Vintage Black Friday, A Tribute to my Grandmother

From the time I was just a little girl, October 31 was more than just Halloween, My paternal grandmother was born on this day in the late 1880's. Not sure the exact year, she was in her 40's in 1929 when my Daddy was born. She was always alot of fun and had interesting things for me to do and play with when I visited. We would bake cupcakes together and make homemade popcorn balls. Halloween was always a special occasion when she was alive.

I wanted to share with you a couple of keepsakes that I have from my grandmother, Irma. The photograph below was taken when she was 17. The gold locket from my grandfather Jack, was his engagement present to her. He was so handsome, and beside the photograph is a lock of his hair.

So very romantic.

She was a jokester and very witty, and her father had been a photographer who owned a studio. My mom has photos of my grandmother and her friends, at the river when they were in high school, and then some of her and girlfriends dressed up like men. I'm not sure what the occasion was, but they were having fun posing and being silly in the photos.

The black photograph album is one that I picked up a few weeks ago at a flea market, no sentimental value, but I liked it as a backdrop for this post.

The locket has her initals engraved in it:

 IGR. Irma Gertrude Russell.

My grandfather was a printer and owned a printshop. They were big party goers in their younger years. He loved surprises and hosted a surprise  Halloween Birthday Party for her November 1st., 1926. Below is the invitation he sent out to all their friends.

Can you read it? Click to enlarge it.

 He wrote the little poem for the invitation.
The black cat and pumpkin graphic are original.

And since Halloween is Saturday,

I thought I'd share a few images

 of vintage black fun for your enjoyment.

image from Country Living

image from Country Home

And in closing I'll pay tribute to my old kitty, "Blackie".

Alyson rescued her at a "Haunted House" downtown,

 Halloween Night, of her 7th grade year.

Blackie was 17 yrs. old when she passed.

Still miss her.

(she's on the kitchen counter, where else?)

Be sure to find other Vintage Black Friday Finds

over at Gypsy Brocante.

Thank you Jill!

Have a Fun Vintage Friday,

and a great weekend!

Debra

A "Hog-a-licious" Give-away!

You just have to see this up close and personal!

If you want to be stupified (love that word, sounds like Lil" Abner) and amazed, go see Robelyn over at Red Neck Chic. This is one super-talented and may I say "crazy" gal. I won't spoil the surprise, and words cannot do it justice. Just check it out and tell her that Debra sent ya!!!!!

"Hoggy" Hugs

Debra

More White Wednesday, White Suitcases

Thanks everyone, that left a comment on my blog for this last White Wednesday post. I had a lot of interest in the suitcases that I had painted white, sitting on top of my cupboard. Who knew?... I guess that I have had at least one original thought! But really, I had seen another one "whitewashed". I took my time with these because I wanted the leather trim and brass fittings and clasps to remain original, not painted over. And I really preferred complete coverage of the paint. I wanted them to look like they were made "white".

I just used plain satin interior wall paint in an off white. I do think I used some stain as a glaze on one of them to give it a more antiqued finish. I did them three separate occasions. I was asked if I had used primer. No I didn't, but I probably should have. It took me several coats. I used a brush and a roller on the larger areas, but I used a small art brush to do the edging work which was somewhat tedious. I just loved how they turned out, and each one being different, really shows up the character and the leather trim.

Lee at Inspired Comblogulations said she saw some just like these at the Ralph Lauren Store in Dallas.That's cool to know, I'd love to see how they displayed them. Now that I've heard how much you have liked them, I'm going to do a few more. I have a bunch of really tired ones hanging around. I know they'd like to be prettier!

OK, get out your paintbrushes and have fun.

 I'd love to see what you all come up with!

Debra