Did someone say "edit"?

I love the concept of editing, I really do. I read about it all the time. The best designers are always preaching "editing" your space.

I look longingly at the most beautiful interiors with minimal accessories and furnishings arranged in such an orderly way and I wish I could BE that person with such discipline. I love the simplicity and quiet beauty of just a few fine things displayed on a table or chest......I try - I put things away, I sell things at antique shows, I give things away........and I still have too much stuff! I just cannot seem to edit enough, especially when it comes to my collections!

I started picking up these carved stone books at antique shows several years ago. They are difficult to find so my collection is small. I only know one other person who collects them and he has a huge assortment. He is Steve Wyman, my friend who owns Uncommon Objects, on South Congress, in Austin, Texas. Uncommon Objects is a fabulous vintage and antique group shop that is like no other! The dealers are extraordinary in their ability to find the rare, unusual, weird and interesting..........not necessarily "fine" antiques, but always curious and unique. Their ability to display their treasures is unequaled and it is always fun to stroll through the shop for inspiration and amusement. The shop has been featured in a lot of design magazines, from Country Home to Elle Decor.

I don't know much about stone books and have never found anything written about them.Many of them are carved to look like Bibles, but not all of them. Steve has told me that some were carried by people who wanted to carry a Bible to church, but might not have been able to read, or may not have had a "real" Bible.

A few of the ones I have are painted and personalized, and clearly mementos from travels. One is dated June 27, 1899, and has the words "Margaret Griffin", Elgin, Nebraska written on it. Another is dated 1915 and is marked "Souvenir Soldiers Home Hot Springs, South Dakota" written in a semi circle around a floral and fruit painting.It is one of the smallest ones I have - probably about 3 inches by 4 inches.

There are some old book ends made to look like carved books and I have picked up a few of these along the way. They are not as old, but fill in the collection nicely, especially for stacking.

So, there you have it.......just one more of many quirky things that I like. If you ever see any stone books, don't buy them - email me and tell me where they are!!

Also, if you find yourself in Austin, you should stop by Uncommon Objects for a really fun,one of a kind shopping experience!!

Meanwhile, edit,edit,edit..................