New collage sheet designs! Witch's Labels for potions and powders and more

Oh, these were such fun to create!  Starting with some of our own blank labels (which were originally Victorian and Art Deco ephemera), and adding old photos and text and colors and textures, I've created some labels just right for this time of year -- or for a witch's apothecary at any time of year ; )  Labels for mermaid tears, lover's sighs, moonbeams, powdered cobwebs, freeze-dried bat wings, Egyptian sleeping potion, belladonna, ashes of old lovers, and more spooky magical stuff.  These will be about 4 inches tall when printed at full size, but you can of course print them as small as you need with excellent results... Currently available only in our etsy shop -- the sepia versions by request!

Reverie on an "autumn" day

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer, and today at Lunagirl it certainly feels like the beginning of autumn -- cool air, grey skies, and a steady rain.  The rain is welcome after a dry month, and the 58-degree morning feels wonderful after a hot summer!  It was 99 degrees two days ago -- and being a Southerner I know the heat will come back several times before Halloween -- but for me today is a lovely early autumn day perfect for curling up with a book or just getting lost in reverie.  Here is a suitable "Moonday" freebie image I'd like to share (Pre-Raphaelite Art):

 For those of you with sunshine this Labor Day, enjoy your picnics! I will enjoy my cool rainy day, dream of the past with the history books and old novels I like to read, and pretend it's already Autumn, my favorite season.

The Victorian Language of Flowers & Fans

During the Victorian era, flowers and pictures of flowers spoke a language all their own. Blossoms, buds, and herbal bouquets were sent to friends and lovers not only for their beauty and fragrance, but also to convey messages -- sometimes messages that the sender dared not speak in words.

At parties, sometimes the hostess would decorate with assortments of flowers and plants, from which the guests would select those that expressed their thoughts and feelings. 

Below  are some of the meanings listed in Victorian "flower dictionaries" (a flower displayed upside down would have the opposite meaning).

For more fun info on the language of flowers and also the "language of fans," visit our feature article on the subject!

http://www.summertownsun.com/FEATURE_victorian_language_of_flowers.htm

Red Rose ~ Love, Passion

Pink Rose ~ Admiration

White Rose ~ Innocence, Purity, Humility

Yellow Rose ~ Platonic Love

Pansies ~ Thoughts of You, Thoughtfulness

Violets ~ Modesty

Forget-me-nots ~ Remember me, Faithfullness

Daisies ~ Innocence, I share your sentiments

Lily of the Valley ~ Return of Happiness

Red Poppies ~ Consolation

Dead leaves ~ Melancholy

Rosemary ~ Remembrance

Cedar ~ Strength

Sweet Basil ~ Best Wishes

Ivy ~ Fidelity, Marriage

Zinnia ~ Thoughts of absent friends

FULL MOON LORE

The full moon in August was known among some Native Americans as the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon. Some called it the Red Moon because the rising moon would sometimes appear red through the summer haze. Another common name was Sturgeon Moon, because this was a time when the Great Lakes were full of fish.

This year there will be a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from much of Europe, Africa and western Asia ... over three-quarters of the full moon will be covered by the Earth's shadow during the eclipse ... spooky and cool if you're lucky enough to be able to see it! The full moon this month is on the 16th.

A Site to Share: Roses on My Table

We just want to share this lovely site for online art classes: Roses On My Table.  Mixed media artist Cristina Zinnia Galliher has created a beautiful site and a series of workshops designed to help you explore mixed media techniques, create a variety of projects from pendants to journals to masks, and "grow your art"!

Mother's Day: Free Images for Last-Minute Cards & Crafts