Puzzle Purse Valentine #2

Sentiment in card: “I saw this morn as I pass’d by How quick you did your needle ply To fingers which can move so nimble I’ve sent this little silver thimble. And own I wish to call you mine Upon this day of Valentine.” (The thimble on the index finger is an embossed metallic paper from a 1930s envelope lining, or the lining in the Christmas card. I forget which part I took it from.) These are inspired by love tokens originally made in the late 1700s and the early 1800s. Messages of LOVE are written on these Valentines which are folded in a precise intricacy so that as you open it according to the numbered sections, you read a verse or a phrase, and tiny hand painted pictures are revealed. The very inner most part of these Valentines have woven paper hearts or a woven paper heart and hand. They are sometimes tricky for the recipient to re-fold, which is part of the charm of the puzzle purse. All artwork, which is a combination of naive / schoolgirl art / fraktur influences, is done with watercolors and India ink on aged paper. I have referenced American folk art books for ideas for flowers, birds, and other early American designs. I use poems of the 1700s and 1800s. Keep in mind these are hand done, so each one will be unique. Many steps are involved in the process of making these one of a kind tokens of love. I'm sure you and your loved one will appreciate the time and care it takes to create them. The valentines measure 2 1/2" square closed and 7 1/2" square when fully opened. Each valentine comes with a 3" papier mache box, painted, aged, and decorated with double woven hearts. The boxes with shredded paper and coordinating tops are my own idea that I began using several years ago. As far as I know, the puzzle purses were not delivered in boxes. ::: Please note - The last photo is just an example. Your Valentine will have coordinating hearts. My work has appeared in Early American Life magazine in years past. Thank you for visiting my shop! Lana Manis / Honeysuckle Lane