May 26, 2010

The Art Of Thank-You



This old stationery box was given to me by a dear artist friend "Judy Rael" who's creative arts never stop amazing me. Judy gave me this box knowing that I would come up with something that would alter it's dated look. It had a crackled paint finish in golden yellow's and creams, at first I was worried that too much time had gotten by without creating something and worrying about what next would I create. I was worried that my dear blogging buddies would bore of me and never visit again. This is when I took the stationery box and began to give it a bit of a new art style to it.


I painted a clean fresh primer finish in white to it so I could see vision for it. This is when it hit me that it needed to be covered with vintage book pages of seven centuries of love letter writings written in affection to win the hand, and heart of their true love. I papered the stationery box on all the important place's, poetically using the pages along with trimming the edges with hand painted paper. By adding paint to the book pages this gave it a faded aged paper look, and feel to it.
The artful paint, as well as sanding and major distressing with coat after coat of hand rubbed sealer finished it for timeless lasting use.

I love adding decorative piece's embellishing it's charm with tattered cottons in soft whites, and pinning a dictionary meaning (stationery) to it with a rusted safety pin, or just adding artful piece's with history. This stationery box will beckon you to fill it with your favorite thank-you note cards, while placed as part of your Euro chic flea market decor it will remind you daily to sit and write out a thank-you to someone dear. One thing that still remains and holds value is the old-fashioned thank-you note, it is a personal form of communication in hand written form that may be read and re-read years to come with lasting memories, where words in writing stand still.

Thank-you notes are authentic, personal, and show the recipient that you truly appreciate their act of kindness, support, endearing love or just thanking them for who they are. A personal note helps everyone reconnect in a world of technology where we are beginning to see a trend where postal snail mail is slowly fading away. We are relying on e-mail, fax, ipod, instant messaging, the link to keeping in contact.

Writing thank-you notes not only expresses your appreciation for the received gift or simply thanking them for a good reason personal to you, it also helps raise the note recipient's opinion of you. Taking the time to write a thank-you note shows consideration, care, and appreciation for who you are thanking.

I wish I could sit and write a thank-you note to each and everyone of you for graciously excepting me into the world of blogging. Not to mention all of your support, friendships and personal comments that have all tugged at my heart, It truly is a place "where women create... friendships."
For this I thank-you.

59 comments:

Lynn Stevens said...

I had to laugh I have one in my kitchen for all my mail thats almost the same as this! Love it!

Razmataz said...

It is so pretty and practical and charming. I agree with you about mail. I love a real letter or card.!

Love that dresser in the background of your photos by the way. The color of it is wonderful. Hope you and your daughter are good.

LuLu said...

It's just beautiful. I'm giving stationary to the school teachers as gifts... i miss the art of letter writing,
xo,
LuLu

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I love it! What a great look it has. So creative:)
~Debra
Blog;Capers of the vintage vixens

Unknown said...

Beautiful work Dore! You have definately brought new life to the old piece! xx

Jackie said...

Oh I just love it!!! It's so feminine, without being overdone. The look is lovely!

Pamela said...

Hi Dore

I just adore this stationary holder! You did a fantastic job.

I couldn't agree with you more on wanting to thank everyone for their kindness. Blogging has certainly added to my life. I tell my husband all the time how lucky i feel to meet such incredible talented women out their! I'm learning so much and it is even greater when you meet others you have so much in common with!
Love your music...I'm a big music buff!
Pamela xo

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

I'M IN LOVE....... It's soooooooo gorgeous=0)

Have a great night,
xoxo,
Carol

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

The earthquake was barely felt here=0) Maybe, it's because I'm originally from Santa Clara and we REALLY rock and roll up there, LOL! Thanks for thinking of me!

xoxo,
Carol

Dream House Trish said...

Thank You!!! for giving us such a great blog to read & sharing your fabulous work, I love it. I often feel like sending a thank you note after a nice dinner with someone but thought I might look a little silly, but, next time I will go ahead & do it...Thank you!!!

Farm Girl said...

Dear Dore,
It is just beautiful. I do enjoy seeing what you create. I think that what I like about your blog is that it is work to create and when you let us glimpse what you have been up to is worth the wait.

Tina said...

Such a beautiful post Dore! I love to visit your blog as you inspire me all the time. Your works are always so beautiful and this is no different. I love your letter box, it is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!! Hope you have a lovely day ~ Tina xx

Anonymous said...

It's divine, Dore!! It took my breath away. I loved the way you really thought about it, as well as the meaning behind it with the love letters. I love sending thank yous and really love getting them. It truly is an art form.

Thank you for adding more beauty today...

Prior said...

Dore! I love this so much! I have a little piece that I need to do something like this with!
Thank You for sharing!
Lezlee

Unknown said...

So, so pretty! I really like it!

Nancy

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

A~M~A~Z~I~N~G!!
Beth

Romeo said...

You've got to be pulling my whiskers - that your blogging buddies would not like what you made and not ever return?!?! Did mew get too much catnip today?!?! Surely, that's the answer because I can't imagine anything that you would create that would be anything less than extraordinary!!!! Really, you must trust me on this - cat's are very particular you know! It's beautiful and your hard work and dedication to the piece are evident for sure! Two paws up to you for this transformation but also for the thoughts about written thank you's - well said!!!

Have a great day!

Romeo (who is looking around your house for that high quality catnip you found today) and "her"

Beach House Living said...

This must have been so time consuming and obviously made with great thought and detail. It's very beautiful.

Did you get my email about the wood?

Marlene said...

Oh another beautiful project from Dore!... I love it.so beautiful!!!..I must admit, I clicked on the pictures of your stationary to enlarge and see how you did it.. because all i kept thinking..how wonderful this would be to do the same treatment with papers on a small dresser!@!! I have one in my bedroom that I have not completed because I could not decide on what it needed.. and voila... your picture got my mind thinking ..I could decoupage the old letters..tea stained on my cream color dresser drawers ..then sand and glaze.. would it not be fabulous???!! Now I know I will be thinking of this non stop... I also agree with writing notes..so much more personal then emails! Oh Iposted some new pictures of the shop and jewelry..please stop by! xox Marlene

Kym said...

Oh my gosh this is absolutley stunning. I love it... just beautiful very clever... thank you for sharing Enjoy your week Kym X

Unknown said...

I just discovered your blog and must say....I love your sense of style. I will add your blog to my blog list of beautiful places to visit.

La Dolfina said...

Clearly whatever you touch, turns to gold! That is absolutely beautiful! I love the way you style your photos too. And I am smitten with your sidebar!
I can't wait till we meet up one day soon :)
Wishing you and Hannah a happy healthy weekend ahead. My son leaves for Grad Night in Disneyland this afternoon... hope they hook up soon :)
oxo

Linda Marie said...

Love it !!!
xoxoxo
Linda Marie
www.sunflowerlane.biz

Rosemary said...

It's all so pretty!! I think we are on the same wave length these days.
If you check my latest blog post, you will see what I did to some old lampshades.
You did an amazing job, as always,
Rosemary

Seawashed said...

Lovely. It is true...notes are written acts of kindness. Sadly it's a lost gesture. In the past 10 years I have not received one thank you note for any of the weddings I've gone to. I'm able to let it go...afterall I have always loved writing notes and understand that is not the case for everyone. But it is always nice to come across another who sees the value in note writing. Lovely, heartfelt post.

Seawashed said...

Dearest Dore,

I am speechless and a bit teary eyed...that you would want to send me a thank you note. How beautiful you are. Your kindness has touched me in a way I cannot even explain. My heart fills with hope just knowing there are people out there like you. And I would never know if it weren't for this world of blogging...who thought we would find such genuine hearts, friendships, and gentle love here. Not I. It's like a dream...heaven on earth. I will email you my address, but please include your addie too...so I can send you a note in return. Fondly, Fairmaiden (aka Kerrie)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dore,
Your box is just beautiful!! You are so amazingly creative and talented!!
I so agree with you about hand written letters, you don't find them very often due to the technology we have today. It is still so wonderful to get a written letter in the mail, it is so much more personal and lovely!
Beautiful post!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Miss Gingham said...

Dore, that is really lovely. I love the way the right hand drawer looks more worn then the left. You are very talented!

Cindy said...

That is so beautiful! You are so talented and you have such great taste!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour Dore,

I am so happy to make your acquaintance! Thank you for coming by and leaving a comment on my post; it is always so much sweeter when a new visitor leaves a trail behind so that I can come back and make such wonderful discoveries! There is so much talent out here and YOUR WORK IS EXQUISITE! I too am an artist of many dimensions. I illustrate, I write, play harp, I make my own books, danced once long ago, and I love to decorate my home, and embellish objects as you have beautifully transformed this box. I adore anything with script, especially French script. This is a great thing that you did in changing this box and now I am inspired to do something with all the old vintage book pages that I have!

Please come by again for some French-inspired musings and photos that I hope will provide an escape for you!

Bonne journée ma nouvelle amie!

Anita

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Happy Friday My Dear Friend~You always have amazing posts.I enjoy letters as well and it just isn't the same over an email. Ugh!

You did a Fabulous job and I like to see recycled items.

I see you have an Etsy Shop I will go and check it out.~Enjoy Kim

Kym said...

Hi Dore me again..I have left a little award for you..Enjoy Kym X

savvycityfarmer said...

you've gone and captured my heart AGAIN ...

SPEECHLESS!

I want one of those boxes

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Dore,
ooooh, I love it - you did a wonderful job.
Came over to wish you a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.Take care my friend many hugs,
Marie

Rosebud and Bluebells said...

Hi Dore,
It's lovely to meet you. Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog I feel honoured to be in the same company as you thanks to the lovely Kym at Kyandra Rose. You have a stunning blog and i am a new follower. Very inspirational.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Donna xx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour Dore,

Merci pour être revenue chez moi! Your work is so exquisite, your post as well as captured my heart and I must put you on my blog list so I do not miss out on the next round of beauty!!! Thank you for revisiting. Isn't it lovely how we can create beauty for one another? Bon dimanche mon amie française et passez une belle semaine avec votre famille et les enfants!!

Amitiés, Anita

P.S. Oh, je connais bien quelques bloggeuses françaises et il y en a une qui s'appelle Val du blog, "Leonie's Attic"...elle est broncanteuse et ses objets d'art me coupent le souffle!!!!

Anita

Dream House Trish said...

Hi Dore, a huge congratulations on your award. You blog is amazing!!! thank you for dropping by, I feel very priveleged when you leave a comment!!! have a great weekend.

awal.ny said...

What a great idea to use the paper and paint, it looks great. I certainly would leave that sitting out in my office.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post, Dore! I've just discovered your blog and I'm so happy I did!!! The old stationery box looks great and I do love to write cards, 'cause I also think that it's a little precious sign of gratitude and love!

Mara

Anonymous said...

So happy to have discovered you blog, family and wonderful friends. The art of writing can't be lost! I love your tribute to it!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Doré,
What a lovely letter box you have created. The script paper was the perfect choice, and how right you are about not losing the art of the written letter. I still love to send handwritten notes, ink pen, was stamps, the works - perhaps a bit over the top but I love it anyway!
Blogland is a wonderful place where ao many new friendships have blossomed.
Good week to you,
Mimi

GYPSYWOMAN said...

exquisitely beautiful! a joy to behold!

Carol Mae said...

Love your blog, I'm a new follower also. I had one of these letter holders a while back and got rid of it-Bummer!! never thought of altering it. wish I had it back now. Oh man "hind sight" Yours is lovely. Smiles, Carol Mae

the old white house said...

I love all of the care and thoughtfulness you put into making that utilitarian piece beautiful. Really Wonderful! Theresa

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

I just found your blog...it is very inspiring! I would love for you to share this project on Modern Craftswoman Monday. I am a guy who teaches women that with a little knowledge and confidence, they can take on projects they might not have tried before no matter how large or small. Please stop by my blog if you have a chance to check it out!

Kindred Roses said...

Cant wait to meet you at The Farm Chicks Show!!!
Be sure to say Hi when you see me ok!!!!
Blessings
Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh I love love what you have done to this piece!!! Just lovely!!

Scrolled down to your pretty knife vases- love those too!!

Just became your newest follower so as not to miss any more great projects of yours!

bee blessed
mary

Willow Decor said...

Wow I love this! What a great talent you have! I can't wait to explore the rest of your blog!
xx-Gina

Jennifer said...

Pulls everything together - my organization is hopeless right now but I've decided to give myself the ok because it's just where I am ...sometimes that just has to be don't you think? I love being in your place....Jennifer jennsthreegraces

Jenni said...

I love what you did with the stationery box! It looks amazing! You are VERY talented. :) I hope you are doing well, and that you have a fantastic weekend! Blessings to you! :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, what a beautiful and elegant piece! I can see myself decoupaging something like this at some point. Gorgeous transformation!
Brenda

Ticking and Toile said...

Dore,
That turned out so beautiful! I cannot even believe how gorgeous it is. You are such a fabulous artist. Thanks so much for coming by today & I'm so glad you like what I did for Kim's bedroom! Her room looks fantastic huh? It was fun & she is such a sweetie pie! You need to come up to Portland & visit us :)

xo,
Shellagh

Anonymous said...

Dore, How lovely! You always come up with the most fantastic creations! I love them all! When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons were set aside for writing letters. That's just what we did. It's a bit of a lost art now a days. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful reminder of the importance of letters. XXX C

Karen said...

What a gorgeous piece. You've done a beautiful job with it.
I am new to you - and thrilled to have found you! I am in So Cal also - would love to come see your shop!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen ~ Some days are diamonds

Angie said...

Dore,
I just discovered your blog from Fiona & Twig. Your stationary box is absolutely amazing! What talent! I am just starting to attempt to create things. It's art like yours that serves to inspire me. Check out my blog.

Mélanie A. said...

Your stationary box is so charming. I love what you have done with it

Barbara Jean said...

OH. I"M. LOVIN'. YOU'RE. WORK!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping somewhere on here I'm going to find a tutorial on your techniques?????

You've inspired me.

blessings

barbara jean

The Four Tides said...

Tis post is amazing. We should plan a shoot! xo

Heaven's Walk said...

Hey Dore! Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my blog today! (Though I'm still swooning over your gorgeous desk. Will you be posting your technique? We'd love to know how you did it!) And thanks for the tip on where to locate my French lavender bunches! I'm headed right over there to check it out.....Thank you!!

xoxo laurie@heavens-walk