Today my friend Laurie Johnson is my guest and shares with us how she is preserving and using unusual keepsakes for Christmas that belonged to a dear grandfather.  This idea is so clever and gorgeous you will want to try it too!.

Laurie’s story:

For almost a year I have been searching for an old wooden ladder to use in my home as part of the decor.  After quite a few months of not having any luck finding exactly what I was looking for, I had a feeling I should call my father and ask him if my grandpa may have had an old wooden ladder laying around somewhere.  To my absolute joy he answered “yes”.  I was so excited!! Then a day or so later my father called me.  He asked me if I could hear something.  I told him I thought I could hear bells.  He said I was right and that what I was hearing were the jingle bells that came from my Grandfathers sleigh and that he was sending both treasures to me.  I was thrilled.

My Grandfather is very special to me.  While Grandpa was on the earth he took care of me and watched over me.  I always knew he loved me.  My love and gratitude for him and his example in my life runs deep.  Now to have a piece of what was a part of his life hanging from my ceiling brings me great joy.

 

While I decorated the ladder and hung the jingle bells I could feel him there with me.  I felt like he was happy that I was enjoying having his things in my home.  Now I can look at my ceiling and feel him near.  When I shake the bells and hear their beautiful rich tone my heart is happy knowing that my Grandpa used to hear them too.

I am grateful to my dear father who gave me such wonderful treasures.  I cherish them and him for the tender memories they bring.  Each season as I change Grandpas ladder I can look forward to reflecting on these beautiful gifts and the memories and love that came with them.  How blessed am I! Thank you My DD!

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Thank you Laurie for sharing your story.  This project is very clever and tastefully done!

Here is a shot of how Laurie attached the ladder using  sturdy hardware eyelets and chain  (in 3 places) to securely fasten it to the ceiling.  She used strands of blue fairy lights to light it. (They come in a gazillion colors.  Get them here.)  She had been gathering the ornaments for quite a while.

 What do you own that you could employ as keepsakes for Christmas Decor?  I have my grandmother’s big ole’ potato masher…hmm fairy lights and mistletoe maybe?  🙂  Enjoy! Laura

More keepsake ornament ideas:

Thrifty Crafty Girl

Fyne’s Designs

The Farmers Nest