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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Cabinet of Spooks

I am having my first craft show of the fall season on Saturday, and while most of my inventory is similar to the shows I did last year, I have a new item specially prepared for this pre-Halloween sale.
I call them my Cabinet of Spooks, since I have collaged a selection of vintage cabinet cards with light-heartedly "spooky" elements like hats, wands, and stars.
Cabinet cards are photographic portraits from the late 1800s that were large enough (about 4-1/4 by 6-1/2 inches) to be seen from a display spot in a cabinet in one's Victorian parlor.
I have amassed a nice little collection of these cabinet cards from various sales and auctions, and while I have incorporated one or two into my art journals, I have been hesitant to alter them in any significant way. 
That changed when I saw a feature in the Christmas edition of Country Living magazine this past year, where someone drew reindeer antlers on the dour portrait of a 19th century gentleman.  I loved it!  I quickly chose a sour-faced little woman from my cabinet card collection and gave her a pair of antlers, and she now hangs on the inspiration board above my work table.  I plan to have some more of these available for my future shows nearer to the holidays. 
For Halloween, coming up next month, I thought it would be fun to add some appropriately spooky features, and prop the cards on little wooden easels.  I think they make a humorous addition to your Halloween decor!
Let me know what you think of my Cabinet of Spooks!

12 comments:

  1. Carin WinkelmanSeptember 6, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Oh these are just adorable and I'm only a little envious of your beautiful collection of cabinet cards. ;-) Good luck on the craft show. These should be a hit!

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  2. UnknownSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I think they're awesome, and they're sure to be a hit at the craft show!

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  3. She Who DoodlesSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    fun, great idea.

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  4. Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.comSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    I think they are very fun--have a great time selling them.

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  5. aprilmariecole.blogspot.comSeptember 7, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Awww... these are terrific!
    Honestly Andria, these are way too cute, to be spooky ((LOL)) :]
    Love them all.
    Wanted to thank you for the postcard as well, you are so thoughtful. ~xx
    It was a delight to receive.

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  6. laurieSeptember 7, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    these are so fun to look at and come with the thought that there is a "shadow self" in every person - spooky, huh?!

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  7. Karenann YoungSeptember 7, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    These are great "spooky" cabinet cards! Great idea!

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  8. AnneSeptember 8, 2012 at 10:29 AM

    I definitely need a couple of these!
    Think I'll intersperse them with some family photos on the desk!!

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  9. susanmlowry@hotmail.comSeptember 8, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    Your table at the craft fair/flea market was well done today. I applaud you and I am enjoying my treasures that I purchases at your booth. I am benefiting from your creative juices!Thank you Andria!

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  10. susanmlowry@hotmail.comSeptember 8, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    Your table at the craft fair/flea market was well done today. I applaud you and I am enjoying my treasures that I purchased at your booth. I am benefiting from your creative juices! Thank you Andria!

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  11. Parabolic MuseSeptember 9, 2012 at 5:32 PM

    Andria, these are exactly what I love with Halloween decor. Humor, defintely some bright rich orange, and the black and white eerie effect. These will be a HIT!

    I must get some cabinet cards. I've seen them at antique stores, but never really knew what I wanted to do with them! I'll probably be able to get some this fall, although when I was at the shop in Pasadena I didn't see them any more. I wonder if that's something that people run out of? Do you think they are copyright free? i could probably copy the image onto board and 'pretend'...

    Bwahahahaha!!!

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  12. bathroom furnitureSeptember 19, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    Hello
    "Cabinet of Spooks"
    That is powerfully helpful! Great insights into your inner workings! Great info it is without doubt.

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