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;

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.

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

One of the things that delighted me so much with the illustrations from the Harper's Young People weekly was the number of illustrations of Victorian children with animals, like the illustration above that appeared in the August 31, 1889 weekly in the Harper's Young People Illustrated Book on page 670. The illustration was entitled "Getting ready for a walk."

When I was a young girl I can remember times when we found bird's nests with baby birds in them that seemed to be abandoned by their mothers.  We always tried to help the little babies and would take them home and with the help of our Dad try to feed them.  I can remember using a little eye dropper to feed them water and digging up worms to feed them.  Unfortunately we weren't successful in our endeavors.

A Mouse Brother and Sister - "Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" and "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" - Handmade Victorian Mouse Dolls

"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" is hoping that her life long friendship with "Barely Victorian, Deb!" will guarantee membership for herself and her brother, "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" into the new Victorian Tea Society started by "Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" and his wife "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" She's got her fingers and tail crossed.

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends because they had been turned down for membership into the posh "Victoriana High Society Tea Club."

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older then some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" knows that her lineage is of the highest so she and her brother should have no problem getting accepted. Plus, well - you know, she had that life long in with Deb. They're BFF's and tight as mice. Or should we say, tight as mice and bears!

"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" is regal and Victorian to the core, but she has a little bit of an imp in here and just loves a good laugh. Or, in her case, a good squeak! While ball room dancing she has been known to belt out several squeaks or two or even three of laughter. She just loves to dance, and twirl, and laugh, and squeak.

Her brother, "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" is much more serious. Much more studious. He is every bit the proper Victorian gentleman. He has a high IQ, great style and pizazz, and is well behaved. It's not that he doesn't like a good laugh like his sister, Phebe. It's just that he feels there are some things you can do in the privacy of your own home and some things you can't. Squeaking is one of those things that belongs at home. Not when attending the finest social gatherings.

However, he adores his sister, Phebe and can't help but chuckle every time he hears her delightful squeak. He loves when she is enjoying herself, but just wishes she were a little quieter about it.

Taking One Day At A Time - A Pair of Victorian Dogs - "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" and "I'm A The Best Papa, Pepper!"

"Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" takes life one day at a time and wasn't too concerned about getting an invitation to the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" She knew that eventually it would come, so why get yourself all in a tither until it does?

When she was younger she may have worried about such things, but aging has mellowed Granny Esther. She much prefers spending her time reading, watching her Grandchildren, sewing, and just plain enjoying life than worrying about memberships to tea societies.

She can understand why "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" set-up their own tea society. She was young once and would of done the same thing. Now, memberships just weren't that important to her. Good health, love of family, love of life. Now those are important issues.

Granny Esther had no doubt that she and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were show dogs after all and had well established pedigree lines. The finest of the fine. In fact, Granny Esther had won "Best Dog In Class!" for so long that she had lost count. And, her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" had been Father of the Year for so long he had lost count.

However, both had aged ever so gracefully and time had been kind to them. For that they were grateful. They were both proud of who they were, proud of their families, proud of their friends.

But, they also knew that each and every moment they had together was precious and that there wasn't anything better than a quiet romp in the woods holding each others hand or sitting on the porch enjoying a glass of lemonade. Yes, time had mellowed both "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!"

A Sleek But Refined Husband and Wife - "Come Here William Augustus" and "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" - Victorian Cat Dolls

"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" could hardly wait to tell her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" that they had gotten the much anticipated email from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!"

You see, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" had decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends because they had been turned down for membership into the posh "Victoriana High Society Tea Club."

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older then some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application. So, the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" was born and "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" was anxiously awaiting her membership email.

She had no doubt that she and her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were, cats, after all and highly prized for their poise, elegance, tenacity, and grace.

My Victorian Paper-Clay Bird Dolls

I should have known better than to ever let the "dollies" mingle with the trio of "birdies" I was making for my Artful Gathering "Briley The Birdie" class with Colleen Moody. The "dollies" convinced the "birdies" they should be different than "Briley."

So, despite my best efforts to get them to conform my trio of "birdies" decided to be rebellious and be the class radicals. They decided they didn't want to be cream colored. They  wanted to be sponge painted. They insisted on it and then they had all the "dollies" urge me to sponge paint them.

There were just too many "dollies" clamoring for this that I had to acquiesce. Now I know you all know I hate to give in to the "dollies" demands but with the trio of "birdies" and all the "dollies" clamoring I was sorely outnumbered.

I thought if I gave in to the trio of "birdies" on this they'd calm down and let me create them the way I wanted to. Au contraire!  Each one had already developed a personality of their own and therefore a style they thought was best for them. Who was I to argue? I was just their creator. So, once again, I acquiesced.

One thought she was a Queen and wanted to be treated like one. I named her Queen Annabell but I refused to bow and curtsy to her.

Another decided she wanted to be Bohemian. I named her Natasha.

And, the third decided she wanted to be Funky. I named her Phebe.

Right now when I look at them all together they look like little "biddies" conspiring to me.  Of course, I see bogey men everyone when it comes to my "dollies" and their demands.  And, since the "birdies" have developed such a close relationship with the rest of the "dollies" who knows what they'll be demanding next.

I'll just have to wait and see.  For sure, I'm not going to wait on them.  I might serve them afternoon tea, but that's it.

Perhaps I'll be surprised and they'll be delightful.  Perhaps they'll be nice, well-mannered, and a delight to be around.  Perhaps their charm will rub off on the rest of the "dollies."  Perhaps.......

Victorian Graphics My Sister-In-Law Would Love

I just love Victorian dolls and also happen to love Victorian graphics. One of my favorite graphics websites to visit is The Graphics Fairy by Karen Watson. She posts the most beautiful and adorable Victorian graphics you'd ever want to see. I just LOVE visiting her blog so I thought I'd show you a few of the Victorian graphics on her website that my sister-in-law would just LOVE.


You see, my sister-in-law is a dog lover and a bird lover. In fact, she's an animal lover. But, she's also a Victorian doll lover and has quite a few (make that many) of my handmade Victorian dolls. They're all showcased in a curio that my brother made for her and all along the headboard of their bed which my brother also made.


I know she'd love all the graphics in this post and hope she enjoys seeing them


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!

Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Moose On The Dance Floor! - "Moose Me Victorian" and "Moose Me A Dance!" - Victorian Moose Dolls

"Moose Me Victorian!" really didn't want to have anything to do with the "Victoriana High Society Tea Club" but when his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" invited him - well, how could he say no.

"Moose Me Victorian!" was a Victorian moose but he considered himself every bit the man's man. Hunting was in his blood and had been for generations. In fact, he excelled at marksmanship and had won the county title several years in a row.

But, his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" had asked him and he was as loyal as they come and blood brothers with Ryan. So, how could he say no. He couldn't.

You see, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" had decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends because they had been turned down for membership into the posh "Victoriana High Society Tea Club." Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older then some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

So, the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" was born and "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" asked his friend "Moose Me Victorian!" to join. He also invited "Moose Me Victorian's" sister, "Moose Me A dance!" to join as well. His wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" had asked him to so he did.

"Moose Me Victorian" knew that his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" would be thrilled with the invitation. Why, she'd be ecstatic and be daydreaming of all the high society balls she would be attending. Not to mention all the wonderful ball gowns she'd have to buy. Oh, yes! "Moose Me A Dance!" would be beside herself with anticipation.

"Moose Me Victorian!" wishes his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" was as good at her marksmanship as she was on the dance floor. She could twirl and twirl and twirl and never loose her footing. She was graceful and every bit as elegant as she needed to be.

"Moose Me Victorian!" is wearing a flannel shirt which is gathered at the neck. He is also wearing a gray wool vest that matches his gray wool jacket and which is lined with the same fabric as his gray wool jacket. His vest is top stitched and fastened in front with a button.

His lace trimmed ascot also matches the lining of his gray wool vest and gray wool jacket. He is wearing a lined gray wool jacket with a lined collar and lapels. His jacket is top stitched and fastens with a large gray button in the front.

"Moose Me Victorian!" knows fully well that he can walk and talk Victorian with the best of the Victorian gentleman. However, he much prefers the company of his hunting buddies and while he may be dancing on the dance floor his mind will be elsewhere.

"Moose Me A Dance!" knows that her brother, "Moose Me Victorian!" really didn't want to have anything to do with joining the "Victoriana High Society Tea Club." But, she knew that he would do it for her. He knew how much she just loves to dance and would never turn down an opportunity for her to do so.

So, when his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" invited him - well, how could he say no. Plus, he knew it would hurt his sister so he had no choice. It was the right thing to do for his friend and for his sister.

"Moose Me A Dance!" is a self standing doll with a square bottom and brushed felt body. She has black bead eyes and a black satin stitched nose. Her mouth is embroidered with DMC embroidery floss and her ears and cheeks are blushed.

Her huge antlers sit daintily upon her head. That is, as dainty as antlers can be! Her cap is lined and lace trimmed and matches her dress. A silk floral adorns the front of her cap while a ribbon bow adorns the back.

"Moose Me A Dance!" has a layer of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a lace trimmed and gathered lace trimmed slip. Her beautiful coordinating ensemble is the latest in Victorian fashion. Her dress came straight from Paris from the finest of designers. Nothing shabby for "Moose Me Victorian!

She is wearing a dress trimmed with 2 layers of gathered lace and one layer of straight lace along the bottom hem. One layer of gathered lace trim and one layer of straight lace trim adorn her sleeves which are gathered at the wrist. Her dress is gathered at the neck which is adorned with 4 layers of gathered lace trim and adorned with a ribbon bow in the front. "Moose Me A Dance!" is also wearing a lined velvet vest that is lace trimmed along the front, back, and bottom edges and is tied with a ribbon and buttons. Her outfit is finished with a print embroidered handkerchief for a shawl.

"Moose Me Victorian!" knows that her brother did this for her. She also knows that he can walk and talk Victorian with the best of the Victorian gentleman and while he much prefers the company of his hunting buddies he's a right fine dancer. He can waltz and twirl with the best of them.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Bearly Victorian, Ryan! and Barely Victorian, Deb!

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" have decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends.

After getting rejected for the umpteenth time from the latest Victorian tea society that he had applied to "Barely Victorian, Ryan!" decided that he and his wife should start their own club.

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older than some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

Only one way around - start your own club! So, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" and "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" did. If there's anything Ryan and Deb can't stand it's "hoity-toity" attitudes. In their minds - everyone is created equal whether they're a human or an animal. Bears or humans - what's the difference? Nothing as far as Ryan and Deb are concerned. They're just as Victorian as anyone else.

However, don't let their names fool you. Ryan and Deb are anything but "barely Victorian!" Both Ryan and Deb are Victorian blue bloods. In fact, Ryan's lineage dates back "before the dawn of man!"

Ryan considers himself to be the epitome of the classy Victorian gentleman. He has the right attitude, the right demeanor, the right clothes, the right walk, the right taste in wine. Why, he can talk the talk and walk the walk with the best of the Victorian gentleman.

Deb considers herself to be at the top of her class. She is refined, elegant, stylish, well mannered, well educated, and proper at all times. She is a "true lady" in all sense of the word.

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" is a 15" Victorian bear. He is a self standing doll with a square bottom and plush felt body. His face is embroidered and he has black bead eyes and an animal nose.

Ryan is wearing his favorite blue shirt with stand-up collar and buttons. One of his favorite ties is wrapped around his neck. His blue check tweed jacket with a collar and lapels is lined and top stitched. Two wonderful blue buttons are used to fasten his jacket shut. Ryan's lined top hat sits beautifully atop his head and matches his lined jacket.

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" is quite the debonair. He knows it. Why don't they?

"Bearly Victorian, Deb!" is a 13" Victorian bear. She is a self standing doll with a square bottom and plush felt body. Her face is embroidered and she has black bead eyes and an animal nose.

Deb has 3 layers of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a lace trimmed and gathered slip. Her beautiful coordinating ensemble is the latest in Victorian fashion. Her dress has multiple layers of lace trim along the sleeve hem and bottom hem and is gathered at the neck edge.

Her matching wrap is lined and lace trimmed and overlaps wonderfully in the front and decorated with a bow. She has a lined and coordinating lace trimmed cape fastened around her neck and shoulders. Deb's beautifully matching lined and lace trimmed flannel bonnet adorns her head and is tied in a bow around her neck. A lace bow decorates the front of her bonnet.

"Bearly Victorian, Deb!" is quite the fashionable lady. She knows it. Why don't they?

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals