Hey everyone! I want to share a little story about how I discovered the true beauty of handmade gifts and the precious memories they hold. It was around 2002, a couple of years after my mom passed away, when I stumbled upon this plastic canvas pattern for a memory box. The moment I saw it, I knew it was the perfect thing to make for my dad.

Making that box was a journey of love, really. Every stitch took me on a trip down memory lane, sifting through all kinds of memories, both joyful and bittersweet, all the while hoping my dad would love this special gift.

Creating the box turned out to be quite an enjoyable task, even the bit where I had to figure out the hardware and reinforce it with felt-covered foam board for stability. The toughest part, though, was choosing two of the few precious photos I had of my parents together, enjoying their travels out East. I was just a little one when they took that trip, but those photos mean the world to me.

Below is a close-up of the hinge hardware. Remember those paper clips we used in school to bind pages together? The brass ones that looked like they had two legs which would be bent outward? I used those to attach the hinges and I think it worked very well.

After Dad died I found the memory box on his dresser and do you know what I found in it? Memories! A full set of Canadian Centennial coins from the year I was born, (for non-Canadians that would be 1967) and a cassette tape with his voice. HIS VOICE! It’s irritating that I don’t have anything to play it on. I’ll have to borrow some equipment and digitize it so I can share with my siblings.

This memory box sits on its own shelf in my living room where I can see it everyday and it’s strangely comforting. I know Dad loved this gift. His face lit up when he unwrapped it, examined it and in an emotional voice just said, “Thank you.” That’s all he needed to say.

When we give from our hearts it’s felt by others and it’s cherished.

Until next time friends…