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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

reel big surprise


There is something to be said about wonderful friends with vintage sundries. Like all kids from a certain era, the snap and release sound of a View-Master lever sends electric cooties through my system. I'm not sure if it's the nostalgic buzz or a reminder of simpler times, but something about the simple View-Master reel makes me shiver.

In fact, when I first started mocking up signage for Badskirt a few years ago, View-master reels seemed like a logical choice. And when Melody Miller's Ruby Star Rising fabric line came out this month, I was quick to put in an order for some of her coveted reel fabric.

My friend, Bec, is a View-Master aficionado. From a paltry start of just one reel, her collection grew and grew. I've been asking her for about eight months, if I could come by and photograph it. Such an iconic toy, perfect for the lens...










Imagine my surprise when these arrived on my doorstep. Maybe it was her way of keeping me out of her house. Maybe she knew I'd try to put a few reels in my pocket during a visit. Whatever her reason, I am grateful.

If you live in Sydney and we are due to meet up soon, pop me a note and remind me to bring some reels with me. It's been nearly twenty-five years since I last peered into a viewer, but all of the joy is still here. You should feel it too.

Thank you, Bec.

pssst. Bec is setting up a new online jewelry shop soon. Visit her at HoniDesign to learn more about it.
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13 comments:

  1. CurlyPopsJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    OMG and all in mint condition too! Wow - speechless here.

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  2. Chaotic JupiterJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I recently 'reclaimed' my old viewfinders from mum, along with some of the reels. It has sparked my interest to find some more reels. Definitely bought back memories looking over the reels

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  3. CassJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    OMG I need to see that Mary Poppins one

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  4. verykerryberryJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Amazing that these are still so exciting as they were first time round, they make me tingle!

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  5. Bec @ honi designJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    oooo i am just sooo glad you love them as much as i do :) Thankyou for the lovely words ;) xxx

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I still have mine ... should go dig it out :) I remember the Winnie the Pooh reel ... LOVE IT!

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  7. kerrykatiecakes2January 6, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    What a blast from the past! I love it! Wonder where I put mine....
    Hugs,
    Kerry

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  8. janimalJanuary 6, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Oooh, I have some Ruby Star Rising and it's AWESOME in its retro viewfinder fabulousness! Now the question is, what to make with it?

    That'a a very cool friend you have there.

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  9. anniemJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    I wonder what happened to the viewer at my parents house? As kids I remember looking at the Queen's coronation and Bambi on the viewmaster. I know there were other wheels but I can't remember what they were of. What a terrific memory you've stirred up Amy.
    Thanks, Ann
    how cool is m verification word? quadma--and I'm the mom of 4 !!

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  10. another donkey design by kateJanuary 6, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Hi – I have nominated you for a stylish bloggers award – check out the details on how to accept here: http://anotherdonkeydesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-bloggers-award.html
    Thanks for making me blog happy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. PoppyprintJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    OMG I can't believe she just gave you that stuff (I mean treasure). C'mon! If only a flight to Sydney wasn't a zillion dollars, I would so be there. I know we have a 'new' viewer somewhere in the basement. I also know I'm going to use up a lot of my spare time looking for it tomorrow.

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  12. Cheap Online PharmacyJanuary 21, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    OMG there are some lovely photos reminding me of my childhood.

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  13. GlucosamineJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    nice photographs means great collection. really liked your blog very much hope to find some more exciting stuffs in future.

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You are a rockstar! Thanks so much for your comments!