A Victorian Happy New Year

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

I love Victorian Vintage cards.

Especially with children in them.

I love how they are dressed.

I love the look of innocence.

To read about the history of these cards go here.

I found a bag full of Victorian Christmas tags at a thrift shop a few years ago.

(Yes, I still have my tree up!)

I think it just adds to the wonder of Christmas through a child's eye.

I have some cards that were given over the years that I keep just to put out.

I've had this small tin for awhile.

I only use it for decoration at Christmas.

This tin was purchased at IKEA.

It had cookies in it, and the only reason I bought it was because I loved the picture!

This tin I do use.

And I always make sure I get it back!

To see the recipe for these Snow-Covered Almond Crescents go here.

This was in the frame section of a thrift shop.

I loved the frame and the picture.

I love the white outfit she is wearing.

I love her curls.

She adds a sweet touch.

Another purchase at an antique market.

Couldn't help myself.

The picture and the title.

"Happy Thoughts"

A page in the book.

This is the backside of the book.

It was written in 1894.

 

This is one the many things that makes my heart smile when I see it,

so I thought I'd share it.

 

I pray that this year finds you enjoying the things and people you love.

May you have many "Happy Thoughts".

 

Blessings,

25 Days of Christmas Day 8

The Art of Sending Christmas Cards

I researched about the history of sending Christmas cards. It seems to have become a lost art.  Every year the cards are less and less. I have to admit that I've been sending less, for various reasons, and for some years I didn't send any. With all the Social Media out there now, people just have to send a message and hit the "enter" button and the message is sent to everyone.
My favourite cards are the Victorian style of cards from Europe.
I bought these cards from an antique store. The stamps were date 1907-1912.
Feel free to copy and save them if you like.
 

 The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in the UK in 1840. A man by the name of Sir Henry Cole was thinking of a way to increase the use of the new "Public Post Office."
He came up with the idea of making cards along with his friend John Horsley who was an artist.
The cards were too expensive for the average person. As time went on and the printing press improved as well as modes of transportation the cost became more affordable.

The Christmas card came to the US in the late 1940's. By 1910-1920's homemade cards became very popular.
If you want to read more you can check out the link here.

 And now we've come full circle with the art of Scrapbooking. There is nothing like a homemade card, but of course it takes time, and time seems to be a rarity these days.
If you're looking for free Vintage cards you can find a lot here at The Graphics Fairy,and here at Little Birdie Blessings

If you're looking for some pictures for decorating, just print these on some cardstock and place in a picture frame, or inside a mason jar, or hanging on a line of jute with clothespins. The ideas are endless.
 
This is a Dutch Christmas card that says "Happy Holidays"

Take some time to send someone a special message. It will make their day. I know I'm going to.

Blessings, Diane
 

25 Days to Christmas!

O Christmas Tree

 

November was a busy month...hence only one blog post.

 But I am determined to post daily until Christmas.

It's my goal anyway. (Smile,Smile!)

In spite of all the busyness, I can at least say that I got the tree up.

This is a feat in and of itself and it is one that I do by myself.

The only time I had help was when my son was very young. (He just turned 18)

I would probably fix it up my way anyway. (Kinda like when you get your kids to fill up the dishwasher and then you take everything out and re-fill it!)

My tree has changed over the years.

I've gone from very Victorian to very Primitive. Now I'm kinda in between.

I have always liked the old Victorian cards, the children, and books.

Then I got into Primitives (my tree from last year is on my blogger header) and it didn't really mix, so of course I got rid of all my pink Victorian decorations. Now I think I have finally found my niche. I like the worn and torn, dull and shiny, old and new. I am learning to make it my own.

I saw this star at a thrift shop last year and loved it. It's a little top heavy to it's a tad bit crooked!

My husband and son strung the popcorn garland for me a few years ago and it's still together.

 The red beads I found at a thrift shop and I love the pop of festive red that it gives.

I found these wooden shoes at an antique mall a few years ago. I  have a soft spot for wooden shoes (being Dutch) and I thought they looked cute under the tree.

I leave the lights on the tree all the time. I love the look and it's even better at night.

 

I want each post to reflect the true meaning of Christmas.

 

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2.

 

Blessings, Diane