vintage love

I found these beautiful books at a second hand dealers the other day.... they actually had a couple more, but I tried to resist the temptation to buy them all, and just walked away with two! Love is a Special Way of Feeling, and Childhood is a Time of Innocence, both by Joan Walsh Anglund. I love the illustrations in these books. My first intention was to frame some of my favourite pages, but I can't bear to cut into the books - so instead will share some of the pages here!

the day the cow sneezed

Whilst Lucy and I were at the library the other day, I was lucky enough to spot this book on the edge of one of the shelves.

The colours and composition of the cover automatically grabbed my attention, then when I saw that it was 'The Day the Cow Sneezed' by James Flora (1957) I quickly grabbed it and popped it in our pile. I remember loving this book as a child, and now as an adult the illustrations are even more alluring.

James Flora died in 1998, but, thankfully there is still a lot of interest in his art. You can find more Jim Flora here, or etsy shop here, blog here, facebook here!

wallpaper

The upside of the school term starting is that I can get back to some creative inspiration... Lucy is curled up quietly enjoying her own space after the first morning at playcentre and I am enjoying working my way through this book with a strong cup of coffee!

vintage childrens books

I am a real sucker for childrens books, especially vintage ones. I have a secret stash of very special ones tucked away up high that I will bring out for the girls when they are a bit bigger (Lucy is a little monkey and I would be gutted if she cut them up!). Have you seen the Vintage Childrens Books group on flickr ? If you are like me you can easily waste away a few hours browsing through all the gorgeous images that have been uploaded... so if you are like me, don't look (unless you have a few hours to kill!)

I recently found a copy of the New Gift Book of Nursery Ryhymes. I still have my copy from when I was a child, but couldn't walk past this. It is a little worse for wear, but the illustrations always captivate me.

Envelopes in the making

I have found some fantastic old books lately and this one has to be my favourite! Searle's Cats by Ronald Searle. Copyright 1967, this publication, Fifth Impression 1977.

Due to it's condition (very well loved!) it has been turned into upcycled envelopes, and the hardcover into a sketchbook destined for my Etsy shop.

Brooch loveeee

Have a look at these gorgeous brooches by Depeapa - there are so many to choose from - you'll just have to have a look for yourself here!


Oooo, and the illustrations are divine - I have a thing for tea cups!

A mouse famliy album...

I just found this gorgeous book in one of my storage boxes.


It was one of my absolute favourite books as a kid (along with Richard Scarry and Dr Suess books!). I used to spend hours looking through the illustrations and always finding something new. I have attached a few of my childhood favourite pages.