Sunday, January 17, 2010
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
I visited one of my favorite old book shops.
I walked up and down the aisles admiring the old bindings and carefully opening up each treasure to see the beautiful Antique artwork.
Tucked in the corner I spotted a rocking chair, next to shelves and shelves of old children's books. Down at the very bottom shelf was this beautiful book peeking out.
I opened up the cover and could not believe my eyes The Adventures of Alice and Wonderland published in 1867.
Inside this treasure were the black and white illustrations that we often see.
Then there were these other book plates in full color that I had never seen before.
When I went to purchase the book, the shopkeeper remarked at what a beautiful book it was, and how she loved the color plates as well.
I have spent days restoring these beautiful works of art and creating some new designs with them. I do not like taking a book apart, I prefer scanning the images and then restoring them with my digital paintbox.
Several of my creations have been turned into fabrics on Spoonflower Fabrics.
I am just waiting for the swatches to arrive, so that I can approve them for sale.
My idea is to turn some of them into fabric wall hangings.
I have some other ideas for Alice, which I will post about another time.
Until then, I am having so much fun visiting with Alice and all the characters in this beautiful treasure. I feel a bit like Alice myself.
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14 comments:
Hi Karen,
What a lucky find ~ Alice in Wonderland is one of my all time favourite books.
That is such a beautiful old book and love the lovely illustrations.
Hugs
Carolyn
Karen, these are exquisite and I didn't know that you had this little secret blog tucked in this sweet corner of your world! We too, love old books and you should see the ones that Ruben, my husband bought me this Christmas. They are of French fairy tales....oh yes, you should see the illustrations. Oh how fortunate you are to have the time and freedom to play with these images. I am still working on some assignments for my last class and I have to sit here and pretend to be an intellectual academician, when deep down inside, I want to write fantasy and draw. I guess you could say that I have a bit of intellectualism, but I certainly don't have the time to express the real me...the artist! God bless you and I wish you loads of FUN TODAY! Bisous, Anita
What a fab find!!
I'm a huge fan of Alice!
When your fabrics are available, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE announce it - I must make a wall piece with them!!! They're just enchanting.
Wow, Karen. What a terrific find and I love what you've done. Can't wait to see the fabric!
You make my heart glad to know that you preserve the books rather than cutting them apart. What a treasure! Would you mind sharing where your favorite bookshop is located?
Karin,
How exciting to find such a nice old book, and the pictures are sooo pretty and just different then you find in new books. That was a really good find. I know you will make some really nice things with the prints.
Nancy Jo
I hope I'm not leaving 2 comments. I don't think my first comment posted. Your Alice drawings are so magical, and what magical inspiration you found with that lovely Alice in Wonderland book. I didn't know you had this blog. I love old books, and I love your drawings, so this looks like another great place for me to hang out. laurie
Now, I hope I'm not leaving a 3rd comment! I forgot to congratulate you on the fabric designs. How exciting! I can't wait to see them.
Oh Karen what a delightful Blog!! I have been out of touch recently and I didn't even know that you began this wonderful blog!! I am a follower now, and can't wait for the next post! A gorgeous book-what a find!
Blessings~Sharon
These are tremendously beautiful. I adore them...m.
I adore old illustrations like these Karen! The colors are so beautiful! You are finding some gorgeous books at that shop!
Oh Karen!! I didn't realize this was your blog until I entered your magical world of old books brought back to health! This is so wonderful! I love what you've done here with Alice. The colors are magnificent! Thanks so much for sharing! I've signed on to follow ( of course)! You are amazing!!!
Karen,
What a find! These vintage books can be so inspiring...your panels will be lovely..
Hugs,
Stephanie ♥
Wow, what a terrific find. I'd love to know about your fabrics. Are they now available? Love old books, especially those for children. And how could you be so lucky as to find Alice In Wonderland. Really timely!
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