Saturday, July 19, 2008

In with the old

Lately, I have become more and more fascinated with 'old' things. I think this is because I'm increasingly enjoying using more recycled and repurposed materials in my work, both because it's better for the environment and because I think something just has more appeal when it has some history in it.

I'm also finding that I want to do more in the way of printing and drawing. I love working with fabric, but miss working with paper and ink and paint. I sometimes think i could and should have done a graphic design course at university. Anything remotely typographical inspires me, and I've found quite a lot of inspiration from HensTeeth and LuSummers of late.
This has definitely informed some of my recent purchases.
Old envelopes and picture postcards:I like these for the fact that they were from a day when people did a actually write letters (does anyone still do this) and also because way back when, people were taught to write properly - and mostly with a fountain pen or pencil - old tools of the trade so to speak.
I especially like that this one has also been used as a shopping list. Bird seed and Bovril - nice combo!Any idea what this is?A hand written recipe book which has been passed between 4 or 5 generations, with each generation adding their own recipes. From what I can tell, it started in 1874. There are some truly bizarre recipes in there by todays standards. Anyone fancy a potted pigs head?I was intending to use this to cut up and collage and print onto, but i'm just not sure I can bring myself to do it. Maybe I will photocopy and scan some of the pages for my work - I'll need to think about this a bit more I think.

9 comments:

Missie Krissie said...

Wow that recipe book is just brilliant! You are lucky to have that I think, I'd keep it all together if I was you, it's been together for over a hundred years after all! :) I wish I had something that old, I'm pretty sure I've got nothing over 30... sad! :)

Gina said...

I'm finding myself attracted to old things more and more lately (lucky Mr Fan My Flame!!!)Seriously there is something lovely about using items with a history. Those old letter are gorgeous. Not sure I could bring myself to cut up that recipe book. Look forward to see what you do with them.

Mrs Moog said...

That old book is fab - I think photocopying is the way to go. It seems such a shame to cut it up.

My Grandad used to make brawn from a pig's head...nice!

xxxx

Lucykate Crafts... said...

i love those letters. i know what you mean about old things, i've been searching around ebay and etsy for old wooden cotton reels, not sure what i would do with them, but i feel the need for some. have you seen stephanie congdon barnes latest range, it's all inspired by vintage calling cards.

i'm really happy to read that stevie is recovering, bet you're so glad she's home and on the mend : )

Kitty said...

LOL at Gina!

Those old letters and cards are wonderful. I love to read things like that, and old newspapers too.

My mum started a handwritten recipe book when she was first married - she still writes in it today. It's such a fabulous idea.

x

Deanne said...

oh i defo just photocopy pages, thats an amazing piece of history like you said - although i doubt you'll be following most of the recipes but its certainly something to take off the bookshelf and look through from time to time.
Loving all your work :)

hens teeth said...

Thank you for the inspiration mention ~ I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with your lovely ephemera and I'm a little bit jealous about the receipe book ;-)

rachelmp said...

Lucky you with all those vintage finds! I couldn't cut up the recipe book but I would definately find it inspirational. Glad Stevie is on the mend too. x

Garden Girl said...

what an amazing recipe book- please photocopy it!! It would be such a shame to cut up something so old. Beautiful handwriting that pig recipe!