Oldie but Goodie Ways to Go

In Barnes & Noble enjoying the A/C and looking at the bargain books and ran up against THE ORGINAL GIRL's HANDY BOOK - a reprint of an original 1887 book written by 2 of the founders of the Girl Scouts!  It has beautiful etched black and white illustrations - (almost worth it just for THOSE) as well as lots of charming suggestions for things girls can make. 

It shows you how to preserve flowers and ferms and used them for decoration - has suggestions for old-fashioned ways to celebrate holidays through out the year, and lots of crafts which remind one of Martha Stewart (do you wonder where her folks get all their ideas?)

It even shows you 2 ways to make a hammock and how to contrive a lawn tennis net! And several ways to make fans....

I indulged myself in this hardcover, because I have always found that those old-timey how-to books were extremely inspirational and reminded me of other, older ways to do things. It strikes me how organic it all feels - portiere curtains made out of nuts you have gathered - dried seaweed decorations! And there are suggestions how to make a combination bookshelf/window seat unit out of wooden boxes!  (People used to like to sit and look out the window, not a bad idea...)

I first ran across that sort of book when I was a teenager at a friend's house - a guide for the late19th C. housewife - & I was so taken by it, that they let me have it.  And I still do, years later! All sorts of instructions for turning fabric and making clothes last longer and all kinds of housewifely thrift! It started a lifelong interest in old guides to doing things. So many interesting DIY and simple craft ideas.  So much self-sufficiency!

It makes you realize how much pre-made STUFF we have.  And the pleasure we get from doing or contriving something ourselves.  I always feel that way - even with a successful trip to the thrift shop or 99 Cent Store - or when I have repaired/resewn something or managed to take out a spot! It's a source of pride that my summer boat shoes look so good with their coat of off-white craft paint shoe polish! Or that I can touch up the bit of grey at my temples with a dab of strong coffee! (and no chemical irritation, either!)

I have a note for my frugal book - "Think Old." Meaning that often going back to earlier and simpler ways of doing things can be cost-saving and liberating, in a way.  I really am enjoying my $1 tape of Mozart's piano concerto in my old car's tape player.  Would a CD be better?

But then, I was a Girl Scout for years, so where better to be inspired than by our founders!

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Going back in Time

Remembering the old ways "to open new avenues of enterprise and enjoyment."

Your post reminds me of being a child and playing with old spoons that my grandmother didn't want in the house anymore because the "stuff" was wearing off and they made your tounge tingle when you licked them. We could dig with them or wrap scraps of fabric around them and turn them into people. We played with paper dolls. My brothers had little cars that they played with and THEY had to power them! Kids now have to have batteries, video games that will play with you, and constant movement.
They don't have too much imagination becasuse everything is already done with their toys. Dolls have 35 outfits you can buy and you don't have to sew a single thing. Not really sure why your post made me think of all that but I guess my imagination runs away with me sometimes. Probably comes from having it so well toned all those years ago!

Now people invent elaborate leaderhsip exercise to do things like communally making an igloo! Whereas we build snow forts. And people read about creativity! We don't have to re-invent the wheel - just not lose touch with what has already been worked on and take it from there. I hate the idea of re-inventing the wheel! But somehow it's become declasse - but now with the real green emphasis a whole new generation is coming around!

Thanks for the memories.I mentioned to my friends that I was going to re-do my guest room in 50's theme.We're all mostly frugal esp.Robin and Liz.We each try to out do each other in who got the cheapest ditty.Since my project began I've gotten loads of 50's stuff.It's been about the the most memorable jaunt I've taken.What a wonderful time for growing up it was for most of us.

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