Barry’s Take on a Holiday Classic – Timeless Sophistication
Some images hold your attention quietly. Thanks to its serene elegance and perfectly balanced composition, this Art Deco print is a holiday favorite of Found Image Press co-founder and chief nostalgia curator Barry Bell. In a world full of visual noise, it’s nice to find an image that feels so composed. We asked Barry to share his take on what makes this piece such an enduring seasonal classic.
Barry’s Pick — The Black Cat Café
A picture is worth a thousand stories, and this gem has plenty to say. It’s bold, it’s cheeky, and it perfectly captures that mid-century mix of kitsch, charm, and adventure. From vibrant colors to its roadside list of northern Arizona's finest sights, this image transports us to a full-sensory time warp of the heyday of American car travel.
To explore what makes this postcard so compelling, we spoke to Barry Bell, co-founder of Found Image Press and chief nostalgia aficionado, who shares why this vintage café advertisement sparks a special connection with people.
Golden Light: Greeting Fall with Pictures
Autumn loves a picture. History proves it.
In old photos, paintings, and illustrations, fall arrives in a sweep of gold, with warmth you can feel. Early photographers and artists chased low sun and long shadows because they knew evening made everything glow. Leaves turned to lanterns, faces softened, and even trains looked romantic.
Route 66 and the Rise of Roadside America
Barry Bell, our co-founder and resident navigator of nostalgia, can spot a great vintage graphic from a mile marker away. As part of a new series, Barry’s Picks, he will handpick a few images from our archive to give a little history on the era, talk about why he is drawn to it, and share the past’s connection to today. This month, his journey through our collections took him from Los Angeles to Chicago on Route 66.
5 Steps to Subtly Transition from Halloween to the Holidays
If you have a retail space, manage displays, or love switching up your home’s seasonal style, you might be dreading that awkward in-between. You know, the time when Halloween is over, but it is too soon for full-blown tinsel and jingle bells. Even if you aren’t sold on turkeys and stuffing, we think that the right crossover strategy allows you to bridge that gap with style and a little bit of magic.
The Art of Storytelling in Seasonal Décor
Seasonal décor is more than swapping colors and putting up pumpkins and pinecones. It’s an enticing opportunity to tell an enchanting story that encourages conversation and evokes emotion. Whether you're designing a retail window, creating a boutique display, or refreshing your home for the season, weaving historical storytelling into your décor can spark curiosity, nostalgia, and connection.
3 Reasons to Stock Spooky Paper Gifts in Summer
We don’t want to alarm you, but Halloween is two and a half months away. Consider this your friendly haunted heads-up that summer is the best time to stock up on seasonal goods. And summer is now.
It may only be August, but we’re pretty sure that your customers are already dreaming about black cats, jack-o-lanterns, goblins, and, of course, pumpkin spice. To help you conjure up Halloween sales magic, we’re sharing our top 3 reasons to stock spooky paper gifts now, before the seasonal rush casts its spell.
Tiny, Mighty, and Totally Irresistible: Summer’s MVPs
Summer retail can be like a boardwalk rollercoaster—some ups, some downs, lots of twists and turns, and super fast! People are bustling about, traveling, browsing, and passing the time between beach visits and ice cream runs. If you don’t have the time, energy, or space in your shop amid the busy crowd, we’ve got some tips to keep your shelves fresh, fun, and exciting.
We recommend our summer MVPs: postcards, magnets, and stickers. These small paper heroes are tiny but powerful, with zero drama and high reward.
Map It Out: Turn Your Store into a Tourist Destination
Let’s be honest: Tourists don’t accidentally stumble into great shops. They’re drawn in by feelings, visuals, or subtle signage that resonates with their hearts. A vintage vibe that stimulates core memories can also draw people in.
For shop owners, museum store managers, and independent retailers looking to turn curious tourists into paying, posting, repeat customers, it’s time to put your shop on the map—not just as a store but as a must-visit destination.
Here are a few easy ways to invite passersby to step into your store, stay for a while, and spend some money.
Summer School: The History Behind 4 Regional Best Sellers
Summer school may conjure thoughts of dusty textbooks and pop quizzes, but we’re taking a sunnier approach to the dreaded summer break plan. Our curriculum starts (and ends) with the stories behind four of our regional best sellers. These images capture the spirit, nostalgia, and hidden history of beloved places across the country. Each piece is a glimpse into the culture, travel trends, and timeless charm that shaped these destinations into icons.
Class is officially in session, so grab a pencil and paper – you may want to take notes.
Beyond April Fools – Weird and Wonderful April Holidays Your Customers Will Love
April may be best known for its showers and pranks, but it’s also a sleeper hit on the retail calendar. It’s the month where penguins, pecans, and superheroes get their moment in the spotlight. And that means endless inspiration for your shelves!
Customer Spotlight: Vroman’s Bookstore, a Vintage Pasadena Gem
Nestled in the heart of Pasadena, Vroman’s Bookstore is a beloved literary sanctuary, a gathering place for book lovers, and a testament to the enduring magic of the written word. Since opening in 1894, Vroman’s has weathered the changing tides of time with resilience and passion, fostering a community where stories thrive, and curiosity is always welcome.
Spring into Sustainability: Paper Gifts to Celebrate Mother (Earth)
Spring is a season of renewal with fresh blooms and warmer days. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate life’s special moments. Whether it’s Easter, Mother’s Day, graduation, or just the joy of sunshine after a long winter, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with gifts as thoughtful as beautiful.
Souvenirs That Celebrate the Magic of Travel
There’s nothing like that feeling of stepping off a plane and looking up into a new sky, stretching your legs after a road trip, or sinking your toes into warm sand before a dip in the ocean. And shoppers want a way to hold on to that magic! Whether it’s a spring break adventure, a summer road trip with family, or a romantic getaway, the best way to keep the vacation spirit flowing is with a souvenir that actually means something.
The Art of the Bestselling Romantic Cards – 5 Images and the Stories Behind Them
Romantic postcards and greeting cards are charming little love notes that travel through mailboxes instead of inboxes. These miniature masterpieces were the original emojis, conveying everything from swooning admiration to playful flirtation to dad jokes.
Celebrate Your Roots with Vintage Imagery that Feels Like Home
Home is more than just a place. Our homes are feelings, memories, and the heartbeat where our stories begin. Whether nestled in a bustling city, cradled by quiet countryside, or blissfully beachside, our hometowns shape us, imprinting their landscapes into our identities. When we reflect on them, it can feel like we hold a piece of our soul in our hands.
Back to Basics – New Year, Old Budget
Spring into Nostalgia and Celebrate the Season with Vintage Charm
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and, yes, plenty of opportunities to celebrate! From vibrant Mardi Gras parades to the soft pastels of Easter, the heartfelt joy of Mother’s Day, and the planet-loving vibes of Earth Day, spring holidays are rich with inspiration. To help you spring forward (and honestly, who couldn’t use a little sunshine right now?), we’ve curated a treasury of vintage images for seasonal shopping that’s as delightful as a sunny day in April!
