One of my very favorite categories of primitive collectibles are the odd but treasured objects called "make-dos".
In earlier times when household items were treasured and saved, people took the time to repair and reuse things. This was partly out of frugality--a much prized virtue!, but also necessity. "Make it do, or do without." In pioneer days, a town with a general store could be hours or even days away. During wartime, goods were scarce.
The following is a quote from The Gatheringsa blog that has featured make-dos and sewing whimsies:
"What is a make-do? It is any object that had been broken, or unusable in its former usage, turned into a usable item again."
Sewing whimsies, make-do pincushions, often on recycled base of some sort, are especially treasured.
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These are my newest versions, HEARTS (of course!) for Valentine's Day or any day.
My make-dos often have an implied---maybe mysterious?--- history, a story hinted at by the treasured photos and trinkets I add to the piece.
This is called Goober and Briscoe after the boy and his pony in the old sepia photo. On the back is a love note dated Dec 4th 1944. It reads: I love you my dearest wife & buddy. Lots of hugs and kisses, [signed] Your salty sailor".....
He was stationed in the South Pacific during WW2. Some of the old buttons are brass Navy and Army buttons. Are they from his uniform? Her brothers'? Or....
And there's an old key....?
Is the boy her childhood sweetheart, now grown up and gone off to war?
Did he write the note? Did he come home...or is she still waiting?.......you decide.
This heart is Victorian in feeling...was it a memoriam heart? What does the key unlock?
Who was/ is the little girl with the doll?
...Perhaps the owner of the pincushion, sewing and musing on old, faded memories? A child lost to illness, or a daughter now grown up and far far away, married to a pioneering man who farms the endless prairie in Kansas or Montana. Do you sit and mend, and pray that she is well and happy?
Who gave her the LOVE ribbon and why did she save it forever?
Again, our imaginations differ, so you can decide....these HEART make-dos are available now in my etsy shop, come visit!
The photos and love note were shared by my dear friend Lisa, from her extended family's archive! Thank you, babe!
love
lizzy
gone to the beach......
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These are quite lovely! As soon as I saw the picture I had to come and visit them all. You are soooo talented. Kit
ReplyDeleteMysterious indeed. It's fun to think of what they mean or who they were and imagine their life. I love the mystery involved and trying to solve it. Thanks Lizzy
ReplyDeleteMy dad was stationed in the Pacific during WWII for 5 years. Never came home until the war ended. My parents were married the next month and were together the rest of their lives. I so hope the little boy and the pony came home to his wife....
ReplyDeleteLove your creativity in putting together mysteries and beauty. Happy Valentine's Day.
Hi Lizzy, I scrolled all over your post and have enjoyed it so much! I like the last little key that looks like it has a heart on the end. I agree that thinking about the possible stories behind your creations is fun! Have a nice day. I am your newest follower. Linda
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome! Wow!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valntines day!, I'm here from Karen't party!
xxDaniella
Happy Valentine's Day, cute post and I love all your hearts, Blessings Marilou xoxo
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