Have you ever started something without knowing why or where it is going ?
Well that was me yesterday with this book
The original book, before I started altering it, came from a church book sale in Witherslack, Cumbria for 50p.
The title is The Rose In Britain by N. P. Harvey and was published in 1953.
It was the cover that drew me to it but the fact that it had been donated to the sale by the head gardener at nearby Halecat House made me buy it.
I wondered if he had retired or had so many books he was having a declutter.
The thought also of it going to landfill if it didn't sell also
contributed to me bringing it home.
I love the photographs of the roses but i've no interest
in it as a gardening book.
The next thing I knew I had started sticking and pasting things in it.
Joining pages together, cutting pages out and so it went on
with still with no clear idea of what I was doing.
Until, that was I got out my vintage wallpaper samples and that's when I came up with the idea of using it to display the lovely pieces which previously had been gathering dust on the shelf.
I'm quite happy now with what i've done and will carry on with it.
Have a great deskhopping day everyone
Linking to
I rarely know where a project is going... love the wallpaper! Helen #1
ReplyDeleteI love a make-it-up-as-you-go-along kind of project. What a wonderful creation. xxx
ReplyDeleteSometimes the best ideas come from not having a plan and just playing - lovely wallpapers. Have a fun week x Jackie 15
ReplyDeleteSometimes the ideas just flow best when you don't have a particular thing in mind...a bit like clothes shopping, you never find anything when you want one particular thing! I'm so glad you rescued the book - I volunteer in an Oxfam bookshop and so many heart rending things turn up in the donations, letters, photos, dedications...glimpses of long gone people and lives.
ReplyDeleteHugs, LLJ 3 xxx
Hi Lynn, and my answer would be- very often! I think sometimes that the best pieces come from just letting them grow. Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #18xxx
ReplyDeleteYou know what Lynn, you're just clever you are. A book full of flowers is a wonderful thing! Xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, I love how your book turned out. Sometimes we do are best stuff without a plan. Happy Wednesday, LisaDV #25
ReplyDeleteI really love how you change things Lynn and this little book is now a real treasure. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Annie x # 12
What a wonderful find - and a wonderful transformation!
ReplyDeleteYou altered book looks great .
ReplyDeleteHappy woyww Jill #28
What a great find and I love what you are doing with it! Going with the flow is usually the only way for me too! Chrisx 32
ReplyDeleteIt's 50-50 with me. For some things I have to have an idea first. I love that you rescued the book and as I was reading your post I was hoping it would turn into a garden book. You've inspired me to use up my wallpaper bits, too, because they're gathering dust in a drawer. xxxx
ReplyDeleteAnswer to the first question: YES, all the time!! But look where this little journey ended up. I love everything about it from the vintageness of the book, to where and whom you got it from and the beautiful way you upcycled it and gave it a whole new life. Now...what did I do with those old books I got at the library sale...hmmm...Happy Wednesday. Sandy Leigh #30
ReplyDeleteHow fun that it just fell together like that! I think it's so cute, and what a steal. I guess it's a great reminder to trust your instincts.
ReplyDeleteHope #40
Happy WOYWW. Most of my projects at the moment are part of the course I am doing, although of course I always end up doing it my way partly. I have bought some books from a charity shop to alter one day, and looking forward to that. Your project is simply stunning. Ali x #33
ReplyDeleteI love where your project took you! Have a wonderful week. Dorlene #48
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by earlier, I am just getting around to my rounds.Love the book! cheers, donna #8 ps- you got to my blog before my wink went live. Glad you wandered around anyway.
You're doing a wonderful job on that book, Lynn, and I'm loving the use of the vintage wallpaper. Very clever! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Loving your altered book, Lynn! I does look very vintage! Have fun this week! zsuzsa #24
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely book twin sister lol, Have a great week, until next week, bye fro now, Vicky
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Lynn, pleased you found it. I always think books look so sad when you see them in sales like that, if only they could speak. However this one was lucky and has found a new home so well done you. Have a great crafty week and happy belated woyww, Angela 16
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome find and a beautiful way to showcase the original florals as well as your vintage wallpapers. Creative Blessings! Kelly #39
ReplyDeleteBeautiful subject for a post ! My desk is often overcrowded and really untidy ... it wouldn't be a good idea to share it! :-)
ReplyDelete