I'm a Finalist!

A few weeks ago I posted my fashionable foremothers...turns out one of my photos became a finalist in a contest!

If you are at all inclined, I would really appreciate your vote!  As I do not have a real presence on facebook, am not sure that I stand much of a chance but am hopeful still!  Voting happens until March 21.

Make sure to "like" both my photo and the store in order to have your entry be eligible!

One of the finalists!

Thanks friends...and have a wonderful weekend!

Fashions of our Foremothers

My favorite store for fashion finds is holding great contest at the moment:  the call is out for vintage family photos which evoke the fashion spirit!  The winner gets a nice little gift card.

You know I got busy!  Thanks to my mama who let me scan and submit some of these gems...

Most, if not all of these photos were taken in Switzerland in the 20's, 30's and 40s.  I love the ones where the Alps are the natural backdrop.  Can't make this stuff up!

An Exhibit: Vintage Illustrations by Children

As a mother of young children, I'm interested to know what they perceive about the world around them by looking at their artwork.  Sometimes it is sloppy and decidedly uninspired, but other times the joy that can be read is really very emotionally valuable.

Recently, I came upon these drawings by Swiss school children which will be on display at the National Museum in Switzerland until March 17.

All of these were created for an annual contest for Swiss school children.  The winning drawings earned a spot in the yearly calendar created by the sponsor.

I thought I'd share these:

1939 (Artist Unknown) A Day at the Fair

1941 Artist known to be a 13 year old girl. Childhood utopia, during a politically charged time in central Europe.

1940 (Artist Unknown) La Familglia .  Switzerland is surrounded by
facist states when this was drawn.  The cool atmosphere clearly
 perceived by the child artist as shown by the mother clinging to the
bedding and the angular lines of the drawing itself.

A Collection

Over the years, we have been lucky enough to become owners of some family heirlooms.  The crystal pieces we've got in our little collection now have come from Nans and Grandmas...their own special dishes that they have given to us.

Because I tend to set an eclectic, colourful table, a more classic plate is required, I think.  I reach for our crystal serving dishes often to add a sparkle - a subtle, yet rich layer - to the table that is set.

We serve any number of lovely things on these dishes:  bruschetta, salmon-asparagus bundles, even a casual summer meal, as photographed here.  This is a simple meal Swiss famlies eat often based around 'gschwellti', or new boiled potatoes.  Alongside the tiny taters, I usually serve a variety of cheese, crudites, creamy dip, ham or tuna, pickled vegetables, hard boiled eggs...you can improvise with whatever is seasonal or what you have on hand!

Crocheted Bunting

I've always wanted to make a long string of party bunting to pull out at for festive ocassions here at home.  I like the reuseable aspect of these, as well as the creative work that went into them. 

The motivation for this project was really propelled by Krisha!

The first string I completed are edged in hot pinks and lilacs...

...and here I attempted three colours!

I found a nice simple tutorial to follow for my crocheted triangles.  The majority of my cotton crochet yarn is from Switzerland.  Thanks mom, for the donation!

Cats at School

Before I introduce Oliver and Charlotte to these lovely books, I thought I'd upload some of the excellent illustrations in them to share.

These are from one of my favorite books that I had as a child.  My mom dropped them off for me last week and I'm so happy to have them!  They bring back such wonderful memories...

There are several books in this series with illustrations by Swiss artist Eugen Hartung (who also did the Dressed Cats series of postcards for the Mainzer company during the 40s, 50s and 60s) and text by Joerg Schneider:

Merry Cat Adventures (Die Froehlichen Katzenabenteuer)
The Merry Year of the Cat (Das Froehlichen Katzenjahr)
The Merry School for Cats (Die Froehlichen Katzenschule)

These are from The Merry School for Cats.

"On the way to school" 
Notice: mother cat on the left eyeing scene with disdain.

"Art Class"  Notice: student goofing in teacher's spot
+ student drawing mouse on peer's back!

"A Class Interruption"  Notice: taxidermied studies ironic?

"Home Economics"  (my personal favorite!)
Notice: taunting mice in window overlooking Alps.

"Smoking out Back"  Notice:  Teacher's coming!
Cat on the right..."I don't feel too good"...

"Chimney Sweeper"
Notice: Woman Cat knitting + Old Cat smoking a pipe!

There are several opinions on these illustrations out there.  I think they're very funny...lovely, even.  They are definitely taking "animals personified" a step further than Beatrix Potter, which is why they speak to me still as an adult.

Greener Grass

Seriously.  This is a random picture out of a random train on a random day in Switzerland:

If you haven't been, you must.  Ignore the sticker shock and ABSORB the loveliness at every turn.

I've pulled up some vacation pictures to peruse today, the first snowy day here at Simon Fraser University ...just for some contrast, I suppose.  While riding the trains in Switzerland, I often tote along crochet projects or a novel...the alpine air never ceases to inspire.  But although we live on a mountain, this aint no alp!  I'm seriously grasping for small, lap projects to occupy me as I wait for the baby to be born (still AGES away...in January).  Of course there's lots to be done that could be viewed as PRACTICAL or even ESSENTIAL, but I prefer to be tasked with something new, exciting and creative.  Hm.  A list might be in order here.

Ok. Baby's room.  It needs to come together.  I want those bird decals on the wall and the walls white.   Some freezer dinners (or even sauces...I'd be happy with homemade sauces so mister just needs to boil some noodles and add!) for when our fingers are hovering over the pizza delivery speedail button in January/ February.  Let's face it, March & April too (I've already done this once, remember).  Christmas cards...I've got an idea for making them which involves a visit to a printer.  CAN I DO IT?!

I don't think I have more time when I'm on holidays as I'm a busy traveller...just I'm in a different zone, quite literally.  Maybe looking at more "frolicking in the alps" photos will help get me moving.  Here's hoping...