Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tools and Jewelry



Drop me off at a Lowe’s or Home Depot and I’ll wander the isles for hours salivating over all the cool tools and home improvement items available.  Hardware stores are like big boy toy stores.

Although I’m not much of mechanic or carpenter I still appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity of tools, especially old tools.

In Michel Emery’s and Irwin Richman’s new book from SchifferPublishing: Living Crafts Historic Tools, the authors examine the craftspeople and collections of the Landis Valley Museum.

Utilizing vintage photos, art and modern photos with current visual demonstrations the book looks at the various tools used in times past used in carpentry, textiles, home and kitchen utensils and much more.

Comprehensive text explains the history and importance of each tool accompanied by products an objects produced by said tools.  

For a fascinating tour of legacy of tools used in times past be sure to take a look at this photo-filled book.

My mom was a huge collector of plastic jewelry.  The more kitsch the better.  Earrings, necklaces, bracelets-you name it, she had it. 

In Lyngerda Kelly’s and Nancy Schiffer’s new book: Plastic Jewelry (reissued and expanded 5th Edition), the book examines the creation of plastic jewelry, beginning in the 1920s, with over 1,000 photos.  Current prices and historical text accompany each piece shown, broken down by category.