This is a re-post of a prior offering at this blog, the links for which are no longer available. Aren't these fun to look at? Each one says something about women's shoes of the very late Victorian era as it was in the year 1900. I had to choose from dozens to make this Collage Set for you. I also improved and tidied up the looks of each shoe with background. This is actually an older post that I could not find a proper link for owing to technical difficulties. I found the image in my files, and have added it to storage for you via my Download link below. Please see the red Guidelines at the foot of this post. Thank you.
PPS™Collage Set: Late Victorian Shoes Download HERE Display version (lower quality than the download)
You are free to: Use these in your personal art, whether in artwork that is to be sold or for your personal use. You are not free to: Repackage this set, either in whole or in part, for sale in any way. Thank you for helping me to keep free things free!
The International observance, known in the U.S. as Veterans Day, began in 1918 with a different name. Back then, it was known as Armistice Day. According to Wikipedia, "Armistice Day is commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month' of 1918. The date was declared a national holiday in many allied nations, and coincides with Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, public holidays." (To read more about Armistice Day, please follow the link HERE) In the U.S. the same holiday was given a new name in 1954, that being our Veterans Day (see more HERE), but this is still an International day of observance, regardless of our nation's name change for the same date and time. A number of my family members fought for the Allies in WWII. Some barely made it out alive. I like to honor all of our service members, both men and women, along with all medics, nurses, and doctors etc. who've either supported troops or who've been in the thick of combat, whether still living or now lost to us. No matter where in the world this day is being observed, let it be a sign to us as to war's cost in human lives. Let's likewise give some thought to the numerous conscientious objectors who drove ambulances and worked as medics or support staff. Even they risked their lives so that as many people as possible could return home to their families. They, too, even though they didn't choose to do battle, were an essential part of the world's times of war. " The World War I draft law recognized the peace churches [the Quakers, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren and Seventh Day Adventists] but prosecuted anyone else who objected on the basis of their own beliefs. Five hundred objectors were court-martialed – 17 received death sentences for refusing to fight. Although none of the death sentences was carried out, almost 150 objectors were jailed for life, and others were harassed and beaten. Finally, in World War II, the draft law exempted from military service those who "by reason of religious training and belief" opposed war. The objectors still served. They were assigned to "work of national importance." This service fell into two types: First, about 25,000 objectors served in the military in "noncombatant" roles. They were medics who were in the Army but didn't carry a gun. Second, those who objected to being in the military served on the home front. About 20,000 objectors fought forest fires, built conservation projects in rural areas, or took care of the mentally ill in hospitals. There were objectors who refused to even register for the draft, believing that the draft itself was supporting the killing. About 6,000 of these men went to jail." From an online article at http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/life_05.html Let's take the time to honor our veterans of all ages this coming Friday, November 11th. Additionally, in the UK or for those of us elsewhere who are religious, this coming Sunday is known as Remembrance Sunday. (the Sunday closest to the 11th) The old song title says, "Are We Downhearted? No! No! No!" This was a fairly popular song for some of the troops of WWI. According to a Wikipedia article, "Before entering the war, the U.S. had remained neutral, though it had been an important supplier to Great Britain and the other Allied powers. During the war, the U.S. mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths, including 43,000 due to the influenza pandemic.[1] The war saw a dramatic expansion of the United States government in an effort to harness the war effort and a significant increase in the size of the U.S. Armed Forces. After a relatively slow start in mobilising the economy and labour force, by spring 1918 the nation was poised to play a role in the conflict."
IN FLANDERS FIELDS POEM
The World’s Most Famous WAR MEMORIAL POEM
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915
during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium
(found at http://www.flandersfieldsmusic.com/thepoem.html)
Below the Display version, I will add 3 YouTube videos of antique recordings plus one of a very short overview of the history of this very important day. Let's Honor all our Veterans, including those among our allies this November 11th!
Some friends of Victoria's family have a stable. Victoria has been offered her first opportunity to try her wings at tutoring. Some family friends have three children, one of whom is now aged 14. It is this younger girl whom Victoria will be teaching for a while till the girl's parents can find a replacement governess. The sudden elopement marriage of their previous governess took place only a few days ago, and so they have had to act quickly. Who more trustworthy to leave their daughters with than someone who's known them all since they were still in their cradles? Victoria is to be paid for her work for the very first time in her young life! She is quite excited by this sudden turn of events, and pleased with the behavior and intelligence of her new sweet pupil, whose name is Susan. The other two pf the three children, Mary (aged 12) and John (aged 8) are to be temporarily schooled by their mother and grandmother until such time as the new governess may be hired. There is time off for Victoria during her busy weeks during which she is being encouraged to ride one of the family's horses! Her riding habit looks very smart, wouldn't you agree? The highly tailored waistcoat has a special curvy front placket, and her high silk covered hat is held in place with some pretty hat pins. (We are allowed to see just one of those pins in this picture.) You wouldn't know it, but her skirt is hiding a secret, for underneath it she is wearing a special pair of riding trousers! This was a common occurrence for women riders of the late 19th century. The riding crop she is holding has a hard handle at one end and a soft folded flap of leather at the other end. With this softer leather bit, she will gently signal her mount to move ahead or to speed up for her. Her boots are flat soled and lower heeled than most of her shoes are, allowing for greater comfort in the saddle. Coming soon will be the horse she will ride. Her cousin, Mercy, may join her during a part of her stay in the lovely autumn countryside of Surrey. "Walk on!"
Based on some lovely creative artwork from Japan, where the leaves in autumn can be spectacular. When I first laid eyes on this decorated screen, I couldn't help admiring the graceful design that had been applied to its surface. The gold leaf was looking older than my own design concept for it, so it had to be refreshed a little bit. However, the beauty of it even without any updating has been obvious from the start. The details in this screen made this creative process a real joy. Please see the red letter Guidelines at the foot of this post and always respect the copyrights of artists. Thank you. A happy thought occurred to me as I gazed in delight upon the screen's beauty: what if (I enjoy that kind of question) I were to turn it into a set doors for Book Artists and other creative people? The results shown below are the answer to that question. In addition, I've added an antique postage stamp from my own collection along with some hardware (hinges and a locking hasp), all Japanese. The Display offers a few ideas as to how this Set might get used. For one thing, a photograph of some rice paper is not really as nice as the real thing, is it? Japanese papers are among some of my very favorite craft supplies, due to their beauty and versatility. Many art and hobby stores sell Japanese papers. Both rice and mulberry papers would be, I think, very nice to use as backgrounds or as added components for your chosen design. But this is not just due to the fact that they tend to be created either in Japan or using Japanese techniques, but because they are also thin, fine, soft papers which layer well over other types of paper, especially between the pages of some books. (Book artists will understand immediately what I mean) One source for pretty Japanese paper may be found by following this link HERE. And at the link HERE, the patterned origami papers are luscious! They remind me of kimono fabrics! Additionally, there are both Japanese and other Asian style papers at this link HERE. Adhesives for rice papers can be either just right or could cause buckling and rippling. It is best not to overwork delicate rice paper surfaces. Heavy Matte Gel Medium that is not overly moist might be OK, if your project is left to dry under some flattening weight. I personally enjoy keeping one older jar of my Liquitex Heavy Matte Gel Medium for projects requiring less moisture but fast adhesion, and using my newest jar for damper work. But you are, of course, free to use whatever would work best for you. Happy Autumn Creativity!
Antique graphics are a lot of fun, aren't they? This pretty farm graphic from (I am guessing) either the late Victorian or perhaps Edwardian era really caught my eye! I began with the enlarging process, as it wasn't too small a file. Next, I began to revive the colors till they could reveal some of their prior beauty. Other than that, I have left all of its luscious wrinkles and tattered edges. Every sign of age can be beautiful. Sometimes it can be a little too easy to want to make something like this look too new. This will be my second Public Domain post of the day. Happy Creativity!
These I found in the Studio's archives yesterday. While these antique stuffed animal toys really do look charming, you may want to update their materials somewhat in order to conform to today's standards for child safety. One example of this would be to replace the beads used in this pattern as eyes for the animals. Please respect all copyrights, credits and red letter Guidelines given at this blog, including the ones at the foot of this post. Thank you. I have never tried using either of these patterns myself. Speaking as a former costumer and hat designer, however, I think that it might be wise to do what many seamstresses and tailors do, and that would be to experiment first using some lightweight cotton fabric such as calico or muslin. These toys would look cute in any antique store display of some other children's items, I suppose. This would be nice for specialty shops trading in Edwardian children's goods, especially as the patterns themselves were designed and published between 1905 and 1910. This would not be an easy project for anyone that would be new to sewing, though. The instructions offer too little guidance for the novice, and there are no seam lines to each pattern. Judging from the looks of the finished products as well as the patterns, my best guess at this moment is that seam allowances are included in the overall plan, but are not sketched onto every pattern piece. Again, experimentation is of importance as would be the sewer's creative choices. You may not like to crochet, for example, and therefore might choose to use a piece of trim or braid for the pig's tail, etc. I suppose that these 2 patterns could even be enlarged or resized to suit tastes. Personally, I think that they are both sweet and charming. Happy Stitching Creativity!
This Art Nouveau style magazine cover is outlined with twining vines and late summer blooms. The woman in her hammock is reading. I can almost imagine her long, trailing skirts billowing slightly in a breeze as she sways slightly in her ladylike way. Please see all copyrights, credits and red letter Guidelines below. Thank you. I also enjoy the travel machines near the very top of this picture, don't you? I do really enjoy old trains. To travel aboard one was once a real joy for me - and in actual fact, I've had that pleasure on four separate occasions. What a delight each one was! Whether you'd prefer to be swaying in a comfortable hammock or on the high seas or else riding a speedy train to an exciting place that is new to you, this cover just might suit your August mood. Happy summertime creativity!
or sold as a intrinsic to other work that is made by you. Please do not sell this one as is or in a set of your own.
Making it look better has taken hours of my time.
Thank you for helping me to
keep free things free!
This is my first new item here at PPS in weeks. I'm sorry to have had to be away so much. I really miss my little hobby of keeping this blog. There are family concerns, etc. keeping my mind and time away from offering anything new here. I am offering this new illustrated page for free, but please respect my copyrights. I have made it look nicer as well as fresher in appearance. I've also altered its size so that it will print for guests of this blog. One fourth of an inch is the narrowest margin size for this one. Happy Sunday creativity!
From an old full color plate illustration. I was in the mood for something light, airy and pretty. I hope this suits your mood, too. Please see the Guidelines below for more information. Thank you. I've cleaned and cleared this one up a little, plus brightened it somewhat, as it was looking a bit drab and tired. And butterflies need to be full of light and loveliness, don't they? :) Thank you for stopping by with your ~ Happy Creativity!
The wearing of the green can include your computer with this new Computer Desktop Wallpaper. Now, if this design looks somewhat familiar, that's because it is. The same design may be found in a previous Twitter background design--which, as far as I can tell, is no longer truly usable over at Twitter due to a change in their format. I've converted it and even updated it a little bit, changing its dimensions to match the average desktop or laptop computer screen. That would be 1280 pixels wide by 1024 pixels in height. Please note that all digital brushes used for this design are from www.obsidiandawn.com. It's free for use, yet may never be sold, as per me, the creator of this design. Thank you for cooperating. Some of my roots go way back, into several parts of Irish history. That would be on my mother's side. We're from literally all over the place there. The main branch that we so far have researched were among the Irish Quakers. I like many shades of green, for green is literally my very best color. I also enjoy the rest of the color wheel, but green will always remain my main favorite for clothing, etc. I am actually wearing that color today! :)
Thank you for stopping by with your Happy Creativity!
Every rainbow is a miracle of color and form, and every one is a little different. They never stay with us very long, and our wonder and awe at each sight of one makes this world seem softer or gentler somehow. It is a long time since I caught my last sight of one, probably nine months at least. I'm ready for a new one, aren't you? Our trio for this month's first ATC Backgrounds Freebie is all about the wonder and color of rainbows. The painting in its original form is a watercolor. Unfortunately, I've no source for the painter of so soft and lovely a bit of ephemera, a print of which was in the pages of one of our antique books. There's no reference to this print anywhere in that volume. Despite the whimsy of seeing one of the two rainbows depicted as having been painted (accidentally, one would assume) upside down, our choice was to see how we might try and create some backgrounds for our ATC crowd. Now that we're done, I see it really doesn't matter whether everything's upright or upside down. Our work shows an idealized, fantasized creative landscape of color and joy. Guess science just doesn't play too big a role in artwork around our Studio! ;) NOTE: Rainbows can occur upside down at times, a fact unknown to me prior to writing. Anyway, we really do hope you'll find lots of uses for this new trio. It's free to you, of course, a Plush Possum Exclusive design, with no strings attached. Happy Creativity from all of us here in the Studio! Rose
Matching Tags for my new Spring Garden Collection Please see the red letter Guidelines at the foot of this post. Thank you. The butterfly tag at center is not a matching part of any sets to this time, but I liked its old freckled face and charming handwriting. Someone once took the time to pen those words for someone special. The phrase reads: "A token of love from me to thee." This would be fun in a birthday card design, perhaps, or all on its own. All 3 tags are meant to be played with using whatever will strike a downloader's fancy. I'd like to suggest using white card stock when printing this new tag set, but regular printer paper might do very nicely, too. My 2 last posts here have mix and match styles and color ways that could go with the tag set. The first of those 2 has a lovely green background download, while today's more recent one has a lilac colored one. As an added little bonus, I've also included 3 cute little colorful wheelbarrows for you to play with. Happy Creativity!
It's shocking!~Everything's electric today! To a Mr. J.M. Riley, I want to tip my hat today. He obviously used his own patented electric comb, although not only on his scalp. And, no, he is not wearing some fancy or weird collar under his chin. That is actually a beard growing out of his neck! Don't you pity his poor wife (if he even had one)? Please see the red letter Guidelines below the image. Thank you. Accompanying Mr. Riley and his strange contraption is a far more useful electrical apparatus: a Grafonola! Grafonola was the trademark name for a Graphophone record playing system invented at the turn of the last century. For more information about those machines, please follow the link HERE.
"A Precious Memory"
by Bob Crosby and His Bobcats
on a genuine Grafonola.
(Bing Crosby's brother)
My grandmother had a somewhat more modern version of the record playing machine shown in the advertisement below. I only heard it play once or twice, as I recall. It used to sit on her old fashioned living room rug at the front of her house. Happy Electric Creativity!
Two friends warm their hands together. Good friends delight in each others' company. Real companionship stays warm year round. I found this graphic on a hunt for something entirely different. I'll tell you quite honestly here: this illustration was one solid, gritty mess all over. It was the warmth between the two happy, smiling friends which held my interest. Originally printed in a magazine in 1913, when color prints for periodicals were not as developed as they are today, it had to be refreshed and then cleaned up. This took hours of work, and I am still not completely satisfied with the end result. The Guidelines in red, below, are specific for this particular graphic. I think that this could be easily fancied up or altered in craft projects or collage. Carolyn Dube's fun pan pastel videos (at YouTube) might offer a few good ideas. Wet processes would smear and smudge any copy printed from a regular home printer. One suggestion would be to take a home copy to your local copy center which has a Xerox toner based color copy machine, the kind with stiff, smooth paper. I've had great results in the past when using regular wet art processes with such Xerox copies. FedEx was of great help for this. However, alcohol based products might not do as well on such a surface. I'd stay with water based paints only with such copies, or else experiment first with a second copy. So here's to the warmth of friendship all year long! Happy creativity!
Free 1920's Football Illustration Touch down!! This one is actually in the Public Domain, and so it shall remain that way. Which means it is free to use in any way we choose. When I resized it into a more print-worthy shape, and saw that it was in fairly good condition for use, I decided right then and there to offer it here. Happy Sporting Creativity!
PPS™ Graphic: A Hardworking Farmer in 2 Ways I don't know about you, but my blood runs deep within farming history here in the USA. We used to visit the old family farm when I was a child. I've shucked corn, helped care for various livestock animals, and even helped with haying at one point. This taught me to respect the farming and ranching community deeply. So here is one more salute to the time of haying and harvesting. My visitors can expect at least one more new Harvest offering here for the year very soon, hopefully. This one has had to be cleaned up a little bit. The scanned image may be in the Public Domain, yet it had lint and grit here and there which required removing. This proved to be a bit of a challenge, as anyone who's done the haying knows just how big and dusty and messy a job that is! Bits of flotsam and flakes of hay fly simply everywhere! Hay gets into everything, so sorting the real from the false was a bit of a problem for yours truly. I am offering this old photograph in 2 color ways: sepia toned and regular black and white. Happy Harvest Creativity!
This PPSColorMe™ Page is all about a tiger with a serious paw problem. The boy is being brave and kind to the tiger. This is an ancient theme, found in another old story from Europe, one which involves a lion instead of a tiger. I love the tiger's facial expression, don't you? And some boys can be very brave, indeed! Any act of kindness offers courage. This image was initially found free online, but had to be cleaned up and updated a bit so that it would print. Please read our red guidelines and/or credits with your Happy Creativity!
Retro Color Frames for Scrapbooks (Digi + Print) Our Devon Lee-inspired Retro Week continues this weekend with a new set, in a combo or trio, if you will. I simply love these fun colors, don't you? :) It's so funny that this project expanded, and with such ease. The big frame set from last time is shortly to be replaced by one with better placement. My thanks again to Devon Lee for her inspired color choices! This has been a very fun project. Happy Creativity!
