Transformations

I promised to post pictures when both projects were finished, which they are, so…behold!

You might recognize this as the the antique church bulletin display box I bought on eBay awhile back. It was in fairly good shape already, so I just cleaned it up with some lemon oil and called it good. I’d love to bring out a bit more of the wood’s natural lustre, however, so please let me know if you’ve got suggestions.

I have  to thank for the inspirational "book cover" inside: she helped me refine my ideas and then executed the design. Brilliantly, I might add. More on the mock book cover here, but in brief, the tent revival image in the background is excerpted from one of my father’s newspaper advertisements, and I’m five years old in the overlaid image.

And lo, look what I’ve done with the antique window frame I discovered on one of my Nancy Drew adventures! I can’t begin to say how grateful I am to those of you who suggested I convert it to a mirror. I smile every time I look up from my desk and catch a glimpse of it on the opposite wall. (More smiles: my vintage pull-toy, and a portion of Nana’s button collection, which I’ve displayed in a Ball canning jar.)

This is but a handful of my growing collection of personal talismans–static images and stationary objects, which no means could tell my life story by themselves. But when I’m faltering (for whatever reason), they remind me of the roads I’ve traveled so far, and serve as signposts for the way forward. 

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  1. Awesome doesn’t even begin to describe them! I love the display box and the mock cover inside. It makes me want to read your book immediately! And the mirror….Just wow. What a fabulous idea that was 🙂

    • Thank you. This is all new for me…so many of my childhood things were discarded along the Sawdust Trail. BUT! I’ve collecting quite a few artifacts from my Nancy Drew capers, and it feels right to surround myself with them now.

    • Ha! You are very observant, my friend. It’s The Secret of the Old Clock, the first Nancy Drew book I ever read. I bought it on eBay, where I’ve purchased most of my childhood-related artifacts.

    • Thank you!!! It’s really fulfilling, this filling up my home with childhood artifacts. Including, of course, that happy puppy. He’s an ideal pet, isn’t he? No need to clean up after him or feed him, and he’s so good about walking on his leash. 😉

  7. Exciting. Thanks for sharing. Love the bulletin display box and mock cover. 🙂 And I think I see a darling five-year-old when I look in that mirror!

    • Thank you! That bulletin display box is among my favorite artifacts. And I get (re)inspired whenever I think about the possibilities that mock book cover represents.

    • Thanks, Stace. I have great memories of the Nancy Drew adventure to the place where we collected that window frame…

      (Love the icon, by the way!!!)

  9. I remember that puppy! I’m not sure if I had it or it belonged to a friend, but I do remember it.

    In the most traumatic of histories there are pillars and posts of strength and guidance, which you have demonstrated so eloquently by finding and displaying that which was good in your memories.

    Emjae

      • I have been feeling real good. Still get tired but the Dr reminded me that I am not as young as I used to be. He said I needed to take it easier for a little while. I really do appreciate your good thoughts. I know they are working. I am grateful for friends like you. I am waiting with great anticipation for the book. I know it is going to be a great hit.

    • Thank you, Rose, for your kind words of encouragement. The mock book cover & mirror (and your support, of course) are wonderful sources of inspiration.

    • Thank you, Laura! I’m inspired by your home decorating ideas, you know. Repurposing heirloom objects (whether purchased or handed down) is but one way I’m making my home a sanctuary.

    • Thanks so much! The antique items aren’t technically beautiful, but they are beautiful in what they represent. So in that sense, they’re precious artwork. I couldn’t be happier about the ways they turned out.

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