Mary Blair

Last weekend in Hay-On-Wye in Wales I was lucky enough to find 'My First Sing-A-Song Book' from 1966 to add to my collection of books illustrated by Mary Blair.

One of my favorite artists this brilliant painter, concept artist, and stylist was one of the first women to reach great heights of influence within the Disney company, in the 1940's and 50's. Her expressive use of colors and forms can be seen in several Disney films, and her work continues to inspire artists and animators to this day. Her work can be seen in Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and DisneyWorld's It's a Small World attraction. Beyond Disney, you can see her work in several Little Golden Books from the period. There is also some more examples of her work on this Flickr set

Charles Eames

More inspirational shots by Allan Grant. This time children's outfits made by Charles Eames.

Light of learning

I just discovered this incredible pair of photos by Ned Lyttelton, taken at York University, Toronto 1978.

Nut Tree farm

THE NUT TREE FARM animal wall, from mod*mom.

Oh, to have been a child in California in the 1960's.......

"Nut tree farm was a popular stop for those traveling  between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento along U.S. Highway 40.

The Nut Tree started as a fruit stand and the first permanent restaurant building opened in 1921. The Toy Shop and the Nut Tree Railroad opened in 1952. The railroad had a quarter-mile track running through the Nut Tree orchards and gardens. The Nut Tree Airport opened in 1955.

The Nut Tree was closed from about 1996 until 2006 when the new Nut Tree opened."