Arnold Print Works Redux

My Google stats show me that there's a significant number of people out there scavenging for Arnold Print Works cloth animals. Unfortunately, it's quite rare to find them, and even rarer to find them in decent shape.

The good news is, if you're willing to forego authenticity, Fiddler's Elbow offers a number of vintage-looking cloth doorstops that resemble the Arnold line. Check out their limited edition kitty, currently on sale at Arrow Gift Shoppe:



And I love this adorable pug:



These modern reproductions have the added advantage of being lightyears cheaper than their antique Arnold counterparts. At these prices, you could easily fill a basket with cloth friends!

Winged Creatures

I've been a bit obsessed with angels and fairies lately. Perhaps because more than a few of us could use the help of an angel or a fairy godmother these days.

That being said, I recently purchased this piece from Amanda Blake's Etsy shop, This Is All I Know.



I love how Amanda plays vintage-looking, quite serious figures against fantastical landscapes or whimsmical garb.

The thoughtful expressions of her subjects, combined with the wings, reminds me of folk artist Debbee Thibault's multitude of angels and fairies. This party fairy is being offered exclusively by Earth Angel Toys.



Here's wishing everyone a guardian angel or a sprinkling of pixie dust!

Wheelie Cute

I must have a severe case of arrested development, because I can't get enough of vintage and antique toys. Pull toys are among my faves, especially if they involve folksy looking animals.

This vintage cow-on-wheels has a primitive look that would go nicely in any country kitchen:



William H. Roy is a talented carver who offers a number of delightful critters on wheels in his workshop. I fancy the rabbit:



And finally, ebay remains one of the best bets for scoring deals on antique toys. This composition sheep pull toy is as sweet as can be:



Bid now, before she "rolls" away!

Michael Banks Florals

Folk artist Michael Banks is a major talent. He also has a compelling personal story which informs his art: a life spent battling poverty, depression and other demons.

While he's better known for his figural works, I admire his florals just as much. This painting, "Early Spring", is currently offered at Oliver's Southern Folk Art:



Apparently, Banks uses a tar undercoat in his paintings. I like how it gives his still lifes a palpable intensity. Here's another, "Swingers", from American Folk Art and Framing:



I can't wait to see more from him!

19th-Century Silhouettes With a Twist

I adore the look of 19th-Century silhouettes. But rather than the straightfoward profiles, I'm partial to a little more somethin'-somethin' -- namely, unique postures, poses and details added in watercolor or gilding.

Being the mom of boy-girl twins, I covet this boy-girl portrait from Granite Pail Collectibles:



Don't you love the lace detail on the bonnet/collar? And the marbled look of the frame just takes the cake.

This silhouette from Leslie Antiques is unusual in depicting a bird perched on the subject's finger. It's also unusual in that it's painted, not cut -- the rarest of silhouette methods.



I particularly like how the detail on the back of the girl's dress gives her almost an angelic form.

As always, ebay remains a great place to pick up antiques deals, and silhouettes are no exception. When silhouette shopping, I find it useful to browse the ebay UK site at ebay.co.uk.

Currently up-for-grabs is this circa 1840 full-length silhouette of a young lady:



The artist saw fit to add the plaid checks on her dress, and I'm so glad that he did. Bid now before she's gone!

Calligraphy Flourishes: The School Girl's Art

Part of the reason that I love folk art is that so much of it is by women. Traditional "school girl" handicrafts such as needlework and calligraphy should be celebrated -- not just for their beauty, but for the unsung female artists that created them.

That being said, this 19th-Century "School Girl" calligraphy drawing/flourish just floors me with its intricacy:



It. Is. To. Die. For.

Santos Cage Dolls

I've just discovered santos cage dolls. And now that I have, I covet one. Vintage, repro, doesn't matter -- they're lovely and soulful and yes, just a tiny bit creepy, which only adds to their charm.

Santos dolls originated in Mexico, South America and Spain. They emblemize religious saints, and were typically carried aloft in processions celebrating holidays and festivals. Seller Vintage Weave boasts a number of dolls in its inventory, among them this 36" high beauty:



Ebay seller A Bit of Paris 2 U offers a gorgeous 18" doll with an unusual salmon-colored finish. Another unusual touch: Her eyes are glass. I think the crown just takes the cake.



Finally, John Isaac Antiques sells the real deal: An authentic 19th-Century cage doll from Mexico.



And here's a creative use for your cage doll: She's great for hanging necklaces. Dripping with jewelry, she'll look more iconic than ever.