1840 Missouri Land Grant signed by President Martin Van Buren
Why do we humans love story so much? Reaching into our past for a story is part of all our lives. The collective story of a country or culture gives insight on current events and helps us navigate our own times. Your family history—oral or documented—adds dimension to cultural traditions which otherwise might languish as dull repetitive motions.
Documents which place our ancestors firmly at a point in time create an almost impossible sense of being in the story. Documents such as United States Land Grants from the 19th century are a treasure trove of information on what your ancestors might have experienced in their daily life.
Read More “Restoring historical documents – 1840 Land Grant signed by President Martin Van Buren“»
Mats on paper art are a relatively new innovation in the care and display of art. Paintings and tapestries predate paper for wall display by centuries. 14th century broadsides are some of the earliest European examples of art for the pleasure of a wide audience via the use of wood blocks to make multiple and inexpensive copies of an image.
By the 1600s the use of copper engraving was employed to illustrate books, particularly for renderings of scientific aspects of plants – formally known as botanicals.
Imperialis, one of over 300 images created by Basil Besler circa 1613 for Prince Bishop of Eicstatt in the Hortus Eystettensis. The mat is one of many custom french mat designs created specifically for Besler originals by Dorothea Mordan of Chandler Designs.
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February 5, 2010 -
Friday night started the great snow storm we are having this weekend.
Opening the back door on Saturday morning!
So peaceful, so quiet. Looking out the window after the sun went down felt so far away from the Saturday morning shoveling!
The first clue was trying to open the back door.
Fortunately we brought all of the snow shovels inside the night before so they were ready to help Ed escape and get to his tractor.
Read More “Snow 2010“»
I have just completed the new logo for the Frederick County Beekeeping Association, of Maryland. It has been approved by the FCBA members. 
This diligent group shares a passion for beekeeping, which is not only a rewarding hobby for some and business for others, it’s benefits effect the well being of each of us.
You have probably heard about honeybee colony collapse syndrome. This condition of bees mysteriously disappearing is a topic of concern for farmers and home gardeners alike. While the definite cause has not been determined it is certain that all beekeepers and their hives are part of the solution. The honeybees which provide pollination here in North America are originally from Europe. There were even hives on the Mayflower.
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Albert Dunlap and his wife Eva leave for China in 1912
In 1912 Dr. and Mrs. Albert M. Dunlap set sail for China. Albert to begin his medical practice as an otolaryngologist and Eva to begin the next phase of her painting life. They built a life together and raised six children. This article though features the five panel image Eva created on their voyage forty plus years later when they returned permanently to the United States.
Family keepsake album with digitally reproduced watercolor of Hong Kong Harbor, 1953
Read More “Hand Bound Album for a family keepsake“»
Souvenir Jigsaw Puzzle from Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.
Just how many ways can you spell Winnipesaukee? Apparently a few hundred.
Read More “Fun Frame Job – Jigsaw Puzzle“»
Bible Cover
For the centuries families who were able kept a family bible not only to read daily but to record marriages, births, deaths and the many details which tell a family’s history, genealogy and perhaps thier place in society. Over the years these tomes have ample opportunity to fall into disrepair:
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Close-up of dragon symbol.
Several years ago, in the 90’s, I had a client who had brought in a group of Chinese zodiac symbols painted on and cut out of tissue paper. These had been acquired on a trip to Asia and while not expensive souvenirs they held a great deal of meaning for my client.
Together we opted to showcase the range of the 60 year Chinese zodiac cycle: 5 elements each represented by one set of a twelve year cycle, each year represented by one of 12 animals.
Read More “Fun Frame Job – Chinese Zodiac“»
The Mill at Old Comfort Farm
The Mill at Old Comfort Farm, digitally restored
Old Comfort Farm is situated in the beautiful Maryland farmland of northern Frederick, Maryland. Owners Bill and Bonny Sydnor brought the damaged photo, top, to be restored in time to display when their home was toured as part of the Historic House and Church Tour in Creagerstown, Maryland in September 2009, and featured in the September issue of Frederick Magazine.
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Holy Water Memorial Frame
The art and artifacts of our lives tell stories of all sizes and shapes. We are often given these things as gifts or chose them to decorate, bringing color to our lives.
A remembrance of someone who has left us, through death or relocation, or a time of life that is past never to return is a more delicate challenge.
Read More “Honoring Life, framing Holy Water“»
