How Are You?

How Are You?, collage on orange book cover

Sometimes I discover nonsensical sense hidden in these old book cover pieces...

bells
broken
silly
Molly
sobbing

My mamma always said that silliness leads to crying.

Raggedy Ann Assemblage

Raggedy Ann, mixed media assemblage

My mama heart strings were tugged a bit when Lizzie announced she was too old to dress up and go trick-or-treating this year. She's much more excited about the prospect of handing out candy to the neighborhood kiddos and seeing their costumes. I've been consoling myself by dressing up art dolls in the studio. Remember my little Raggedy Ann? 

Chimera Collage

Chimera, original collage on old children's primer cover

I read somewhere recently that September is National Literacy Month. We always have a couple of read-aloud books going with Lizzie in addition to our own individual books. This week we maxed out our 50 book limit at the library. hah! Guess that's the way it goes when you home-school. Patrick and Lizzie are reading the newly released Sky Pyrates Over Oz. Lizzie and I have just started Little Women (we're on chapter 4 of 47). Patrick and I are both trying to read this book (at the same time) and keep stealing it back and forth. Lizzie just discovered the historical fiction books published by American Girl (thus our maxed out library card!) and I've been listening to the original Grimm's Fairy Tales while I work in the studio at night. I'd love to hear what you've been reading!

The Pot & The Kettle

The Pot & The Kettle, illustration by Rhoda Campbell Chase

I found this gem of a fable tucked inside a first grade reader from 1917. Sharing it today just 'cuz I'm dragging my feet getting started with the week. More about its origins here.

Follow The Dots

I picked up this dot-to-dot workbook at the Eastbrook Antique Mall on our recent trip to Montgomery, Alabama. Volumes like this are irresistible with their sweet graphics and pencil markings--every image has been carefully mapped out by small hands years ago. The book was published by Cupples & Leon of New York in the 1920's.

Mended Pages

More often than not it is the imperfection of a thing that makes it special. When I'm browsing through old books for collage material the pages that have flaws are the ones that stand out to me. Whether they are mended, scribbled, torn or stained these blemishes are what I seek.

All images gleaned from The New Beacon Primer by James H. Fassett. Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Laite. Published by Ginn & Company, Boston, USA, 1921.

Fairy Village

Lizzie has occupied herself for hours over the past weeks creating a fairy village. Even daddy lent his technical skills to assist in building a tiny swing. Each morning the village is inspected for signs of the fairies activities. Every day berries are gathered, firewood re-stacked, fresh flowers strewn and stories are told.

Happy Fourth

Illustration by Clarence Biers, Child Life Magazine, July 1930

The fridge is stocked with all kinds of summer-y eats and we're ready to chill out over this long holiday weekend. Have a happy & safe 4th of July!

Writing Stories

Many stories are being written 'round our house these days. We've also just discovered the treasure trove of Sparkle Stories. Worth every penny since Mommy enjoys listening to them too. A Happy Tuesday and a Happy April to you as it's the first time I've popped in this month!

1955 Noah's Ark Toy Catalog

Toy catalogs that arrive in the mailbox these days are full of slick pages and glossy photographs. When I came across this treasure on newsprint I had to add it to my ephemera collection. The catalog is from Noah's Ark department stores, Christmas 1955. Thought you'd enjoy browsing a few of its pages. Of course my favorite page has got to be the one with the doll house and tea sets! Just click on each image to enlarge and read--and, if you feel like reminiscing through more toys from the 1950's here is another catalog I shared last season.

2011 Holiday Art Blocks

The first collection of this year's holiday art blocks will be making their way into the shop this week...starting tonight! I've been collecting festive ephemera all year long and it's fun to finally put it to good use. If you see a collage block here that you just have to have shoot me a message via Etsy conversations and I'll be happy to reserve it for you. Can you hear those jingle bells approaching?! I swear my studio is beginning to resemble Santa's workshop these days.

Trios Of Tin

A few trios of tin cups 'n pitchers were listed in the shop last night. I adore these tiny things and have so much fun arranging them into collections for you! Click here to view all available tin treasures at Sushipot Parts. Enjoy!

Trick-Or-Treating

Better watch out...this mischievous pair is already Trick-Or-Treating.

Vintage Watercolor Tins

This slew of old lithographed watercolor tins was a lucky score on Ebay. I love thinking of all the pictures painted by kids (all grown up now) with these partially used cakes of paint! It was a pleasure to photograph these as a collection and put them together into smaller groupings which will make their way into the shop later on in the week.

Playmates

Playmates, original collage on book cover

You'll be seeing many more of these collage narratives on tattered book covers. They are sooo much fun to make and you know I've got paper coming out my ears 'round here. Enjoy!

Garden Swing

Feel like reminiscing your childhood and those lazy afternoons on the garden swing? I finally put one of these found figurines to good use by making her a swing to perch upon. She's a sweet little thing and looking for a new home. You can take a closer look right here.