Design Inspiration: Vintage Halloween Doilies

Vintage Halloween Doily Sometimes happy discoveries occur when I’m searching for one thing but come away with an unexpected treasure.  That’s what happened when I was looking for vintage Halloween graphics online.

Set of Vintage Paper Doilies –

Orange, yellow & green
1920s-1930s, 5.5″ diameter
Made in the USA

Vintage Halloween Doily I found this image of a colorful paper doily and soon discovered that there were two other matching designs.

Halloween Collectibles author Mark Ledenbach notes that the set of doilies were printed in these three colors: orange, yellow, green.

Inspiration Quilt And, imagine my surprise when I discovered this version on Martha Dellasega Gray’s Q is for Quilter web site.

An avid quilter, Gray designed this 38″ diameter table topper based upon the green version of the 5.5″ paper Halloween doily. Follow her instructions and progress as the vintage doily inspired a modern interpretation. Please CLICK here.

Imagine my further surprised when I attended Mark Craven’s annual Vintage Holiday show Memorial Day weekend in Columbus, Ohio.  I found the orange version at the top of this page.  Of course, I just had to have it!

Martha’s project proves that good design is timeless.  Further, good design can transcend genres and mediums.  I shared my happy discovery with several artists who also found the designs inspiring.

See the Halloween 2010 issue of Celebrate365 to view the full Design Inspiration article. Folk artists Vergie Lightfoot, Susie Pastor and Lori Rudolph each created works inspired by these vintage paper doiles.  Each designed in a different medium.

To purchase a single copy of this issue and discover their creations, please CLICK here.

Halloween Prizes, Oh Yeah!

Take a Stroll Down Trick or Treat Street … You could win!

Trick or Treat Street

Visit these three folk artist sites for a change to win! These three folk artists are hosting a blog prize give-away to kick off the Halloween season.

Worth a visit? You bet! So, take a look!

Sept 16th: Visit
one last time and leave each of us a comment to
qualify for yet another prize from each artist.

Sept 17th: One
lucky trick or treater will have their name drawn (at
random) from all of the comments and will receive the GRAND PRIZE – An original art piece from each artist.

(Randomly selected winners will be announced on each blog, each day!

Lori Rudolph, Retro Rudolph’s

Amelia Schaefer, SweetB Folk Art

Len Bentham, Happy Holidays

Mark the Date! Ghoultide Gathering … October 2

Michigan’s Ghoultide Gathering has grown into one of the premiere Halloween-themed folk art shows in the United States. The small, etlite group of artists represents the best of the best. It’s a rare opportunity and a delight for the eyes. The artists create incredible Halloween one-of-a-kind art that might just make you gasp with pleasure!

Wear comfortable shoes and bring your checkbook! The crowd gathers early … but remember, when the gates open … it’s a race to favorite booths. The time to buy is when you see it! He who hesitates will probably find his indecision has cost him a Halloween treasure.

Collectors arrive from all over the US and Canada. Join them for a true Halloween Artist Spectacular!

Celebrate365 will be on hand at this fourth annual show.

Ghoultide Gathering 2010
2010 Participating Artist Links

Patricia Breen Event at Gump’s

GUMP’S 2010 PATRICIA BREEN EVENT COCKTAIL PARTY

Friday, September 24th 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
$110 Registration Fee / Limited reservations

For reservation/registration call Gump’s Special Events at 415-984 9250. Major Credit Card needed for registration fee. (At evening event, cash, check, credit cards, Gump’s charge OK for purchases)

There will be a minimum of 3 Event pieces available for purchase or special order (depending on quantities on hand). There will be a minimum of 1 exclusive coloration piece. As always, each paid reservation will include a registration gift, a gift from the PB studio, and lots of fun drawings for special pieces. Details of exact pieces, colors, prices communicated when available.

You must be present to purchase, place orders, participate in drawings and receive gifts.