Isn’t this just the best cover ever — a huge garden filled with gorgeous hollyhocks, foxgloves and other flowers I can’t identify. It’s rare to see a soft cover book with a wrap-around cover illustration like this, and I am pretty happy with my work on the image repairing the gap where the covers had separated. Although there is no date on the book, I would guess (from other similar books in my collection) that it is from the early 1930s — there is no illustrator credit. The inside pages consist of two pages of drawing instruction alternating with two pages of outline drawings to color (with a completed sample above each drawing).
I am a huge fan of these Art Deco style illustrations. When I look at them, my first thought is always “How can I possibly interpret this fabulous image with fabric and thread?” Click on the cover to see these flowers really big.
I love these illustartations also. They evoke some kind of nostalgic feelings in me. Maybe it is because as a child it was such a treat to get a beautiful coloring book and I so enjoyed them.
My mother was born in 1930, so we are having a big 80th birthday bash for her with a garden theme. I’m trying to figure out how to make a “Vintage Garden Party.” These pictures are inspirational.
That’s a beautiful book! The cover really captures your attention. I think it would be pretty to have the flowers on the cover “grow” from the bottom of an otherwise “normal” quilt and threaten to take it over. OR put them on the bottom of a skirt.
Love the illustrations, especially the house one! I am sucker for art/paint books too. Such great inspiration!
What a beautiful book! You really have an amazing collection! I love the tulip ladies and the houses are really fun! I am going to dash over to flikr to see the rest!
I can’t wait to see how you interpret this beautiful book. I know it will be amazing.
Oh this is so beautiful – Martha, I have the same thoughts when I see illustrations like this. I think I’m going to have to do those houses, for sure – I love the flowers too!
Martha, you do such incredible work in restoring these precious old books. It’s always a treat to see these cute illustrations here. Thank you for another set of loveliness 🙂