Friday, May 7, 2010

Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Ann Bookplates

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1Bookplates look so lovely tucked inside a children's book.

Raggedy Ann Bookplates

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1I designed bookplates measuring 5 1/2 x 4 inches, printed on lovely sturdy paper.

raggedy ann bookplates

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1I 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.

raggedy ann with cookies

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1It 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.

Raggedy Ann Bookplate with watermark final

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1I 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.

raggedy ann stories 1918

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1I 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.

My creation

raggedy-ann-j.gruelle-book-1I 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.

1 comment:

myletterstoemily said...

what a gift you have to bring lovely
old books back to life.

my daughter and i loved the "inkheart"
books for the way the author treasured
them as much as for her creative story.

when i grow up , i am going to be a
book restorer!