Tuesday 23 February 2010

Storage Junk
















I never met a box I didn't like. The whole take-the-lid-off-and-look-inside-even-though-you-know-it's-empty thing, the potential of an empty thing to become a full thing, full of anything, something, but certainly interesting - and usually mine. Boxes are exciting. Baskets too, but the lid-less-ness can be a bit of a betrayal, non?
Anyway. Look. The Slipper Lady bought me this. I can confidently say that it was her gift of choice for several reasons. Most of those reasons are connected to the frequency and volume at which I express my opinions. Shall I break it down a bit? Might as well, you've read this far.


First: It's from Paperchase. So eventually, as a gift or not, I would have to have it. It's enshrined in the laws of Julia World.
Second: It's a useful box to put things in. And I have things. As discussed yesterday!
Third: Slipper Lady knew that the first thing I'd do was take the lid off for a looksee, so she surprised me with this note.

See I don't know if you know my opinion about altering, but it's become a bit of a joke (well, OK, I'm the joke, my opinion is the punchline if you like.) I cannot get my head around 'altering' as a description of what goes on in loads of creative hands. Tim's 12 Tags for Christmas for example, - they aren't altered, they are certainly painted, decorated, embellished and beautified, but they are still tags. See - if you took a baked bean tin, coloured it with some alcohol inks and added some pretties and the process turned it into a small family car - I would happily acknowledge that 'altering' had taken place! Anyway, my near friends have learned that the easiest way to deal with my opinionated arrogance is to ignore it, challenge it or take the mick. Happy about that.
So dear Slipper Lady, even though Mr Dunnit was moved to remark that my lovely box was just going to be 'junk within junk', you should know that I'm pleased with the box. Storage is, after all, the second hobby of every crafter I've ever met. And I shall probably opt for your get out clause...although the desire to doodle is quite strong..! Now, I have to go teach Mr Dunnit the difference between 'embellishment' and 'junk'. Really, it's getting offensive. If he knew how much of our joint income was invested in my stash, I'm fairly sure he'd change his mind about calling it junk!

18 comments:

Chrissie said...

Julia, I'm with you on the box comment, I just LOVE them!
Big, little, fancy, plain, any and all of 'em!
I keep telling DH (when he's moaning about yet another box!) that it's essential storage, problem is he's right when he says I haven't got the space for any more storage in my little room.
Mind you, what he doesn't know is that the bottom (triple) cupboards of my dresser are just FULL of boxes (including soap powder ones waiting to be 'altered' and I'm NOT going there Julia!)
Oh, almost forgot to say, your new box is GORGEOUS Julia, I'm very jealous!

Unknown said...

Oh Julia - really NEED to see the finished project. I agree about the income v's stash issue (don't go there)!!

I can't wait to see what magic you weave on the box - i've ordered a tin 'mail box' - not sure what to decorate tin with but it sounded good. Papermania do a lot of blanks don't they? I think you should set a challenge up - to alter (or not to alter).

I LOVE BLOGLAND - I'VE FOUND PEOPLE ON MY WAVELENGHT!!!!

Paula x x x

Helen said...

you are so right about boxes! However, may I guess that it may be as well Mr D DOESN'T know how much of your joint income is invested in stash?? The only downside to not having a Mr D is no second income to "borrow"!!!

Charlie said...

Thanks for another read which made me laugh. Can't wait to see this altered into a small car. I love boxes too - but I'm quite happy with the white IKEA ones. I feel my crafting time is limited as it is. Junk - no way - our rooms are a collection and heaven forbid we should ever be asked what we would save first in case of a fire!!! =0)

Rosie said...

YEP, another one here .... boxes, baskets anything I can store stuff in and make pretty while I'm about it, just bring it on! Can't wait to see what you do with it, but don't you think its just CRYING OUT for some Basic Gray????

Sheilagh said...

I have touched, stroked, held those boxes in Paperchase, coverting them each time I go in there..I want several for my new craft shed.
I must have soon...

Lyn said...

LOL, I know, I lurve boxes. As for decorating them, do tell and show - in full living colour and all the gory detail. I bought a box to "alter", but, not being as brave as you, my box with a lid was to hold a tissue box. Not the man-size tissues, oh no, not even the normal size tissues, but the little itty bitty square size tissue box. I bought it well before Christmas and, have I decorated it? Oh no. I'm not brave enough. I don't even care how big my ickle tissue box is, it's mine, and I don't want to spoil it ...... I might have to throw it away if I did!

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

hehehehe. Erm does that mean the box stays as is or will you adorn it in some way? Talk about your OH not getting it, DD came in a short while ago while I was sitting at my craft desk making cards. She laughed and said 'what are you always messing about with?' 'Nuff said! My desk's nice an messy for tomorrow :-/
Anne xx

Unknown said...

My advice about the whole stash investment thing ... DON'T TELL HIM :0)I am not going to do the whole dictionary definition thing again ... each to their own ... but you are most definitely ... erm ... possibly ... erm ... maybe ... erm ... Wrong! :0)

Carmen said...

From one alterererer to another ;) I can't wait to see what you turn this box into. May I suggest a Tardis to hide some of said stash? :D If you manage that - tell me how you did it? Please? *g*

Chrissie said...

Wonderful, wonderful article!
I thought that the Slipper Lady's comment was PRICELESS. Had a really good chuckle over that one.
Sadly my boxes still look as though they have shoes in!
Chrissie

ikki said...

When is a box not a box?....obviously when it's Julia's! Go for it girl - open our eyes, and show us your box talent (we can copy)! ikki

Darcy Marshall said...

ahhh Julia this made me smile, lots, you say the things that are in my head...which is quite scary, how come you know me so well? I presume that is you hiding outside my window in an altered box.

Spyder said...

oooh this may me laugh..I have 'peope' who save boxes for me..posh shopping bags for me and even things they 'think' I would love to do something with! Hubby frowns and says...'what's wrong with their dustbin??' aw... bless him.
(Lyn)

Linby said...

oh yes I am with you on the boxes -ever realised it was craft related LOL! Love that comment inside the box -brilliant.
Linby

paola said...

You are a real tonic without the gin or vodka, i had such a good chuckle at this cos strangely or not i share your opinion of Mr Holtz altering. I'm sure you and i are gonna become somewhat friends as we may share opinions on a few matters.
smiles
Paola

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