Despite the lack of a fifth (let alone a fourth) birthday celebration for the new Puffin Post, this is the photo-montage for the celebratory issue of Puffin Post by Jill McDonald. Something of a return to her previous use of photos and other material in conjunction with her unique and idiosyncratic artwork.
Okay, this isn’t a typical spring/summer image, but it’s so full of wit and humour – I defy anyone who says this doesn’t offer something for all ages.
I admit this isn’t an original Jill McDonald work – it’s mine! My youngest daughter just turned six and requested a Puffin cake! (I don’t know where she gets it from!) My freehand icing isn’t the greatest, but here is my attempt based on the badge design by Jill.*
One nice consequence of doing this was discovering that the parent of one of her friends was also a member of the Puffin Club – now a teacher!
I was also contacted by another founder member who had come across this site – sadly she only had one letter from another member on club stationary as a memento. She also has a polaroid of her as a child in her bedroom with one of the (now very) rare Puffin Bookcases. These were a short run item that could be bought at selected Puffin outlets around the country. As far as I have been able to find out, these are excessively difficult to find as they tended to get thrown out when the Puffin books were outgrown – or didn’t survive moves.
I’m sure there are some still out there in varying states of repair – hold on to them! They are going to increase in value.
After careful consideration (despite asking permission), I have chosen not to post the picture, as I feel it would be inappropriate. I will locate one of the photos that were taken for Puffin Post as this shows it very clearly.
*I have removed my daughters name electronically for her protection!
This is something I have wanted to do for a while!
My lovely puffin mug (the one on the right) that was accidentally smashed by my eldest when she was little (the restored graphic was one of my first postings!) and then stuck together with sellotape and modeling resin has been useless for anything other than storing bits and pieces – until now!
My youngest is quite taken with the whole ‘Puffin Thing’ and loves Fat Puffin, asked if she could make a different coloured image – easy on most image manipulation software – and then asked for a mug for her birthday. I finally sent both image files to the nice people at tshirtstudio.com who did a sterling job, turning it around in 48 hours!!
So I had the pleasure of drinking my tea from a treasured classic – as did my youngest!
Thanks Guys!
Please don’t ask me to make these up for any of you! The copyright issues are hideous!!
It’s been kind of hectic of late – non Puffin related. This was a sticker that was handed out to old Puffineers. This is another example from Ruths collection. If I can sort out the current stresses, normal service will be resumed shortly.
Image from the collection of Ruth – Founder member 1487 – Restored S. Hassan March 2009
I know that the serialisation of the first Puffin Post is quite exciting for Puffinophiles (is that a word?!), but I thought that it would be nice to post one of those throwaway images that Jill used to produce for all kinds of communication that were sent to the Puffin Club members.
I think it’s a charming little illustration – it’s from a folded sheet that had a load of competitions – the six star prizes being a Puffin Holiday (that normally cost £30.00 – this was in 1974!)
Well folks, I have just received my preview copies of the new Puffin Post – It has a bit of the old and lots of the new.
Sad to say, Fat Puffin is now officially deceased – as is Odway! TOMCAT has lost his steam powered looks and is now a more conventional PC. To be philosophical about it, however fond I am of the old characters and style of the old, the new generation needs something to be theirs and theirs alone.
I think it will be nice to have the club back for a new batch of puffineers. For those of you who find your way here after the launch – I plan to continue my trawl through the old puffin club ephemera for old times sake.
Well folks, I have just received my preview copies of the new Puffin Post – It has a bit of the old and lots of the new.
Sad to say, Fat Puffin is now officially deceased – as is Odway! TOMCAT has lost his steam powered looks and is now a more conventional PC. To be philosophical about it, however fond I am of the old characters and style of the old, the new generation needs something to be theirs and theirs alone.
I think it will be nice to have the club back for a new batch of puffineers. For those of you who find your way here after the launch – I plan to continue my trawl through the old puffin club ephemera for old times sake.
Not a cover this time, but a sticker that was handed out at the early 70’s events. I’m lucky these survived for me to do the restoration bit on them. Badly yellowed and faded but still with a great deal of charm. I can’t tell you what it feels like to bring this one back to life!
Not a cover this time, but a sticker that was handed out at the early 70’s events. I’m lucky these survived for me to do the restoration bit on them. Badly yellowed and faded but still with a great deal of charm. I can’t tell you what it feels like to bring this one back to life!