Design Resource: Library of Congress Image Files

The Library of Congress website hosts a staggeringly large collection of image archives, many of which are public domain and available for download.  It's not the most user friendly site, but if you give yourself some time, you are likely to find some gems to suit your taste.

I especially love these examples that I pulled from their WPA poster archive.

Design Resource: Dover Publications

You are probably familiar with Dover Publications' thrifty literary paperbacks which are often used in English classes.  What you may not know is that Dover produces some fantastic design resources too, including; clip art collections, books about architecture and interiors (many of which are reprints of historic volumes), home repair guides and more.  You can purchase books online or at bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Books a Million.

Don't forget to get on their email list to receive free weekly content.

Design Resource: Bonus! Library Sale

Call me lame.  Go ahead...do it.  I spent my Friday evening at the Homewood Public Library book sale preview, and I loved it.*  As you will note from the flyer, refreshments were served.

Not only can you bag a good read or five, library book sales are a great resource for the DIYer on a budget.  You can...

Fill sparse book shelves with quality, hard-back books.

Find DIY and design books for inspiration and information. (I look for vintage design books as a reference for historic interiors.)

Use illustrated pages as inexpensive artwork.

Take a look at the treasures that I picked up for $9!

Get in touch with your local library's "Friends of the Library" organization for more information on scheduled events in your area.

*I did receive a hand stamp as I entered the event, so it looks vaguely like I did something more exciting than go to a book sale.

PS Happy 50th birthday to Green Eggs and Ham!

Design Resource: Desire to Inspire

www.desiretoinspire.net
This website is pure eye candy. Interior design enthusiasts Jo and Kim have compiled an extensive library of images in a plethora of styles. It's been the source of many ideas for me both professionally and personally. Be careful though; it's pretty addictive. You could search through this site for hours and barely scratch the surface--believe me; I speak from experience.