Readeeming Book Treasures
Growing up, my parents were always reading. We had shelves of books on every topic. For the kids, there were book club books and lots of trips to the library. Bedtime stories were loved and appreciated. But too often as a family grows and makes frequent moves, the loved books are boxed and stored or given away. I still have some of our original childhood books, but many of the missing titles were forgotten. When my own children were small, we would go to thrift stores and library sales to get books. There I discovered copies of some of my old favorites. Each time I found one of the almost forgotten/not quite remembered titles on a book treasure hunt, I came home a very happy book-archaeologist (or pirate?)
My children are grown now, but I find myself still habitually treasure hunting and collecting books for my private collection, and also to pass along if I have grandchildren someday.
When it occurred to me to open an Etsy store, the first concern I had was the condition of so many of the books I have rescued. Sadly some of the most loved stories are the most beat up and have fingerprints, smudges, and ratty pages (sounds like the Velveteen Rabbit, yes?) Just for fun I began to play with making the books beautiful again. I enjoy cleaning, repairing, restoring, and dressing up the books. Beautiful old books that are well made and well read, with stamps and stickers, are like a travel trunk. Some bear names or inscriptions dated decades ago. Others may have served multiple libraries before some cruel person wrote DISCARD in black Sharpie on the front and back, sometimes even on the outside cover (oh dear!) I am always experimenting with ways to improve and dress the books up without ruining their vintage appeal. My main goal is to restore them to readable, lovable condition that will last for a few more decades.
