I would like to share something that I have made as a new years resolution for myself. I resolved that: "I would only have things that I considered beautiful, surrounding me". I know that sounds impossible, if not a bit pretentious, but if you think of it, you spend your life using things and being around things, that give meaning to your life. So why not do it with things that have some semblance of style and beauty, and meaning, if only in your own mind. Notice I did not say costly things, or things that everybody else thinks are beautiful. Things that are not costly can also be considered beautiful. We, as creators of fine quilts, take that as a given, I would hope. I don't think any of us would consciously set out to make something that did not reflect the best of our efforts, no mater what those levels of excellence could produce. Beginners at quilting should strive to produce the "best" that can be cone, within the limits, of their recently acquired quilting skills. Old timers, at quilting, or should I say, seasoned veterans, can bring a wealth of skills to the project, that can amaze and enrich the viewers of their latest endeavors. Enter the humble recycling bins. Why should we have to use a leftover cardboard box to take those recyclables to the recycling center. Or worse yet, why should we have to look at an ugly cardboard box that is obviously holding stuff, that you are going to throw away. I passed the recycling area in our basement, and was struck by the need to live by my stated ideals in ways that I might not have thought about, had I not committed to this whole ideal, of doing only things correctly and with a sense of personal style and beauty. I hated the fact that I was seeing those cardboard boxes, every time I went downstairs. I have long taken to heart the ideals of William Morris, the late 19th century English Design maven, who famously stated, "Have nothing about you that you do not consider beautiful". So, within the parameters of the intended resolution, I give you my latest endeavors, of a non quilting nature. The humble recycling bins. It is interesting to come upon things that you never had given much thought too, and to think of them as something that could be made better. Whether purchased, or made by yourselves, it is a laudable ideal to aspire to. And, it makes my basement, a much prettier place to pass through.
- posted
14 years ago