28 November 2013

My fantastic music find for a decoration.



Look at my fantastic find, from a Brocante shop in a small town near where I live.





I was wandering down a side street looking for ideas for Christmas, when I saw the sign Brocante. The door was open and the owner was sitting in a comfy chair, soaking up the sun that was shining into his doorway,
I decided to go in have a browse. 
Knowing I had some ideas in my mind for making some decorations using sheet music, in my best French I asked if he had any pieces of sheet music, he said he thought he might have a few books of music, but wasn't sure if he could find them, so could I wait while he went out to the back of his shop. 
I had plenty of time so I looked around and saw lots of things I would have loved to buy, but as I was with Mr. France who hates old and dusty things, if it's not brand spanking new, he calls it junk.
I thought this was not the right time and I'd just wait to see if the owner could find any sheet music.
A few minutes later he came back with this book and asked if it was of any use.
Now as I hadn't gone out suitably dressed for rummaging about in a brocante shop, I had to be careful as he might think I was a collector or maybe a  dealer, as he could have put a high price on it. 
Also being English and smartly dressed in a small town didn't help, I was wondering how much he would say he wanted. I looked at it, as if it was of no use to me, but wanting so much to have this lovely vintage book.  I could see the pages were thick and not flimsy like the books of today. I asked how much he wanted, for it, thinking I was going to have to barter with him. I couldn't believe it when he said 2 euros. I couldn't get out of the shop quick enough, in case he changed his mind. 
Now that I have the book at home and have looked at the lovely design on the cover, even though it's torn and tattered it tells a story. It's the music for a comedy opera, written in German and French. 
I'm sure it's not valuable, but I almost don't want to tear the pages out from it, just to make decorations.








I never deface books, so now I'm in a dilemma, do I tear out the pages 
 or should I try somewhere else that might have sheet music ?
Do you ever feel like this when you touch something vintage ?
 that's so worn because it's  been used so many times.




The tattered cover.












I can't read music, but to me it looks as if it's quite lively.









That was yesterday and now I'm still wondering, should I use it for the decoration I want to make,
 or keep the opera music book ?

I'd love to have your opinion to help me make up my mind


à bientôt

Barbara Lilian


13 comments:

  1. A treasure you found indeed. Not sure of its value either but when I ponder and debate with myself I go with the first pondering thought. Which in this case I think it might be to keep the book in tact.

    Thank you for visiting my Snowy Thanksgiving Wonderful Day!

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  2. Fabulous find!
    You could photocopy it and go to town with the copies no?
    Lovely story...

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  3. Hi there

    Whatcha want to make?
    Although photocopying is a good idea, not sure you'd get the authentic colours as with the originals. You could try to find some nice paper and can come in and try copying on my printer if you like
    On the other hand s'pose a few missing pages wouldn't hurt.

    Dilema for sure!!
    Love Mx

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  4. Barbara,
    I really like the idea of using sheet music for decoration. The girls made glass ornaments one year with sheet music inside.

    How nice that your husband makes the coffee at home in your French coffee maker. It sounds so good to me right now.

    ~Sheri

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  5. I tried to follow you before, but I guess it didn't go through, so I tried again, and now my red rose is showing up and I'm following you.

    Have a sweet day.

    ~Sheri

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  6. Personally, I would use the pages for your creative idea. I have put items aside because they are too special, then never see them or enjoy them at all!!! Carolyn

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  7. I would have the same dilemma as you. I love seeing sheet music used for decor or making other items, but I don't think I'd be able to use the pages from an antique book. I just wouldn't be able to bring myself to do it!

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  8. Like you I don't know if I could use the book or not. I just found your blog and am enjoying reading. Have a wonderful day.

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  9. What fun to find this book, & to have the whole experience! Hard to say which way to go...I have a hard time cutting up books, but have done it...I just bought a sheet of wrapping paper that has sheet music printed on it...I will send you un morceau with a card...

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  10. Hello Barbara, I found you via your kind comments on my blog and I see you are another francophile! I love the idea of using that music book for crafty things and don't forget it only cost 2euros so you're not wasting any money! I saw some paintings in a street market in Provence that had been done on sheet music and they looked fabulous. I'll join you as a follower so I can see what you come up with!

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  11. Barbara, I know how you feel. A friend once asked me to paint an antique butter churn for her; if she hadn't been so persistent and such a good friend, I would have refused. I felt like I was covering up all its stories. Agony! I like Parisbreakfasts' idea of photocopying it.

    Blessings,

    Victoria

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  12. I know how you feel…you want to respect the book but I think you will create many beautiful items with it.

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  13. Dear Barbara - I understand your dilemma but go for it - I think you could make lovely Christmas decorations with these pages. Hope you will share your creative endeavors. Have a great week.

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