Hold On to What You Love

My dad has been experimenting again with found objects and materials he’s collected over the years.  I’m especially taken with his beautiful creations for holding photos and papers.  One project involves antique, glass insulators.  Here’s a little background on insulators that I found on an aptly named website (www.insulators.info):

“Glass insulators were first produced in the 1850′s for use with telegraph lines. As technology developed insulators were needed for telephone lines, electric power lines, and other applications. In the mid 1960′s a few people began collecting these antique glass insulators. Today there are over 3,000 insulator collectors.”

My dad is not in an insulator collector per se and he’s not paid mint for any of his finds.  He’s just happened across good deals over the years and it’s the type of thing that catches his eye.  So, recently he pulled out his clear and green glass babies, matched them up with some copper wire and here are the results:

Aunt Wendy On Our Hearts and Minds

Grandma Hazel and Sweet, 3 Year Old Sophie

My Mom and Grandpa Bill

Me and Cutey Pants Sister, Joani

Another of my dad’s projects involves some weathered cedar (that is actually growing moss!) he’s been holding onto and baling wire.  I love the curlicues and the tree-like look of the wire:

Invites to My Cousins' Weddings--Can't Wait for the Festivities!

And lastly, these picture frames made from distressed wood and wire.  My dad’s also made a lovely, more polished version finished in a  high gloss, black paint.  I’m captured by the details here:  the metal clips, the pattern of the wire and the small, unique nail heads.

Family Photos in Black & White

If you’re local, check out the Hurry Up, Spring Arts & Craft Fair at Glenwood Square next Saturday at 10 a.m.  My folks will be there, along with some other fantastic vendors.

Out of town and interested in my dad’s creations?  Leave a comment and I’ll send you his contact info.