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JMS Contributors' Challenge

Sue Whitney, editor

22 users recommend

Here is the challenge junk. None other than player piano music rolls. Good luck!

A closer look at the labels. Some of the rolls have them... some don't. Some of the paper is in mint condition while some is a little under the weather. What to do, what to do, what to do?!!!

Here is a great one!

The end caps on the rolls vary from black plastic to nicely patinad metal. From the looks of the group I see more plastic than metal.

 

 

The reason I chose piano music rolls is three fold.

1. You can easily find them.

2. They are typically inexpensive.

3. They are sure to stretch the imagination.

We found a box of about 20 the other day and paid a whopping $24 for the lot. The box was included free of charge. The  load has been divided at random, boxed, and  shipped off to the contributors. Let the magic commence!

Here is the challenge junk. None other than player piano music rolls. Good luck!

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Junker's are like snowflakes, no two are alike. We all have our own distinct style, flair, and personalities that set us apart from the rest. I say hip, hip, hooray for that! Right? Life would certainly be one very dull experience if we all envisioned a certain variety of junk in the same way. Thank goodness for all of you! I have absolutely no fear of that happening in this community. I think Janis said it best when she wrote, "The wide scope of differing creative ideas never ceases to surprise and amaze me on this site. I think it would be great fun to see all the different projects we can come up with using the same materials. It will be a celebration of our differences and individuality." So, in the spirit of creativity and uniqueness the contributors have agreed to accept this challenge. This is not a competition, but rather as I like to call it... it's yoga for the mind. If you want to jump in and take the challenge, please do! The more ideas we can collectively come up with the better the challenge. Let's see just how far we can all stretch those brain cells of ours! To get the ball rolling, I'll leave you with this quote.

"Imagination is intelligence having fun."
-anonymous

So, let the fun begin! And don't forget to check back on JMS often between now and February 6th to see the results.

Oh, about the rules... other than utilizing at least one piano music roll or a part thereof there are none. Feel free to move about the cabin uninhibited!

View 3 member project galleries

Play the Music, Not...
TGTG

Cash Drawer
trunkajunk

My Version ...
bridiemurphy

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Comments (20)

plumberdaughter writes: Help! I tried to put my player piano member challenge in the member project galleries and it went straight to member junk. I created a player piano roll lamp. Posted: 11:59 pm on February 2nd

countrycrow writes:

Oh Dear - some friends of mine will never let me into their home again if I tell them I can make something cool out of old piano rolls! There have many many many of them as they have a cool old player piano that they still use. In fact, we were just over there a little bit ago for a good old-fashioned sing-along. It's even more fun when a little wine is involved!
Can't wait to see those ideas! Posted: 2:04 pm on January 21st

grandmalois8 writes: Years ago my mother in law actually worked at a QRS piano roll factory in Buffalo, New York. This project has made me think back on that old brick factory and times spent with her. I'm looking forward to getting started! Posted: 9:20 pm on January 16th

suewhitney writes: Wow, now this is what I LOVE about this community....enthusiasm and creativity flowin' like a river. Yay! So many good ideas described here already and more on the way. This is way too much fun! Keep the ab fab ideas and posts coming!

Happy Creating!
Sue Posted: 8:14 pm on January 16th

junkinyaya writes: I am game!! Can't wait to see them and already have a few "suprises" up my sleeve! xo..the junkin' yaya Posted: 7:43 pm on January 16th

DivaDeb writes: Sue, I had to laugh when I read about this challenge in your eLetter yesterday!

A few months ago, I got my hands on the very same treasure, and had the opportunity to use piano player music in one of my antique booths. I used it in several differenet ways, including as a table runner, wallpaper under the chair rail, wall collages, and a window valance, and it just MADE the whole room!

Check out my blog posts on it:
then: http://hummadeedledee.blogspot.com/2008/11/our-newest-retreat.html

and now: http://hummadeedledee.blogspot.com/2009/01/ev-eryoneon-roll.html

Posted: 7:25 pm on January 16th

wishs writes: I have use the piano rolls to wall paper a old cabinet. Now I store all my craft supplies in it. Posted: 6:39 pm on January 16th

1retrogal writes: My parents have hundreds of these! They still have the player piano that I grew up with and took lessons on. The player and rolls still work! Great memories and fun with those rolls. I would have a hard time cutting them up, but some do have really beautiful artwork on them. The first thing that popped in my mind when reading your blog was perhaps a background in a frame with momentos, small treasures or a picture in it too. I guess I'm picturing a shadow box. I'm curious to see what everyone comes up with. Maybe I might go to my parents and sneak out one of the rolls!!! Just one. :) Posted: 5:33 pm on January 16th

Akkerdaas writes: Ok, just came up from the basement with a box of them. Now for who is going to be the one to tell us what to do with them. I did hang one up in front of a window in front of my store. Posted: 5:03 pm on January 16th

bubbasmom writes: Oh my,All of those antique rolls being torn apart.LOL So much money.Hurts my heart.
My Mom had a player piano and I purchased quite a few of them over the years is why I know.I'd be EBaying them Sue.lol
Good luck girls in thinking of something to make with them.Could be decropauged on something,inside or outside a picture frame ,or on a piece of furniture. Posted: 4:40 pm on January 16th

junkjunkie writes: I am so excited! I just happen to have 4 of these and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. What fun!

Patty B Posted: 4:36 pm on January 16th

Meadowview_Farm writes: How fun...now, it will be ever so exciting to see the creative ideas from this "genius junking group"! So - off you head to the labs --- as for me, I am heading to Washington D.C. --- got a little work of my own to do:0)
Peace & Hope,
Kari Posted: 7:43 am on January 16th

JunkArchitect writes: Alright, now I’m really going to have to start thinking…piano music rolls…hmmm. I better go get my sketch book. This is going to be fun!

Jim Posted: 9:50 pm on January 15th

CottageElements writes: Okay, now my mind is swimming . . . or is that because I spent all day junking and just got home?? It was subzero temperatures in Minnesota and yet I couldn't wait to get out and go junking with my Junk Market friends, Amy and Gretchen. Had a great day and I'm sure when I hit the hay tonight my mind will be dreaming about junk. So maybe I'll come up with some brilliant ideas in my sleep! Ha! Good luck to all the contributors. I'm sure we will see some fab and creative projects! Let the junking projects begin!

Lani Posted: 9:02 pm on January 15th

MimiToria writes: This should be great fun! My mind is a buzz. Let's see now if I can sleep tonight! Ha!
Will be watching for my music roll. Wasn't this a great find you came across Sue! A true deal, enough to go around, a cool wooden box to boot. Sweet!
Gretchen Posted: 8:28 pm on January 15th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Woohoo! This is music to my ears! Now let's see if any members have player piano rolls lying about which will add to the fun!

Good stuff, Sue.
Candy

Posted: 3:04 pm on January 15th

georgiamoon writes: Well...OK I can see that I am really gonna have to do some mind stretching, bending and generally twist it into another shape altogether...I have never even held one of these before. Can't wait to get my hot little hands on them. Yee Haw this is going to be good! And by the way Sue I don't "move around the cabin" any other way! Love to all, geo Posted: 2:46 pm on January 15th

TGTG writes: Hi there!
We are so looking forward to this challenge!

And Sue, that quote is FAB! I think I see my next Wisdom Gal coming...

JennyK

Posted: 1:51 pm on January 15th

fellowjunker writes: Great FUN Sue............!!!!!
Keep your chin up Tuttibelle (thinking of you and the many others who are facing tough economic situations at this time--"this, too, will pass away")!
xojanis Posted: 1:18 pm on January 15th

Tuttibelle writes: For those of us who have had a layoff and are now unemployed, this site in particular gives us something to look forward to each day. Posted: 12:17 pm on January 15th

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