Do Your Creations Tell a Story?

 Hello friends, thanks for visiting. I have a question for you, especially those of you who love to create or craft little treasures. Here's the question: Do you think it makes a difference if an item you are considering purchasing has a story attached? Are you more likely to part with your hard earned money if the item has some history? Lately I have been conjuring up little vignettes about my couture aprons. I look at the color, fabric and embellishments and stories come to me. Since I have been doing that, my sales have increased noticeably. I think I might be on to something...you be the judge.......

***Dorothy's Couture Apron***

Once Dorothy clicked her heels and finally returned to the farm, she found this lovely apron that her Auntie Emm had made her as a welcome home gift. You all know how much Dorothy loves blue gingham and ruffles. Auntie Emm searched her antique linen chest and found a wonderful vintage pillowcase and a beautiful table runner her mother had made for her. It was embroidered with pretty blue flowers and a center blossom of strawberry pink and red. She trimmed the runners edge with some dainty crocheted lace her sister Heather gave her many years ago. For some extra texture and fun, Auntie Emm added white ball fringe to the blue toile waistband. As a surprise she fashioned a secret pocket trimmed in more antique lace as a place for Dorothy to keep little treats for Toto. Dorothy loved her new apron and promised Auntie Emm she would never take it off. 

 

      *** The Queen's Tea Party Couture Apron***

I listed this apron Monday after noon and 15 minutes later it was sold! Do you think the story helped?

Oh my goodness! Miss Emma has been invited to one of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth's, annual tea parties. But alas..she has nothing appropriate to wear. What to do...what to do. If only she had one of The Empty Nest's beautiful couture aprons. Wearing one of Janet's creations, she would be proud to mingle among the distinguished guests. The blooming gardens at Buckingham Palace would be no competition for her gorgeous floral hostess apron. The pretty upcycled pillowcase with it's large pink Parrot tulips and cabbage roses in shades of raspberry, cream and pink. The pastel gossamer antique hankie with it's beautiful embroidered bouquet of pink tulips would flutter gently in the garden breeze. At the waistband is a large camellia fashioned from the palest peach colored antique lace and crocheted doily. Emma would feel so feminine and she would smile knowing as she walked away they would be admiring her beautiful bow. Emma thinks maybe..just maybe, if she acts quickly she can get Miss. Janet to create an apron just for her.

***The Yellow Rose of Texas Couture Apron***
Did you know their is a real woman behind the folk song of that name? Her name was Emily West Morgan, a slave and she was known to be a thing of beauty and sophistication. Rumor has it Emily helped the Texas Army win the battle of San Jacinto by keeping General Santa Anna busy in the bedroom while the northern troops surprised him. Emily was spotted serving Santa Anna breakfast while wearing a lovely apron much like mine. No wonder he was in love! Upon hearing of her bravery, Colonel James Morgan granted Emily her freedom. 
I sold this apron the same day I listed also...Hmmmmmm

      ***The Girl Back Home Couture Apron***

This is my newest apron and I must admit I am smitten. You should feel the lovely softness of this vintage material..heavenly! This story came easy............

He takes the dog eared photo from his uniform pocket. The image is that of a beautiful young brunette in a tiny kitchen. She is holding a pie that she just took out of her oven and the proud smile on her face says.."I baked this just for you my soldier boy..my very first pie". He remembers that send off day and the memory shoots a dart of pain into his heart. He loves and misses her so, but he knows he will someday be in that kitchen again. He will watch her tie that big beautiful bow of her lovely apron and he will be happy to be back home with her. Until that day comes, he will be content with the photo of his girl back home in her pretty apron.

As I created this apron using a vintage 1940's/50's table cloth, I kept imagining what it's story might have been. I kept coming back to visions of a soldier, his girl, America and old fashioned domestic happiness. Maybe it was the red, white and blue in the tablecloth or the folksy red rikrak..not sure. Everything about this creation says vintage Americana! The tablecloth is so well aged that it has the feel of a delicate handkerchief..not stiff at all but soft and cloud like. I embellished the waistband with handmade Yo-Yo's and a pretty green satin bow to compliment the fabulously feminine green diamond patterned bow. Double tiered with an edging of antique hankie triangles makes my apron unique. Absolutely a wearable piece of art to cherish for many years.

So what do you think...do you vote Yes or No on the story telling? Of course it is frustrating when I take 2 hours to think of a cute story and the apron sells in 20 minutes...no one even got to read it ! Hmmmmm.....wonder if anyone would notice if I recycled those stories ;-)  Hey, recycling is in right?? 

Until next time..be kind and stay creative.

PS...be sure to come back on Friday for Pieday! I promise a fabulous puckery refreshing sensation....I'm hinting ;-)