!!

      Delete
  11. Love the painting and the emotions behind the work.
    Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much AK for stopping by and for your very kind comment!!! Enjoy your day.

      Delete
  12. What a fabulous use for the wedding dress! I'd not heard of that being done before and it is the best ever. So precious, the little one too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much SHERRY for your comment!! I enjoyed sewing the gowns..the boy gown was very nice as well..Nikolas is my only grandson so he looked dapper with his vest over his little white suit...

      Delete
  13. An endearing story combined with a splendid portrait. This time is a pastel. Fortunately, today I'm right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much JULIAN for stopping by and making my day! I would've loved to paint this portrait in oils...but I wouldn't know where to begin..LOL

      Delete
  14. So sweet and such a thoughtful painting. I love that you made the wedding dress into the christening gown. I always wanted to do that if I had a little girl. Cute portrait. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much HEATHER! I'm so glad you like it!!! Enjoy this day!

      Delete
  15. Magnifique et très touchant...
    Félicitations chère Hilda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you OLIVIER!!! You're so kind..Glad you like it!

      Delete
  16. Que historia mas bonita, y cuanto amor en esa tela que tu transformaste!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Muchisimas gracias, TINA por tu comentario !! Lo agradezco..Estoy muy contenta que ha gustado esta pintura!!

      Delete
  17. I love the story as much as the beautiful painting, Hilda. Your daughter has inherited her mother's sense of history and value of family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much JULIE for that beautiful comment.. I'm so proud of my two daughters and how they're bringing up their children. Family values are always so important to them. I'm so glad you liked this painting.

      Delete
  18. Hilda!
    A beautiful story for a beautiful painting!
    Besides your artistic skills your work is so successful because you paint from your heart!
    Thank you for sharing so much wonder!
    Bravo!
    Michael

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you MICHAEL for stopping by and for your very generous comment. I try to paint what is special to me...and I was so honored to make these gowns for my grandchildren..and now I have the memory in this painting. Enjoy the rest of the Evening!!

      Delete
  19. Se nota el amor y el cariño de esta pintura Hilda, enhorabuena te ha quedado preciosa.
    Un abrazo desde España..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias por tu comentario muy generoso, JOSE..tu eres muy amable...estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado!!
      un abrazo.

      Delete
  20. Wow, what an act of love on all levels! Isn't it amazing how something created in love reaches our deepest heart and shines with beauty and craftsmanship. You are an amazing woman, wife, mother and artist! Bravo!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you SO much TRUDY for stopping by and for your beautiful words!! I did enjoy sewing these gowns...I had a smile on my face with each stitch that I put into it.

      Delete
  21. Dear Hilda:) So beautiful if you can make such clothes for your grand children. And how lucky your daughter is to have a mum who can make it on request! Your painting is so beautiful, so cute. I think the baby loves the dress too:) Big hug!xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much RENATE for your wonderful comment. I enjoyed making the gowns...I guess mostly because they appreciated it. A lot of love went into them.! hugs

      Delete
  22. The story makes the painting even more beautiful. Back stories can often deepen our appreciation of a painting, and this one certainly does.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so sweet, SHIRLEY!! I appreciate your comment!! Enjoy the rest of the Evening..

      Delete
  23. Another beauty. You are so very gifted my friend. Love the story and the painting is lovely.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much JOAN for stopping by and for taking the time out to comment. I enjoyed painting this one and so glad you like it!!

      Delete
  24. What a wonderful story, Hilda. The dress and painting are beautiful. What talent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much PAT...You just made my day...I'm glad you liked it. Enjoy the rest of the Evening...

      Delete
  25. Beautiful story to go with your beautiful painting! The fabric looks so real and the detail is lovely. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much JOAN for your lovely comment. I appreciate your beautiful words!!

      Delete
  26. How wonderful and what a lovely idea. You are such a clever lady. Gorgeous painting too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you LAURA...I'm so glad you stopped by to comment! You're so kind! Enjoy the rest of the Evening.

      Delete
  27. What a lovely heirloom you made, and painting too! I love that idea of up-cycling the wedding dress. You're obviously not the only creative one in the family! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad they chose to re-cycle the wedding dress, KAREN...and even happier that they asked me to make the gowns. I have a big respect for people who sew wedding dresses...all that material they work with..!! I'm glad you stopped by and thank you for your lovely comment.

      Delete
  28. What a sweet story Hilda. Your dress and your painting are absolutely beautiful. Ciao!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi TITO!! thank you for stopping by and for your wonderful comment..you're so nice...I appreciate it!! Enjoy your day!!!

      Delete
  29. Beautiful thoughts here, Hilda! As well as beautiful lace rendering in the painting!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much DEAN for stopping by and for your very generous comment!! I enjoyed painting the lace on the dress..

      Delete
  30. That's a great little story. How heartwarming and sweet to see this little sweetie in her christening dress. You are so multi-talented!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much MARY for such a nice comment. I used to sew a lot ..and then I found my paints..LOL Now I do more mending than sewing. I have been teaching my oldest granddaughter to sew..and she's doing very well..Glad you liked this painting...enjoy your day!

      Delete
  31. What a lovely story to this piece.. It makes it so much special. Thanks for bringing a smile on my face today. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you PRABAL!! I'm so glad you like it...you're so kind!!!! Enjoy your day!

      Delete
  32. Love your painting and love the story even more! How sweet and what a fabulous idea. I have never heard of that being done.....wish I had thought of it for my grandchildren!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you CAROL for your wonderful comment. I enjoyed sewing the gowns..however it was challenging working with all that material..the worst was my second daughter since she had so much beading in her dress! Enjoy the rest of the day!!

      Delete
  33. So cute. I know why she is grandma's little doll. Your story brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful honor to be able to make such a special gift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much ANGELA for stopping by and for your beautiful comment. I will never regret making the gowns...it definitely was a special time for me. Glad you liked her!

      Delete
  34. Such a beautiful, touching story for this truly wonderful painting, Hilda. I am sure the christening outfits, as well as the painting will be treasured forever!
    Thank you for your recent posts on my blog. My husband was in an auto accident early this week (my husband has some back and neck pain but is doing well, but the car was totaled when he was hit from behind by a driver who ran through a stop sign). Needless to say, it had been quite a hectic week, and the blogging went out the window!!!!! I have email confirmation on my posts, so if I don't get on the computer they start to pile up - which is why your lovely comments were not visible right away. Thank you - I always look forward to what you have to say!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh Claire, I'm SO sorry to hear about your husband. I will be praying for his quick recovery. I'm glad you stopped by to comment, but I'm left without words...take care, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sehr schöne Geschichte und das Bild liebevoll gemalt. Grüsse Dich;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much JANINA. I'm so glad you liked it...hugs

      Delete
  37. This is beautiful! You handled the subtlety of the lace so well! Such a meaningful gift and painting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you PAM for stopping by and commenting on my painting. I enjoyed painting the lace...although it was a bit challenging for me. Enjoy the rest of the day!!!

      Delete
  38. What a lovely story, and a beautiful painting, hilda.
    Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you SYLVIANE for your beautiful comment.. I appreciate it!!

      Delete
  39. Such a sweet portrait...and sweet memories, aren't they!I have a portrait on my board that I intend to do in pastels, wish me luck :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you ARTI for stopping by and for your lovely comment!! I can't wait to see your portrait in pastels...I'm sure it will be amazing!!!!

      Delete
  40. What a tender charming portrait and a very sweet, sweet story. I just love your work, Heather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much SUSAN for stopping by..I appreciate your wonderful comment!!
      Enjoy the rest of the Evening...

      Delete
  41. This is beautiful..so subtle and soft..love the story behind it too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you PAGE...you're so kind!!! glad you liked it!!!

      Delete
  42. Oh my gosh! You are a total genius, Hilda. Not only the wonderful portrait but you made the dress! I used to be into dressmaking (I come from a family of six generations of tailors). We have a lot in common!

    Hope the blizzards are not making life hard for you ... as if the hurricane wasn't enough!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you JOHN!!! I appreciate your very generous comment!! YOUR paintings are incredible!! and its so nice to find out you come from a family of tailors..How interesting!!!...We only got about 18 inches of snow which is almost gone now..I'll take snow before water! LOL

      Delete
  43. Es una pintura fantástica, preciosa, los detalles del vestidito que me parece también muy bonito ( te doy la enhorabuena por su confección) son geniales como la carita del bebé. Qué momento más hermoso.
    Felicidades Hilda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias, ROSA por tu comentario muy amable! Tenia mucho gusto con la costura de el vestido...

      Delete
  44. Wow..totally beautiful..so very special..gorgeous little soul.. and the gown is exquisite..brilliant work!
    Victoria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you VICTORIA for your visit and for your very kind comment! I appreciate it SO much. Enjoy the rest of the evening!

      Delete
  45. Ma chère amie je suis très heureuse de vous lire et d'admirer vos oeuvres à nouveau !
    Je suis très touchée en lisant cette dernière publication. Il est poignant de pouvoir admirer votre double talent, celui de peintre et de couturière...
    Quelle émotion que de créer des petites tenues de baptême dans sa robe de mariée...
    Bravo !
    Gros bisous à vous

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome back, MARTINE! you have been missed! I'm so glad you liked this painting..I enjoyed sewing this gown and painting this piece! Enjoy this beautiful day...hugs..

      Delete
  46. Vaya, vaya, además de una excelente pintora, ahora también descubro que eres una gran costurera! Felicidades. Un precioso regalo!!
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Muchisimas gracias, JOSH por tu comentario muy generoso!! Lo agradezco! No tengo mucho tiempo con mi costura, porque ahora estoy pintando siempre..!!ja..ja..

      Delete
  47. What a nice story, and a great way to repurpose something. Your daughter will have the gown and the picture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you DOUG for stopping by ..yes, she will always have the gown and now the painting for her and the girls.I enjoyed doing both!! Enjoy the rest of the Evening!

      Delete
  48. A great idea to make a christening outfit out of a wedding dress, it makes perfect sense! Lovely pastel to further commemorate a wonderful time for your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you CELESTE for your very generous comment. I'm so glad you like it! Enjoy the rest of the Evening!

      Delete
  49. oh,she is so sweet!!!!!A beautiful story,and a very very very very very great painting!!!!Copliment-)))
    love
    Christa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much CHRISTA!!! You're so kind and I'm so glad you like it. I enjoyed painting this very much.!!

      Delete
  50. What a beautiful story Hilda, what a great thing to do with a wedding dress. Your painting is just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much BARBARA for stopping by and for leaving such a nice comment! I enjoyed this very much and so glad you liked it.

      Delete
  51. Oh how very sweet - both the art, the baby, and the tradition! I just had our sixth (and last) baby and I wish now we had heard about this idea 6 wee-ones ago. But you can be sure I will share the idea with others:-) You are obviously multi-talented: from pastels to thread, you can do it all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much MINNEMIE for stopping by and for your very generous comment.
      6 babies!!! how wonderful!! I'm glad you will share with others..I thought it was a great idea because we just put the dresses away anyway..so why not make gowns for the babies. Enjoy your day!!

      Delete
  52. What a lovely painting and a beautiful story, Hilda. I always enjoy seeing your pastels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you MARY for your comment. You're very kind. It was a painting I really enjoyed doing. Glad you liked it...enjoy this beautiful day!!

      Delete
  53. Hilda - this is so beautiful - as always, you capture such a special moment. And what a lovely use for a wedding dress. I envy your sewing skills - you are a woman of many talents!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much CONNIE for your lovely comment! It's been awhile since I've sewed..I do mostly mending now...I'd rather be painting..LOL...but happy that my daughter asked me to sew the gowns!! I'm glad you like this painting!

      Delete
  54. Zo fijntjes en precies heel mooi lieve groetjes Danielle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you DANIELLE for your lovely comment! I'm glad you like it!! Enjoy the rest of the day!!!

      Delete
  55. What a lovely gift and what a cherished memory...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much PATRICIA for stopping by and it is a wonderful memory!!..I'm so happy you like it!!

      Delete
  56. What a great story and lovely piece!!! My grandmother made a christening outfit out of my mother's wedding dress and I wore it...my two sons wore it also. I cherish it as I know the ones you made are cherished.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much MARIA!! OMGosh, your grandmother making the dress! That is SO special...a forever memory! Glad you stopped by.!

      Delete
  57. Oh my gosh, Hilda. That is the most precious background to a painting's provenance that I've EVER read! How meaningful that must make it for you. The gown is exquisite, and the baby is so beautiful. Your pastel work always shows the most delicate work. You have a wonderful ability to capture the fine lines when needed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you SO much CAROL for that generous comment...you're so kind and I appreciate it. I truly enjoyed painting her.

      Delete
  58. Replies
    1. thank you so much DIANE!! I'm so glad you like it....Enjoy the rest of the Evening!!!

      Delete
  59. What a precious story! And a wonderful idea too. There is nothing like family. Love your pastel work to go with.

    ReplyDelete
  60. thank you LISA!! You made my day ...I enjoyed sewing the gown as well as painting this!!...enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi, Hilda,
    Oh, the sooo sweet post and the wonderful painting!!! What a treat for blog readers. Thank you for sharing them.
    Best wishes, Sadami

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you again, SADAMI! for those very nice words!!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete