Epic Book Project for My Mom--Love

[kjlutz]

So first a bit of background is necessary.  My Dad died on March 4th after a long battle with prostate cancer.  All treatment was stopped in the summer, and his health steadily declined right to the end.  This was all really hard on my Mom, and I wanted to do something special for her, but like all special things it would take time.  I started in January, inspired by alteredmommy's Book of Hope, and started planning what would turn into an epic project.  First I decided that more was necessary to get through this than hope, so I settled on Faith, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  After batting around a few ideas, and some emails, I enlisted the help of a family friend who passed out book pages and instructions, collected finished pages, recruited more people, and even reminded people who forgot. 

All in all almost forty of my Mom's friends contributed sheets for use in the books (some sheets even travelled to Florida to be completed), and even though many complained that they were not crafty, the results suggest otherwise.  I will admit, that I was nervous about how my Mom would react to this, but the tear filled message on my answering machine when she received them, tells me that the months of effort were worth it.

So without further ado: Love.

I completed the cover (a homage to How the Grinch Stole Christmas--with a needle felted heart and a coat hanger heart viewing device). 


Inside Cover


Page 1 (Front and Back) (the card on the back opens and is signed)


Page 2 (Front and Back)


Page 3 (Front and Back)


Page 4 (Front and Back)


Page 5 (Front and Back) 


Page 6 (Front and Back) (the picture on the front is of my Mom and the little girl who made this page)


Page 7 (Front and Back) (this is my sister's page; the book on the front is filled with stamped quotes about love)


Page 8 (Front and Back) (this page folded out in all sorts of intricate ways--I tried to represent it as best I could)

 
Construction Details: Pages are made from cardboard boxes (like for cereal), and are covered with scrapbook paper on one side, and handmade paper from Ten Thousand Villages on the other.  I punched the holes and bound the books using strips of scrapbook paper and hemp cord from Ten Thousand Villages.

Thanks for looking at this monster post.  I must say that I am eternally indebted to alteredmommy for all her help and ideas, and all the people involved in making this project so special.

[Phizzychick]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad.

This is such a beautiful way for all who knew your Dad, and Mum, to share in her support when she needs it the most. I hope you are doing okay and have lots of support around you too.

[DanniQuee]

I'm sorry for the loss of your father.

I think it's brilliant that you brought your mom's friends and family together to give her inspiration and comfort at such a difficult time. Your books are all beautiful and touching.

That being said, I adore the grinch themed cover.

[kjlutz]

Wow, thank you both so much for your comments and support.

[rackycoo]

I'm so sorry about your dad. What a beautiful gift for your mom, though. I'm sure all these beautiful books give her comfort.

[red happy]

what a wonderful idea

[kjlutz]

thanks Rackycoo and red happy.

[Clarachk]

First, my condolences to you and yours. Your loss is great and I truly wish that all your hearts can heal in your grievance. You are blessed to have such beautuful people around you and they are blessed to have you too.

Now, onto your collect-masterpiece! What a MARVELOUS MARVELOUS surprise this must have been for your mum to receive! I made it through your intro fine, but couldn't get past the gorgeous pages without shedding a few wet ones. This truly moved me to tears. The work here was well worth your efforts! It's something your mum will surely treasure forever! Just when everything seems like it is falling apart, your safety net comes together for whatever support it can give! THIS ROCKS!!!!

[kjlutz]

wow, thank you Clarachk, what can I say you move me to tears.

thank you

[edelC]

I too am sorry for your loss, but you are an amazing daughter, this is a beautiful caring idea and her friends too must have really appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this.

well done