Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My London....

Good morning everyone! 
It's Tuesday and you know what that means... City Crafters Challenge day.. Yay!!
This week's theme is London ...  you can either make something based on the city, or pick the colours red white and Blue... or use English /England Rose as your theme ...
 The talented Dana Gustafson is Guest Designer this week and there is a fabulous prize up for grabs ... The DT team have given you some lovely inspiration along with this gorgeous picture from
 Happy Loves Rosie

So what are you waiting for? Get to it!



I know that London has probably millions of visitors each year and hat better way to store all those little bus tickets, entry tickets and bits and bobs for your scrapbook than an envelope....








Mine is decorated on both sides... stitching, lace, buttons, a rubon, felt heart and glittered heart together with MF stickers, ribbon and pearls.... and of course my handmade roses....... all glittered up....


The papers and images are digital.....

I have a scrapbook with pages of London that this will fit into nicely. You see though I am a Liverpool girl ... a "Scouser" ... my parents and my brothers are all Londoners. My Grandmother (who was Swiss)  and my Grandfather (French) ... were Hoteliers for most of their lives in London. I never knew my Grandfather, but as a child I spent every summer and every Christmas with my brothers and our Mom in London in my Grandmother's hotel .. in Russell Square . These were the happiest times ever! and every memory is etched on my heart ..... Even to this day my brothers and I reminisce ... each memory so clear in their minds ... for it was their "happy' place too.
I could tell so many stories of the fun my Mom had in her youth ... how I was nearly an American! She had so many American servicemen proposing to her during the war years ... I still have her photo album full of pictures from those days ... I often wonder what happened to all those guys ... 

I kept up a tradition and went back each year ... though there was no longer any family in London - the Hotel still stands - and each visit warmed my heart - the woman in me longed to take a trip back in time. 
I took my son when he was young and we did all the touristy things .... then one day I said farewell and chose to keep my memories in my heart .... 



A special treat ...










Here ya' go... my Grandparents with my Mom and her Brother (yep, he was in the US Army... long story ... mixed up family!!) .... on the steps of the hotel obviously during war time.

Till soon

Ros

5 comments:

Tatanky said...

Hi Ros !! Oh what a wonderful idea for the envelope. Thanks so much for sharing this picture and the great story. I lived in Brighton for 3 years and while there I used to go to London on weekends I love it. I was lucky enough to be back this year I was in London on June for two days it was so good to be back.

Unknown said...

Hi Ros, What a beautiful card.. I just love it... and once again you have my favorit roses... I must admit I tried to make some but they didn't come out so good! I guess I should keep on trying... Your alway look so beautiful...

I just love the story and your picture.. It really warm the heart..

Hugs, Linda

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Oh Ros, so sweet to share your family story with us, love that family picture of your mom. I want to visit your grandma's hotel the next time I go to London, of course, not too mention your lovely and unique project for CCCB, not only it is pretty, it is also practical! Love this post!

Mona Pendleton said...

Gorgeous card Ros! Love the roses & the vintage photo! Great family photo too - TFS :)

Jak said...

What a precious photo, love it x