Come On Get Crafty: Card by Gran

I've mentioned in the previous post that my grandmother paints and makes cards.  I've posted one of the cards she's made for me (see here), but I wanted to share one of her watercolors and another of my favorites.

I believe that she copied the design from an image she saw in a magazine.  It is so beautiful, and makes me really want to learn to paint!

In the Papier: Cape May Inns & Landmarks by Alice Steer Wilson

While visiting the Carriage House Tearoom in Cape May, I of course browsed the adjoining gift shop for the Physick Estate.  And of course, I happened upon some stationary (yes, more stationary!) that I couldn't leave without.

The buildings in Cape May are beautiful and these cards (prints of original paintings) really captured their beachy suniness, the delicate and grand architecture, and attractive Victorian aesthetics.  I was really glad to have the likenesses to remember and admire the place.

These paintings were all made by a local artist named Alice Steer Wilson, who painted in Cape May from the late 1960s until 2001.   You can see more of her artwork and learn more about her at the commemorative website www.alicesteerwilson.com.

These paintings also reminded me of the watercolors my grandmother paints, so makes them even more enjoyable for me.

Music this week: 90s, some French, Country Strong, and some Singin In the Rain

It's been a long week.  So I've been listening to some relaxing and cheery music while I lounge around in preparation for the long, loungey weekend.

1. Let Me Be Your Wings - Thumbelina (soundtrack)

Much to the chagrin of my older sister who found this movie quite silly, this was one of my favorite movies when I was little.  This song was one of my childhood favorites.  And it is still **sigh** so romantic.  (And yes, I am still mad at the stupid, horrible toad that shows up right after this song and messes everything up for Thumbelina and Cornelius.)  I really wish the Barry Manilow version sound less, um . . . dated?

2.  Love Is All Around -  Wet Wet Wet (cover of The Troggs' song)

Another love song from the 90s!

3. You Were Mean For Me - Singin' in the Rain (soundtrack)

In keeping with romantic themes, another lovely, love song from the best movie ever made.

4.  La Vie Comme Elle Vient - Clemence

Randomly started listening to Clemence again this week (although I only have a few of her songs, they're a bit hard to find in the states).  Love the bouncy tune.

5. Timing Is Everything - Garrett  Hedlund (Country Strong soundtrack)

I finally watched Country Strong this week, and I really loved all the songs Beau (played by Garrett Hedlund) sung.  (Wasn't that into the Kelly Canter (Paltrow) songs for some reason.) Although, through the first half of the movie I was flipping out because I think Hedlund's voice sounds like a crazy Tim McGraw-Toby Keith hybid and I couldn't figure out if he was being dubbed by one of them.  And Tim McGraw was playing another character in the movie, so if he was dubbing Beau's voice that would have been really trippy.  Now, just got to watch Crazy Heart now!

6.  Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris feat. FLORENCE WELCH

New collaboration between Florence and Calvin Harris to dance your stress away.  Thanks to my fantastico friend who kept me informed about this!

In the Papier: British book jackets

Ok, so I purchased a lot of stationary lately, hence the numerous stationary related posts.

At the Winterthur bookstore, I got a box set of the grooviest notecards.  These cards feature portions of vintage book jackets designed by illustrator, Brian Cook, for the Bradford Publishing firm throughout the 1930s-1950s.

design for "The English Garden" by Ralph Dutton, 1937

It's funny to think of him designing in that period because the colorful design reminds me of the 1960s-70s and the Beatles and such.  He must have been pretty cutting-edge!

design for "The Countryman's England" by Dorothy Hartley, 1935

In the Papier: Historical National Park Poster postcards

My sister just sent us a few postcards from her travels, and they were really groovy.

This postcard was designed in the style of the WPA posters from the 30s/40s by Ranger Doug's Enterprises.  I definitely plan to explore their site more.  Ranger Doug has a blog!  Gotta check it out.

This was my favorite, done in a similar style.  Not sure if it is a reproduction of a vintage poster or original artwork from Lantern Press.

Bragging & BBCA

Now, I'm not saying this was all down to me, maybe they were planning on doing this post all along, BUT:

When they posted the original "Top Ten British Character Actors,"  I was rather sad not to see an women on their list.  I really wanted to see who they considered the best, male and female.  So I commented, wondering where the ladies were and offering some suggestions (two of mine made the list! . . . feel a fool for not remembering Imelda Staunton).

A week later they posted this post.

Just saying!

P.S.  This is also why I love the Anglophenia blog.  They post such a range of posts, respond to their audience well, and I feel like I learn a lot from them.