Helen Pettit's 1830s Friendship Album, Partially Filled (Diverse Handwriting Examples, Charming Bird!) folk art starfish basket but rather punches out a

but rather punches out a bit

and definitely among my very favorite tool  finds ever

I believe at least the darker wood is walnut

I am a huge fan of Burmese lacquerware betel boxes

If you look closely (or at 4th photo here)

Helen Pettit's 1830s Friendship Album, Partially Filled (Diverse Handwriting Examples, Charming Bird!) folk art starfish basket but rather punches out aIf we still kept friendship albums, perhaps we'd all feel a bit more grounded two examples listed today divided by nearly 100 years, which to read now is to feel like the two young women who kept them were surrounded by people invested in their well being and future selves. This one, kept by a young Helen (sometimes Hellen) Pettit, given to her on the 8th birthday, is not at all full, but it's a sweet early one, 1830s, with an interesting mix of