Once upon a time,
when my mom found, ever-so-unexpectedly, my great grandparent’s marriage certificate a few months ago, tucked away in the back of an old book…I knew exactly what I was going to do with that envelope.
I think it’s so super romantical that these two lovebirds dashed away together on Christmas day to fulfill their vows. And back then, people actually stayed together. So I knew I wanted it hanging in the space over my “reading nook” {read: chair that desperately needs to be reupholstered} in our bedroom.
As you may recall, I created this look recently for a wonderful client…and loved it so much…that mottled hand-worn, frays-of-time-look, mounted on the wall…that I decided to make one for mahself.
Check out that date. Over 100 years ago. And the stamp. Two cents. TWO CENTS!
So, on our bedroom wall it hangs: A nod to simpler times, when towns were so small, a full address wasn’t even necessary. And that important certificate of marriage was delivered to them, just a few short days later. A time when maybe the weddings weren’t such a big to-do, but the actual marriages were.
If someone had told the marriage certificate filler-outer that we were going to frame it and mount it on our wall, he might’ve been a little freaked out.
This seriously makes me wish I knew more about my family. I want to take a real, in-depth look, so one day when my children ask me, and my parents are no longer able to tell the story…I will be able to let them know where they came from. A dying art, for sure.
Maybe 100 years from now, our marriage certificate will be hanging on my great grand daughter’s wall. I kind of wonder if she’ll know who we are. A sobering thought? Maybe.
Just a simple idea: maybe some of you can use it? Let me know what you think!
I love this idea. And yes, it is a sobering thought to think if my great grands will know me and our family's history. Makes me want to be diligent in recording it. Does it you?
Ashley, what a great, unique idea!! Love it!
YES! I think that's half the reason I do a blog. and it's the real reason I began in the first place, for my children. 😉
I simply adore this. Just sayin.
Love it! I think I'm going to try something similar!
I was given my grandmother's bible a few years ago. She has somethings tucked away inside. It may be time that I took those poems and notes out and enlarged them.
Where did you have the envelope enlarged? Can any copy shop do a good job? I worry about it being blurry when it is enlarged….
hey! I just took it to a regular ole kwik copy shop. they did a great job!
How funny – My husband’s grandparents are from Eupora, as well.
this is so lovely – I’m so glad your site came up while searching for pirate ship diys of all things!!
After losing my father three years ago – I always wonder what I should have asked about him and his family… but never got to. I think the history of family is so important.
I also love your blog – thank you so much for all the ideas – now all i have to do is get over my people pleasing obsession and boot my hubby out the way as a major stumbling block to my creative ideas 😉
how fun! so glad 😉 good luck and keep me posted!
Just recently found your blog – loooving it. So inspiring!
This envelope is beautiful and I love that you decided to put it in your bedroom space as a reminder of the love of past generations. So what did you use underneath the fabric? Is it a large frame or a crib spring? Don’t have an envelope but am trying to think of some other options – thanks for the great idea!
Hey Miranda! I just taped the blown up envelope to the back, and then hung the thing on the wall. It’s not going anywhere, so it’s not a problem. i hope that helps! You could always back it with a thin piece of plywood, etc. ;}
oooooh how i love this idea!!! i have letters written in Italian from my grandparents and have been trying to figure out how to properly display them. Your project has given me some serious inspiration, thank you! lovely home you have!
I just came across your blog from a link over at The Nester and I’m having a gay old time perusing through your posts! I’d gotten to a rather stale point at my home renovations (I was cruising along well a couple of years ago) but your home is inspiring me to kick it up a notch…thanks! And I love this framed envelope idea!
Awesome Alicia! Thank you for your kind words! ;}