The Treasure and The Box

I was invited to participate in an art show at Flow, a gallery in Marshall, North Carolina.  Our curator, Connie Mollard shared that the treasures are seen as precious things that pique our curiosity and sense of wonder and excitement.  The boxes that hold the treasures can also draw the viewer into the mystery of what treasure lie within.

I approaced this art challenge remembering my treasures and how I keep them.  I have collected objects since I was a child sitting in my pops watchmakers shop.  I had a drawer in the shop and I could keep anything in there from marbles to jewerly.  We would call these my personal ornaments (treasures).

As i aged my collection of treasures included marbles, pears, plastic rings, letters, pictures and charms.  I love opening up my pops Navy Shipmasters sewing box and touching the items I have placed in there.  I have many different "boxes" filled with what I consider treasures.  

Desk love

 I love to craft but it explodes all over the house. So I decided I needed to change up the craft room/guestroom desk. 

Treasure boxes, Journals, memory keepers

 Treasure or memory boxes come in various shapes and sizes. My sister in law had a hope chest and jewelry box she kept her special collections in. My mom had a beautiful chest her dad brought back from China. She also, had a beautiful jewelry chest from him. My nana had her secretary that held special items. 

I kept mine in a locked jewelry standing mirrored case. That is until I wanted to look at my special finds and treasures. I have a clutch purse that houses my tokens. 

I took a course by Roxanne Evan’s Stout.   During the winter I discovered Ann Woods tutorialMini travel kit on a.k.a. Sewing kits. I made many. I couldn’t stop finding new uses for them. Little journals to house my career pins. These include my Walt Disney Pins and Nursing Pins. I also collect Red Cross and vintage nursing pins. . 

I have a mini journal book to keep my favorite snippets of fabric. And a mini sewing kit for my stork scissors, tape measure, pins and needles (what the design was originally designed for. 

So my idea spun into treasure keeper boxes where I can store little items that capture my heart. Of course, I have several. I love combining several artists gems of creative ideas and incorporate my fusion. 

I added Rhonda’s kits at A Little Bit of French to my mini Ann Wood minis and into journals. They even made it to the tins and boxes. I turned into a little manic making beautiful and fun creations. 

I have had so much fun creating them. I am going to offer a treasure box filled with a journal and sewing kit on my Etsy shop Cottage Wishes. Also, I will take them to Junk-in the Trunk in Brevard, NC on April 9th. Cathy,  Lady Beatrice on Instagram, hosts us on her lawn. It has been a blessing to keep us connected with our love of handmade and vintage. 

Thanks for joining me, Di