Harper's Young People Books Illustrations and Sayings For Crafts Free E-Book

Some of the mixed media projects I created this past summer required quite a bit of old book papers for collage purposes.  So much so I ran out of the book pages.  Truth be told it wasn't the projects themselves that used up the paper it was the number of projects I was creating..... lol

Mixed media, collage and decoupage crafts use a LOT of paper containing pictures, illustrations, graphics, words, ephemera, etc.  and I am always on the lookout for papers of this nature.  In thinking about some of the crafts projects I wanted to do this summer and fall I decided that some of the Harper's Young People Illustrations from the old book I had would be perfect.

To give you a little background - Last spring when looking around my house for some old papers I found an old Harper's Young People Illustrations Book from 1889 that was in poor condition and with some of the pages already missing.

I don't know where this book came from and who it belonged to.  Most of the old books I have belonged to my great Aunt Flossie but I didn't think this was one of hers.  The time-frame was right but the book wasn't signed with her name - which she always did on the inside of the front cover.

I can remember as a young girl asking her why she signed all her books and she said; "so that anyone who borrows them will know who the books belong to."  Makes sense to me.  So, for my whole life every book I've ever bought I've signed the inside of the front cover, too.  Kind of a sweet tribute to my great Aunt.

I was pretty sure this book didn't belong to my great Aunt but had no idea where it came from or who gave it to me.  After all this time suffice to say I'll probably never know.

From what I could tell there were 52 weekly magazine volume's contained within that were dated from November 1888 until November of 1889.  Each of the weekly volume's sold for one penny.

In looking at the book in poor shape and missing some of the pages I thought it still might be perfect for collage purposes so I started to tear some of the pages out.  I didn't tear too many out because right away I found myself looking at some of the beautiful black and white illustrations that were contained within the book.

They were enchanting: illustrations of Victorian children, Victorian girls with dolls, Victorian families, Victorian children at school, Victorian children reading books, holiday and seasonal illustrations and more.  I couldn't help but admire the artistic capabilities of the artists who had drawn them back in 1888 to 1889.

So, while tearing out the pages I started to set some that I really liked aside. Needless to say I wound up with a large pile I wanted to keep.  That still left me with a large pile to collage with so I was happy.

Contained within the book were many illustrations of Victorian girls, books, and dolls.  Well, as you know, I love graphics of girls and dolls so, for sure, I wouldn't be using any of these for collage purposes.  I also love books and knew I wouldn't be tearing any of those illustrations up either for collage purposes.

I loved the illustrations so much I decided to take some pictures of the black and white illustrations I had set aside so I could see them blown up on the computer.  I wanted to see the fine details in the drawings and have found taking pictures and uploading them to the computer is a great way to see them blown up.

Another advantage of doing this is I can share some of them with you and show you some of the blown-up areas in the illustrations that enchanted me which I did in several Linda's Blog posts.

After removing the background from the illustrations I decided to collage them into a Victorian Toile Design as I have always loved these fabric designs and wanted to create some of my own.

When I was satisfied with the design I decided to create brown, blue, black/white, and burgundy colorized versions of this design as I wanted  a Victorian authentic look.  Victorian Toile Designs are usually some sort of scene depicting a rural scene, usually involving animals and people.

Well, in looking at some of the illustrations I thought they would be perfect for a new "Victorian Books Toile Design" of custom products in my "We Love Books" custom products gallery so, of course, I created a bunch of custom product designs.

Well, after doing all that and thinking about some of the crafts projects I wanted to do this summer and fall I thought about all the Victorian images I had created and thought it would be nice to offer two free e-books with printable collage sheets that could be used for scrapbook, mixed media, collage, decoupage and other paper crafts.

There are a LOT of images to choose from so I decided to start with the Victorian book related images and separated these into two categories for two e-books: 1) Harper's Young People Books Illustrations and Sayings For Crafts Free E-Book, and 2) Victorian Books Collage Sheets For Scrapbook Free E-Book.

In the first e-book the images are the actual Harper's Young People Books illustrations with the backgrounds removed.  In the second e-book the images are several on my Victorian books toile designs in the blue, burgundy, brown, and black/white colorized versions.

My first e-book contains contains fourteen individual 8 1/2" by 11" book collage and sayings sheets.

Harper's Young People Books Illustrations and Sayings For Scrapbook, Mixed Media, Collage, Decoupage and other Paper Crafts Free E-Book - 14 Pages

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Victorian Valentine's Day And Romance Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Nothing speaks Valentine's Day more than Cupid.  And, what Cupid is more charming than the one in the illustration above that appeared in the March 16, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 273.  The illustration above was entitled " Love's Valentine" and was drawn by Jessie Shepherd (Jessie Curtis Shepherd).

As a child I can remember getting little paper Valentines on Valentine's Day - can't you?  I can also remember my mother telling me that I could participate but I would need to give a Valentine to every student in the class.  When I asked her why I had to give one to everyone she simply smiled and said: "So no one is left out."  Given I was in the first grade back then I didn't understand the significance of that.  I certainly do now.

The illustration above was in the March 16, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 285 and was entitled "Where Cupid Took His Valentine."  It wasn't signed so I don't know who drew it but I find it totally charming and hope you do too.

There are three little illustrations contained within this picture as well as a totally charming poem to go along with the drawings.

"I'm getting sick of Valentines" 

Said Cupid to his brother.

"And do you know I almost think

 I'll never send another.

I carried one a year ago,

 To little Rosebud May,

And found that twenty more or less, 

Had come for her that day.

Now when you send a Valentine 

"Said Cupid," what's the fun.

Of knowing that it simply counts

As "number twenty-one."

I know a child," his brother said

"A little friend of mine,

Who never yet in all her life

Has had a Valentine."

"I'll take her one," cried Cupid,

Springing lightly to his feet,

"Tell me the number of her house,

And kindly name the street."

And only waiting to be told

The best and shortest way

He spread his shining silver wings, 

And flew without delay.

He found the little girl and stood

Before her in surprise

For shabby gowns and ragged cloaks

Were strange to Cupid's eyes.

This lassie had a sweet round face

A dimple in her chin,

But ah, alas! her shoes were worn,

Her dress was old and thin.

One moment Cupid stood amazed

Then with a bow as fine

As any ever seen at court

He gave the Valentine.

"For me!" the little maiden cried

Her eye alight with joy.

"I never had one in my life

Oh, thank you little boy!"

"The thanks are mine," said Cupid,

Still bowing very low

I'll always be your Valentine

If you will have it so."

"Oh dear, how nice!" then with a blush,

"I'm very poor you know."

"Oh that's no matter," Cupid cried,

And smiling turned to go.

Now every year that little lass,

Whose dress is poor and old

Receives the prettiest Valentine

That can be bought for gold.

And Cupid tells his brother,

When e'er they chance to meet,

That rich or poor it matter not

When a little girl is sweet.

Can't you just picture the little maiden above crying: "For me!" I certainly can and love the expression on her face as well as the poem.

Sometimes  you can just feel the love even from a simple illustration, like the one above which appeared in a story about a sea captain in the May 11, 1889 weekly of the Harper's Young People Illustrated book on page 404.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Old Man Winter Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

For someone who doesn't like winter and snow I don't mind making snowmen or looking at Victorian winter illustrations like the illustration above which was in the December 8, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 61.  It was entitled "Such a Heavy Load."

The illustration above was in the November 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 814.  It was entitled "Our Champion Climbers."

I just love the look on the little girl and little boy's face.  She looks like she's say, "This is not fun!" He looks like he's saying, "See, I told you we could do this."

The illustration above was in the December 1, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 41. It was drawn by E.J. Meeker.

I just love the old man winter image in the sky and the saying:

King winter rules o'er hill and plain,

And shrill the north wind whistles.

While snow-flakes white, a fairy train,

Fall soft as floating thistles.

For look, a painter grey and old,

Above the storm abiding,

With stars and spheres and crystals cold,

The bare brown earth is hiding.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the Victorian old man winter illustrations.

Victorian Happy New Year Illustration From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

What better way to send a "Happy New Year" greeting than with a beautiful illustration from the cover of the February 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 177.  It was entitled "New Year Greeting" and was drawn by F.S. Church, N.A.

I, too wish you all a Happy New Year.

Victorian Christmas Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I decided that one of my all time favorite illustrations that I saw in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Books was the one that appeared on page 97 of the December 29, 1888 weekly.

I love it for three reasons: 1) The most adorable Santa figure I've seen;

2) The looks of anticipation on all the children's faces; and

3)  The ominous faces in the icicles.  How amazing is this illustration and the anxiousness of the children with Santa holding the key to the Christmas box filled with toys.  Can't you just feel the anticipation of the children.

The illustration above appeared in the December 22, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 93.  It was the picture for the song "A Christmas Carol" by P.A. Schnecker with words by Margaret E. Sangster.

When I blew the illustration up on the computer I couldn't help but notice the beautiful details of the angel as well as the church on the right.  And, you all know how much I love churches and are drawn to them.

This was me many times as a youngster while singing in the choir of my church.  The holidays was always my favorite time for singing.  I just loved the Christmas carols and loved the joy in the room that I felt when everyone in the congregation was singing as well.

The illustration above was on the cover of the May 18, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 417.  It was entitled "Singing in the choir - See Page 418."

It certainly wouldn't be Christmas without a picture of the Virgin Mary and child  so I was so happy to see the beautiful depiction above and illustration above from the front cover of the January 5, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 114.  It's entitled "Lord, I Have Nothing To Give." and was drawn by Jessie Shepherd for the "Lord I Have Nothing To Offer" Poem by Margaret E. Sangster which appeared don page 114.

How beautiful is this illustration?  I just love it an hope you do too.

Merry Christmas and blessings of this glorious season to all.

Victorian Boys and Girls Paintings From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

I found when I was looking at all the illustrations from the Harper's Young People Illustrations Book published in 1889 that I was really drawn to the illustrations that were engraved.  I found the engraving process intriguing and, of course, had to find out more.

According to Wikipedia:  Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface by cutting grooves into it with a burin. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing images on paper as prints or illustrations; these images are also called "engravings". Engraving is one of the oldest and most important techniques in printmaking.

After learning how they create these beautiful illustrations I was even more in awe of the the amazing detail with each.  I was especially in awe of the unbelievable facial expressions they were able to achieve.

I hope after looking at all the amazing illustrations below and the blown-up sections of the facial features you would agree.

The illustration above was in the December 8, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 58.  It was entitled "At Your Service!" and was from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was in the January 12, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 154.  It was entitled "A Christmas Vigil" and was drawn and engraved by Frank French.

The illustration above was in the November 24, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 25.  It was entitled " The Jumping Jack" and was from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was in the January 12, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 137.  It was entitled "That's A Beauty!" from the painting by J.G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was on the cover of the March 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 241.  It was entitled "Else Leslie Lyde" from a photograph by Sabony.

The illustration above was on the cover of the May 11, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 402.  It was entitled "The Belle of the School" after the painting by J. Guy.

The illustration above was in the March 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 249.  It was entitled "The Jolly Beggar" from the painting by J. G. Brown, N.A.

The illustration above was in the July 27, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 585.  It was entitled "Morning Papers!" after the painting by J. G. Brown, N.A.

 

The illustration above was in the February 2, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 185.  It was entitled "Pegged Out!" from the picture by J. G. Brown, N.A.

How incredible are all of these. Wow!

Victorian Illustrations of Real Life From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

Not all the illustrations in the Harper's Young People weekly's were of joy or celebration.  Some were of the grim reality of life and the event of the day.

Such was the case with the illustration above appeared in the December 15, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 76.  It was entitled " The doctor drew the man's left hand to him and felt his pulse" and was part of a story entitled "Uncle Peter's Trust" written by George B. Perry about a dying man.

You can just feel the sorrow and compassion in the room for this man as he lay dying.

The illustration above appeared in the December 1, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 40.  It was entitled "Frank was contented to lie still while she chattered to him."  It was drawn for the story entitled "Floride's Patient. A True Story of the War." written by Bertha Watson.

You can just feel the compassion the young girl has for the young man in the hospital bed and her desire to cheer him up.

The illustration above appeared in the March 30, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 312.  It was entitled "The boy murmured softly to his mute playmate and toyed with his ears."

There is no doubt the mother above is concerned for her sick child and her need to comfort him.  Even the family dog tries to do what he can.

I hope you enjoyed the Victorian illustrations of real life shown above.

Victorian Mother's and Children Illustrations From The Harper's Young People Illustrations Book From 1889

There's nothing quite like looking at the different expressions of family members within gatherings - especially the expressions of mother's and children.

You cannot help but feel the despair in the face of the mother from the illustration above that appeared in the July 27, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 580. It was entitled "Homeless" and was drawn for the poem "Homeless" written by Dora Read Goodale.

The illustration above appeared in the February 9, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. It was entitled "Celestial Geography." The captions were: "Charlie (recently promoted to the study of geography, and much interested in the same.) "Mamma, do all the big countries have capitals?" Mamma. 'Yes, Dear."  Charlie. "Then what's the capital of heaven?"

For the above you can see the questioning look on the boy and the surprised look on the mother who is trying to decide how to answer that question.

The illustration above appeared in the March 9, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 270 is also one of my favorites as it always reminds me of the time I spent in my grandmother's arms while she was rocking me and watching her soap opera's on the television.

The illustration above appeared in the December 15, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 68. It was entitled "Grim walked proudly into the room."  It was drawn for the story "Delcy's Squirrel" written by Kate Upson Clark.

You can see the children's delight with the gift from the cat and the mother and grandmother's disgust with getting that out of the house.

The illustration above appeared in the December 29, 1888 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 100. It was entitled "The boy sank on the floor and cuddled the monkey in his arms."

My favorite part of the illustration above is the grandmother in the rocking chair.  I just love her face.

The illustration above appeared in the February 16, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 224. It was entitled "Not Yet Time To Turn Over."  The captions were: Mother. "I am distressed to hear that you have been naughty again, Jack. It certainly is time for you to turn over a new leaf." Jack. "What's the use of my turning over a new leaf when I can't read any at all yet."

You can't help but wonder how the young mother above is going to answer that question.

The illustration above appeared in the July 6, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 537. It was entitled "Mrs. Tenderden came up on the walks with her arms full of great white lilies."

I just love the details in this illustration, the little girls dress and hair and the expression on the woman with the lilies.

The beautiful engraving  above appeared in the July 20, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 561 and is another one of my favorites. It was entitled "Madame Vigee-Lebrun and her Daughter - From the painting by Madame LeBrun."

How exquisite are the details for both the mother and daughter's faces? Just amazing - don't you think? Wow!

The illustration above appeared in the January 26, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 169. It was entitled "Christmas in Germany - Distribution of presents to peasant children at the castle" and was drawn by Charles Mente.

The illustration above appeared in the May 4, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 385. It was entitled "A Waif of the Sea" and was drawn for the story "Dorymates: A Story of the Fishing Banks" written by Kirk Munroe.

I just love how beautifully detailed the illustration above is and how wonderful each of the fisherman's expressions are.

The illustration above  and the illustration below appeared in the October 26, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 797 and were contained within the poem entitled "A Change of Opinion: Ten Years Afterward."

How beautiful are these two illustrations.  Just look at the expression on the face of the older woman.  Certainly not one of joy.  Same for the little girl.  Wonder what the problem was?

I hope you enjoyed seeing the Victorian mother's and children's illustrations.