Do You Covet Vintage Ephemera?

Well, I have just the book for you. Taschen recently published, Menu Design in America: 1850-1985. This hardcover book explores the golden age of design and dining through 800 menus, beginning with the bills of fare for the very first restaurants that opened during the late 1800's.


I adore vintage menus. Collecting menus is a little pastime of mine. I have some favorites framed in my kitchen and little breakfast nook. Their beautiful graphics, history and content just thrill me. It's always fun to look at the prices back in the day.

Ooh, love this one from Bimbo's 365 Club, which still exists in San Francisco. I actually own this menu...

So, if you love old menus and restaurant history, pick up a copy of Menu Design in America here.

Oh, and Happy Monday!

images from here

s.w.a.k.

Yesterday I spent some time perusing through thousands of old postcards at the San Francisco Vintage Paper Fair. It's amazing just how passionate collectors are about old ephemera.

I like to purchase special French or hotel-themed postcards as a token of thanks to my customers.


I remember the days of receiving and sending postcards and proudly displaying them on my bulletin board. It's already August and I've only received one card saying, "wish you were here." Although, I was thrilled to receive it, sending postcards is definitely becoming a lost art right there with letter writing.

While on vacation, do you still mail postcards?

Royal Inspiration

As we prepare for the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate, I thought I'd devote this week to The Royals.

I just love the British-inspired line by the talented Laura Tarrish. Laura began her career as a graphic designer and some years later became inspired by collage-based illustration. Some of her clients include Apple Computer, The Boston Globe and Travel & Leisure. She even designed the retirement card for news anchor, Tom Brokaw!

The 'Royals' Card' (above)

Bridgetown Papers showcases Laura's amazing work which includes wrapping paper, note cards, photo frames, custom invitations and more. Pure eye-candy.

For her custom work she uses her client’s memorabilia, providing a wish list for them after a conversation about their project, and augments with imagery she researches or finds in her archives.

'Kings & Queens' collection (above) includes wrapping paper, notebooks, folders, bookmarks and more.

Laura's an avid collector of vintage maps, postcards, old travel guides, ticket stubs and more. You can see these wonderful vintage objects in her work.

Take for instance this design made from objects she collected while living in London. Isn't it fabulous?

English file folders

There is so, so much more to share about Laura's amazing work. You should see her Paris series!

You must visit her site Bridgetown Papers to view all of her work, and then mosey on over to Felt & Wire Shop to purchase her available retail goods. It's truly spectacular!

Thanks Laura for the wonderful inspiration. I LOVE my goodies!

San Francisco Eats

I recently attended a wonderful exhibition called, "San Francisco Eats" right here at the San Francisco Public Library. The exhibition showcases San Francisco's food-obsessed culture dating back to the mid-19th century---something that 'yours truly' is fascinated by.

There is a huge wall collage of old black & white photos. I particularly like this one of an old bakery dating to the 1800's, once located right near the neighborhood I live in.

The exhibition includes menus by neighborhood, historical photographs, an array of food writers, cookbooks and culinary history, ephemera, and San Francisco food inventions, including gadgets and signature dishes.


The exhibition strives to highlight the major ethnic groups and food trends that led to the City’s recognition as the nation’s culinary pacesetter.


Senator Dianne Feinstein (once the Mayor of San Francisco), dining at the Fairmont Hotel.

A view of City Hall from the S.F. Public Library

If you're in the Bay Area and want to check out this wonderful exhibition, it runs through March 20th. Wonderful for food enthusiasts or anyone interested in old S.F. history.

San Francisco Public Library
Jewett Gallery
Main Library
100 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA

Vintage Eye Candy

Every so often I come across blogs or websites that truly excite me. One of them is Miss Moss.

Diana of Miss Moss is a graphic designer from South Africa. She loves vintage, photography, fashion and decor. She is constantly posting the most interesting things that lead me to fascinating places and discoveries. Her latest post of paper moon photography collected by Boston Bill tickled my fancy...

I love these scarce figural cameos (below) documented by Sheaff Ephemera.

What are figural cameos? I had never heard the term before.

"In figural cameos, the advertising text is placed within a design that resembles the product it advertises. Examples of these would be padlocks, kegs, water pitchers, boots, books and many others.

These figural cameos are quite scarce. There are only around 5,500 cameo designs known and Richard Sheaff has documented 250.


Diana blogged about a website entirely dedicated to brand name pencils!

She shares a fabulous array of vintage photographs that she discovers online such as this 1920's French hair salon via cardboy...

and wonderful old Life magazine covers...

So, if you have a moment be sure and check out Miss Moss's blog here. While you're at it, you may want to check out two other sites, Words & Eggs, another vintage design lover with amazing links and info, and Sheaff Ephemera, a place for show-and-tell, wondering aloud, and wandering the trails of curiosity . . .

Thanks Diana for your constant inspiration!!

photos via Miss Moss

Fiona Richards' Latest Collection~ Tres Fabu!

You may have read an earlier post of mine about Fiona Richards, the talent behind Cartolina Cards. I was thrilled to receive a package from Fiona...a complete set of her latest line of cards & journals! Many with a French theme.

Cartolina is one of my favorite lines. I have a large stash in my drawer ready for any occasion. This new line is amazing! The designs feature centuries old block prints and antique cartouches.

Love these notebooks...

And a new line of small pocket mirrors. Great gift items. All vintage-inspired!

You can purchase Cartolina items online here at Modern Paper Goods. They are also available at these retailers.

And thanks Fiona for my wonderful goodies!!!

photos from here

Fun Finds at the Vintage Paper Faire

Saturday I spent the afternoon perusing the San Francisco Vintage Paper Faire. The faire was packed with people sifting through everything from vintage posters to postcards. So many collectors!

If you've purchased from Paris Hotel Boutique, you've probably received a vintage postcard from us. I am fond of old French interiors/exteriors and the hand-tinted cards. I also like old hotel postcards. Makes sense, doesn't it?


Here are some random postcards that I purchased in addition to the French and hotel ones. I love the colors of these bathing beach postcards...the quality of the old linen cards is amazing...

These people are dressed a bit warm for the beach, don't you think?

These linen cards were of celebrities homes, c. 1950's. Whimsical and fun!

I'm off to sort through my big stack of postcards...You may be receiving one!

Endless Inspiration: Fiona Richards

I've been obsessed with Cartolina Cards for a long time now. This line is designed and produced by the talented British Columbia-based graphic designer, Fiona Richards. And, I have quite a large stash of her cards in my drawer, ready for the next occasion!

Fiona's designs are influenced by exotic curiosities that surrounded her growing up in Scotland with her grandparents in their 300 year old stone house, filled to the brim with strange and curious mementos from their lives as textile dealers in old world India.

The odd collections of things that filled her home were items that her grandfather brought back from India and South Asia. Everything from books & pictures, to silverware and ornaments. Since childhood, Fiona was exposed to a world of curiosities that have influenced her design work.

Fiona's family photographs are a bizarre collection of elephant riding, pith helmet wearing, and family swimming in the Indian Ocean wearing pointed grass hats.

Elephants play a leading role in imagery for Fiona's cards. They are always a favorite for buyers.

(above) A couple of Fiona's favorite pieces of ephemera that her grandfather collected from India and Asia.

These old French letters sit in a glass jar next to Fiona's computer. The handwriting inspires her every day...

Fiona's studio is filled with artful treasures and design relics she collects on her travels to the markets and shops nearby and abroad. She has amassed quite a collection of vintage items that give her endless inspiration such as her "favorite little tins."

She loves their typography and handpainting...

Curious collections of Fionas include these 2 miniature drawings from Switzerland from a local farm sale, hand-carved wooden boats found in the walls of a Victorian house; tortoiseshell eyeglasses; extra-long paper scissors; rubber stamps

Ancient patterns, colors, exotic images and textures make Cartolina Cards one of my favorite lines...And they're printed on recycled paper of the highest quality!

Even the back of the cards are so beautifully detailed...

Cafe Cartolina cards can be found in shops all over the world, from the U.K. to the U.S. Or, you can purchase them online here at Modern Paper Goods.


Wait! Did I mention that Fiona has one of the most beautiful blogs? Cafe Cartolina is a feast for the eyes. Join Fiona on her latest quests from travel & collecting to design & fashion.

Thanks Fiona for your endless inspiration, and for giving me a reason to visit my local gift shop frequently!

Cafe Cartolina blog
Cartolina Cards wholesale
Cartolina Cards retailers

photos from Cafe Cartolina & Cartolina Cards