Vintage Book Illustrations

I have been working on listing some old vintage reading books on Etsy the past couple of days and have determined that I simply love the illustrations in them.


In the newer books you just don't see these types of illustrations anymore. As a matter of fact, you almost see more photographs than drawings or colored pictures.



I don't know about you, but I think it a fun thing to walk down memory lane with books from our past. Also, to read them to our children and grandchildren when we get a chance. I just finished reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary to my youngest, Avery Z. He loved it. The book I read was printed in 1965 (actually before I was even born.) I can remember my school teacher reading it aloud to my class when I was in elementary school. Now days in checking the local library, you can not find a current printing of this book.



My son also loved the fact that his dad was in the room typing on the computer while I was reading. Avery noticed his dad laughed some at what I was reading. This is a sweet memory, cultivating imagination, and helping with communication skills -- as we talk about what we like and what we understood in reading.



I visited the library today and picked up two more chapter books. These are more on Avery's level and we will begin them tomorrow. The illustrations are not as wonderful as the vintage books or as many, but hopefully the author will be vivid in his words and the pictures will form in our heads.



Hope you like these illustrations from my vintage books!

Film star Helen Twelvetrees, ca. 1936-7 / photograph by Sam Hood

If you love photographs from days gone by, then you are going to be in heaven when you check out this link. I know I will be going back there often to see a bit of history. -- Alice

http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/

Helen Twelvetrees during filming of "Thoroughbred", Sydney, 1936 / Sam Hood

Film star Helen Twelvetrees, ca. 1936-7 / photograph by Sam Hood, originally uploaded by State Library of New South Wales collection.

w/WonderlandShoppe

Format: Silver gelatin photograph

Notes: One of the first American women to star in an Australian film

From the collections of the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Bird Fairies!

Bird Fairies!, originally uploaded by Lisa Kettell.

Here is a photograph Lisa Kettrell calls: The Bird Fairies!
I believe these fantasy gals are Ziegfeld Follies Performers from the 1920's.

I love the symmetry in the photography and the costume styling -- like the birdies in the background!!

Fairy Girl 1900s

Fairy Girl 1900s, originally uploaded by Lisa Kettell.

Here is a photograph which Lisa Kettrell calls: Fairy Girl!
I believe she is a Ziegfeld Follies Performer from the 1920's.

I love this photograph!! It is inspiring to draw something in this pose!!

Pink Harlequin - AppleHillDolls

AppleHillDolls, located in New England

Isn't this lovely!!

This one of a kind female Harlequin, dressed in pink, looks demure and delicate but she's nobody's fool. When she makes the crowd laugh, there's not a dry eye in the room, and afterward, not one heavy wallet.

The Pink Harlequin is sculpted in paper clay over a foil armature without the use of molds or patterns. Her face and neck are painted with acrylics, but her body was left natural. Her hair is lightly dyed mohair. Her hat and dress were fashioned from a vintage fancy hanky. She sits 8 inches from the tip of her hat.


This lovely jewel can be found on Etsy -- but I bet not for long!

British artist Stephen Wiltshire

Truly Inspiring Skill and Art!!!




November 7, 2008 | New Art | by Gerry Mak |

British artist Stephen Wiltshire is known as the ‘human camera’ for being able to render images of entire cityscapes in uncanny detail after only viewing the real scenes once. Wiltshire’s abilities stem from his autism, but his pieces are no less stunning. Perhaps Wiltshire’s condition isn’t truly a disability, merely evidence that our species is still evolving.

Stained Glass Art

"Star & Moon"
I took a picture of this piece I made for a friend a few months back and wanted to keep a record of what it looks like for future creations.

Beautiful Coloring Pages for Embroidery

I discovered these beautiful coloring pages that could be incorporated into embroidery needlework and thought you might enjoy exploring them:

http://www.hugolescargot.com/coloriages-animaux-nature/coloriage-fruits-legumes.htm?

and

http://www.hugolescargot.com/coloriages-alphabet/coloriage-alphabet-fees.htm

These are just a couple of pages, but there are tons more tabs to check out.