The Making of a Bookplate

The making of a bookplate.

I love Antique Artwork, especially the beautiful work I find in rare old books.



As I browsed this book when I got home, I found this wonderful young woman reading a book.



On a recent trip to a favorite old and rare bookshop I discovered this treasure from 1884.



I thought what a perfect opportunity to show you the process I use to create a bookplate.



I find the image I want to restore and scan it into my computer.



Then after I upload it to my computer I use Photoshop to soften the lines, and then color and smooth areas. I crop the image for framing.



Finally, I upload it again and add text and framing using the editor on Flickr.



Then I download it to my IPhoto software on my mac and fine tune the enhancement. Once I am satisfied with the image, I print them out on beautiful paper, package them and photograph the listing for my little etsy shop.



Oh, and this bookplate, my gift to you. So please feel free to copy her and print her out for your own books.






ishing you happy reading.

Raggedy Ann

Bookplates look so lovely tucked inside a children's book.



I designed bookplates measuring 5 1/2 x 4 inches, printed on lovely sturdy paper.



I distinctly remember my mother restoring an old tattered doll for me when I was little. She would wash the doll’s clothes and perhaps give it some new shoes.



It was almost as good as having a new doll, except you could feel a bit of loving touch when you hugged her. It’s like that for me when I restore an old piece of art.



I rescued this Antique book from 1918 by Johnny Gruelle. I have always loved Raggedy Ann, and especially enjoyed reading her stories as a child. No one wanted this book because it was so tattered, scribbled on and the pages were even ripped.



I scanned the images and began a labor of love. As I erased the scratches and brought the color back to life, I thought of the care that Johnny Gruelle took to create these beautiful images.



I believe a child had scribbled on some pages, yet on others had carefully tried to trace Johnny Gruelles lines in his drawing. Not too different than what I had done as I restored them back to life. The bookplates are available in my etsy shop.