The Curated Chronicle
Vintage Love in Kodachrome
We spend a lot of time in the past, and honestly, we like it that way, especially on Valentine’s Day. Our seasonal collection features vintage gems ranging from whimsical to wildly romantic. And now and then, we flip through the archives and stumble upon one that’s got both whimsy and romance.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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 cafĂ© advertisement sparks a special connection with people. Â
Golden Light: Greeting Fall with Pictures
Autumn loves a picture. History proves it.Â
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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
The Art of Storytelling in Seasonal Décor
Seasonal dĂ©cor 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 dĂ©cor can spark curiosity, nostalgia, and connection.Â
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. Â
Beyond April Fools – Weird and Wonderful April Holidays You Should Know
April may be famous for its showers and pranks, but it’s also secretly the life of the party. It’s the month where penguins, pecans, and superheroes all get their moment in the spotlight. And we’re totally here for it. So, grab your calendar and skip the pranks because these are the weird and wonderful holidays we are celebrating this month.Â
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. Whether it’s a spring break adventure, a summer road trip with family, or a romantic getaway, the best way to keep the magic alive is with a souvenir that means something.Â
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.Â
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.Â
