Sunday, October 2, 2011

There's Nothing Like a Good (Old) Book

We're a family of readers and book lovers. Nearly every room in the house has built-in or freestanding bookshelves. Our lower-level library shelves cover two walls, floor to ceiling.


Yep. Our collection is extensive. Classics. Contemporary. Poetry. Prose. Fiction. Non-fiction. Mysteries. Sci-fi. Fairy tales. Tall tales. Children's stories. Vintage readers. Humorous. Not-so-humorous. Reference. And, yada, yada, yada.

Hidden away in my craft room is another collection of wonderful books. Here are the books that most people would reject because they are beat up, torn up, colored on and in and generally destined for the trash heap.

I love those books! I extend their lives and usefulness through my craft projects. I scan their wonderful illustrations, decoupage their pretty pages and preserve their prose as handmade envelopes.

This weekend I picked up a great collection of vintage books in fair condition at a local estate sale. I got the entire bunch for a song. All were published between 1917 and 1921, so I'll certainly be scanning some images for projects. Over the next few weeks, I plan to share some with Karen at The Graphics Fairy so that all of you can use them in your projects, too.

Take a look at these beauties!








This nice bird book was published in 1929, too late to share images from, so it will take a place of honor on the Bird Shelf, next to a nice collection of other avian-related books, both new and vintage.




Make it a great day!

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

12 comments:

  1. Grandma Barb's This and ThatOctober 2, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Those old books are great. So nice of you to share with the Graphics Fairy so that we can all use them.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Helen and her DaughtersOctober 2, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Love the bird book, the cover is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cindy AdkinsOctober 2, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Oh, I love vintage books (well, all books really!) But the illustrations in the vintage ones are always so beautiful! This is a wonderful collection you've got! Thanks for sharing. Visiting from the Newbies Party!
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. ~Lavender Dreamer~October 2, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Oh, I love them, too! I collect vintage Childrens' books and show them on my blog pretty often! I LOVE finding readers! I have one of the Elson readers...maybe the same one you have! What fun! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  5. Janette - The2SeasonsOctober 2, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I especially like old children's books. They have such great illustrations. If the book is in bad shape I often frame some of the pages for art which is good if it is seasonal.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cottage and BroomeOctober 3, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Love the old books! The illustrations are always so amazing. We are a family of readers also, hope to get more reading in this winter. Laura Cottage and Broome

    ReplyDelete
  7. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageOctober 5, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    We are avid readers around here, as well! I love books...especially those of a vintage nature. The graphics are always so charming.

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday this week.

    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. LynnOctober 5, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    What a marvelous collection, Ann. Your vintage books are so lovely. I, too, love old books. Can't seem to get enough of them. You're a lucky girl to have found such nice ones.
    :)Lynn
    www.cottageandcreek.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. ColoradoladyOctober 8, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    You have a fantastic collection. I pick up vintage childrens books when I come across them. The graphics in vintage books are so charming compared to newer ones. Happy VTT!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Favourite Vintage FindsOctober 8, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    They sure are beauties!

    ReplyDelete
  11. very merry vintage styleOctober 9, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    LOVE that bird book! Great finds. I have lots of old books too that I reserve just for crafting. I'm your newest follower and have linked up on my recently featured page.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  12. Honey at 2805October 10, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Love your collection of vintage books. They are wonderful!

    Thanks for sharing your project at Potpourri Friday!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)