In my previous post I shared about some little books that I created with my kids when they were young. Each of them was self-bound using cardboard, floss, small ribbon, and ric-rac. But other kinds of bindings make great homemade books as well. This small cookbook is one I made about thirty-five years ago. It is tattered and stained, and although I could easily change the cover and put something new on the front, I choose to preserve each blemish on this treasured book. I made it as a class project for a Food Science class. Inside are recipes I valued at that time in my life, including recipes from friends, aunties, grandmothers, and my mother. It was made in the day before computers and word processing systems. Each letter was typed on a clunky electric typewriter on stiff tag-board pages. White out was my friend.
Although there are many other cookbooks and recipes in my files now, this is still my "go to" cookbook for pie crusts, cookies, cakes, and other family specialties.
It's interesting to me that such a simple little cookbook can hold so many cherished memories and be bound not only with the metal three-ring clasps, but by a multitude of emotions and love as well. Little things become cherished treasures.
What simple things do you cherish because they represent cherished memories for you? Is one of your cherished items a cookbook? I would love to hear about it.
Moon Flower is the common name for several kinds of flowers that bloom during the darkness of night. Frequently they exhibit flowers that are white. I especially like the one named Angel's Trumpets because they have such pretty, fluted trumpet flowers. They are graceful and elegant. My friend, Salina, relates to them so well that she has named her blog, Moon Flower, for these night-blooming flowers. She says that her creativity comes out at night and that she enjoys creating in the quietness and peacefulness that comes at the end of the day. For several years I have enjoyed observing the things she creates. Each of her projects comes from her heart and is an expression of who she is. She enjoys nature and this love is translated so well in her creations. I'm always amazed at the items she produces from simple, natural ingredients.
Recently I was happy to receive a package from Salina. It contained one of her beautiful, felted bird nests with three baby-blue felted eggs inside. It also contained a matching handmade book and four pretty, stamped gift tags. They are so spring-like and look pretty on a table in my living room. Thank you, Salina!
If you would like to visit her shops, you can find her on these sites:
Handmade Books and Paper Items
Crocheted, Felted, Home Decor, and Jewelry
She also has a vintage and de-stash shop; linked on the sidebar of her blog.
I think you'll enjoy visiting her and seeing the pretty things she makes. Enjoy!
