A bit of a flashback today. I made this mixed media piece way back in 2009 using old photos of my great grandaunt Saima and gorgeous antique handkerchiefs and handkerchief lace. Above you can see young Saima in a cabinet photo taken in a real studio - all other photos I have of her have been taken by her amateur photographer husband. So far this is the only art project I've made using family photos! Mostly it's because I'm so intrigued by strangers and I have no fear of pairing those photos of people with unknown histories with bits and pieces that are in conflict with their true stories and personalities, but also because I have no room for more art on my own walls and I'd hate to send pieces of my family away to strangers.

These photos of Saima were taken by Emil, her husband. The photo of Saima with the adorable puppy was most likely taken at her little brother's graduation party, which makes me think these must have been taken before 1920's or very early 1920's.

The silk handkerchief has rotted into quarters along its folds, but the lace is still as good as new.

Floral glass buttons, and another silk handkerchief, tied with embroidered silk ribbon onto a cotton handkerchief centre that was probably supposed to go with the larger of the two handkerchief lace. Many unfinished items have passed through several generations. Once in a blue moon I hear of my mother finishing some family heirloom project, but mostly we both try to focus on finishing our own, less dainty and more practical projects (and sometimes we fail and produce our own unfinished objects for future generations).