Betty Or Bettie?

The Child's World First Reader, published by Johnson Publishing Company, 1917

Oh to be young and conflicted as to the best spelling of your name.... B-E-T-T-Y or B-E-T-T-I-E? And now Miss Betty Doris Winn's reader has found its way to my studio.

Thanksgiving Greetings

Baby & Turkey Thanksgiving Postcard at Lots Of Postcards

Sending out Thanksgiving greetings to all of you celebrating this pie-filled holiday. I came across this bizarro image on a 1909 postcard of what is supposedly a baby riding a turkey? To me all I can see is a freak baby with turkey legs. Is it just me?! Made me giggle so I thought I'd share :) Have a happy one!

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.

Bone Study

A young student, Mr. Jas A. Russell of La Crosse, Wisconsin, penned these notes on the back pages of his physiology textbook in January of 1872. I love finding nuggets of information like this in the old books that have made their way onto my studio shelves.  One day his notes might find themselves in a collage but for now they'll remain in the ephemera files.

Paper Snippets

The pile of paper snippets on my work table is starting to grow. I've been gleaning images here and there over the past few days. The grand plan is to turn these into the first batch of collage blocks for 2014.

Merry Christmas

The Night Before Christmas, Artist Unknown, Published by M.A. Donohue & Co, circa 1910

All sorts of secrets are being kept around here 'cuz Christmas is less than a week away! After I tackle the pile of presents that need wrapping I'm going to settle down for a long winter's nap ;)

Wishing you & yours a Merry Christmas...I'll see you in the New Year!

Lucky Dolls

Lizzie has been playing quite a bit with paper dolls recently. I pulled out my collection of paper dolls to show her the other day and thought I'd share some here while I was at it. These "Lucky Dolls" from Japan (circa 1950's-ish?) were her favorites. Their wonky offset perforations and vibrant coloring is totally endearing.

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!

Sushipot Art Blocks

After a long hiatus Sushipot's popular collage art blocks are back. Simply put...I missed making 'em! I can't believe there are over 2,000 of these 'round the world. Enjoy!