One of the many fascinating artifacts on exhibit in the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is a sailors’ valentine. A sailors’ valentine is a mosaic of small seashells artistically arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Traditionally, the fragile artwork is protected behind glass in a double octagonal wooden frame which is hinged for safe transport.
As the world reels from the horrific situation in the United States, there is a tad of relief to be found in observing annual events such as Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, this day of hearts and flowers was focused on romantic relationships. But it has evolved to include all manner of love ― including love and appreciation for partners, friends, family, neighbours and self. Love, appreciation, kindness and caring ― these are all qualities we need more than ever.
Turns out, my new Repurposed Cardboard Storage Bins create the perfect grid of blank canvases. There are nine separate surfaces begging to be taken to the next level. So, the new plan is to cover each bin in a different fabric and then embellish it with a different design using a variety of techniques ― essentially turning the panel of cardboard bins into a textile art gallery.
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest… and the most obvious! My current quest to repurpose cardboard moving boxes is a case in point. Why not reuse those boxes for ongoing storage? Ridiculously obvious! Right?
Looking back at 2025, I see wall to wall moving boxes and packing paper ― a mountain of corrugated cardboard enabled our move from Georgia USA to Nova Scotia Canada. Boxes dominated our lives from the time we started selectively packing our belongings in January, through the major milestones of Move Out Week in July and Move In Day in November, through to today as we finish unpacking.
To grow, to develop, to thrive, to fare well, to prosper, to reach a height of development, to be at the peak of condition, to be in a state of activity or production ― these are all terms used to define the verb “flourish”. They are also fitting descriptors of my goals for 2026.
