Design Recollections

James - Even KeelToday it is a new ‘class topic’ at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I have yet to look at the class (Photo Corners & Frames) but last night I snuck in a last minute page to complete the bookplates section. Hardly ‘revolutionary’ in any way but another page for James and I am sadly lacking in those to my shame. I used two new Zettiology Stamps from a Journaling Sheet I ordered a while back from Jean (3DJean) and I really love them! The mood meter (In the bottom frame) is way cool and I can see this appearing a lot in the future, same applies to the ‘Journal Notes’ box. Very useful indeed. I ran out of Ez Mount before the entire sheet was mounted but Jean has sent me her last sheet (as well as some fab ATC storage tins that were only £2 each!) so I will get the rest done soon.

I have joined in  a project with some very talented ladies to alter a ‘Printers Drawer’. Jane Dean posted about this on a scrapbookers forum and her blog has more  details. We are going to keep each other updated via our blogs on our progress, plans and ideas. I don’t think I have been so excited about a project for ages! No one has done this before so it will be a real fun thing to do and so interesting to see each others themes and ideas progress.  This picture of the drawer is the one I am buying from  Jane. 

My uncle was in the printing business many years ago and as soon as I saw the project I knew he was the man to ask about these drawers. Our conversation lasted over 1/2 hour and I got an in depth history on these drawers and a lot more besides. If you didn’t know what the were used for originally then the quick version is that these were home to the font sets for printing. The trays were made to hold each upper and lower case in separate drawers. The upper case drawer compartments would all be of the same size. The lower case sizes would vary as obviously the ‘g’ would differ from the ‘e’. This is the perfect arrangement for the altering project that is planned. Lots of little nooks and crannies to hide things in. You can see a full set of drawers in their original cabinet right now on eBay, a mere £395 would buy the lot There is a single drawer in an auction too, you can see that here.

When I was speaking to my uncle he agreed to make me one as he no longer had any around, although my Aunt tells me they had them for many many years. I had not intended to ask him, I was just looking for information, but bless him, he offered. I said I would continue to look for one and if I found one I would let him know. I had a day or so to do that but by the time I sorted this out with Jane I am certain he will have already made a start. So I am going to pay him for his time and materials and have that one as well. It will mean so much to me to have one that he made.

Now I have a little time I am off to finish a CJ I started early this morning while it was still dark lol! Then its off to BPS for my next class. So muc to do, so little time!

Until later xx………