Nature Inspired Vintage

Along with creating nature inspired art, I also like to collect nature inspired vintage art. I specifically look for items that could easily have been displayed in grandma and grandpa's house circa 1970-1985. Pictured are some great items that my girlfriend Katie and I have around our house.

The first item is a yarn art piece that we found at the Salvation Army. On the backing board of the frame it's stamped, "Sunset Designs 1978". This specific "Water Mill" design was sold as a DIY kit back in the 70's. It included all the yarn and materials you would need, and also all the framing material.

The next photo is a close up shot of a black velvet painting we have hanging in our living room. We found this awesome buy at a local thrift store. Blue Mountain Thrift is the "largest thrift store in central Pennsylvania", or so they say. Anyway, the painting is 3.5ft x 2.5ft, all velvet, and framed with decorative carved wood. I don't know how old it really is. Judging by the frame I would say mid 80's. It does have a signature, but I can't make out what it is. You can't go wrong with a jumping buck painted on velvet.

The last image is a vintage Econolite motion lamp from 1955. I had wanted this particular lamp for a while. This past Christmas Katie surprised me with this one. I was stoked! The image is pretty dramatic with the depiction of distressed animals braving a raging forest fire. To get the full effect of the "motion" part of the lamp the manufactures of motion lamps had to incorporate imagery that had movement. This meant most motion lamps had scenes that revolved around water or fire. With room lights off and the motion lamp on I could stare at this for hours.