The One That Got Away

Yesterday, I told you about this fascinating exhibit I went to to commemorate Grand Central Terminal's 100th birthday:

Artists interpreted the theme "On Time" in various media.

One of the works that I particularly loved was this illustration by Sophie Blackall. I've been a fan since I read her book, Missed Connections, a collection of illustrated love stories inspired by the "Missed Connections" section on Craigslist.

Her piece in the exhibit is another kind of "missed connection."

"Grand Central, You and Me" -- Friday evening I was racing through the Main Concourse and you were there standing still, staring up at the stars. You had a book in your hand. You were lovely. Time stood still for a second while I fell in love, then I had to catch my train. Then I thought of a Plan. So here's my ridiculously romantic plan: Meet me under the stars on Valentine's Day. 8 pm. Bring your book. 

I hope it was a happy ending!

Some of Miss Blackall's prints are also on sale at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store inside Grand Central. Here's a cute one:

"Knitting Girl on 7 Train to Sunnyside" -- Not only did you introduce me to the wonderful world of knitting, I quickly found myself smitten with you after chatting for a few minutes despite you mentioning you had a boyfriend. I can only hope he is terminally ill so that I'll get a shot at knitting something for your one day.

Finding inspiration in random places {such as Craigslist} and illustrating "missed connections"... I think these are blah to TADA!

Lost and Found

Maybe I've told you before, one of my favorite places in New York City is Grand Central Terminal.

I admire the architecture. I also like how one can be thoroughly entertained by the food hall and shops while waiting for their train to arrive. I love how this train station is a melting pot of locals and tourists, of what's current and historic, of many hellos and goodbyes. 

Did you know that Grand Central Terminal just marked its 100th birthday? One of the many ways to celebrate are changing exhibits at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex located inside the terminal.

I was able to catch this one called  "On Time", featuring different artists working on the theme, "Time". If you're curious, you can watch this video, too.

I was drawn to this installation by Jane Greengold. Affectionately named, "Lost and Found 2013", it's a family of random items that passengers have left on trains and never claimed. 

The items are a collection of a conductor named Joe Wenham. He and his family members, who were all conductors since the early 1900's, gathered these from Grand Central over the years.

Miss Greengold creates a fictional narrative {handwritten notes on tags} bringing some soul to each piece:

March  4, 1952: A kid loses one of these almost every day.

July 3, 1971: I saw the beautiful baby boy with a sleepy Mom and
grumpy Dad. Why didn't they claim it? Dad too grumpy?

September 11, 2001: Woman showed this to me. Her son sent it to her.
She was coming to see the site.

June 19, 1995: Very subtle button. Never saw anyone wear it.
My cousin died of AIDS in 1983.

February 4, 1965: Very proper gentleman, but he must
have hated his shoes. On and off. On and off.

Shoes, February 14, 1949: I saw her open the box -- Valentine's present.
I don't understand, but she loved them! Why not claim a new present?

Perfume bottle, September 12, 1947: The woman put on so much
perfume, people could hardly eat dinner.

March 3, 1947: The woman was as round as a bottle.

December 10, 1963: I think they left this behind
because it was too sad.

I saw the man pace up and down again and again, looking at
the box, worrying it. I could not believe he'd lost it. Why didn't
he claim it? Was the marriage over?

August 23, 1952: Imagine losing a letter from the President's wife!

He was bringing it to work to show it off.

May 8, 2004: I could keep hundreds of these. People lose
them like popcorn at the movies.

October 10, 2010: At least not everything I find is electronic.

December 2, 1983: The boy spent hours with it. I am sure he had a fit
when he discovered he'd lost it. I wish they had invented for me.

September 10, 1958: Boring travel diary of a spoiled
13 year old. Went to Europe on Queen Mary, lost
the diary on a fancy train. Must be a brat.

February 27, 1946: I'd be so sad if I lost my babies' photos.

June 13, 1962: Fancy but not too practical.
I'm getting tired of rich people.

July 3, 1937: A young man but in love with his old camera.
But I bet he got a new one.

I never saw anyone using this but I fell in love with it
when I found it.

August 28, 1932: New grandparents coming home after seeing their
granddaughter for the first time. Waving around telegram and photos.

February 28, 2013: And now they've given me a gift for
sharing our collection.

Objects with stories to tell, each one revealing secrets of a moment in time...isn't that blah to TADA!?

  

Peek-a-Boo

Today we conclude "Project: recycling paper bags".

 These handles were elevated from blah to...

TADA!: a rope and chain arm accessory!

 Instead of just tossing the bag away, let's make 

one that's more present-able. 

Cut out the labels on the bag to create windows.

We'll cover the windows of the bag with plastic rescued 

from a cleaned-out food container.

 Cut the plastic to size 

{a little bigger than the windows}.

 Attach the plastic to cover the windows 

using clear tape in the inside of the bag.

 Fashion new handles with ribbon or fabric. I'm using wire 

I saved from a Chinese take-out box dressed up

with colorful wooden beads.

 Tuck in a little gift {the windows give the recipient a

hint of what's inside}.

Or wrap the gift in tissue for an air of mystery. TADA!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Gray to YAY!

I'm happy you could stop by today.

 At the start of the week, we turned this paper bag 

from blah to...

TADA! -- the paper bag's handle

transformed into a bag charm. 

 TADA! -- the other handle jazzed up

for its new life as a necklace.

With both handles put to good use, maybe we could do the same for the bag. 

I gave it new handles -- these are wire handles rescued from a Chinese take-away box {TADA!}.

For embellishments, I'm using foam glitter stickers, ribbon and punched-out scrapbook paper {notice the polka-do theme going on?}.

The ribbon disguises any brand name printed on the bag and layering the paper {use mounting tape for a raised effect} makes it more party-ready.

 Here's what the "new" bag looks like.

TADA!