Little Bo Peep Book

Little Bo Peep Book Ornament

created the Little Bo Peep ornament when I found an old copy of this book (Bates, Clara D. Little Bo-Peep. Chicago: M.A. Donohue, 1900. Print.). A few years ago, my son-in-law’s grandmother, departed this world. Thus, I had the privilege to go through some of her belongings. As you might imagine, everywhere you looked, you could find treasures from her life. Hence, I was going through bags of silk flowers, old Christmas ornaments, ribbons and wrapping paper, when I ran across a few children’s books.

The books were in very rough shape with tattered bindings, failing yellowish pages, pencil scribbles from little hands and age spots. As I opened the books, I saw the most marvelous black-and-white illustrations decorating the pages. The etching quality of these illustrations was remarkable! But, the books were falling apart. Just a hard look at them and the brittle paper would break into a million pieces. One of these magnificent books was Little Bo Peep. So, in my desire to rescue these illustrations, I created the Little Bo Peep ornament to add to the Old Books Ornaments Collection.

Little Bo Peep Book Ornament Design Process

My main goal was to preserve the magnificent illustrations that you could find within the pages of this book so they can be enjoyed by future generations. I carefully cut the illustrations making sure the paper would not break. Next, I glued it onto empty ribbon spools. Then, I used a decoupage technique to preserve the illustrations. To accentuate their age, I used antique lace and ribbons to decorate them. They are reminiscent of traditional Victorian Valentines. Finally, I added a mix of glass and plastic beads that added an even more nostalgic feel.

The Stories in the Little Bo Peep Old Book

This book contains wonderful etchings that illustrates the following children’s stories and fairy tales:

• • Little Bo Peep
  • The Larks and the Farmer

Specifications

Year Designed

2019

Size 

• • Small – approximately 2.5” x 1.0” x 5.0”
  • Medium – approximately 2.75-3.25” x 1.0” x 5.75”

Materials

Cardboard, paper, lace, ribbons, glitter, wire, beads.

Note: Given the handmade nature of the ornament, all ornaments are different. The pictures depict just one sample of the ornament.