Parade

There are a few reasons to title this post "Parade".

First, the parade of books I have been receiving in the mail just keeps coming.  I often pre-order books from Amazon long before they are published.  Then it is a pleasant surprise when a new book arrives.  Today the book is True Vision.  The format is interesting.  On each two page spread there are photos of journal pages with a general description of how the artist approached the page.  Then in one corner is a journal prompt to inspire the reader.  Turn the book sideways and there is a tip, suggestion or technique to help the reader think outside their comfort zone (perhaps).  By having to turn the book, one is given another view of the art pages.  The reader just naturally becomes more involved with the book and the contents.

I like it. 

The parade theme of this post continues with a real parade.  Last weekend was the annual Avon Heritage Duct Tape Parade.  No, really!  There were "floats" all made with, you guessed it, duct tape.  People in the parade had made costumes out of duct tape.  It was all so ingenious and creative and fun.

The float above is from Whistler's Ice Cream Parlor and the one below from one of the local church groups.

Here is a close-up of the artistic use of duct tape.  I think the parade started as a promotional gimmick since one of the leading brands of duct tape is made in Avon OH, but it has become a very popular summer festival.

The next is a stretch for my parade theme, but we are all friends here, so what the heck.  I offer a parade of memories on this blog of my dad.  Years ago, when I was a newlywed, Dad made each of us (my brothers and me) a little bench.  It was the only thing I think Dad ever made.  The bench is about 12" wide and 24" long.  He suggested we use it in the garage as a stool with the under shelf used for tools.  I used it as he suggested for awhile and then it was painted white and my daughter used it for a stage for her Barbie dolls for a few years.  After that it went back to the garage where it got banged up, scratched, abused but always used and always with memories of how proud Dad was that he had made it himself.  That little bench has moved all over the country and abroad with me.  Too bad I can't claim frequent flyer miles for it.  Today, John and I were straightening up the garage and there was the little bench.  I got out my paint and some canvas fabric and gave Dad's bench a little makeover.  It will now live in the house, in the guest room as a luggage rack for my visitors.  This quick little project was fun to do. Quick projects are my favorite projects.  It also gave me so much pleasure to restore the usefulness of this simple bench that really means so much to me.

Only four more days until the parade of family starts arriving.  I am so excited.

Comments

[TACE]

Awesome bench. I love stories like that behind a person's *stuff*.It looks like your Dad was inspired when he made it because it's a rather fancy little bench. Just lovely! I like the modern look of the canvas on top too. See you did end up putting more text round the house......

[Rachel]

wow - wish we had duct tape parades around here! it would be fun. Love your bench, I agree with Tace, looks like it's a fancy little number!

[Pam]

I wondered if you would wander to the duct tape. Isn't that why you moved to Avon?

Pam

[Pam]

I wondered if you would wander to the duct tape. Isn't that why you moved to Avon?

Pam

[Dot McQuade]

I loved the little bench your dad made for you!! It was indeed fancy as your other commentors suggested... and i love the way you added your touch to it!

And thanks for the parade photos!! Very cool!! I love parades!!
dot

[Mary Ann]

A. Can't wait to see this book for myself!
B. Did you paint the top of the bench with the white letters/numbers? so fabulous!
C. Enjoy your parade of visitors. Maybe you can have some duct tape booties for them to slip into when they arrive.

[Michiko]

Just want to say... I love your crafts... and your craft room too!