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.