I love family stories. As a child, being told family stories anchored and tied me to something bigger than myself. The stories told me who I was when I wasn’t sure how I fit into the world. They helped me navigate a really hard time. The most meaningful story to me was that of Margaret’s Butterflies.
When I started having nieces and nephews, I knew I wanted them to have this same connection to our family that I had–that they were loved so much by so many that had come before them. And as a book lover, I thought making a cute storybook would be a way to share the story with them.
The first storybook I wanted to make was was about Grandma Margaret Bryson. She’s my 4th Great Grandmother and a complete inspiration to me. I can’t wait to meet her on the other side of the veil.
This is part of her story
The cover of the book, featuring a pink butterfly. 
Margaret’s Butterflies Retold by Megan McGrath 
A long time ago there was a girl named Margaret. 
She lived in a small time in Northern Ireland called Banbridge. 
Margaret got married and had a baby boy named Sam. She was so happy. She loved her little boy so much. 
Margaret’s husband, John, was in the army and never came home. This was hard for her to be all alone. But Margaret was strong and had faith in Heavenly Father so she raised Sam all by herself. 
Sam grew up into a happy and handsome man. He also joined the army. This made Margaret sad. She worried he would never come home. 
Whenever she would get worried, she would say a prayer to Heavenly Father. Then she would feel peaceful and that Sam was okay wherever he was. 
One night when Margaret was feeling lonely and particularly worried about Sam, she said a prayer to Heavenly Father for extra peace in her heart. That night when she fell asleep, she had a very special dream. 
In the dream, she was worried about Sam. Then one butterfly flew out of her heart. 
Then two butterflies flew out 
Then 20 butterflies flew out. 
Then lots more butterflies flew out until there was too many to count. 
Margaret woke up and knew the first butterfly was her boy Sam. The rest of the butterflies represented her grandchildren, great grandchildren all through the future generations. She loved all those little butterflies in her dream. 
She didn’t know how so many butterflies would be her family, but she knew that Heavenly Father had given her this special dream as a gift. She had faith that He would fulfill this promise He had given her through her dream. 
Whenever Margaret was feeling sad or lonely she thought of that dream and felt peace in her heart that Heavenly Father knew her and loved her. 
Eventually Sam came home from the army and married a beautiful girl named Sarah. They had 11 children. Later Sam also married Isabella and they had 9 children. Margaret had 20 grandchildren. 
Each of those grandchildren had children and grandchildren all the way down to you. You are one of those beautiful butterflies that Margaret dreamed about. 
Margaret knew you and loved you a really long time ago–before your grandparents were even born. 
Heavenly Father also knows and loves you. He will give you peace and comfort whenever you are scared and lonely, just like he did for Grandma Margaret. 
Always remember you are one of Grandma Margaret’s butterflies. You have a family who loves you forever. And because Heavenly Father loves us so much, this isn’t The End of the story.
The original book is made of scrapbook paper scraps I had. Part of my goal with this project was to only use materials I already had on hand. Fortunately, I had my favorite tool to help me: my trusty Silhouette Cameo.
Supplies used:
- Silhouette Cameo
- Silhouette Design Studio, Business Edition
- Silhouette Design Store shapes
- Silhouette Pen Holder
- Paper background: DCWV Old World Stack
- Adhesive: Scotch ATG (looove it!)
- Fiskers 12″ Rotary Paper Trimmer
- Tsukineko Inks
- Tim Holtz Distress Inks
- Tim Holtz Washi Tape
- Stickles Glitter Glue
- Similar 8×8″ Scrapbook Album
- Tiny Button Brads for Vern’s Uniform (these are white, but I used silver)
- My printer: HP 8600Pro
- The font used for the text: Traveling Typewriter
How I Made the Book
To create a copy of the book, I took photos of the pages and uploaded them to Shutterfly and created an 8×8” photobook. You can see the finished photo book here, and even order a copy for yourself (no, I don’t get anything from the sale of the book from Shutterfly and make sure you look for a coupon, sometimes you can get the book for free and just pay shipping).
As I’ve shared this story with people, it’s been fun to “meet” cousins– other of Margaret’s butterflies– and be able to share this story with them. Some of them didn’t know about the events in the story.
I’ve loved sharing this story with the next generation. My nieces and nephews have loved learning about their family and knowing how they fit into our family.
How can you learn and share stories about your ancestors?
Check out two other stories I’ve written: “The Popcorn Farmer” & “The Golden Ship”
