MAD MEN Caption Challenge and A New MAD MEN Yourself!

AMC has issued a caption challenge for Mad Men fans. Three fabulous retro illustrations by Dyna Moe (of "Mad Men Yourself" fame) each with five options for the best caption. Vote now for your favorite.

1.

Which caption should win?
• "Umm, guys?... Should we have invited Peggy?..." -- from Panco
• "These morning bull sessions are getting out of hand gentlemen."-- from Liza Ogilvy
• "90% of creative is horsing around." -- from mishyshelly
• "Road Tested...Sterling-Cooper approved" -- from Blonde Dynamite!
•"Forget My Old Kentucky Home, next stop the Belmont Stakes!" -- from kathiemarie
Vote here

2.

Which caption should win?
• "Could you be a dear and grab me my brandy manhattan...And a straw?" -- from TheHaphazardBlonde
• "Don't forget to vacuum under the bed."-- from Teach123
• "I knew you'd been smoking in here!" -- from Kerco
• "This is nothing. You should have been at Lutece." -- from Take_Break_Share_Love
• "Who's the comedian that called maid service?" -- from PeeJay
Vote here

3.

Which caption should win?
• "No, Betts, you can't see Russia from here. That's New Jersey." -- from elscoot57
• "Meditate on THIS emergency!" -- from Betts
• "I'll get Dick, you get Don." -- from BoredBeauty
• "You sure Sally gets her temper from Don?" -- from Kevin Ament
• "Don's a worthy target, but I'd rather be Duck hunting!" -- from Strawberry73
Vote here

Learn all about illustrator Dyna Moe here

NEW SEASON, NEW YOU

Mad Men Yourself has been updated with new clothes, new accessories and new backgrounds for the new season!

30 of the Hippest Vintage Fireworks Posters, Packaging and Labels for The Fourth of July.

above: a vintage Litho from the Colorcraft Poster Co. in Oklahoma City

I scoured the web, online fireworks museums, vintage poster shops and more to find 30 of the most beautifully designed graphic and illustrated fireworks labels, posters and packaging from the 20th century to share with you.

You'll notice that the colors, typography and composition has made a comeback in much of today's design. I hope the following finds brighten up your Fourth of July!

Labels and Posters from James Pain and Sons, Ltd. (England):












Posters from Standard (England):


 





Brochure cover and packaging from Brock's (England):




Labels from Macau and China:





And lastly, some Vintage Travel Posters that feature fireworks:




The images in this post come from the following sources:
http://fireworkslistings.ca/links.html
http://www.toyzine.com/magazine/articles/fireworks.htm
http://www.cyber-heritage.co.uk/eclipse/oldie.htm
http://www.crackerpacks.com/
http://www.fireworkmuseum.co.uk/
http://www.samuelowengallery.com


Don't miss these awesome artful interpretations of the American Flag!

Happy Fourth of July.

Handcrafted Nintendo NES Controller Coffee Tables - And They Actually Work!

There was such a positive response to the wooden coffee table that was shaped like a cassette, I simply had to share with you these two different versions of Nintendo NES Controller Coffee Tables by Charles Lushear of Venice, California's Bohemian Workbench.

The tables, which can actually function as your game controller, come in two versions. A beautiful handcrafted version in maple, mahogany and walnut with dovetail joinery and mid century modern legs ($3700):






And it's available in a less expensive painted wood version ($1300):





The made to order tables can fully function as a Nintendo NES controller and can be used to play games with the glass removed. The cord is retractable from underneath. They are also available as non-functioning coffee tables.

Dimensions: 42" length x 18.25" width x 18" height


images and video courtesy of Charles Lushear
Buy them from their etsy store.

Add A Steampunk Edge To Your Lighting With Nostalgic Bulbs Like These Artists Did.

For those who love Nixie Clocks, Steampunk and Vintage lighting, Bulbrite's Nostalgic collection of Edison-like light bubs with creative filament designs is a great creative resource for personal projects or simply some retro home decor.



The Bulbs
Meticulously crafted to preserve the look of early 20th-century lighting, Bulbrite’s Nostalgic collection is the most extensive in the industry and is perfect for any vintage or contemporary décor. Consisting of four series and nine bulbs, they give off a warm amber glow in various wattages.

Loop:

Thread:

Hairpin:

Spiral:


Included in the Nostalgic line of products are the Spiral T14, Thread T14, ST18 and G30, Hairpin T9, ST18, as well as the Loop A19, A21 and A23. Each lamp has an E26 base, a life of 3,000 hours and gives off a warm, amber glow. The T14, Thread ST18 and G30 lamps are offered in 40-watts, the Hairpin T9 lamp is offered in 20-watt and the Loop A19, A21 and A23 are offered in 25- and 40-watt styles.

Recognized for their antique finish, defined steeple and intricate filament design, these lamps are ideal for any transparent light fixture, both indoor and outdoor. They are compatible with a 120-volt system and are most commonly used in chandeliers, portables, ceiling fixtures, signage/displays and outdoor/security lighting.

ReTech and Wolf Art Glass
Artists like glassblower Dean Wolf of Wolf Art Glass and ReTech have used the bulbs beautifully in their own unique pieces. Take a look at their work below.

ReTech:






ReTech lighting and objects made with reclaimed materials

Wolf Art Glass:





Wolf Art Glass & Pottery

A vintage-inspired suitcase counter display is offered from Bulbrite to showcase any four Nostalgic lamps from this cool collection. I'd love it just for display in my home!




Bulbrite Nostalgic Collection