I was at one of my local thrifts the other day and it is my habit to always check out the cook books. I found a few goodies; "The Wonder Of Coconut" and "Glamor Desserts." These were little pamphlets meant to sell a product and enlighten the hostess with the mostess. They had some great graphics and I love this type of recipe guide because they are really little time capsules of style. I started to move on when I saw these two black notebooks. At first they didn't look too interesting and I almost passed. I guess the junk fairy was watching out for me because I turned back and reached up and then squealed. These two unassuming books hold a treasure of 1950's textile painting designs. A lady named Ruthe Hapffgarten from Boise, Idaho published them to "help the home crafter awaken their artistic talent." These patterns are meant to be traced on cocktail napkins, neckties and blouses. The author looks like a cross between Joan Crawford and Ethel Rosenberg.
There are a lot of florals and even a cowgirl and a square dancing horse. The book includes quite a variety of fun designs including this cocktail swilling frog and sea horse pair. There is even a naughty necktie design with a semi-nude mermaid. I am no artist but I can copy things if I have something to look at. I have been painting some rough wooden chairs and benches for the flea market and now I can expand my repertoire to include these fun and retro designs. Sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it and when you find it for only a dollar you have no excuse not to release your inner artist.
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