Time Marches On-A Peek-a-Boo Project

I find myself once again in the month of March thinking of pubs and Ireland. The say on St. Patrick’s Day we are all Irish. I have enjoyed a pint r two in my day but the older I get the less appealing are the drunkard days of yore. However, I am still intrigued by vintage pub signs and the lore of the ambience of a place where one can escape for the harsh realities of the rat race of life, to settling into a gentle atmosphere here people can enjoy the art of conversation, revel in the music and song with lovely libations maybe chauffeur’s choice cocktail. These are the inspirations of this artwork.

Supplies:  GSLC Hanging Sign Set 1, Brown, Orange, and Gold Acrylic Paints, Pencil, Resized and Printed Vintage Pub Signs, Paintbrush, UHU GlueStick

1. Gather Supplies.
   
2. Resize and Print Vintage Pub Signs.
3. Use Brown, Orange and Gold Acrylic Paints on GSLC Hanging Sign Set   We are Going for a Weathered and Worn Look.
   
4. Use a Pencil to Trace the Signs onto The Printed Signs so you Know Where to Cut.
   
5. I Actually Settled on Just Cutting the Signs in Their Rectangular Shape.
   
6. Use Dark Brown Paint to Paint the Edges of the Signs.
   
7. Glue the Prepared Pub Signs to the GSLC Hanging Sign Set 1.
   
8. The Finished Pieces Look Nice Framed with a Village Street in the Background.
   
   
   
   

Final Thoughts:

The Vintage Pub Signs have significance for me and speak to the traveler side of my soul when I was bit wilder and free-spirited.

The First is Talley Ho reminding me of the Summer I spent working in Chautauqua New York at the Tally-Ho Hotel and Restaurant. I was in college and at my finest physique, learning and finding my way. There was a  small group of us that stayed on the premise some as maids for the hotel and others waiters for the restaurant. It was a time of innocence and debauchery. Somehow we got alcohol and indulged in the freedoms of youth. This is the summer that we danced at the bar as it was flooding and the borrowed car we had floated into the lake.

From the Tally-Ho Sign we go to the Stage and Fox and Hounds signs they are reminiscent of miniature pub signs I picked up the year I went to England for a week as an Ambassador of Rockledge Elementary School and stayed in very Goth bedroom of son of my host house. I was not a world traveler at this time having only spent one summer touring Europe after graduating from college. I was a bit apprehensive of the darkness, and the black painted walls but enjoyed touring the countryside and observing the differences of our educational systems. 

New words I learned while there: torch(flashlight), fag(cigarette), rubber(eraser), chips(French fries), crisps( potato chips), spotted dick and sticky offing pudding(yummy desserts), bits and bobbins(a mismatched collection), loo(bathroom), the underground(London subway), flat(apartment), grey(gray), colour(color), among others.

These signs also remind me of a favorite place to visit in Maryland, Ladew Topiary Gardens. One of the most famous topiaries is the iconic fox chase across a lawn rendered only using yew hedges.  Harvey S. Ladew was a rich socialite who grew up in 

Westbury, Long Island. His is describe as Anglophile, admiring all things of England and Britain, especially fox hunting. As the area became more suburbanized in the 1920s, it became less and less agreeable to the sport of fox hunting. Mr. Ladew had hearth was wonderful hunting in Maryland’s Hartford County and that is what enticed him to purchase a 200+ acre property in Monkton in 1920 adjacent to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club. Ladew’s 22 acres of gardens feature more than 100 larger-than-life topiary forms which serve as the backbone and centerpiece of the gardens and define a series of garden “rooms” including the Rose, White, Yellow, Sculpture and Iris Gardens. The gardens are beautiful to visit in the three seasons they are opened, it is closed during the winter months.

Upon Further Reflection

I am sure you have heard it said "There is no such thing as stupid questions" and I know as a middle school educator the rhetoric I am supposed to spin but as a mixed media artists whose canvas is in book form I have had a few that I think may titter tatter into that category.  "Do they open?" goes to the top of that said list. Yes they open they are book. A close second is a duel question, "Can you write in them?" "Do they have lines?" I want to say "I can write in them...but I'm not sure about you." and "No they don't have lines but if you get a ruler that is easily fixed." But my educator training goes into action and I respond more politely. Thirdly they might ask something like "Do you have a (fill in the blank) book?" I rarely do thematic books or books with titles. I recently have added a Limited Edition Classic Combos line that are "-esque" in nature, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars I have sold thus far.

So whenever I hear someone at our shows exclaim, "So, they are journals?"  I must interject and proclaim, "No, they are not just journals.  We call them treasure books and they are functional art" Then they might say "Well I'm not a writer so I would not know what to do with them." Or a more thoughtful inquiry might be "How do you use them?" Sometimes I try to explain art is meant to be appreciated and adored but normally because I've been asked these questions multiple times at various shows I show them our look-book and offer suggestions as how one might go about encountering their treasure book. These are ideas that I included:

Favorite Family Recipes

We all have fond memories of foods we enjoyed through the years, or a dish that takes us back in time to Aunt Blanche's Place. Why not keep them collected in a treasure book to pass on to others. I photocopied some of my momma's recipes in her own handwriting and they remind me of my childhood.

Your Family History

We all need a place to belong. A treasure book is a great place to save where you have come from. We all have deep pasts with many colorful characters that are worth remembering. With the use of ancestory.com or other sites you are able to see just how deep your roots grow.

A Beautiful One-of-a-Kind Journal

No  two treasure books are the same. Each is a unique collection of carefully chosen papers of the highest quality. Some have images added from a variety of sites and carefully adhered to enhance the overall appeal of your treasure book. You cannot buy these at the Wal-Mart and they are made right here in the USA. If you are having a writer's block and a difficult time getting started there are many helpful suggestions by doing a quick online search for journal starters.

A Holiday Remembrance Collection

Start a tradition by saving all your favorite holiday traditions in one location. Do you have a recipe for Aunt Ruth's Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Easter Eggs?  A treasure book is a place to keep it. or how about a reason your family does what they do. It is never too late to start a few of your own traditions too.

A Birding Journal

A species checklist is a great way to remember what birds you see, but hours after observations a simple checklist will not remind you of their behaviors, field conditions, or the other factors that can make each sighting memorable. A birding journal on the other hand, on, is a way to record each bird sighting in more detail. Those details can help you perfect your identification skills. Train your eyes, ears and other senses to make more intimate observations.

Garden Diary

There is something wonderful about writing a garden diary. It's a great way to keep a record of everything you have planted, when you planted it, and where you planted it.  Make note if your crop was hugely successful or a big flop. It's a wonderful to look back over the years and see what you were up to...and what the weather was doing.

A Baby Book

Start a baby book while they are still young. Too many magical moments do not get recorded in the hustle and bustle of changing the diapers and feeding your bundle of joy. A treasure book is the perfect size to keep on hand to write down each new wonderful surprise. Plus what are you going to do with all those sleepless nights? Best to have something creative to keep you company while the others are sleeping.

A Milestone Memory Book

Do know someone who is turning the BIG Two-Oh or the even BIGGER Five-OH-NO, or someone who is graduating from high school or college? Is there a special anniversary coming up and you are looking for that one-of-a-kind type gift? Why not make a treasure book for them and you will be top of their list and remember fondly forever. I do custom Wedding Books if you know anyone taking the big plunge. Treasure books also make great Bridesmaids and Groomsmen gifts. One stop shopping, get that crossed off your to do list so you have more time to plan the menu and musical selections.

A Wine Journal

A bottle of red, a bottle of white... we all know what we like when it comes to the wine we drink. Sweet or dry, the list goes on and on. A treasure book is perfect for keeping track of the ones you have enjoyed the most. Steam off the labels: keep track of the places you purchased it and maybe a way to reorder when this bottle has seen better days.

Words of Wisdom, Songs of the Soul

A Montage of Poetry and Images of Favorite Quotes

Place all those quotes that have become your life mantras, that have carried you through the darkness, or have given you hope to hang on. We all know that life sometimes sends us for a spin and a treasure book  can hold those lifelines for you when encouragement is hard to come by.

A Friendship Remembrance Book
Borrowing from the song, "For Good" from the musical Wicked, "I've heard it said that that people come into or lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them. And we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe that's true. But I know I am who I am today because I knew you..." Take the time and make a treasure book for one or two of your BFF's telling them how much you appreciate and treasure them.

A Travel Journal

Channel you inner romantic side and catalogue your travels in a treasure book collection. be on the lookout for unique and unusual places the locals go so your journal will be even more enticing. Why not add a train ticket or your European day trip to visit the place your parents met in Prague.

Non-Traditional Scrapbooking

Many of you have the skills and the desires, a treasure book is just that blank canvas that can take you there. Be the first of your friends to take scrapbooking to this whole new level. They are show stoppers.

 

 

Photo Albums

A treasure book will be the envy of all who see it. They look great on the coffee table and is a delightful discovery for those willing to look  beyond the cover.

An Artist Art Journal

Even creative people need a boost from time to time to keep the artistic juices flowing. Choose a treasure book that will inspire you to create even more fantastic works of art, a masterpiece held within a masterpiece.

Bucket List

Everyone has one, but will you be the one to write it down and keep track of it? What are the things you want to accomplish? What dreams are still unfulfilled? Why not take a journey of the soul? What favorite places are still left to see?

Fashion Sketch Book
Channel your inner Project Runway fashionista and come up with some of your own unique outfits ready for the next fashion week at Bryant Park. Make it work!!

Beer Book

Keeping a  journal of your beer tasting can be fun. You can track changes in your tastes or powers of perceptions, changes in different beers, and share your thoughts with other beer enthusiasts. You can challenge yourself to try as many different types of beers as possible. You will also be able to remember a particular beer and why you liked it.  You can keep track of your visits to beer festivals, brewery tours and even create your own beer cellar. Why not develop and track your own beer and food pairings.

Foodies Fantasy/Restaurant Roundup

Every time you dine out, note the name of the restaurant, the date and the time that you went, and the people you went with. Describe what you ate and whether you liked it or not. Most places have business cards or carry out menus you could attach to your journal. Add the receipts for authenticity and keep a few pages in the front or at the back to list restaurants that you have been wanting to try.



Guest Book, Traditional Address Book

If you entertain frequently, have a summer home, or even a guest room, consider reviving the tradition of a guest book. Let friends and family members write message to you so you can remember their visits. Create the ultimate address book. Along with the standard addresses and phone numbers information, include references like birthdays, favorite colors, and gift ideas. Add a photograph of each person or draw a caricature of them yourself.

Prayer Journal or Spiritual Journey

Many of us believe in a higher power that guides us and brings us into our own best self. If you take the time to be grateful and remember your blessings you will be amazed at how truly blessed you are. Be still and know that someone is watching over you. This too shall pass. All shall be well.

The Possibilities are endless what will your treasure books become?