Mother's Day present

This project is a mother’s day gift for both my mother and my grandmother. My gram passed away several years ago and is still missed greatly. Her favorite poem is “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson. Since her passing, I have been searching and searching for a picture frame that had footprints on it for my mother to put her picture in. I finally reached the point that if that is what I want, then I am going to make it!

This was my frist crack at a picutre frame, so I proceeded with caution. I chose to use curly maple for the wood as it gives that beach sand look. I also accented the corners with bolivian rosewood. I also made wedges out of the bolivian rosewood to hold the picture in. The frame is finished with linseed oil and wax. I love what the oil did for the curls – it really provided depth to the frame.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

- Mary Stevenson

-- Brandon, Maine, www.maineweddingtrellis.com