I love the the simple beauty of old skeleton keys. I often wonder what doors they've unlocked over the years. They seem to hold mysteries and answers simultaneously. My daughter's old armoire came with one, I photographed some at
Madison Bouckville, and even collected a couple for
Steampunk accessories. They've clearly been on my mind. Last night I carved some new stamps inspired by three little keys that have been sitting on my dresser beckoning me. I have a couple of plans for them, but first they needed to go on the cover of a Moleskine journal.
What perfect reminders that we already have the keys to whatever we dream... a fitting place to jot down our plans and thoughts, don't you think? I made one to replace the journal I just filled up, and I'll have some in
my shop, too.
I'd like to believe that the doors you wish to unlock are just waiting for the key you already hold. Have a wonderful start to your week!
I love the the simple beauty of old skeleton keys. I often wonder what doors they've unlocked over the years. They seem to hold mysteries and answers simultaneously. My daughter's old armoire came with one, I photographed some at Madison Bouckville, and even collected a couple for Steampunk accessories. They've clearly been on my mind. Last night I carved some new stamps inspired by three little keys that have been sitting on my dresser beckoning me. I have a couple of plans for them, but first they needed to go on the cover of a Moleskine journal. 
What perfect reminders that we already have the keys to whatever we dream... a fitting place to jot down our plans and thoughts, don't you think? I made one to replace the journal I just filled up, and I'll have some in my shop, too.
I'd like to believe that the doors you wish to unlock are just waiting for the key you already hold. Have a wonderful start to your week!
I love old keys, too, and your carvings are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job, skeleton keys are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE old keys. All our furniture from my parents uses them.....but every door has a different one....it takes me forever to open the 12 drawers/cabinets on the hutch!
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely beautiful Maya....
ReplyDeletexo
Melis
Gorgeous stamps! They look wonderful on your journal creation. I love the inspiration and share your affinity for the mystery and history of skeleton keys.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather found a keyring of skeleton keys out in the desert and I ended up with them. Oh the stories I could come up with for those keys!
ReplyDeleteI love how you just "carve some stamps" like it is no big deal. :) Your designs are beautiful.
Woew, I love old and rusty skeleton keys too, so mysterious...
ReplyDeletebut I guess that I love old and rusty, me getting old(er) myself :)
You've added a touch of magic to my start of the week, thank you so much my friend.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are so inspiring, and so are you. (but you knew that, right ?)
Many hugs to you & yours oxoxox
You have unlocked so many treasures and memories through your art, photography and life dear maya.
ReplyDeleteThe detail you achieve in your carving is just exquisite. How about a little key cupboard for our hallways adorned by your print.
so very special...colors and feel !
ReplyDeletejust gorgeous! there is just something mysterious about them, isn't there?
ReplyDeletethank you for your kind comments on my newly born blog. i appreciate your words of encouragement so much!
it looks wonderful! love it!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I love them too ,in fact, I had a movie like experience after I moved into this old old farm house 1 year ago, I was out in the old smoke house and found the original front door and there in the key hole was the skeleton key. I really love my key chain and when people ask in a sea of modern keys " whats that key too" and I get to answer " my 162 year old farm house" -Sarahlynn
ReplyDeleteGood morning Maya! Beautiful carvings! I love all your photos, but the first one with the lace and the burlap and the vintage books... and did I mention the feather? Truly wonderful.
ReplyDeletehow lovely, the rusty old keys are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour stamp carvings always wildly impress me. I keep thinking, "She carved those...by HAND???"
ReplyDeletethanks friends! carving stamps remains one of my favorite new creative outlets... I have to remember this and make more time for new ones: a weekly carving date is now on my calendar...
ReplyDeleteLove old keys! I've been thinking of using some as inspiration for a new painting! thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteHey Maya,
ReplyDeleteYou just took down a link on your sidebar to a great blog that I wanted to revisit. I think it was call I made it myself.blogspot or something like that. She has a really cool flip book on her page that said "I 'd rather be blogging" Can you help?
YOU have a wonderful start to YOUR week. Just wanted to throw some love back at you.
ReplyDeletebeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteFunkyMommy -I tend to rotate that Enjoy section in the sidebar frequently or it would be a mile long! http://justsomethingimade.com/ is the blog you're looking for and Cathe (the author) just put up another great project I just tweeted about.
ReplyDeleteYour carving is a perfect embodiment of the skeleton key--mystery and purpose and promise all in one image. I love the metaphor!
ReplyDeleteYou would love our 100+ year old house. All the bedrooms have skeleton key locks! We love them too, but people keep thinking the skeleton key on my keychain is ornamental, not real. :)
ReplyDelete-Phyllis
Thanks Maya!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI like this quote:
"I'd like to believe that the doors you wish to unlock are just waiting for the key you already hold."
Jody
classic and beautiful!
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