Last year I bought some books that I had been wanting for several years. I love children's books, and books with a lot of pictures.
One of those books was a picture book called "The Truth About Jack-O-Lanterns" published by Green Tiger Press. This book has been in print since 2006. They have also published "The Truth About Easter Rabbits" and "The Truth About Snow-People", both of which I now own. The books are created using vintage and antique illustrations to show the likes, dislikes and the daily routine of each subject. There are one and sometimes two illustrations per page so it is a great inspiration source.
This image has been a source for quite a few ideas. It is the feeling of fun and childhood innocence that I find so inspiring as well as those paper lanterns.
Here is another page from the book. The bottom image is the one that is so intriguing, that garland is wonderful.
Years ago I borrowed a book from the library about Japanese crafts. In the book was a section on how the paper and cane lanterns were made, unfortunately I did not photocopy the directions. I have forgotten the name of the book and have tried to find it ever since. These small paper lanterns are made to look like a large size rice paper lantern. I am very pleased with them. They will be held by a large figure in the process of decorating for the costume ball.
I must get back to work. I will post items as I have time.