Monday, December 31, 2012

A Prayer for the New Year



New Year’s Prayer
Author Unknown
Printed in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church Bulletin January 1, 2012

God of our yesterdays, our today and our tomorrows, we praise You for Your greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us this New Year to fret less and laugh more.

Help us to teach our children to laugh by laughing with them,
to teach others to love by loving them.

Help us to hear Your love song in the chirping of the sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks and the fantasies of our children.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another New Year and new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

AMEN



The antique holiday postcards featured in this post
are somewhat rare and hard to find. 
They were created specifically for the 1913 New Year
with the date prominently printed on the face of the card.

Hope you enjoy these 100-year-old treasures.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Marked SB on Front of Card

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Marked B. 106 on Front of Card

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Published by Barton & Spooner, S 84, Made in U.S.A.
Postally Unused

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
John Winsch Publishing, Copyright 1912

Happy New Year!




This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Greetings of Peace, Joy and Love

May Peace, Joy, and Love
Warm Your Heart
 as we Celebrate 
Our Lord's Birth!


Silent Night

Lyrics by Father Joseph Mohr
Melody Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber


First Performed on Christmas Eve 1818


Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin, mother and child,
Holy infant, so tender and mild:
Sleep in heavenly peace, 
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream, from Heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia,
Christ, the Savior is born,
Christ, the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, loves pure light,
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace:
Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.



Merry Christmas!





This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!



Saturday, December 8, 2012

Clapsaddle Santas

Today I would like to share a few Christmas postcards
created by U.S. artist Ellen H. Clapsaddle and 
published by International Art Publishing Company. 
This post will spotlight some traditional images of Santa
as well as a bit of history on the artist. 


Ellen H. Clapsaddle was a prolific postcard artist.
She designed about 2,000 postcards which bear her signature.
There are many more of her designs that were unsigned. 

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle,
Copyrighted from Original Painting 1907

Although Ellen never married and never had children
 of her own, she is most loved for her images of children.
You will note that most of these postcards
show children along with Santa. 

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle

Ellen studied art at the Cooper Institute in New York City. 
She began her career by offering individual art lessons
 and did portraits and landscapes on commission.
Her work came to the attention of 
International Art Publishing Company
and they featured her work on 
calendars, postcards and other paper collectibles. 

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Unsigned Clapsaddle

Since the premier engravers and publishers were located
 in Germany, Ellen relocated to Germany
 to spend time learning with these experts. 
The postcard and greeting card business was profitable
 and Ellen invested the bulk of the money she earned
in these firms who specialized in commercial art products.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Copyrighted 1907

Ellen was in Germany at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. 
The paper publishers’ factories were burned, records 
and original artwork were destroyed.
Ellen found herself displaced, alone
and penniless in a foreign land. 

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Series No. 2934

New York friends finally were able to locate Ellen in 1919 
and brought her back to New York.  
Her health had deteriorated as a result of her 
first-hand suffering during the war 
and coupled with the end of the German publishing industry, 
Ellen was no longer able to earn a living through her art.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Series No. 1459, Copyrighted 1912

Our ancestors admired the beautiful postcard artwork
 and it was common for our ancestors to keep postcards
 that they received in an album. 
Safely protected from light while stored in these albums,
 today’s collector is able to find cards
with images as bright and colorful 
as those enjoyed when the cards
 were originally produced. 
We truly are fortunate our ancestors preserved these postcards
 so we can delight in the work of Ellen H. Clapsaddle today.



Until next time, live and love well.



This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Say It With Flowers

As we turn the calendar to the month of December,
our thoughts turn to sending holiday greetings
to friends and family.
This post extends best wishes to each of you
who have read my posts this year, taken time to exchange comments and extended your friendship to me here in blogland.



The greeting being sent to you features a 
snow-covered cottage nestled under tall evergreen trees.

The warmth and laughter from within the cottage
glows brightly through the windows.

Each of the intricate details of this greeting,
have been carefully designed
using flowers and other natural materials.

A short distance away, a family of polar bears
frolic under glistening tree branches.



Penguins stay cozy wrapped in their
 scarlet scarves and Santa hats.

They enjoy the winter wonderland
as they skate on the frozen pond.

These photos were taken last holiday season at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.   Imaginative floral displays greet you there, whatever the season.



Happy Holidays!

Until next time, live and love well.


Sharing holiday greetings with:
You're Gonna Live It at Kathe with an E
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving Menu of Good Wishes

A few simple wishes are being sent your way
as we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday.


Thanksgiving Menu Entree':
Peace on Earth
Contentment
Business Garnished with Financial Success
Fun a la Fancies
Happy Days.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright E Nash, T-19, Postally Unused

And you can also select from the Entree' on this menu:
Health a la Wealth
Prosperity Garnished with Joys
True Love, Happiness, Long Life.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Henderson Lith. Co. - T19, Postally Unused
Although these postcards look like
they are part of the same series of Thanksgiving Day cards,
they actually were produced by two different manufacturers.
An independent artist drew both images
and sold the individual images to different publishers.

Enjoy the warmth of the holiday
as you share Thanksgiving Day
with those who you most cherish!



Until next time, live and love well.


Sharing with
You're Gonna Love It at Kathe with an E

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Veteran's Day 2012 Salute

Our flag is free 
Only because of the brave!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have served our country!


Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
John Winsch Publishing, National Song Series, Postally Unused

Flag of the Free
Flag of the free, fairest to see!
Borne thro' the strife and the thunder of war;
Banner so bright with starry light,
Float ever proudly from mountain to shore.
Emblem of Freedom, hope to the slave,
Spread thy fair folds but to shield and to save,
While thro' the sky loud rings the cry,
Union and liberty! one ever more!




Until next time, live and love well.



This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Adventures of Veggie People on Hallow'en

One of the most well-respected postcard publishers
was Raphael Tuck & Sons.
In 1893, the company was awarded
a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria.
The backs of their postcards reflect this designation
with the statement 
"ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES
THE KING & QUEEN".

Today, I would like to share some unique
Halloween postcards published by
Raphael Tuck & Sons.


This twosome skipped through the moonlit night
 and the black cat and witch took chase.
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright Raphael Tuck & Sons
"Hallowe'en" Post Cards Series No. 150
Postally Unused


The black cat cornered these three characters
 in the vegetable patch.
The one on the right truly seems frightened
while the other two laugh off their fears.
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright Raphael Tuck & Sons
"Hallowe'en" Post Cards Series No. 150
Postmarked New York, New York October 30, 1908

After all that running,
the witch and black cat are ready for a ride to rest a spell.
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright Raphael Tuck & Sons
"Hallowe'en" Post Cards Series No. 150
Postmarked from Los Angeles, California October 21, 1909

And it's time for the veggie people 
 to serve themselves a treat of cake filled with jam.
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright Raphael Tuck & Sons
"Hallowe'en" Post Cards Series No. 150
Postmarked from New Haven, Connecticut (Date Illegible)


And this poor pumpkin became overheated 
as witches and demons erupt from the steam.
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright Raphael Tuck & Sons
"Hallowe'en" Post Cards Series No. 150

Last Halloween I told how our ancestors
 believed Halloween was a romantic holiday
and had a superstition that a young man or woman
would be able to identify their future mate
 by following certain rituals on Halloween.
You can read this earlier post here.

The message on the back of this Halloween postcard
 reinforces Halloween as "the season of love".  


Wishing you a romantic Halloween!

Until next time, live and love well.


Joining Weekly Link Ups:
You're Gonna Love It at Kathe with an E
Welcome Home Wednesday at Vintage on a Dime
Cottage Style Linky at Lavender Garden Cottage
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Sorceress' Apothecary

Typical Halloween decorations around our home include
pumpkins, scarecrows and good witches.



Inspired by all of the creative blogs I have been reading,
this year's decor includes some some items on the darker side.

A corner of my kitchen has been devoted to an apothecary of items
to be used by only the master sorceress.




You may have seen these labels on other blogs.
Seasonal potion bottles seem to be a popular topic.
Thanks to the creative minds at Love Manor and KarenCookieJar
 you can download their free labels from the links provided
and make your own display.

Here are close-up photos of some of my favorite ingredients.






A scrap of green fabric repeated the color in the Zombie Virus label.

I like the effect of tying a few knots into gold elastic cord.

The black cat button looks like he could be a Zombie kitty!









After my clematis blossoms dropped their petals, the remaining flower centers seemed to resemble something that could be a filling for my Zombie Virus jar.
















While exploring the scrapbook section of the craft store, I spied this paper with a scene of tree branches under a full moon.  A few rectangle cuts of the paper covered a powered seasoning mix packet.

Colorful ribbons secure a label to document the contents.







A small box features a wrapper of heavy paper stock.
A coordinating border and some ribbon make these 
earthy contents look like something that is almost good enough to eat.








Empty Pistachio shells appeared to resemble vampire fangs.

A bit pointy and a bit yellowed -- PERFECT!




The empty pepper tin looked a bit plain with only a label.  A couple decorative buttons glued to the top added more interest to this container.




This label was the right size to convert an empty baking cocoa container into a seasonal delicacy.


The Life Renewal bottle started as a maple syrup bottle.
It's small curved handle was perfect for threading a decorative tassel.
Some dried seed pods and a small piece of pleated fabric top
a trio of individual-sized jelly jars that now contain more deadly ingredients.


I didn't purchase any special products for this project.
A glue stick worked fine for adhering the labels to the glass bottles.
I just wrapped a few strong rubber bands around the bottles overnight
to help the labels conform to the curve of the bottle as the glue dried.
My labels were printed on photo paper which gives
them a crisp professional look but they do need to be coaxed
to curve around the shape of the bottles.

A crystal drawer pull and some black and gold cord transform a plain wine bottle
into a more elegant container for pouring Vampire Blood.

The lovely bottle earmarked for this charming spider wine label isn't quite empty yet.
This tassel to pair with the spider wine label
was a great bargain at only 50 cents from the dollar store.

A small cloth-edged journal was transformed into a reference for the sorceress
to document her successful potions, spells, brews and curses.  

Of course, the back cover needs to provide a warning
in the event this guide falls into inexperienced hands.

Hope you enjoyed a sampling of my not-so-scary apothecary.  
You will find my version of Halloween potion jars include
a dash of sweet and a pinch of elegance.
What else could you expect from a witch with sparkles in her hair?


Until next time, live and love well.


Joining Weekly Link Ups:
Be Inspired at Elizabeth & Co.
Cottage Style Linky at Lavender Garden Cottage
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

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