Turning a Letter into a Keepsake!

 The fantastic gals at eighteen25 did this adorable post about pen pals and it got me thinking about letters and how they have become a lost art.  For many years after my beloved Grandma died... I carried around a letter that she wrote me.  It was simple and sweet but seeing those pen strokes always brought comfort to me after her death.

I had many panics about losing that letter.  I kept it in the depths of my wallet and carried it everywhere I went.  One day,  I left my purse at a store and all that I can remember was that I was frantic about that letter.  That day I made a decision that it needed it's own special "safe" house and this is what I came up with.
It now sits on my dresser and I get to look at it every morning... I am reminded of how special family is!  

I took this same idea and found a fun piece of grapevine at a craft store and mounted it to my pantry door.  I was then able to tuck photos of all of my Grandparents into the vine.  I like to think of it as my own special Family Tree.  ~My kiddos love to see their Great Grandparents and often ask to hear stories about them. 

Funny...You would think I learned my lesson about not carrying special items around with me but I sure haven't.  I am carrying a letter around right now from a special friend that supported me through a major transition in my life.  I think it is time to get crafting again and find this one a home too. 
So the next time you think about saying something to a family member or friend...try it in a letter.  

What sentimental items do you carry around with you?

Monica


7 comments

  1. My purse stolen years ago and was sick over losing special family photos. I could care less about anything else in the purse but that.

    Your post is similar to my linky party I started last night on Coffee Table comforts. Anyone can link up on my blog.
    Yearn to Learn Blog
    ~Denise

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  2. Denise...I linked up with you! Now I am looking for heart shaped rocks and shells:)
    Monica

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  3. I love your "family tree!" I see much potential in this as an upcoming project at my house! I carry a $2 bill in my wallet behind my driver's license that my grandfather carried in his wallet for many years. I also kept a combat infantrymen's pin in my purse that was my other grandfather's, but it broke and I've been meaning to superglue it back together but haven't yet. It's funny the little things we get attached to!

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  5. Thank you Mrs. Owens...your post made me smile! I am so stinking sentimental and I love that there are others out there like me! Don't tell but I still have the keys to all of the houses that my husband and I have lived in together:) They are hanging on a hook by my back door.
    Monica

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  6. Your keys would make a good scrapbook page. Take a picture of the keys pointing outward from the center. Then arrange your pictures of the homes you've had so that the corresponding key points to its house. "Keys to the Schroeder Kingdom"

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Extra, extra tell Mrs. Schroeder about it!