Yesterday I was rummaging around in my decorations and took a hard look at the garland I was planning to use for our tree, and deemed it to be hideous!
What to do? Hmmmmm. I loved the dictionary wreath that I just made . . . hmmmm . . . why don’t I make my own garland – just the simple, old-fashioned chain link garland the likes of what children make at school?
First, I made a small string of it and ran it by hubby – what do you think of this – is it too weird? No – I think it looks neat. That’s my hubby! So I was off – cutting and gluing again.
When I opened the book to start (gently tearing) out some pages, I saw the leaf…
It made me stop and think about the person who owned this dictionary. It gave me a sense of timelessness. How many leaves have I slipped into books and forgotten?
The name written on the first page was Mrs. Wm. A. Campbell – no doubt the Wm meant William, most likely her husband.
As I looked through the pages I came across the rules of etiquette. What a treasure trove of fun reading!
on Introductions:
A gentleman must never put his hat on in the presence of ladies. At morning calls he must put his hat on in the hall, but should any ladies be present, he will instantly remove it; or should he be the last visitor, he will not forget to hold his hat in his hand until he has reached the pavement.
on Calling Cards:
A married lady should always use the Christian name of her husband on her card.
Married ladies should use a size of card between that of a Mr. and Mrs. and Miss card. This is not strictly observed, though it is considered a good thing to do. HUH?
Don’t you just love it?! I could go on and on.
Anyway, I’m grateful that I picked up this thought-provoking dictionary and that it is going to grace my Christmas tree this year.
I used Kim Klassen’s ‘Poetic’ on soft light. How fitting!
a piece of history, for sure. what a genteel world…
Such beautiful texture work!
Very creative! Beautiful texture work, Barb!
Truly beautiful interpretation of the theme and your use of the texture is sublime. I guess we don’t really want to live in that world for real, but it is nice to revisit it once in awhile. We could use a bit more of the manners part of it in our world today. :)
wonderful pics and lovely story :)
What a lovely post and lovely images today. Sometimes I yearn for those golden days of manners. I don’t know if life was much simpler then, but would have loved to haven been a part of that life (for awhile). Happy Decorating!!
That is definitely from a forgotten time… People don’t have manners like that anymore… they don’t hold doors for women – I could go on & on! =)
What a wonderful work.
I do love it, Barb, as much as I love your pictures. By the way, when I was a child we used to make chains like this one of colour papers. Such a great memory – making decorations with mum:)
oh yes, I’ve opened old books to find just such endearing themes. and then I pause for a moment or two and find myself wondering if I really want to tear it up. I think what you’re recycling it for is beautiful and I look forward to seeing the finished tree strung with this garland! happy day you Barb. you are so resourceful and creative, an inspiration to be sure.
Don’t you just love finding items from the past like this. It’s very personal and almost feels like you know this person who held this book and read those rules of etiquette. Wonderful post!
really gorgeous texture work!
What a great discovery! And your photos are awesome.
Much gentler world then than now.
Wonderful texture work.
That was an excellent texture work I really love it…
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Beautiful. Love the textures you’ve used.
Gorgeous pics and I love the garland.
Oh, I just love old books. What a happy discovery finding that leaf. Your photos look wonderful, Barb :)
Barb, this was delightful on so many levels- a fun story with the intriguing leaf, unique decorations, beautiful photos and textures, a little history, and even a nice husband thrown in. Great post!
Wonderful post! Nice that your hubby approves of your artistic impulses. I loved the leaf you found in the old dictionary — I often buy old books at library sales, and it makes my day when I find treasures tucked inside (once I bought an old Bible and found a bookmark cross stitched with the words “to mother,” next to a Sunday School certificate dated 1885…)
enjoyed your post very much; what a treasure. And, beautiful garland for the tree this year. Your processing is beautiful. thank you so much. {texture tuesdays}
OH what a treasure!! I just love it when I come across old books, especially when they have personal notes written inside. Love the etiquette quotes!
A surprise in an old book..:) love it.
so lovely
So creative and moving — love the old-timey instructions on proper living! :)
Your home looks absolutely beautiful Barb, and I am so glad your finger (and your head!!) are okay.
What a beautiful photograph you created and the book is a treasure trove of forgotten manners.