Monday, January 27, 2014

Book of Symbols

Hope everyone had a nice relaxing weekend.  We took a short drive up to San Luis Obispo to have lunch on Saturday at CPK (my favorite Thai Crunch Salad of course) and then walk around the downtown area.  We had a couple nieces with us which always makes for a good day.  I admit I wish I had the energy of the 6 year old!  She's at that stage where it seems her legs have grown so much lately, she's not sure how to control them.  Just walking down the street was an experience.  I think she tested out every walkway, bench, and flowerbed...hopping, jumping, giant steps, baby steps...she tried it all!  Good times.

Today's CHA project is made with one of the new Mini Configurations book.  The new mini is 9 x 6" and the perfect size for so many projects.  Looking forward to using this in classes this year.
This story is about my father which I wanted to share...but not too much.  I know that might sound strange in a world that is all about information overload but this was a personal story I wanted to share in a different way.  The only real way to get all the information enclosed is to talk to me or have the "key" to the project (more on that later).
The project started with the new mini cabinet cards and a photo I found.  I wasn't really sure if it should go on the outside or the inside of the book (both looked good), so I tested different ideas until I decided to put it on the inside to keep it more personal (he would have like it that way).   
On the cover I used the backside of one of the new Wallflower papers (found in the 8 x 8" mini paper stash - Menagerie), a calendar and butterfly from the Ephemera pack - Thrift Shop (I'll be talking about them in a later post) and a few other new trinkets like the new Letterpress and metal Arrows.

Each item was picked for a reason. As symbol of something meaningful to me.  So even though the book is about him, it's more about how I choose to remember him.

The mini numeral 25 is the year of his birth.
The calendar represents time.
The G is his first initial.
The butterfly was used to represent moving on to another world.
The words cut from a vintage book speak of his character.
The arrow is a visual representation of him - he was a straight arrow.  Never deviating from his beliefs or good character.
The Locket book was the perfect vehicle to keep bits of information (like dates) enclosed.  I bet many people saw this project in the booth but never thought to open the locket.
And the small heart - says, "forget me not" which seemed appropriate.
I think the number one product people have been talking about from the show is these letters and numbers.  Wood (yes, real wood) in a variety of fonts and have been stained different colors.  On the cover I painted and sanded the letter G, then wrapped it in paper and string. 


I created a document with small text boxes, the size needed to fit the fold out paper that comes in the Locket Book.  I decided to use a very plain font for the text, as he was very practical and never requiring anything superfluous (words or goods).  In total, there are 8 blocks of information about him.  Amazing how much info I got in that one little space!
 
 
I thought I might show you the new Arrows and Mini Corners too.  The arrows come in 2 sizes and the Mini Corners come in 3 colors.  Hopefully the dime helps with scale.

Elastic Loops and Bands are also new.  I used an Elastic Loop to hold the Mini Configurations Book closed.  You can see I punched a hole with an awl at the bottom corner to thread the metal barb into the book.  Once in place, I hammered the metal part so the box inside could fit "snugger" (I hope that is a real word because the more I say it in my head, the more it sounds like I made it up) against the interior box.

Oh, and the ever present dyed cheesecloth...my love.  What would I ever do without you?  Just makes me happy on so many levels.
When you open the book you will find the picture and mini Cabinet Card that really set off the idea of the project.  Lots of ink and wire, stamping and painting (I'm not going to mention that color again, I promise).
The symbols continue.
He was born on the 22.
He was a carpenter so the bottles are filled with various sizes of nails and screws.  The stamped words all came from the Stampers Anonymous "Mercantile" set.  The numbers from the Remnant Rubs, Botanical set.  Tissue Tape - Elements was chosen because of the measuring tape pattern.  Something he used everyday as a carpenter.

 via Tim Holtz blog

The same Alpha Parts set I used in the last project, just a different word.  This time I used a Elastic Band to hold the vintage leather book in place. 
Again, words cut from a book on the Compass Coin/Game Spinner referencing his passing.  The book itself was made with a vintage leather notebook I had had for sometime.  Not sure how it even came to mind to dig it out.  Lucky that I had one that fit perfectly into the box.

I created a little book using Ranger Manila cardstock.  I stitched the pages together and then folded them in half to create the book.
 
I just used simple things like stamps and Distress Ink to create the book.  I few pictures my husband helped me print to the right size (I'm not so good at that sort of thing).  The book only had a few pages so I just used a few photographs to represent key things that happened to him.

Birth on a rural farm.
 Leaving home to join the military.
I chose this picture because he signed is name at the bottom.  I thought it was important to record his signature.
 And the wedding photo - the starting of a new life together.
I decided to add a vintage glassine envelope on the last page with his obituary.  I found a copy when I was looking for the right photos and it fit just perfect in the envelope.  I chose to include this because it tells more about where he lived, his work and interests.  Things I did not have space for in the book.
Hopefully today's project will get you thinking about what story you can tell with symbols.  I have always liked this way of story telling because you can weave such an incredible amount of information into a small space.  I will mention that in past projects, be they paper or fabric based stories and especially if they are gifts, I will write down the "symbolic key" and include it with the project.  Preferably including the information in an envelope on the back or in the case of a fabric based project - I write it on fabric in permanent pen and stitch it to the back.  I love going back years later to read what the meaning is because I never remember them all after time has passed.

If you would like to create a project using symbols you might start by asking these questions:
1. main dates or numbers I want to include.  These could include birth, marriage, dates children were born, how many years in a home, home addresses, etc.
2. family
3. children - names and dates (these were included in the locket book in my project)
4. state or country
5. work
6. hobbies
7. vacation spots
8. scripture or poem
9. music - favorite song
10.  favorite food - this might seem like a funny one to list, but many times food has special meaning. In my dads case it was A &W root beer - he loved it all his life and it was the last thing he asked me to get him before he passed away.  I included that information on one of the small text blocks in the Locket book.
11. character traits
12. significant life events

Once you have some or all of these questions answered, you can start thinking about which to include and how you can add them to the story.  And remember, it can even be your own story you might want to tell.

now carry on,
paula



68 comments:

  1. What a true treasure Paula. I'm sure there must have been moments that were difficult while making it...sending big heart healing hugs!

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  2. This project brought tears to my eyes Paula! What a beautiful tribute to your Dad... Inspires me to make one for my Grandpa and my Dad. Thanks for all the wonderful details!

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    1. always a good idea to document your feelings about someone special. This was an easy project for me. Couldn't wait to get up each day to work on it.

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  3. Wow! What a wonderful tribute to your Dad! So much detail in that little space. So many possibilities to tell a story. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. it is quite beautiful. and i like the idea of including a key with what the different symbols mean - great tip! thank you for continuing to inspire us with such great work...

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  5. Paula I really love your work and this book is also awesome! I love everything on it! Greetings from Slovenia

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  6. Blown away by the ideas in this project! So much inspiration. I will be visiting this post again and again. Thanks so much.

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  7. There is something in my eye. You have given me a great idea to do something like this in tribute to my own dad. I am saving this post so I can find it again when the Doodle gets all of the new stuff in. Thank you, Paula.

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    1. thanks Sue. Appreciate your note. I know Jill was in the booth at CHA so I imagine she will be getting everything in. Gotta love that store!

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  8. That's incredible! I just love it!

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  9. what a treasure & wonderful keepsake.
    as usual, you blew me away!

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  10. This is absolutely fabulous!! I appreciate the details so maybe I can make one of these for myself.....Thank you.

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  11. absolutely beautiful!!! what a keepsake!

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  12. Wonderful project, I'm going to have to do one of these sometime. I love it!

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  13. Utterly wonderful piece of family history created with such care, thoughtfulness and skill - and it's completely beautiful too. Thank you for sharing your key with us, and those tips for putting together such a personal project. And you make all those new releases look ever more tempting...!
    Alison x

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  14. I expect this heartfelt creation will be passed down for many generations to come. I've inherited assorted artifacts from long-passed relatives I never knew and only wish I had a key to unlock the stories behind them. This was a terrific tutorial, full of great ideas and advice, and very moving. I've always felt that our best work comes from our most personal stories and your Book of Symbols illustrates this perfectly.

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    1. thank you so much Beulah Bee. I could not agree more!

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  15. What a lovely tribute to your father - love the symbols! Thanks for the inspiration at the end as well. Food for thought.

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  16. This is so lovely and such a wonderful tribute to your Father. I was amazed at the similarities of your dad to mine. My dad was born in 1925, he worked on a ranch as a boy and he was a carpenter for all my life, he served in WWII, married my mom in '46. My daddy passed away the day after Thanksgiving and I have been thinking of a project to do to commemorate him and this will be perfect.

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    1. Queen Bee,
      The similarities are stunning. Glad I could give you a little inspiration today and hope you make that book. Love to see it when you do!

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  17. Its beautiful and touching on so many levels. What a wonderful way to create a personal memento box of a loved one.

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  18. Howdy from Texas! Thank you for sharing this fantastic storybook of your Dad. I really enjoyed seeing the wonderful photos (I do believe you have his eyes!) and how you incorporated all of the symbols. My parents' 50th anniversary is this summer, so maybe, just maybe, I can get myself in gear and use your ideas as inspiration. And I can hardly wait to get my hands on those little arrows! Thanks for including the dime in the photo. I can hear measurements all day long, but little visual comparisons like that are what make my brain get it! :)

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  19. Such a heartfelt tribute to your father; just lovely. Looking forward to building one for my dad who passed away last year. Thanks again for your wellspring of inspiration.

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  20. Paula,
    Words are just not enough. This took my breath away....
    What a beautiful tribute to your Father.
    You are a GREAT inspiration to us all, And I Thank you.
    Donna in Ky

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  21. Paula, what does the 13 / 11 signify?

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    1. hi Donna. I used the 13/11 from the Ephemera pack because it reminded me of a measurement which he used everyday to built things.

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  22. Such a beautiful book of memories about your father. Stunning and as always lots of detail that blend beautifully.
    Sandra

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  23. What a beautiful, quiet tribute to your father, Paula. This book just sang to my heart - I love symbolism. I love how we can have quiet reminders of our past, future, faith, people, events, etc, etc out there for anyone to see but that no one but our closest trues notice and understand. I have symbols all throughout our house. I feel it's what personalizes a home.

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  24. What a beautiful, quiet tribute to your father, Paula. This book just sang to my heart - I love symbolism. I love how we can have quiet reminders of our past, future, faith, people, events, etc, etc out there for anyone to see but that no one but our closest trues notice and understand. I have symbols all throughout our house. I feel it's what personalizes a home.

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    1. thanks Anita. That is just what I wanted...a quiet tribute. He was a quite man so it is perfect for me.

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  25. Oh how I love this! I want to do one about my grandparents. I never knew my grandfather, but I have pictures of the two looking so in love. I also have pictures of my beautiful grandmother graduating from nursing school. And my handsome grandfather in a baseball uniform. Such cool old pictures that would make a beautiful book! Yes, this is going on my to do list. Maybe as a gift for my favorite aunts birthday :)

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    1. usagypsy, it sounds like you have some great pictures to work with...a great book in the making!

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  26. WOW! Absolutely gorgeous. Beautifully made, so many lovely details.

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  27. Thank you for sharing that is such an amazing project and I love that you shared it all with us! I can just feel the amount of love you have for your Dad!

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  28. Amazing...absolutely amazing... you create what I envision in my head, but still learning and struggling to put out in paper, inks & glue.... Thank you for creating a path for us to follow, giving vision to our idea and own tributes to loved ones...

    You created and made a treasure for yourself and future generations to cherish, admire and love...chip off the old block by the looks of it... creating like her father.

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    1. thank you so much for the complement Shaunery. I have said many times over the years that my willingness to try to build or create something is because of my father. He could always build it so I just figured I could too.
      thanks again,
      paula

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  29. WOW that is awesome. I love it. You sure done a good job. TFS

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  30. WOW, your book is amazing! I just love it. I'm sure that it was your dad that made you remember about the little notebook. You had the notebook just for this book & that's why it fit so well. Just beautiful. I know if your dad was here, he would tell you the same.
    God bless & take care!
    TFS!! Linda Storey

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  31. This is the nicest think I have seen in a long time. Simply beautiful!!

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  32. Fabulous tribute to your Dad Paula...so much information in your amazing Configurations box...something to treasure forever xxx

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  33. What a great tribute to your father. Great collection

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  34. I just love every single inch of what you have created here. TFS something so special. xx

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  35. What an amazing memory project. Those who go before us leave so many symbols impressed on our hearts and minds. I think it's wonderful how you have captured so many of those impressions in this project.

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  36. What a fabulous project Paula. I would love to do one of these about my grandmother whom we grew up with and was more like a mother to me but who is no longer here.

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  37. Such a loving, special and unique family heirloom you've created, Paula. All of meaningful aspects you've included to tell your Dad's story is so wonderful. As I am losing my Mom to ovarian cancer, a memory piece like this holds so much more feeling than what anyone can possible know or appreciate. Thank you for sharing such a personal creation, Paula--I feel the love that you put into making this beautiful design. XOXO-Shari

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    1. Thank you Shari for your kind words. It is always easier to create when there is love.
      paula

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  38. This project just blew me away! I had a warm feeling reading your description and felt as if I knew your dad. You are incredible and did an amazing job. Kudos to you!

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  39. This was totally amazing - I thought at first the leather book was a wallet, which would be a fab way to save the one I have of my grandpa's... can't wait to check out your blog some more!

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  40. I have just the photos and items for one of these...thank you

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  41. This is a beautiful and meaningful project! I love all the symbols you included. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  42. All these elements are amazing! The detail and artistry is breath taking. Thank you for sharing

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  43. All these elements are amazing! The detail and artistry is breath taking. Thank you for sharing

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  44. Lumps in throat, specks in eye. Such feeling and artistry all in one very restrained project.

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  45. What a beautiful memento. It really choked me up. The depth of the soul is so incredibly deep. Peace.

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  46. Thank you for sharing such a personal, and beautiful, project. Reading your post made me tear up as well... it was just the little push I needed to message my mom and dad saying how much they mean to me.

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  47. Paula - what an wonderful project. This is great food for thought and I will definitely be doing a symbol project soon. I love the way you shared with us the various elements that you used. Thanks again for the inspiration.

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  48. A beautiful and moving piece of art. Wonderful story telling x

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  49. This is a special tribute to your Dad who through this work we can tell meant so much to you. A very fitting keepsake for generations to come. Beautiful work that inspires.

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  50. PS was the color not mentioned Mushroom and I also think snugger is a word, lol

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  51. Thank you for sharing your sweet memories of your father. Your creative juices are running over! I especially liked the "safely home" and the foldout pages in the locket and the leather book. You can use snugger anytime you want to. It is a great word.

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  52. What a beautiful way to remember your father, Paula. I love the project it is simple but full of gorgeous details and the little miniature book is fabulous. ♥

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  53. Stunning! You've given me ideas...

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  54. I forgot to comment! You can tell this is a labor of love. It will be a family heirloom. Your Dad would surely be pleased. Wonderful project.

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  55. That is beautiful! Wow! I love it.

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