I got this Currier & Ives Lithograph at an auction a while back. There is water damage on the print, but I was so taken by the vivid colors that I had to have it. When I brought it home, I noticed the glass was falling out of the frame and the whole thing had been taped together. So I looked for a mat that would cover most of the water damage and cut it to fit the frame. Then I secured the glass and backing. Now most of the damage is covered, and I think the remaining stains contribute to the charm of the print. Its hanging above the window in our den.

Isn’t amazing that the colors remain so vivid when the lithograph is so old and damaged? I love it. Pardon the glare from the glass – I took these photos rather hurriedly this morning.

Have you seen the latest issue of Artful Blogging? When I was first considering starting a blog, I bought an issue and I found it so inspiring! There are so many creative bloggers out there. Reading their stories and looking at their work gave me the push that I needed. If you haven’t encountered this quarterly magazine, I urge you to go to your local bookstore, or Michael’s (where I finally found it) and buy an issue. You will be inspired and amazed.