Alter Those Ancestors Blogiversary & Give-Away

As much as I appreciate the simple beauty of those photographs from days gone by, I also can't resist "making them my own."
I especially enjoy CDV's , or cartes de visites. Carte de visite photographs are small prints mounted on thick boards that were wildly popular in the late 1800's. Part of their popularity was their size (2&1/2"x4") and durability. Some of the same reasons I like them so much today. They're one of the few collectibles (and I have many) that take little space. Altering them is fun too, about the same size as an atc.


I achieved this transformation by first using tracing paper to mask those portions of the photo I didn't want painted or inked.



Using gouache paint, I colored the background, then stamped using various stamps on the dried paint. Embellishments included collage images and dresden trim.








In an old Yahoo group (now defunct) we made collaborative books with our altered cdv's.


This gorgeous cover of my book was created by Sharon McAllister, from the UK.

Doesn't this look like fun? And if you've never attempted altered art before, this is a great starter canvas. So in honor of my one month blogiversary I'd like to host a giveaway. Do one simple thing to enter: become a vintage dragonfly follower! If you'd like to leave a comment, please do. I appreciate the feedback.


I will happily send the winner (selected by random.org on May 20th) the 4 cdv's, flowers, scrabble tiles, lace, vintage seam binding and ribbon pictured above.

I have some additional cdv's listed in my Etsy shop, linked on my sidebar.
Good Luck and thanks so much for taking the time to check out my blog.

Whimsy Word Journals Part II

I received my journal today from Christy, as part of the Paper Whimsy Ning Group's Whimsy Word Journal Swap. What a sweet and creative journal! The covers are made from paint color sample cards. The journal is embellished with a lovely little PW girl, buttons, a gorgeous paper flower, ribbons and a silver key charm. The binding is hand-stitched and the cover quote is "...out of the air and into a dream."
Such a wonderful conclusion to my first swap with this group.
Thank you Christy!

Celebrate Mom

I love vintage images of mothers and their children, probably because my favorite role in this life is being a mother.
With Mother's Day right around the corner, I've chosen some beauties from my collection to share. They are for you to take, enjoy and use as you wish.
If you create a tribute to your mom, grandma, aunt or any special woman in your life, using any one of these images, please let me know as I would be happy to share it here.
All images are public domain to the best of my knowledge. Left click on each to enlarge, then right click to save.

Never Knew How Fond I Was of Blue

My friend Tom, upon viewing some of my recent artwork, commented that blue must be my favorite color. I never thought it was. Do I even have a favorite color?
I signed up for another Paper Whimsy Ning Group swap - My Whimsical & Enchanted Room. The challenge was to take a favorite fairytale, poem or story and create a whimsical and enchanted room. Choosing the theme was easy. I knew immediately Thumbelina was the tale I wanted to depict. I shopped the Paper Whimsy store for some new digital collage sheets, hauled out the massive art supplies and proceeded to create, and re-create, and re-create. Initially, I was working in browns and oranges. Okay, but not exactly what I envisioned. Got into some pinks and purples. That wasn't working for me at all. Blue! What about blues? It made me laugh, but it was just what I was looking for.
So, yes, for now anyway, blue is my favorite color.

I'm One Very Lucky & Appreciative Swapper!

I received my May Day Tussie Mussie and assorted goodies from Melissa in Tennessee and I am blown away!
It is absolutely gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking and any other adjective suggesting creative, vintage perfection. Although Melissa is a new internet friend, you would think she's known me forever. I love all the vintage lace and findings, the neutrals, blues, I simply love it all.
So thank you Melissa, and thank you Linda from A Swap For All Seasons for "introducing us."
Happy May Day to all.....