Not long ago, when we were putting together our new magazine, Carey had the idea to find old copies of the book. I thought that was a great idea and I got to searching. I searched a few thrift stores and antique malls, but none of the books sparked the design I was hoping for. I wanted hardbound. I wanted them to feel vintage but not used. Priced well but not look cheap.
I finally found what I was looking for at ebay. Two beautiful, 1970s, hardbound copies of The Secret Garden. They had red leather binding with gold type on the cover. And my creative brain got to spinning.
I had always wanted to try doing a fore-edge painting. And I thought that the Secret Garden would be a perfect book to have a secret painting inside it. Even better, the gold type would be perfect with a gilded edge to the book.
The first thing I had to do in learning this ancient technique was to figure out if the spine could hold up to the bending of the covers and shifting of the pages. So I found myself folding, shifting, bending and warping the book.
That was when I heard a distinct clunk onto the table beneath me. Worrying that I had broken the book, I quickly looked to see what had made the concerning sound. And there on the table a saw an old pewter key. There was a key hidden within the spine of my vintage copy of the Secret Garden.
I was absolutely delighted with the find. Someone owned this copy of this beloved book and thought to hide their own little secret in it. A kindred spirit with that magic and whimsy I strive for in my heart.
I don’t know if the original owner of this book intended for it to be sold or not. But I hope they know their secret brought absolute delight to a stranger inn search of a little magic.
Where will you find your magic?
~Tiffany
