Free Clip Art from Vintage Holiday Crafts

It wasn’t until I posted all the free vintage children clip art images on this page that I realized all but one features flowers in some way. Once I noticed that, I looked at the rest of my vintage children clip art images and found that almost every one of them has some sort of floral theme. Apparently it used to be popular for children to sell flowers, because there are a disproportionate number of vintage clip art images in my collection that look like the kids are geared up to go out on the street and sell. You see one example of that in the image of the little boy selling violets.

There are also a disproportionate number of fair-skinned children. I included the one suitable African American children clip art image I had but as you can see, the image is presented quite differently than the others. No flowers, fancy clothes or elegant poses for those boys. You can clearly see the difference in racial perception that was so prevalent at the time these vintage clip art images were created. Not that there’s anything wrong with the image of the four boys; it’s cute. It’s just that it’s a grittier portrayal than found in the fair-skinned children clip art images.

Thankfully, today we see images of children of all colors together as equals in advertising and other forms of public imagery. That means the next generation of vintage art will more accurately reflect the fact that we live on a diverse planet.

To see and download larger versions of the free vintage children clip art, just click on the images below (enlarged sizes vary):

I’m not sure there’s such a thing as vintage clip art that was created just for Mother’s Day, at least not that I’ve seen. But much like vintage birthday cards for women, it’s pretty easy to find images that will fill the bill. So I’ve chosen an assortment of floral vintage clip art, as well as images of women (their hands at least) and children. I even embellished one piece of flower clip art with the words “Happy Mother’s Day,” in case you absolutely have to have clip art that is just for this holiday.

I chose each of these free vintage clip art images for a reason. I couldn’t resist the turquoise boot, although I’m sure the Victorian woman who had to wear boots like that probably had chronically sore feet. I chose the various hands because of their elegance and how they symbolize Mom’s loving care without even showing all of her. I picked the children due to the adorable factor and because a mom obviously wouldn’t be a mom without children. And last but not least, I chose the flowers just because the colors make me happy.

I hope you’ll find a few favorites among these images and that you (and your mom) enjoy them in good health!

Click on the free vintage clip art images below to see and download the full-size art (enlarged sizes vary):

Mom, what would we do without her? When I was young, I asked my mom why there wasn’t a Children’s Day. She told me that was because every day is Children’s Day. And that’s exactly what makes moms so wonderful; they make it possible for children to feel special all the time. And on one day a year on Mother’s Day, we return the favor.

As one way of honoring Mom, you can make your own printable Mothers Day cards with this vintage art. (You also can use these images as Mothers Day clip art.) All you have to do is download the art by right-clicking (for PC users) and size it to fit pre-cut card stock you can find at art supply and craft stores. You might want to decorate your cards with glitter glue, buttons, ribbons or any number of other embellishments. Be creative; Mom will love you all the more for it!__

Click on the vintage art images below to see and download the full-size cards:

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