Vintage Craft How~tos

I have always loved to make things and have always had all sorts of books and kits where I found instructions and inspiration. As a kid in the late 60's and 70's, the craft books and kits I used had a different look and style to those shown below, but much of the basic information was the same. I love the illustrations and the way the color is used on the pages below ~ the layouts and the hand lettering further enhance the pages ~ I want to go make a pompom right away!

Looks like recycling/repurposing isn't such a new thing afterall....check out all the stuff you can make from a cheese box!

{all images via agence eureka}

Whale killed by deformed tongue

The carcass of a humback whale lies on an Alaskan beach. Scientists believe its death was down to its enormous deformed tongue, “the size of a small car”. What caused the grotesque swelling is a mystery, but a ship strike and infection are the principal theories.

Cool Collections ~ Cigarette Cards

Every now and then I find myself on ebay bidding for cigarette cards ~ collectible cards on a wide variety of subjects that were packaged with cigarettes in Great Britain. I rarely find these at any flea markets or antique sales in the states ~ when I do, they are very expensive and are not usually a full set. I have a small collection of sets I have won on ebay ~ two of which I have shown below ~ these sets are pasted into paper booklets made for the collector ~ for some reason these were not as expensive as the sets that are just loose cards. I really love the older cards ~ the printing and graphics are beautiful and the subject matter is always fascinating ~ I will share more sets in a later post ~ for now, cycling and flags issued by John Player & Sons......

{cover shows a rather buxom bicycler!}

{spreads from the completed booklet}

{single cards}

{cover of the flags booklet}

{all of above from my personal collection}

Karl Blossfeldt ~ Plant Photographer

Karl Blossfeldt (1865-1932) was a German photographer of plant forms. Blossfeldt used a handmade wooden camera to photograph the botanical specimens and also casted models that were to be used by industrial craftsmen and manufacturers. I love the simplicity and symmetry of his work ~ also the richness and velvety softness of the black and white photogravure. Although this work was done in the early 1900's, it has an amazingly modern look.

{these look like totem poles to me}

{these, like wonderful skyscrapers}

{all images from here}

Here is a book you can buy on Karl Blossfeldt if you are interested in more of his work.

Good looks and personality too!

Well, Sprocket has certainly weaseled his way into our hearts ~ even my older dog Speck has taken a liking to the little guy. I think I took 40+ photos this weekend and ended up with only one or two good ones ~ most look like the last one ~ a blur! Sprocket is quite vocal too ~ his bark sometimes sounds like Froggy from the Little Rascals.

{speedy sprocket}

Real life Hancock

Desktops