The blue bow in the hair of the young girl in this little bit of Victorian scrap is a nice contrast to the red floral border that surrounds her. Found and restored by me from one of the many Victorian era scrapbooks that I have in my possession and given here as free clip art [...]
A small basket of red and pink roses from a Victorian scrapbook. Just click on the image to download the free clip art image.
A free A lovely red rose clip art image from a Victorian scrapbook. The rose has an open bloom and two buds that eagerly await your crafting touch.
This brief little Victorian sentimental poem about Mother is another selection from Golden Thoughts on Mother, Home and Heaven, published in 1881. I’ve found a darling antique image of a girl standing proudly beside her beloved baby doll, nestled safely in a lovely wicker baby doll carriage. I think this old illustration would make a great [...]
This poem was published in Golden Thoughts on Mother, Home and Heaven, 1881. The accompanying illustration is an old woodcut taken from Stories From Old-Fashioned Children’s Books, Andrew W. Tuer and published by The Leadenhall Press, Ltd., 1899-1900. Mother E.L. Cassanovia Mid life’s commotions—dismal fears— Mid cares and woes, and floods of tears, How sweetly breaks [...]
This poem was published in Golden Thoughts on Mother, Home and Heaven, 1881. Mother, Home and Heaven Mary J. Muckle There are three words that sweetly blend, That on the heart are graven; A precious soothing balm they lend– They’re Mother, Home and Heaven! They twine a wreath of beauteous flowers, Which, placed on memory’s [...]
My Mother Dear S. Lover There was a place in childhood that I remember well, And there a voice of sweetest tone bright fairy tales did tell, And gentle words and fond embrace, were given with joy to me, when I was in that happy place upon my mother’s knee. When fairy tales were ended, [...]
Leading up to Mother’s Day, I will post poetry and essays from my rather battered old copy of Mother, Home and Heaven. All content from this book will be tagged “Mother Home Heaven” so that you can easily identify the source of these wonderful tributes to Mother. The book is illustrated, but in order to [...]
A “green” alternative to decorating with artificial flowers is described in this brief article, original published in The Ladies’ World, March 1896. It certainly sounds possible, although I have not attempted this for the simple fact that my cats won’t let me. But if you have good results with this, let me know. I think [...]
Although this diy article on window gardening is over 100 years old, the advice still holds value to anyone who would have a traditional Victorian style window garden. Originally published in the May 4th, 1895 issue of Home Chat magazine, a digest-sized publication that would have set you back a penny. But for you, it’s [...]
The Victorians spoke the language of flowers, as they were instructed in the various popular publications of the day. One such book, The Language of Flowers, which expressed the meanings and symbols of flowers so eloquently, was published in 1846. Below you’ll find an excerpt from this poetical resource of flower symbolism. The author, known [...]
We often think of flowers for Valentine’s Day, but instead of relying on your local florist to choose an arrangement, why not try your hand at the Victorian art of sending secret messages via flowers? Flower Sentiments from the Victorian Era. Acacia, Yellow = Concealed Love Acanthus = Art Almond = Heedlessness Amaranth = Immortality [...]
Here is a terrific idea for a DIY Victorian window box flower planter from an authentic Victorian source. A Window Flower-Box From The Cottage Hearth, 1876 Given fresh mosses or leaves, a few trailing creepers and two or three spikes of flowers, and the effect will be charming in a window box made after any [...]
In some Asian and Slavic cultures, white is considered to be a color that represents death; a feeling shared by the author of this brief article which was published in the March 1896 issue of The Ladies’ World. I personally think that white makes a nice contrast against the red brick and brownstone of Victorian [...]
Perhaps you are a digital designer on a quest for digital scrapbooking freebies and downloads? Scrapbooking has a fascinating pedigree; the majority of free vintage clip art images on this website were derived from antique Victorian era scrapbooks that have survived the ravages of time. Some of the more interesting scrapbooks in my collection are [...]
A Victorian Window Screen, from Ingall’s Home Magazine, 1877 The foundation of this window-screen is made of woven netted lace, on which white woven braid is hemstitched in lattice-shape with black split zephyr worsted. The braid is ornamented in herring-bone stitch with similar worsted. Stretch this foundation in a frame of varnished black cane.
Those acquainted with the manner of making the “quilled braid,” as it was called in the old days, can apply it to the manufacture of beautiful and serviceable rugs, for parlor or sitting-room floor. The materials required are wide, woolen braid or strips of cloth of two or more colors, a piece of canvas or [...]
To shut out a disagreeable view from a back window, the glass may be rendered ornamental, and the obnoxious objects shut out, by a very simple plan, which makes a very fair imitation of ground glass. This is effected by cutting out stars or diamonds upon a piece of white muslin, tarlatan, or common tissue-paper, [...]
I literally picked at this today. Using the soy-based paint remover called for patience, but I’m satisfied with the end result. I used dental tools to pick out the gunk in the crevices. At this point, I’m thinking that it is neither brass or bronze, but cast steel, with some sort of plating. I wish [...]
Just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner, a selection of old-fashioned potato recipes. The following recipes were published in a promotional cookbook for The Malleable Range and was published in 1907. More from this excellent little recipe book will appear on this site. Follow the Miss Mary page on Facebook and never miss an [...]
Old fashioned egg recipes for 17 different ways to cook eggs, illustrated with a lovely vintage Easter image that you can use as clip art. From Lett’s Household Magazine, 1884, these recipes have the potential to make your traditional Easter dinner complete! Eggs à la Crême – Cut some very thin slices of bread and put [...]
This menu for a traditional Easter Sunday dinner is from The American Family Reciept Book, by Annie R. Gregory (Assisted by One Thousand Housekeepers). Published in the early 1900s, it gives some historical insight into the Easter holiday traditions of early 20th century America and makes a reference to the White House Easter Egg Roll. [...]
The notion that a traditional Saint Patrick’s Day feast requires green beer and corned beef is dismissed with this special holiday menu for “Saint Paddy’s Day” with recipes. From The American Family Receipt Book, by Mrs. Gregory and Friends, circa 1900, sprinkled with suitable poetry as originally published. I’ve included a selection of my antique [...]
by Alessandro Filippini, head chef of the famous Delmonico’s in New York, 1889 Nearly every family of means is in the habit of giving a few dinners to its friends during the year. As a matter of course, the members of the family are, in return, invited to “dine out.” If you invite your friends [...]
From the December 1898 issue of The People’s Home Journal Peanut Candy One cupful molasses, two cupfuls sugar, one tablespoonful vinegar, one tablespoonful butter, and one teaspoonful vanilla. Boil ten minutes, or longer, if necessary, then pour over one cupful peanuts. Peppermint Two cupfuls granulated sugar, six tablespoonfuls boiling water. Boil three minutes, take off [...]
A juvenile selection from an antique reader, The Sick Doll and Other Stories for Youngest Readers, published in 1870. This book has over 100 charming Victorian woodcut illustrations. I’ve included the original artwork that illustrated the following poem, “Spring is Here”, so that you may use them as free springtime clip art. A good way to [...]
The author of this poem about rain is not identified; it appeared in Uncle Herbert’s Speaker and Autograph-Album Verses, published in 1887. With my bored dog at my feet as I prepare this post, it is clear that the boredom of a rainy day indoors is a sentiment shared by dog and child alike. The Rain [...]
To all who have ever been forced to endure the inane conversation of a self-absorbed cellphone user, I offer this obscure old poem, published in the May 11, 1889 issue of Littell’s Living Age. The author of “A Year of Silence”, known to us only by the initials “A. G. B.”, would probably die of apoplexy [...]
Marine Disasters on Pacific Shores By James G. McCurdy The Cosmopolitan, Vol. XXVII, No. 2, June, 1899 For every vessel that wears out in service and finds a well-earned haven in the “boneyard,” a hundred fall victims to the vicissitudes of the sea, often in their strength and beauty. What has been done of recent [...]
What happens to the floral decorations after the celebrations are over? Why not draw inspiration after this charming children’s poem and take them to a senior center or hospital where they may provide much needed cheer. You may also find the floral symbolism in Easter Flowers to be of interest, and may also refer to [...]
Are you inviting guests to your home for a holiday feast or party? This timely advice on dinner etiquette may help prevent “vexation of the spirit”, which is, as you surely must know, to be avoided at all costs. Originally published in the July 6th, 1895 issue of Home Chat by Lady Constance Howard, who also [...]
This Berkshire Pig illustration for you to color is another selection from an antique coloring book called The New Model Painting Book for Young People. Well suited for use as clip art, or save the file to print and color in whenever you get a hankering for swine. About the Berkshire Pig The Berkshire Pig is [...]
Blackcap Warbler European Song Bird Free Printable Coloring Book Page
With a song in his heart, this blackcap warbler, a vintage coloring book illustration, is ready for eager artists to color in and enjoy. Just click on the image below for the larger printable version. Suggestions for Coloring In the Blackcap Warbler Bird Coloring Page Although I personally have never met the blackcap warbler, his [...]
Vintage Cat Art Sketch to Color In from an Antique Coloring Book
A cat illustration for you to color in, from the pages of an antique coloring book! This free download is another page from the antique Children’s coloring book called The New Model Painting Book for Young People. The book has many other animal illustrations for you to color or paint, and the simplicity of line [...]
Goose and Goslings Page from Antique Coloring Book
Here is a vintage coloring book page of a goose with her goslings. This page is from an early 2oth century coloring book for children called The Model Painting Book for Young People. You can find other pages to color from this book here. Coloring in Your Mother Goose and Goslings Page The mother goose [...]
Hare and Leverets Coloring Page Free Download
A free printable coloring page of a hare and leverets, from The Model Painting Book for Young People, circa 1900. Just click on the image below for a larger printable version of the same. Coloring In your Furry Little Friends Did you know that a leveret is what we call a young hare (especially one less [...]
