Collection Challenge #87 - Vintage Silhouettes

Marci, Vintage Picker on Etsy (and also new to blogland with Parsley Vintage blog),  challenged me to show my collection of vintage silhouettes. There are a multitude of vintage silhouettes out there, but I have tried to keep mine limited to children.  They live in my back hallway and I like their graphic simplicity on my green wall.  I collect all varieties..cut paper, printed and reverse glass paint.

The silhouette that started this collection was one of my husband that my mother in law gave me years ago.

I found this silhouette amongst my grandparents things. i like the whimsical nature of this one.

A trip to Disneyland when the kids were little provided this predictable souvenier.

I also ended up with a silhouette of my uncle.  I don't think he has any idea he lives on my wall.

Teeny tiny with a cute bow.

Boy at the fishing hole.

Cut paper with a pair of kids riding a bike.

This child and sand-bucket has this note written on the back of it, " My sister Helga Hellman, Bansin, Germany, 1927, 3 years old."

This pair came from a vintage music book.

Estate sale found place cards with vintage silhouette graduates.

Reverse painting on glass. I love how simple some of these are.

I would love to know what these two are saying to one another.

The silhouette above has water marks and is not in pristine condition.  Even the back of it has seen wear and tear.

I dropped this silhouette which was reverse paint on glass.  I really loved this one and pieced the glass back together as best I could.

What made it really special was the inscription on the back.  I taped it to the front to hide some of the broken glass area.

This one is called "The Whistler".  I love the bird in the cage and the child in polka dot shirt.

A pair of illustrations from a riddle book.

I have complete strangers hanging on my wall.

The larger silhouette of the girl with the bow in her hair was at an estate sale on the second day, late in the afternoon.  Dated 1944, Carol Ann needed a good home.

This silhouette depicts one my favorite childhood memories. We used to hold buttercup flowers up under our chins and if there was a yellow reflection on your chin it meant you liked butter.  Sweet childhood story. I do like butter.

Sometimes there is a clue as to where the silhouette originated - Van's Art Shoppe in Sacramento, CA.

This silhouette is a nod to history and the historic flight of Charles Lindberg from N.Y. to Paris in 1927.

Cut paper.

This is one of those collection that is easy to add too.  I just keep filling up my staircase when I find some special silhouette.

Thanks Marci for the suggestion (my silhouettes are all dusted now..this was a productive post). If you have an idea for a future challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of _____." Approaching 90 collections!

Comments

[Nikki]

These are wonderful! I'll be on the lookout for them now :)

[Musings from Kim K.]

What a lovely collection. I say that on every collection post, but I just adore the grouping and how you have displayed on your wall.

[Doreen]

Wow...what an amazing collection! Love the stories that go along with with them too. That makes them even more special.I remember we used to do those in school. Wish I still had mine.
I'm still trying to come up with a challenge for you!
Thanks for sharing :-)

[janet]

Sweet. I think I'll try doing some of these the next time the granddaughter comes over for an "art class".
Yours looks great displayed in a group.

[Annette]

I have always loved silhouettes but don't have a one. Your collection is very sweet.
Annette

[Kathy]

This is a beautiful collection. I adore the reverse-painted glass. It is hard to imagine an 11-year old made the one with the swing. That little girl was a born crafter. Makes you wonder what became of the people who made them and what else they made, doesn't it!

[Lynn]

I have my hubby's from his childhood too and I hang it proudly in our bedroom. Thanks for sharing!

[Renee]

I have a small collection of these as well...There is something very innocent in a black and white/ cream print. Yours look amazing going down the stairs. I love that you hang people you don't know in your home...like the beauty queen from the school...Somebody knew them! Its good karma right? Smiles...good call Marci...Renee

[Marci]

Thanks for showing your awesome collection of silhouettes Laurie! I love how most of them are children, they are so sweet. My collection is small, but your right it is easy to add to. Thanks for the mention of my new blog, it should be fun if I can figure out all the little tricks :)

[Melissa]

I love this collection! How sweet. I use to make silhouettes of my kindergarten kids for gifts at Mother's Day but I haven't done this for several years. I think you have inspired me to start them up again. I will now be on the lookout for silhouettes. Thanks for the peek.

[barbara]

I'd have never thought about collecting these (or to ask if you did!) You have some really wonderful ones here, and I love how you have them all displayed together.

[Rois]

I am re-doing our bedroom and your post reminded me that in the attic I have two silhouettes that would be perfect for what I have in mind.

Thanks!

[One Gal's Trash]

So pretty! The children in the one that has the baby in the high chair are having a sibling fight...you can just tell. I think I remember the musical ones from a library book I found for you on Whidbey Island. It was in the "Reject" pile at the local library. Can you imagine? Fun to see you today!
xoxo
Dot

[Grace Mason]

Love the one with the child in highchair and the other child standing in front of highchair with what looks like a doll baby. You mentioned that you would like to know what they were saying...I think it went like this...Uh O' you dropped your dolly, wait, I get it for you!