A Blondie Day

Inspiration-ville

I have been wildly inspired lately by vintage craft books.  My recent obsession of getting my little mitts on every cool vintage craft book I can find, has been a good one - creatively speaking, that is.  Space wise, well that's another thing.

I would love to share some of the treasure trove of inspiration that can be found in some of these books.  Now don't get me wrong, there's some pretty awful "what were they thinking" moments as well, but I'll leave THAT for another post.

Note: my Mom used to jokingly put "-ville" or "-city" on the ends of a lot of words from time to time, just for fun.  I was thinking of her - hence, inspiration"ville". 

 

Now most, if not all, of these books are from the 60's or 70's.

 

 

Let's begin!

 

 

This adorable book is actually a children's book, but the whole story is done in the most amazing embroidery, together with the sweetest kitty pictures.  I've had this book for a few years.

 

 

Isn't this embroidered cat drool worthy?

 

 

These woven flowers are the most gorgeous colors.

 

 

A batik owl - who wouldn't love him?

 

 

Other assorted goodies...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uh-oh, we have help.

Let me try that again...

 

 

OK, he's back ...

 

Meet Max.

 

 

He's decided to help me by laying on the book I'm trying to photograph.

 

 

But wait, he sees something...

 

 

Hmmm, that looks interesting.  Might be worth checking out...

 

 

What IS that?

 

 

 

Maybe I can just....try...to...reach...

 

 

GOT IT!

 

 

Oh yes, of course - that was the cuckoo clock.

OK...

I'm done.

 

 

OK, now that our visitor is gone, a few more...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What fun it all is, isn't it?

So if you come across nice, old, vintage-y craft books in your travels, snatch them up!  You are bound to find some good inspiration in there, somewhere.

 

Oh, before I go, just a quick share of some pretty pickens found today at the thrift shop...

 

 

 

 

There's a good chance that nifty granny square afghan will be going into the Purple Matilda shop soon, so keep one eye opened.

 

Much love,

 

 

 

A Little Reading

In case you find a moment or two amidst all of the Holiday Cheer and Chaos, I have a few books I think you will love.  They would also make great last minute gifts.

I don't often get, or take, the time to sit and read a book, even though I absolutely love to do so.  But lately, I find if I keep one or two good books upon the coffee table, I can pick them up at random and read a bit here and there.  Before I know it, I've read a book!

First, The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston.

 

Oh, what fun! And a feast for the eyes.

 

 

The whole book is designed scrapbook style and not only tells a delicious story, but is also a great joy to look at.

 

 

This is a fast read, but you will want to flip through it again and again.

 

 

 

 

Next is Embroidered Effects by Jenny Hart.  Lately I have been enjoying embroidery more and more and want to improve my skills.  This is just the book to do that, and greatly inspires me as well.

 

 

It gives great instructions and photos of all your stitches, plus wonderful projects to get you going.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly, a wonderful little tale called A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg.

 

 

 

Admittedly, I am only half way through this sweet story, but I am loving it. And it is the perfect book for curling up with late at night with a warm quilt, a hot cup of tea, a flickering candle and twinkling Christmas lights.  I can't think of a better way to end your day.

 

I will be back tomorrow with Vintage Recipe Thursday.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

XOXOXOX