A Book of Family Treasures

A few years ago, I inherited my grandmother's collection of miniature shoes, popular collectibles in the 1940s. What to do with these sweet knick knacks? Practically speaking, I live in earthquake country with two small kids who are earthquakes unto themselves. Emotionally though, it felt a bit wrong to bury them deep in storage. I wanted to honor the fond memories of my grandmother that I associate with these heirlooms. My solution: make a photo book. I spent a couple hours one day photographing the shoes with my digital camera. Along the way I learned a bit too. I discovered many of the shoes were made in occupied Japan post-WWII. The cut glass shoes on the cover (pictured here) were beautiful in a new way when photographed up-close. And, as a whole, the collection took on a curated feel when categorized (wooden shoes, metallic Asian shoes, glass ballet slippers). I now have the book on display in my house, and occasionally a few of the non-breakable shoes are put out too. I even ordered photo books for my mom, aunts and cousins; a fun way to re-connect with family from across the miles and remember a charming part of my grandmother's life.