She was Known for her Flowers

I hope you had a nice Memorial Day weekend.  Yesterday was HOT.  It felt more like the 4th of July.  We celebrated my grandson's birthday with a picnic.  A good time was had by all, especially the birthday boy who seemed to favor his new red garden gloves over all his gifts.  He put them on a didn't take them off the entire time. 

Perhaps he will have his great grandmother's green thumb (my mother).  She has beautiful flowers around her house, here's one arrangement she put together.

My mom's beautiful flowers

I have a few vintage postcard images to share with you today.  These are a little different from what I've posted before.  Since it felt like a summer day yesterday, I thought I'd offer you some fresh fruit.  It would be difficult to ship to each of you, so I'm offering the next best thing.  Free for you today, strawberries, plums, and cherries.  I hope you enjoy them.  Notice the bumble bee in each of the images. 

 

Free Strawberries for you ~ enjoy

Free plums for you, mmmmm

Free cherries for you

These vintage postcards were done by artist Catherine Klein (1861-1929).  After attending art school in Berlin, she was highly sought after as a postcard illustrator.  She was best known of many artists in her day for the beautiful flowers she painted.  Art teachers used her work as models, and still do today.  Unfortunately not much was known about her life. 

The apple trees in my area are in full bloom today and just beautiful.  Here are some apple blossoms painted by Catherine Klein.  Free for you today.  Notice they seem to have a 3D effect. 

Free apple blossoms for you

I hope you've enjoyed this post and the brief history of artist Catherine Klein.  She has gone from this earth, but she has left her beauty for us all to enjoy, all these years later. 

As for man, his days are like grass, 
   he flourishes like a flower of the field.

Psalm 103:15

If you'd like to read a brief commentary on that scripture, you can find it here:  For the Constancy of His Mercy

Have a blessed day dear ones.

 

Decoration Day ~ A Time to Remember

Memorial Day ~ a time of remembrance for those who died in service for their country.  It was originally called Decoration Day as the women would decorate the graves of the Civil War veterans.  This vintage postcard pictures a little girl doing just that.

Free Patriotic Postcard

The caption on this next vintage postcard reads: 
Let the Stars and Strips be waving o'er their generous sacrifice. 

Free Patriotic Postcard



But his soul goes marching on. 

Free Patriotic Postcard Image

My father was a veteran, and my husband is as well.  I am proud of their service to our country.  Our town celebrates Memorial Day with a small parade.  They stop at one point on their route and throw a floral wreath into the ocean to remember those whose lives were lost at sea. 

This past Friday on 20/20 there was a story about a young man who was impailed by a live RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) in Afghanistan.  His chances for survival were slim as was anyone with him. 

Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

The men that were with him didn't flee and abandon him, they stayed with him.  He was flown to safety where he was operated on and his life was spared.   Countless men that day risked their own lives to save their friend and comrad.  I would say that the scripture above defines the actions of those men.  You can read more about this story here:  Unexploded Bomb in Soldier's Body.  A true act of heroism.

Untroubled Be Thy Days

I just love the sentiments on these old Victorian calling cards.   How sweet is this little card!!! Untroubled be thy days.

Free Victorian Calling Card

This next image, I've shared with you before but just have to bring it out again in case you missed it.  I love the sentiment on this one ~ Always do your best.

 

Free Victorian Card

Here's one more that I thought you'd enjoy today, don't you just love the huge red roses.

Free Victorian Card

Untroubled be thy days ~ If you blog with blogger as your host, you've had some frustrating days lately.   I would think the meaning behind the sentiment on the card I've shared is lighthearted troubles such as this.  

I used to "sweat the small stuff" until multiple family tragedies made me realize the "small stuff" was SO insignificant.  Just this month my husband did the funeral for a friend, the son of a friend of mine has a mass on his brain and is facing surgery,  my niece's baby battles severe asthma, and my nephew would have been 32 this month but he left us very suddenly four years ago from a motorcycle accident. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled 

and do not be afraid.   

John 14:27

Cherish your family, recognize what is important in your life, don't get bogged down with insignificant nuisances and make the most of each day.

Have a blessed weekend my friends.

My First Matchbox Swap with Piney Rose

I had never heard about a matchbox swap, or even had the idea of covering one until Melissa from Piney Rose told me about them and we decided to do one together.  Since it was my first one, I felt better about doing it informally, but still took extra care making and packing her box.  We agreed on a date to mail them and each waited in anticipation for it to arrive.  

This week, my package arrived.  I actually waited until I was alone so I could open it without interruptions and savor the moment.  Here's what I saw when I opened the package ~ WOW ~ just look how carefully she packed the box.

Anticipation of opening my first Matchbox Swap Box

 I was thrilled and  so touched that Melissa did all of this for me.  There was so much detail, it was just breathtaking.  Who knew you could transform an ordinary matchbox into something so beautiful.  I took pictures as I opened it, I knew I couldn't re-create the loveliness. 

Filled to the brim with buttons, lace, pins, paper, seam binding, German glitter, fabric roses, punched paper from vintage wallpaper, and old books, tags.  Even a sweet little birthday book with scripture and a miniature matchbox inside decorated like the larger box. 

Melissa knows I like hymns and decorated the outside and inside of the box with hymn music.  This was a delightful swap and I'm definitely going to do it again.  You can check her blog out here for a blog that host these types of swaps.  Melissa ~ Piney Rose Blog  Thank you so much Melissa for participating in this swap with me.  You're a gem!!

Since the theme of Melissa's box for me was red and she likes pretty things like me, I've chosen two Victorian calling card with red roses for your free graphics today.  Don't forget to click on the image for a larger view.  

Free Victorian Calling Card for you

Free Victorian Calling Card for you

Since today is Friday, it's time for my weekly blog giveaway.  Click on the button on my sidebar for details on how to win.  It's a rainy and foggy day again!!  However, I hear the birds singing as I type this, so it doesn't seem to be bothering them, they still make beautiful music.

I'd be grateful if you'd keep my friend's son in your prayers.  His name is Luke - he has a mass on his brain and is facing surgery. 

Have a blessed day.

Bible Verse Thursday ~ A Tree by the Water

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

My Sample for Bible Verse Thursday ~ Christian Paper Crafts

It's time again for Bible Verse Thursday, where I am a Challenge Hostess at Christian Paper Crafts for this particular challenge.

Have you ever seen a big strong healthy tree, its leaves lush and green? No matter what storms may pass its way, it always stands firm. My project sample above is made using a photograph I took of a tree across from my house. Through family history, I know the tree to be at least 90 years old. This is a spruce tree, in the family of Evergreens, which means it is green all year. I have watched this tree for the past 20 years and seen it stand strong and firm through many extreme situations such as hurricanes, blizzards, 100 degree heat, and the biting cold of 10 degrees below zero.

You may use this photo with scripture for personal use.

The scripture for today’s challenge tells us that BLESSED is the man who puts their trust and hope in the Lord. He will be like the big strong healthy tree, bearing up under adversity and still producing fruit. With Father’s day approaching, your challenge this week is to make a project for someone in honor of Father’s Day using this scripture, or the theme of this scripture, such as a tree.

You can pop over to the Christian Paper Craft Blog here:  Bible Verse Thursday and get more information about participating in this challenge.  Please let me know if you participate, I'd love to see what you make. 

I've included the photograph with scripture in this post if you'd like to use it for this challenge, or for other personal use.  You can click on it for a larger size.  The scripture and the photo seem to go together well, and I'd love to share it with you today.  

Have a blessed day.

Victorian Trade Cards ~ Sweet Children ~ Free

Free Victorian Trade Card ~ Niagara Starch

There is something just so sweet about using children on these Victorian advertising cards, also known as "trade cards".  This one in particular is very dear to me as it pictures children singing and playing a stringed instrument.  Does anyone know what that is?  I know it's not a guitar.  In this next image, I've taken the words off for you.  

Free Victorian Graphic

I love this next Victorian Trade Card for World Soap.  The softness of the colors, the sweet sisters.  Lots of loveliness here.  These cards were very popular in their day and were most often glued in treasured scrapbooks.  I've purchased a few of these scrapbooks of the years.  I wondered as I looked through them who it was that took such care to organize and place these sweet images in their book. 

Free Victorian Trade Card ~  World Soap

The cards were usually given out for free, obviously as a form of advertising.  I've read that they would often come in the product they were advertising, and stores would have them to give out as they drew attention to the products they were selling.  The companies would be competitive as to who could have the most attractive card, as they would be more apt to have the most sales.  I've removed the words from the next graphic.

Free Victorian Graphic

My great grandfather started a general store around the turn of the century and my grandfather took it over from him.  The store had long closed up by the time I was a child.  Here's some pictures.  I have family that still lives on the property. 

My Great Grandfather's General Store

Interior of my Great Grandfather's General Store

I have a few pieces of advertising from the store, which I treasure.  I've added scripture to the soap graphic in this next image.  All of the images in this post are free to you today with the exception of the family pictures of my grandfather's store.

Free Victorian Graphic w/ Scripture added ~ Psalm 31:24

I thought that scripture fit the card as the girls seem a little timid about something, and are clinging to each other.  Don't forget to click on each of the images to make them larger.  

I'd be very appreciative if you'd say a prayer for my friend's son.  It was discovered this week that he has a mass on his brain.  He's in his late 20's, and could use all the prayer he could get.  His name is Luke.  Thank you so much.

A Cure for Nervousness, Exhaustion & Tired Brain

In the 1800's, Horsford's Acid Phosphate claimed to be a cure for many things, including indigestion, nervousness, exhaustion, tired brain, seasickness and night sweats.  Wow!!  Wouldn't you want to buy a bottle of this tonic if you thought it would relieve these symptoms.  I sure would. 

Here's my favorite claim which helps nervousness & exhaustion.  I'm not sure what it all means, but it sounds good:  Acid Phosphate supplies the waste of phosphates caused by every mental and physical exertion, imparting new energy, increasing the intellectual and physical power, and is an agreeable and beneficial food and tonic for the brain and nerves.  

 

The paper advertising of the 1800's was done SO beautifully.  This particiular piece is dated 1896 and is in my collection of vintage paper.  I'm offering it free to you today.  It is a small folder and I've broken it down into sections so you'd have a choice as to which images you want to use.  I removed the words off the girl so you'd be able to use her alone.  Remember to click on each image for a larger view.

Obviously, this is not something sold today, but you can probably relate to why it would have been so popular in it's day.  I'm the queen of anxiety, nervousness, and a tired brain ~ thankfully I have the promise of this scripture to help me.   

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I Peter 5:7.  

I've added this scripture to the girl below as a reminder there is help for our anxiety.  

All the images in this post are free to you today.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Your comments make me happy, and I read every one.  Have a blessed day.

Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy & Free Images for You

If you've visited this blog before, you know that I give away free vintage images.  I enjoy visiting The Graphics Fairy Blog for free images.  Karen posts free images every day.  Each Monday she hosts a "Brag Monday", where we can post items that we've made using her images.  This is going to be my first time participating and I'll share my project below with you.  

I found this postcard image at The Graphics Fairy of four ladies having tea and cake, a real photo postcard.  I've collected real photo postcards of people for years and have never seen one like this.  I was immediately drawn to it.  I made it into a birthday card for my dear friend Sue, by adding the scripture followed by a humorous sentiment - A friend loveth at all times Proverbs 17:17, Especially when there is cake.  I had fun embellishing the card with rhinestone stickers, 1/2 pearls and vintage lace.  Sue was pleased to receive it.  Here's the card.

Birthday Card made with free image from The Graphics Fairy

I chose a couple of real photo vintage postcards of children for the free images I'm offering today.  I hope you're pleased with them.

Free postcard for you ~ Sweet Little Girl

Free Vintage Postcard

This next sweet image I've posted before, but just had to re-post her along with her little friends here.  Isn't she darling.  I just love her expression and her wrinkled tights.

Free Vintage Postcard

Thanks for stopping by today my friends.  More images coming this week for you, so check back.  Have a blessed day.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

Inspire with Courage - Spirit - or Hope

But encourage one another daily, 
as long as it is called “Today,” 
so that none of you may be 
hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 
Hebrews 3:13

Encourage ~ according to Webster's dictionary, it means to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.  I am encouraged every day when I visit some of your blogs.  There are more blogs available to us online than we'd have time to visit in a lifetime, but some really speak to us and beg us to stop and spend some time.  We share ideas, pleasant thoughts, something we've made, something we're proud of.  We share our faith, prayers, talents, and family.  In doing so, we're encouraging one another without even realizing it.  

There are many blogs with over 500 followers and you would think, that number alone would be an encouragement to the blog owner.  The most encouragement comes when the time is taken to leave a comment, to let them know if a particular post was meaningful to them.  This post isn't about me trying to get comments, it's about us as a group of bloggers reaching out by leaving a pleasant word to someone who has encouraged you.  Our words of encouragement can be far reaching, beyond the scope of our comprehension.  


Here are some free postcard images for you today.  I have seen just about every possible relative mentioned on this type of postcard.  I've even seen "To My Dear Pet".  Here are a Sister, Mother and Father postcard image, free for you today.  Don't forget to click on each image for a larger size.

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Sister

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Mother

Free Vintage Postcard ~ Father

 Have a blessed day dear ones.

Bible Verse Thursday ~ In His Time

He hath made everything beautiful in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

It's time again for Bible Verse Thursday.  I am the Challenge Hostess for this at Christian Paper Crafts and share the challenge each Thursday on my blog as well.

Yesterday my husband and I spent time visiting my nephew, his wife, and their new little baby boy.  I was reminded of this scripture as I held the little one in my arms.  I was in Jr. High School when my nephew was born and he lived with us.  Needless to say I spent a lot of time caring for him, which I loved to do.  I was very moved to see him now as a dad, and reflect how God had blessed his life.

My Sample, a Collage for the Bible Verse Thursday Challenge

Amy, who I met at Christian Paper Crafts, knows about God's perfect timing.  When I asked if I could share her words here, she said she'd be honored.  

I began praying at (age) 12 for the man that I would marry. God went before me and created an amazing man that fit my 'list' and beyond. I prayed for a roommate. God gave me more, a true and dear friend. I prayed for a church. God gave me a family. I prayed for a friend that would be there when I really needed her. He gave me four. Four amazing women who would be there for me when I needed them, who would let me be there for them, and who I could pray with. Through the years I have learned that God's timing is perfect. I must be patient. Sarah and Abraham had to wait 25 years for Isaac. I must also wait until God's time is perfect.

Amy trusted God with her life and waited for His perfect timing. The outcome is always better when we leave it in His hands. 

Since June starts the season of weddings, your challenge this week is to make a wedding card or project with this scripture, or the theme of this scripture. I chose to make a collage for my sample.  I had fun making it by using a shabby white frame and adding a beautiful piece of designer paper that I had embellished.  I didn't get the idea until after I had completed it, to not use the glass.  It was one of those light bulb moments for me.  It is stamped with one of the many scripture stamps you can find at Our Daily Bread Designs. 

You can find out more about this challenge and how to participate by visiting the Christian Paper Craft Blog here:  Bible Verse Thursday Challenge ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

My friend Karen at Papercraft Memories offers the most wonderful scripture WORDart on her blog.  It's all free for your personal use.  She happens to have this particular verse available which you can find here:  Ecclesiastes 3:11 WORDart by Karen 

Here's a link to all the scripture she offers.  She loves to hear how her work is being used, so please let her know.  WORDart by Karen

Here's another card I made using this scripture.  I've shared it on this blog before as a sneak peek when I was a guest designer for Christian Paper Crafts.

Please let me know if you participate in this challenge, I'd love to see what you make.   Thanks for stopping by dear ones.  I hope you have a blessed day.