A Trio of Horse Pictures

Any one of these would make a fun coloring project. 

I especially like the first of the three, the one of a stable scene. The dog has chased a cat up onto a window ledge. The cat is pretty feisty. The horses are wondering what all the fuss is about. I think it's fun.

Next up is a lady riding sidesaddle over a fence. She sits so confidently. I have to wonder about her posture in the picture and that jump she's taking atop her very pretty, bright eyed horse. I'm accustomed to seeing riders that are at least a little bit bent at the waist. Maybe it's about her corset?
:)

Lastly, there is a plainer picture that is an illustration from an old magazine. This one gives a brief look into the various ways that some horses are trained to move. The gait being shown is called a "canter." I will include a short video (8 minutes long) that offers three strides for a horse. The first, of course, is a simple walk. The second is a trot, and the third is a real canter. A canter is a gentle, flowing style of running gait, kind of halfway between a trot and a full blown gallop. Sometimes, it is called a "lope" or "loping gait." It looks really comfortable if done well enough. I see it as beautiful. It takes a strong canter in order for most horses to be able to take most jumps safely.

A second video is about the importance of balance in maintaining your seat during a canter.

Have fun "horsing around" 
with today's coloring fun!

PPSColorMe™ Horse Trio

Download #1 HERE

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Download #2 HERE

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Download #3 HERE

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Video about the Canter

(I like the way he says, "Apply your calves.")

Balance is very important when riding into a canter.

Imagine doing this using a sidesaddle!

You are free to:

use these graphics

in any way you please.

Free and in the Public Domain

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Regency Paper Doll Room No. 2

This one is called a "morning room," as time was spent in such rooms for the sake of better light.

Imagine a world of candles and lanterns, with gaslights only in larger towns or cities, and then certainly not in most homes. Daylight was a precious resource in the times prior to gas and (later on) electric lighting.

Please respect my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines at the foot of this post. Thank you.

This project began using a charming antique watercolor painting. It really needed to be updated and refreshed, so I used Photoshop processes in order to change its appearance. The scale was not quite right at first, and that made the doll look gigantic! This also was changed for a better fit. At that moment, I simply fell in love with the details in this painting. It almost seems to tell us a story, doesn't it?

The room is cosy and full of color. There is mid morning light shining abundantly through a pretty window that has a lively swag atop  a set of semi sheer curtains. The lady who is seated by the fireplace is busy sewing by the light from that window. It looks like she will be there yet a while, as her mending basket is very full. Everything had to be sewn by hand using a needle and thread during the Regency times, as sewing machines would not be invented until Victoria's reign. The lady's feet rest upon a colorful hearth rug. Perhaps she has made that rug with her own two hands?

The comfortable looking sofa has thick cushions in a very bold and sunny color, doesn't it? I like the cute embroidered footstool.There are a number of paintings adorning the wood paneled walls of this cheery room. Notice the very large mirror above the mantlepiece. Such an item would have been afforded only by people with very good incomes during Regency times. It would have reflected light from any windows as well as from any possible candles. In front of the mirror there are three bell jars with very precious things displayed inside each of them. At the center is a very fine clock, while on either side sit matching vases that look quite fancy indeed.

There is more going on in this lively room, however. A (possibly naughty) little dog is playing with someone's slipper! 

As per usual, all 4 downloads are included, one for each portion of this antique watercolor picture that is the newest room. You'll note that I have labeled them with "UL" for Upper left, and so forth. The assembly is fairly straightforward. There are hints and instructions to be found at this link HERE. 

I hope to be able to add to my Regency Paper Doll collection in time for Jane Austen's birthday (in December).

Happy Playtime Creativity!

PPSPlaytime™: Regency Paper Doll Room No. 2

Display version with a doll

Download UL HERE

Download UR HERE

Download LR HERE

Download LL HERE

You are free to:

play with or give or trade

this paper doll room.

You are not free to:

ever sell it in any form

or for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

His and Hers Bookplates

These might make a fun gift or party favor.

These two separate sets are based upon an old bookplate that was designed by someone else. I have chosen to take the idea and to run with it, so to speak. Originally, this bookplate was only a "His" bookplate, and with a man's name above the cat and its book.

Please respect my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines at the foot of this post. Thank you.

Several changes had to be made to the original. I took apart the man's name (that very handily allowed me to use the required "E" and "R" for "HER") and reassembled a few bits. I've also had to make some repairs to both cat and book. I then shifted direction by making the whole thing look like new without (hopefully) losing some of the antique charm provided.

Happy Reading and Book Arts Creativity!

PPSBookArts™: His and Hers Bookplates

Download "Hers" HERE

Download "His" HERE

Display version of Hers

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Display version of HIs

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

give or use or share

these bookplates.

You are not free to:

ever sell them in any way

for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Playtime Accessory: Horseback Riding Action Figure

Victoria is enjoying her autumn times off from her new tutoring job!

This is a card stock project.

With her newest adventure in growing up has come this wonderful surprise of being allowed to wake up nearly every morning and go out riding. The name of the horse she has been leant is Star, for the pretty white marking on his forehead. The family who have leant her this sweet horse are friends of her family's, and whose daughter needs to be helped with her studies for a while until a new governess can do the job. This will supply Victoria with some fine references to go along with both her excellent test cores and her experiences of foreign languages abroad over the summer.

Please respect all copyrights, including the ones in red that are listed at the foot of this post. Thank you.

Riding out freely in the fresh country air is a special privilege, as it is an expensive venture to keep a horse, especially if one is living in a large town or city in Victoria's era. She intends to spend every precious moment out galloping over the green grass and fallen leaves of the family's estate. On her arrival home again, she is generally greeted by a healthy breakfast with some warming tea in her friends' Breakfast Room - a cheerful room which faces east in order to catch the morning sun.

Her evenings may be spent with her own studies.these must be kept up with, for her next term will require more of her than ever before. The head of her academy is quite confidant in allowing Victoria to skip one term in favor of finishing her sojourn abroad along with this rare opportunity to teach before graduating. Come springtime, she will be preparing to take a number of tests, as well as for life as a newly graduated young scholar.

The Action Figure has its own custom standard. Simply follow the instructions printed clearly on its middle, and you should have complete success with this project. The one tricky part would have to be the cutting out of the Figure itself. I recommend smaller scissors, used with care, for the trickier parts. As already mentioned, this is a card stock project. To use paper would only lead to disappointment almost immediately.

This Figure has had to be redone several different ways. After all, the paper doll itself is much too short to accommodate the height of a horse to match in scale, and so I had to decide for the Figure rather than an outfit with a horse involved. Please see the separate Paper Doll Riding Costume by following this link HERE. 

This Action Figure could not be a very high quality image - certainly not as high in quality as most of the Paper Doll collection here at PPS. All the same, I think that it will be a fun addition for anybody's paper doll set!

In any case, Happy Playtime Creativity!

PPSPlaytime™: Victoria as Horseback Action Figure

Download HERE

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You are free to:

play with, trade or give away

this new Action Figure and Standard.

You are not free to:

ever sell either for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

New Dragon Adventure Coloring Page

And such a fierce looking dragon, too!

The knight is bravely battling the hideous creature as it breathes its hot breath on one of his two valiantly faithful dogs. His rapidly fleeing horse is obviously leaving the scene out of sheer terror.

In spite of this, I see victory at hand in this old illustration. The knight's sword is now buried in the roaring beast's body, almost up to the hilt. The dragon has been using its long, scaly tail as a weapon. See how it has that powerful tail coiled about the knight!

There are two other Dragon coloring pages here at this blog, both listed under the category of PPSColorMe™. Two out of the now total of three are fairly scary, while the remaining one shows the dragon as already having been killed and a sister being rescued and given a victorious hug by her brave brother.

Happy Coloring Creativity!

PPSColorMe™: Dragonslayer!

Download HERE

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You are free to:

use this image as you wish.

It's in the Public Domain.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Family Fun Project: Antique Toy Animals

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!

PPSFamily Fun Project™: 

Two Antique Stuffed Toy Animals

Download Patterns HERE

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Download Instruction page HERE

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You are free to:

use this set of patterns 

along with their instructions for free

and to sell any resulting efforts

you may make using them.

You are not free to:

ever sell the patterns themselves,

unless you choose to remake them completely.

Please credit this blog with the patterns' origins.

Thank you

 for helping me to

keep free things free!

Old Illustrated Bible Page of Psalm 23

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!

Old Illustrated Bible Page

Psalm 23

Download HERE

A Brave Knight Slays a Dragon

This is offered in sepia and also in grey scale (meaning black, white and grey).

There is a scuffle. Dust is even flying somewhat. Our brave knight sits astride his armored horse valiantly, spear at the ready. He uses a spear and not a jousting lance here in order to kill his foe. The dragon has had to be hunted. The dogs have been in hot pursuit of the beast for a while, yet they are ready to tackle the dire dragon. The landscape is desolate--not a soul around to witness the final blow to the dragon.

I like dragons a lot. They've interested me for years. There are detailed illustrations in tapestries, stone monuments and paintings the world over.  Such mysterious creatures are said in legendary tales to have had to be fought or killed because they were very dangerous for a number of reasons.

One account via folklore from Wales tells of how the smaller ones were "as bad as foxes for poultry."

This one, however, isn't going to steal anyone's livestock once our knight has had the final say.

I can imagine that colored pencils, pan pastels, watercolors or even gouache might add some color to the scene. It is not strictly for coloring, although that depends upon your point of view.

Other Knight illustrations that are more easy to color may be found by going HERE and HERE.

For another even scarier Dragon coloring page, you can go HERE. (the scarier dragon one is not recommended for very young children due to its content)

Happy Dragon Hunt Creativity!

PPS™ A Brave knight and His Dogs Slay a Dragon

Download regular black + White HERE

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Download Sepia toned version HERE

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Public Domain

Enjoy!

:)

Free Coloring Page: Stately Ladies on Horseback

A new coloring page today!

These very pretty and stately ladies are riding sidesaddle atop some lovely looking horse, aren't they? One of them is wearing her crown, so this must be a very regal occasion.

This had to be reworked in order to make better use of space on the average home printer page. It has also been cleared of messy marks for more coloring fun.

Happy Coloring Creativity!

PPSColorMe™: Stately Ladies Ride

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

This particular one is

Free for Public Domain Use.

Enjoy!

Carriage Ride Coloring Pages

Jane Austen Month continues!

We are in the "home stretch," so to speak, of our month long celebration of all things Jane and Regency. 

Today's exploration of that era includes 2 separate coloring pages, both involving carriages and the people who once rode in them. The first is of a young Regency "buck" or "dandy," in his silk hat and finery. As he steps out of the roofed carriage, he looks glad to have arrived at his chosen location. The second is of a group of ladies aboard a shared carriage, with its foldable hood down. In the distance is a gentleman on horseback.

Happy Regency Coloring fun!

PPSColorMe™: Two Carriage Rides

Download Regency Dandy HERE

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Download Regency Ladies HERE

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You are free to:

use these 2 images

for coloring purposes

and in artwork which may be 

either kept or sold.

These were both found in 

the Public Domain.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Coloring Page: a Lady on Horseback!

Color Me an Autumn Ride!

I loved to color when I was a child. It's still an enjoyable pastime for me and many others of all ages. Please see the red letter Guidelines below. Thank you.

I've had to re-make the horse's belly for this one, along with the girth strap there, as the original had been drawn to be either incomplete, or else was simply badly rendered. This required me to remember the anatomy of horses in general. While I am not entirely satisfied with it, I think that it's now somewhat better than it was before I began to fix its looks.

In fact, it would be more fit to actually be riding! You see, the girth strap is the main force which keeps the saddle in place. The way that it had been first done, however, there was a wickedly big gap between the horse's "barrel" (or rib area), and the strap! This meant that the lady perched atop the horse's back, in all her finery, would probably have very quickly landed in that brook she's jumping her horse over!

Now that both look much safer performing their exciting leap over the water, I feel at last a bit better about the safety of both horse and rider.

I am prepared to offer two color ways for this one: Black & White and Sepia. I will post the Sepia one here first.

Happy Horseback Ride!

PPSColorMe™ Page:

Download HERE

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Download Black and White version HERE

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(lower quality than the Download)

You are free to:

Either color or make works of art

using this image.

It has been altered by me for those purposes.

You are not free to:

Sell this image, as is.

Thank you for helping me to

keep free things free!

Free Scary Dragon Coloring Page

Dragon versus a Boy and his animal friends!

This is a thriller of a picture, isn't it? It sends shivers right through me. I wouldn't recommend this for the younger crowd who are prone to nightmares or who frighten easily.

All the same, I think dragon tales are fascinating, don't you? So when I stumbled upon this image in the archives, I chose to create a new Coloring Page for us all to enjoy.

I've enlarged it to fit the normal parameters here at the Studio's blog, that is to say, borders of around a half inch wide, and on all 4 sides. Following that procedure, I always check for flaws and blots or mistakes in the initial copy's printing or scanning process. This one required very little cleaning, if I recall my facts correctly.

The boy is trapped in such a precarious spot! The monkeys are scrambling to join him on his branch. The dragon is too fierce for him to fight. The poor cow or young bull suffers a mortal loss. I cannot help feeling sorry for the poor beast!

I imagine that the boy's one chance for survival would be to wait for one of two things. One of those would be  that help would come, as in a gathering of grownups with muskets or rifles with which to chase away or kill the ugly, scaly brute. Another would be that the dragon might eventually be full enough of all of that poor cow's meat to become sluggish or sleepy, thereby allowing the boy (and the two monkeys) to flee carefully and then to seek help.

Stories abound around the world of troublesome creatures with scaly hides, clawed feet, big teeth, long tails, and ridged backs. These are mentioned in some of our most ancient historical documents, from Ancient China to India to Wales and other UK locations, Scandinavian countries, and so forth.

So here it is, in all of its scary, fiery excitement!

Happy (or in this case, scary LOL) Coloring Creativity!

PPSColorMe™: A Boy Against a Dangerous Dragon

Download HERE

Display version

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Public Domain

Have fun sharing!

Thank you for helping me to keep 

free things free!

PPSColorMe™ Page: Brother Rescuing Sister

A New PPSColorMe™ Page: A Young Knight Rescues His Sister

The caption is in very old fashioned lettering. It reads as follows:

"Childe Wynd thrice kisses the Laidly Worm & rescues his Sister the Princess Margaret."

You may find a basic outline of the story which goes with this old illustration HERE.

For anyone interested in studying old dragon lore or stories, I thought that this might be of interest. By the way, the definition of the word, "laidly" is "hideous" or "repulsive." it is a very old term, but then this is a very, very old story.

Happy coloring creativity!

PPSColorMe™ Page: A Knight Rescues His Sister

Download HERE

Display Copy

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

 use this image for coloring and in artwork

for fun or for profit.

You are not free to:

Sell it as is.

Let's keep free things truly free!

Coloring Page: A Child Who Loves Her Pet

PPSColorMe™ Page: the girl who loves her dog

This one was cleaned up by me personally. It really needed very little work using Photoshop. It has been enlarged to fit the average home printer. At the Studio's usual size of 8.5 inches by 11 inches, and with half inch borders on all four sides, I would imagine that it might well fit most foreign printers as well.

I love a good dog, don't you? The power of a dog's love can truly change a person's whole outlook. Recently, I saw a photograph posted on G+ which reminds me very much of this charming picture. The picture itself is from an old Celtic tale of some antiquity. I don't know the story at all. I simply liked the image.

So here it is, and to remain in the Public Domain category, as well as the PPSColorMe™ category here at the Studio's blog.

Happy coloring creativity!

PPSColorMe™ Page: the little girl loves her dog

Download Printable Version HERE

Display Copy below is lower in quality than the download

You are free to:

share this with others for free.

It is in the Public Domain in the USA and Canada.

Thank you for helping me to keep free things free!

Oceanic Beauty: A Colorful Ornamental Fish

A Fish Ornament for Page Decorating

This was originally found in the Public domain, yet had to be altered significantly before it could be used. Please read the red letter guidelines at the bottom of this post. Thank you.

I actually liked how different colors could be given to this fish so that its appearance could become very different. This made it a fairly versatile image to offer. The original colors of blue and salmon pink were augmented using Photoshop. Then, once other colors were tried, all of them seemed fairly successful. The copper colored one is a personal favorite.

Within the Background Set, offered previously, are the same colors of blue and pink. The Coral seems to work nicely as a darker version of this pink (at least on my screen--and everybody's is different, believe it or not). The Aquamarine Background seems to work nicely with the blue half of the more colorful version of this fish ornament. The Background Set, also in both sizes, may be found by going HERE.

Other accessories are likewise available in more than one post, so exploring this blog's most recent offerings might be fun.

Once the fish ornament became altered, other background colors were then added. In other words, it should all color coordinate fairly well, depending upon the style of printer in a guest's home office. That is the main reason for offering 7 different colors and numerous choices here at PPS.

Creative people love to use accessories! And we also love to use color!

So here is the Ornamental Fish Set, in 2 different sizes, one for Printing and one for purely Digital purposes. The print version should print fairly well using any home printer. The larger one, of course, is mainly for the DigiScrap crowd, and thus is not intended to fit the average home printer. 

Despite its usefulness in the making of scrapbooks and memory books, I can see this fish ornament as possibly being used in the making of a card or an art journal page. It's really very unusual, wouldn't you agree?

Happy Creativity!

PPSDigiScrap™ Ornamental Fish Set

Download Digital version  (12 inch by 12 inch PNG) HERE

Download Printable (business size paper) version HERE

Display copy

(unsuitable for printing due to lower quality)

You are free to:

use any of the above images in art making

for either fun or for profit.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of them, either as is, or as a set (or in sets).

Let's allow free things to remain free!

Thank you.

A ColorMe™ Page: A Tale from India for Boys

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!

PPSColorMe™ Page for Boys: A Tale From Old India

The Removal of a Thorn from a Large Paw

Downloadable Version HERE

You are free to:

use the above image for artistic purposes, including in the classroom.

You are not free to:

Sell it at all, as when it was found, there was a specific license attached to its use.

It is to be shared, and never sold.

Let's keep free things free!

Thank you.

Cooling Off with Arctic Ice

The hot weather is here!

I do think it is funny how the month of August has so often been called "the dog days." We pant, we enjoy cold drinks loaded with ice cubes, and we like to get into the cooling water. We also tend to take siestas on hot afternoons during this warmer time of year.

So let us, by all means, cool off together by visiting the Arctic regions this afternoon!

Below you will see a charming seascape with ice. We offer this cleaned up and ready to print in standard business size. Though some work and time were involved, this was not that difficult a project to complete. Hey! It's hot out there, and I am taking it easy this weekend!
:)

Here's a Thought:
One fun idea for those with the right printer or copy/extension center would be to add a coat of watercolor paper medium to the surface of your printer paper prior to printing (allowing this to dry thoroughly first, of course). After that, a few light washes of color might be added using watercolors. Another thought would be to copy your own personal home office copy using a toner style copier at the copy center, then apply the finished product to some heftier paper using matte or gel medium, and then follow that process with a bit of pigment mixed into the same medium that you've already chosen already. This would be one possible way to achieve a similar look.

Colored pencils might obscure some of the more subtle grey tones to be found in this old engraving, although the color effects might work out quite well, depending on the skills of the artist.

I love the Aurora Borealis in the sky, the way the whale is leaping out of the water, and the sea lions playing on the ice, don't you? The ship in the middle distance is likewise charming.

We hope that you'll enjoy cooling off with us today with your
Happy Creativity!

PPSColorMe™Page: Cooling Off with Arctic Ice

Download Printable Version HERE

Display Copy (lower resolution)

Image in the Public Domain

Digital re-working and cleaning up courtesy of our Studio

You are free to:

use this image in artwork which you will make 

for either fun or for profit.

You are not free to:

sell it as is.

Thank you for respecting our gifts for the public's use.

Let's keep free things free!

:)

The Cart Driver Works the Holiday Shift

Today's the day when nearly everyone has the day off to spend with those they care about.
There are exceptions to every rule.
And it's interesting how we tend to take for granted how certain services do continue in spite of another holiday. Take our illustration, for example. In the foreground is the mass transit conveyance of that era, most probably in New York City or someplace like it. The little girl is handing off the lunch pail her mother prepared so that her father might enjoy some Thanksgiving cheer even while he's at work.
But take a second look; for there, off to one side, and almost forgotten, a police officer is also on duty, watching over this sweet delivery.
Let's pause for a moment this afternoon, and keep a thankful thought for all those whose sense of duty keeps our world ticking along, whether or not it's holiday time.
I know they'd much rather be where we are today.
Peace & Tranquility this Thanksgiving morning to you all.
Rose & Co

The Cart Driver's Thanksgiving

Download B&W Version HERE

Download Original Look HERE

Credits: Original 1870's image (prior to our fiddling) from

the New York Public Library at nypl.org

You are free to:

Use these two images in whatever way you wish.

They are given here freely, and we would like them to remain free to the public permanently.

Thank you.

Fun Farm Graphic

Isn't this colorful illustration delightful? I think this would do well in a kitchen or in a child's play area. But it could also be used for a pillow cover or greeting card, couldn't it?
The little chicks are as cuddly looking as the real thing, and the rooster is obviously a good dancer, isn't he? ;)
We hope you'll enjoy our latest harvest time image with lots of your--
Happy Creativity!
Rose
P.S. Check comments for the key to the meaning behind the picture. Rhissanna had the answer!

Farmyard Dancers

Download Digi PNG Version HERE

Download For Print Version HERE

Credits: Original antique image (prior to our fiddling) from

the New York Public Library at nypl.org

We fixed this one up to a certain extent. It really was quite messy when we found it, but we could see its potential underneath the mess.

Please credit us for that process should you intend to sell 

art made using our version of this image. 

Otherwise, have fun, and enjoy!

:)