It is chock full of hundreds of fascinating pictures. In a nutshell, it is the story of Edgar Miller a renaissance man from Chicago. He was a sculptor, a painter, a wood carver, a mosaic artist, and more importantly, a stain glass master. This book tells of his lifelong artistry and his 4 homes in Chicago that he covered - every inch - in his tiles, his sculpture, his painting and his glass."Our economy has reached a point where we can no longer afford the luxury of handicraft, unless we do it as a hobby, ourselves."He seems to never have had an idle or non-creative moment in his life. Thankfully all four homes still exist and are cared for by their current owners.
Despite Realtors telling us to keep our homes simple and clean for good re-sale value, wouldn't you love to view a house that was so personal and so well tended to? I know I would, and I wish I had the time and the talent to transform a home like this. I am just glad to know there was someone who did and that his houses are still cherished.While not many of us can be a jack of all trades like Mr. Miller, we can all try to leave something made by us to our loved ones. For Polly, it is rugs. For me, it is quilts. It has benefited me to be able to make something with my hands. I believe if we all had some hobby we could go to - our world would be much better for it.
Back to stitching.....
Laurie
12 comments:
"I believe if we all had some hobby we could go to - our world would be much better for it.
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AMEN! I will never understand how people without hobbies survive out there.
I can't imagine what I would do with my hands and my time if I didn't quilt/craft!
reminds me of my father...
thanks for sharing.
I often want to go knock on doors of past places we lived... :)
He could do anything! and DID!
Mattress factory, furniture, sawmill, piano restorations, upholsterer/sailmaker, farmer, antiques....
Ditto the AMEN! I could never afford to pay for someone to make all my 'stuff'. I've learned to do and make many things through the years. Some I will never do again, some I remember how when I need to, and others I have never put down.
30 years ago, we were told not to use alot of color, etc in our house...it would not resell. We painted it all eggshell and I only used color for accent pieces. Well, we are still here, and a few years ago I decided to stop being afraid of realtors and make this house a home! If we ever sell, then someone can paint it whatever color they want to. For now, I'm happier! OK...I am still not into dark or bright colors, but it's not eggshell!
Laurie,
I agree.............plus hobbies keep my brain rested for all the other stuff that goes on in life.
Jill
I gave my Mom and my grandma quilted table runner/toppers for Mother's Day. When they received the gifts and showed how special they were because I had made them I realized how important it is to have something you can make with your hands.
Sadly our school system is so nonsupporting in that area. When my Father was in high school he was in FFA he learned how to build and weld things. I have and still use a shelf he made in one of his workshop classes. (It holds my quilt books.) I had someone comment to me the other day when I told that our school had stopped doing FFA a couple of years ago she said it was a shame because not all kids (especially boys) are book smart. She said wondered what was going to happen with this generation that doesn't get opportunities to build and sew. Lucky for the world people are trying to economize and "Go Green" and are getting back into gardening and raising chickens for eggs as well as sewing. So maybe people will still have brains 25 years from now. ;)
Gorgeous work in the homes.
My grandfather came to live with us and was a carpenter, so he did a lot of built in cabinets and things for the house. I love to see hand work in homes.
Debbie
What a thoughtful 'daughter' to give you a present that she knew you would love!!
Awww - you definitely deserve to celebrate mother's day, 'cause you've been a wonderful step-mother and friend for 15 years. I am so glad to have you in my life. And your quilts are the most beautiful pieces of art that I have in my home.
What Pookie said - and also I use my 'living room' for actually living in. My home is not a museum open for tours nor is it waiting for the next owner. When it becomes either of those things, I'll paint it neutrals but for now, I'm with you on color!!!
Yes, and how much more "relaxed" our world leaders might be if they actually did some type of craft or used their talents to refresh themselves! Maybe our world wouldn't be in such a mess? Maybe more people ought to also learn to "do" for others too? It certainly couldn't hurt! Seems to me that you did have a wonderful mother's day... and you know the saying.... "It takes a village to raise a child". I'm sure that you rate these wonderful presents because she feels that you have been important in her life! Enjoy your book!
I SOOOO agree with your statement "if we all had a hobby...". I don't know what I would do without my hand work to keep me out of trouble! :)
~Joyce in MI
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