I found this wonderful pattern in the Winter 2005 issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors in an article by Susie Afond, called, "Meanderings, The Meander Book." I was intrigued by the way the little book opened up and one followed the path of the photo's or design. It reminded me of one of the board games as a kid, where you followed the path and did each thing as you went along. When closed it's tiny, only about 2" x 2". Which is a fun size to work in. I'm still in the "tweaking" stage, but thought I would show what I've done so far.
I love the image of the nest, being the cozy retreat (plus I'm into "all things bird" right now), the home, the foundation. This square was the first one I did and started the basis for the pattern of the whole book. I loved the quote, "know the song in your heart and sing it". And I think I probably picked it up from one of you gals, but for the life of me I can't remember who. I started in blues and browns and then black really started showing up in large amounts, but that's ok.
This is one side of the whole thing unfolded. I LOVED the photo of the family (2nd block on left, top line). Look at the men's faces (the one guy with his hand on his face) and see the little boy with his eyes totally covered? I just loved that photo. it made me wonder what was being said or done at the time the picture was being taken. The photo of the little girl outside the screen door was so sweet. These are all "adopted ancestors", not physically related. Then of course, birds, ribbon, etc, etc, etc. I did not realize that I had put the letter N on upside down until I scanned it. Duh. Still need to add some more things and finish the other side. I have a little 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" box that the whole thing fits nicely into which I've painted a robins egg blue. Have not decided yet how to embellish that. I was thinking about doing one of these with real family photo's and memento's. Would make a sweet Mother's Day gift or birthday gift.
Had the best day out yesterday. There is a little thing they do which used to be called, "Fifteen mile garage sale". Now in an effort to be more classy it's called "Antique Alley". It has grown tremendously over the past few years and some times it's great and sometimes it's not. Yesterday, it was great. Found so many fun things. A small chest of drawers, a really cool mirror, a whimsical paper-mache' chicken (so cute) and lots of buttons, frames, doll parts and so much more. Saw a few friends as we ambled along the way, even stole some of em's parking space (oops!). The best part of the day is just spending time with my Dad and harassing each other about everything we buy. I pretend to like what he purchases and he tells me all mine are awful or ugly. He doesn't get the shabby, peely-paint thing. He thinks everything should be sanded and re-painted. But that's ok. Viva la differance' as they say. But I'm glad the "junkin' gene" is one of the things we have in common. The other thing in common is our sense of humor. We both spied this book at the same time:
Now, no offense to Jane Powell or to Linda Svendsen, but neither of us could think of why someone would want a book on linoleum. But hey, again, to each his own. I got tickled at the comment on the inside, "Yes, linoleum is back." - Kiplinger's personal finance. Hmmmmmmm. Hope Kiplinger's didn't bet a bundle on that...they shouted that exuberant statement in 2003. I have'nt noticed it being back yet. LOL. So for a mere $1.00 this book will make a fantastic gag gift for my middle brother's Christmas present for next year. Hee hee hee. With love from me and Dad. And heck, Dad even paid for it. Defiantly the find of the day.
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