Patriotic Greeting Card

Patriotic Greetings

If there was one common thread among my ancestors, it was a love of the USA.  This new home promised them opportunities that their former country could not.  It promised jobs, land, and freedom. 

Summer patriotic holidays were a chance to gather families, watch parades, and share a love of their new country.

My family didn’t arrive in the USA on the Mayflower.  

So when I read about the history of our country, very little was said about how my family came to the USA.  I never felt that my story was told in those classroom-history books.  The history books always left me wanting.  I wanted to know my history so I could cherish it and pass it on to those who came after me.  

I didn’t have to look far to know what a true patriot was, since my Dad served in the army.   Among his medals were two bronze stars and a purple heart.  Like many of those who served in the military, he served so we could enjoy our freedoms.  My Mom also had a strong love of country and like my Dad, she passed it down to us.

My years of research have shown that those who came before me were artists in varying degrees.  One line, the Spadafora Family, has a long history of jewelry making.  Many of my Spadafora cousins continue in that tradition.   My Lopetrone Family is known for their strong photographic skills.  Beppe Lopetrone was a fashion photographer before he died.  Since I have created a number of clay masks, I have to think that some of my Italian ancestors were mask makers. My Marchelitis and Hortiage Families are known for their artistic abilities.  Knowing my ancestors allows me to understand why I am an artist.  I was born into it.

Family-History Crafting

It should be no surprise to you that I love creating work that includes my family history.  It allows me to share my research with the rest of my family.  My family may not have seen the “shot that was heard around the world”, but MY patriotic history starts in 1893.  It is a rich history just the same.

Researching your history can be a lot of fun.  Using your family history in your crafts will add to the enjoyment of your research.  Greeting cards can be a fun way to educate everyone about your ancestors and what you have learned.

The patriotic card in the above photograph is a fun way to invite family members to a family reunion or a fourth of July celebration.  Use an ancestor’s photo on the front of the card and tell everyone a little bit about the person inside the card along with the party information.  You can send everyone the same photo or send everyone a different photo and encourage them to bring it to your event.  The cards can be part of a table display and a way to get people talking about your history. 

The blue and white Washi tape by Elmer’s is an easy way to add some color to your project.  The embossed paper by Core’dinations is a fast way to add dimension to your card. 

So, how do you start finding your family history and start crafting?  Join my mailing list for an exclusive reminder for my next post:  FREE Online Family History Research Guide.   Just enter your email address in the box in the right-hand column under my photograph.