la Brocanteuse

Sep 21, 2012

old Script




I love Script, 
especially old handwritten ,timeworn documents





we learn so much of another  era where every day tasks included real paperwork..




I had a long discussion with a antique dealer not so long ago about the art of hand writing, the time and effort that went into sending out invitations, the time factor when a reply of confirmation was expected.





The said dealer collects stamps and that is actually how we got onto the subject. I wanted to purchase some of his old South African stamps to have a little project for Dd for the upcoming school holidays.
~aiming to bring awareness of a disappearing act-that being the writing of letters and post cards, adding a stamp as payment to have it sent to a friend anywhere in the world.. She loves to collect old, like me, poor girl she has no choice! 
I remember one day  when she was just a little tot-princess, we visited one of my favorite jaunts, - a  store stacked to the ceiling  with everything from old kitchen corning ware stored in wooden boxes to those every now and then true treasure.
After walking around a bit, amazed, and totally overwhelmed..( can you imagine what it must have felt like for someone not even a meter high..)
she said, " Mamma, is this the Crazy Store for big people?"   fellow South Africans will know we have a store by the same name that  kids love for their affordable and mix of all goods colored and plastic..



Any way, with time she learned that Mamma loves old and the stories collected with all.



Give me old ephemera
and script in any form any day, 
 and I will treasure it with my heart and all, 
right there next to old monogrammed french linge and handmade dentelle.




 I received a package in the post all the way from Alwen in Canada
it contained her very beautiful artwork and the old document in  this post..
- most specially wrapped in a old map and handwritten address label


such a true from the heart joy to receive in the mail from so far away, the perfect something that touched my heart, from someone I have never met, yet we connected through our love for old, curiosity and ephemera



framed in floating glass to expose  the back of the document as well


sheet music with detailed artwork on the front




framed grain bags to display and share the story



re- purposed on chairs..




I had a very kind letter from Kathee with a delightful blog:Chateau et Jardin,
 asking if she could use some of my images in a post on her blog  she found via Pinterest , 
originally used by me in a post  titled 


How thought full and appreciating, to have someone honor fellow blogger's creative input.
Thank you Kathee!



 Colette 

PS: one of our rituals when travelling, is to send post cards, like one used to do way back when..
I had Dd "write" her first one to herself and sent it home from Switzerland when she was just little ~(4)
the excitement on her face when she received it in the post box this side..precious!!






12 comments:

Pura Vida said...

I'm with you Colette...it is just beautiful..love your images!

La Dolfina said...

I love your passion For beautiful things Colette!
I love the crazy store for big people... Too cute your protege! Gorgeous images and inspiration.
Love,
Terri

kathee said...

Omg Colette, I'm addicted to your beautiful blog! I can't thank you enough for allowing me to use your photos, they made all the difference in the world! I will be back many times to visit you my friend!!!!! xoxokathee

vintageandart said...

Love every one of your beautiful images...the script writing is so exquisitely done. What a joy recieving that gift from someone unknown...how lovely.

Burlap Luxe said...

Love old script as well Colette. I love collecting paper ephemera for the art I so enjoy creating on down time when I can enjoy sitting and working with paper.

Keep inspiring all the beauty you hold.
Xx
Dore

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

It's such a pity that handwritten letters have almost disappeared from our lives today. I love these documents you collect and have framed so beautifully and I think Dd is very lucky to have inherited your love of old! I hope you are enjoying the long weekend. x Sharon

Acquired Objects said...

I love old scriipt too and have two large framed pieces in our dining room. You are the master though of how to frame these wonderful pieces. I think I'm going to have to frame more for my studio. Dd is so cute with her post card from herself.

I hope you had a lovely weekend!
XX
Debra~

Nella Miller said...

Dear Colette, I have missed visiting ! Always such a treat when I do! I too love script, the written word, books...anything that speaks to the heart. Years ago, I recall scouting a flea market with my husband and some friends and I got particularly excited over finding some old letters and envelopes. Our friend later mentioned to my husband his disbelief at my reaction over " old mail"! He still teases me about it. Your examples here particularly lovely, framed and beautiful....always. Your little girl is a treasure.
N.xo

The Blue Farmhouse said...

Indeed there's something very enduring still in "handwritten" documents, letters or cards. I still have the majority of letters my husband and I wrote to each other while dating in college...(married now 31 years) and my heart blushes still! Time? Still the same amount in a day, maybe it's technology. Beautiful post Colette!

Sending love your way!

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

How wonderful to have had a visitor from half a world away...
Your little angel's smile is priceless.
Susan

French Basketeer.com said...

I share your love of the old scripts, and the good old fashioned art of sending a nice post card! Sorry I have not visited much; busy with Mom's broken arm. But going to Beaune before year end for a time, and to do some shopping of course! Be well~

Notes From ABroad said...

I agree that it is a pity that handwritten letters have all but disappeared from our lives but beautifully handwritten letters such as this are so very rare !
My grandmother used to write to me and while her arthritis made letter writing painful, her script was like a bit of art, fine and lacy and mostly unreadable :)
besitos, C