safe and secure

one thing great about emptying out the studio, is finding projects that were never finished and ones that were never started
 
One of the most unusual ledger books I have ever come across.
Build to withstand any disaster, this rugged ledger has a key that winds a mechanism in the spine that allows the ledger spine to open and close, allowing pages to be added and removed.  In my head, I picture some secretary running around all day with the key on a ribbon around her neck like a necklace. Imagine the panic that would ensue if the key became lost.
 
This ledger has beautiful end paper. It is a project that I started but stopped when I ran into a difficulty with the pages.  When I was looking at it yesterday, I immediately knew what I needed to do to fix the problem. Isn't that the way it always goes, you are working on something and run into an issue and then put it aside and later the solution is so simple, you wonder why it didn't come to mind in the first place.

 

here are some of the pages

 
should be no problem picking up where I stopped
 
Old metal document boxes are something that gets my heart racing when I come across them and this one is the cream of the crop.
 
When I first spotted this document box, I was excited that it still had it's key.
 
It just got even better when the box opened and it was filled with the original envelopes. The envelopes are held on a metal rods that form a spine in the hinged area of the box. Each metal rod fits into a slot so that the envelopes can be removed. 
 
I never started this project because I was intimidated by the beauty of the paper. I am over that and ideas are starting to spin in my head. This document box opens up and lays flat, you can flip through the envelopes like the pages of a book.
 
Key-less and plain this document box is still a beauty in it's own way. I had completely forgotten about this one as it had fallen down behind a box of fabric.
 
I love the graphics on the lid and I think I should be able to find a key that will work the lock.  The box opens but seems unfinished without the key. This document box is plain and empty inside.  I think a hand made book or journal that tucks neatly inside would be a good project for it.
 
And then there is this vintage slide case, I have no idea or project in mind. It stumps me every time I pull it down from the shelf.
 
It is one of those things that is just so cool but what do you do with it.
 
I am sure something will come to mind when I am sleeping.  Some of the best ideas surface around 3 a.m.

 
  
 
 

Comments

[Corrine]

What great finds. So intriguing with the keys and envelopes.
The ledger book is grand and your pages are wonderful...
so in keeping with the feel of the originial.

[Hagit]

WOW! Totally stopped my heart - that box with the envelopes! I've never seen anything like it!

[donna!ee]

fabulous finds...as always, gorgeous pages...it is wonderful when you come across treasures as you organize...it does get the creative wheels spinning!... ;)

[Dawn]

Individual small pages along the lines of ATC's might work in the slide box.

[Julie]

my eyes just popped out of my head a little bit...

[Nancy S]

Wow! That envelope box is way cool! Now I'm all curious about what offices were really like all those years ago. So delicious...enjoy your explorations.

[Peggy]

You re-found some great treasures. The vintage slide case is beautiful.

[Robin]

I'm with everyone else...that envelope box is amazing! I don't know if I could bring myself to alter it......it's beautiful. I love what you are doing to the ledger. I have two heavy ledgers like this (without the key winder) that belonged to my husbands grandmother. What a great idea to incorporate it into an art journal, rather than just using the pages for other projects! Sometimes the obvious is right before our eyes!

[nelda ream]

Wow, you found some treasures. Love vintage boxes and journals.

[Seth]

These are all such amazing treasures -- and exactly the types of things that I covet. You have started something wonderful with the ledger book!

[Deryn Mentock]

Oh...swoon! What wonderful treasures!

[Marit]

OH WOMAN.... I am jealouszzzzzz..... some treasures you got there!!! I'm sure you will all use and fill it wisely though... enjoy!

[Barb in CA]

Be still my heart! Such wonderful little jewels to put your individual stamp on. Nothing like something from the past to create treasures for today's enjoyment.