Chronically Vintage is giving away a gorgeous set of Jessie Willcox Smith vintage art prints

The walls in my apartment are, by and large, on the bare side. So much so that when my mom came to visit last spring she asked me why that was the case (curiously, not judgmentally, I should point out). The reason is twofold: artwork, even prints often cost a pretty penny, and secondly, I haven’t chanced upon too many shops selling pieces that spoke to my personal decor style and taste in art.

It was with absolute elation then that I read a recent email from a Canadian company called TJ Whitneys Traditional Toys that recently arrived in my in-box. The message asked if I’d like to review one of their products, a timelessly elegant set of art cards featuring vintage images of children in various scenes, and offer a second set to my readers. I jumped at the opportunity, because, the moment I saw the charmingly beautiful cards in question, they captured my vintage loving heart.

Strung on cheerfully colourful organza ribbon in various hues, the set of eight art cards I received in the post this past week are immensely lovely. Coming in at 8.5 by 8.5 inches, each card features a different vintage image by a talented artist named Jessie Willcox-Smith.

Born in 1863, Smith, who grew up in Pennsylvania where she attended the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, was revered in her day and has long been celebrated beyond her lifetime for the engaging, beautiful American artwork she created for many publications (such as Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Collier’s Weekly, Harper’s, and McClures). Though she passed away in the 1930s, Smith’s work continues to be appreciated and sought after by many who treasure the carefree elegance and honest simplicity of childhood she so resplendently captured in her beautiful illustrations.

As you can see in the photo below (which comes from the Traditional Toys website), these cards are amazing. One print on its own would be a wonderful treat, but eight cards combined create a masterpiece of a set that has instantaneously enlivened one of my bedroom walls and brought a great deal of effervescent cheer to my home’s decor.



Anytime I’m asked to review a product I do so sincerely and without bias, but the simple truth is I adore these cards! They’re well printed on sturdy paper and strung with pretty ribbon – just the type of artwork I would love to give many of my vintage adoring friends as gifts (they’d be amazing as baby shower presents for a nursery, but work equally well in a home with older children or no kids at all, such as my own house). They feature engaging, classically enjoyable images from the last 19th and early 20th century that are bound to appeal to vintage art enthusiasts, and really do liven up any room.

I feel honoured to adorn my walls with these beautiful cards and am very thankful to Traditional Toys for allowing me the chance to review and giveaway one of their fine products.

Starting today and running until Monday November 30, 2009 at 11:59pm (EST), I’m delighted to offer you, my fantastic readers (who are an integral part of helping to make Chronically Vintage what it is) a chance to win your own set (identical to the ones pictured above) of eight Jessie Willcox Smith vintage art cards, which retail for $48.00, from Traditional Toys.

To enter for your chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. If you write about this giveaway on your own blog/site and then come back and tell me about it, you’ll automatically be entered a second time. That’s it! I’m not a fan of elaborate blog giveaway rules that want you to jump through hoops, instead I’d much rather ensure this contest is open to every single one of my amazing readers who leave a comment.

This giveaway is open to Chronically Vintage readers worldwide, so no matter where you live, please don’t hesitate to enter. One lucky winner will be drawn at random on December 1st, and announced via a blog post that same day. Best of luck to all who enter!