The Curated Chronicle

At Found Image Press, we’ve built our treasury on the idea that history and artistry go hand in hand, and few images prove that quite like the illustrations by Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919), a German biologist, naturalist, physician, and artist.  

Stay in Touch Raleigh is a love letter to paper people. You know, the letter writers, journalers, planners, list-makers, sticker collectors, fountain pen dabblers, and anyone who has ever bought a notebook with wildly optimistic intentions. Built around the idea of slowing down and reconnecting through tactile, intentional rituals, Stay in Touch offers a warm and welcoming space for creativity, community, and analog delight. The shop is thoughtfully curated to make paper feel approachable, inspiring, and deeply human. We sat down with Catherine Iszard, shop owner, to talk about her love of everything analog in a digital world. 

There are some images that practically roll down the windows for you. This month’s employee pick, chosen by Mariana Palker, Found Image Press’ Customer Experience Specialist, is one of those. “Malibu at Sunset” captures a glowing California coastal drive north of Santa Monica, complete with winding roads, ocean views, dusky mountains, and a very dramatic sunset. Mariana shares why this image inspires her to pack a bag, queue a playlist, and head for the horizon. 

At Found Image Press, we spend a lot of time looking back through history. Some of it is charming, some is strange, and some grabs your attention and refuses to let go. Shipping Goddess, Olivia, selected an image of the month that definitely grabs your attention.

Father’s Day is more than a card aisle full of neckties, punchlines, and a six-pack of their favorite beer. At its core, the day is a chance to celebrate the people who show up before we know we need them, fix what isn’t broken yet, tell the same stories again and again, and quietly (or not so quietly) become part of the fabric of our lives. Thoughtfully displayed vintage Father’s Day paper gifts offer a meaningful way to tap into the gratitude and love we feel for the dads and dad figures in our lives.  

At Found Image Press, favorite images are rarely chosen for just one reason. Sometimes it’s the color, sometimes the humor, sometimes the strange and wonderful feeling that an image has its own personality. Aurelia Bell, our Artistic Visionary, picked this month’s image, Dog Dressed in Beachwear — a beach scene with a dog so stylish, so unbothered, and so cool that it practically radiates sunshine. It’s playful, funny, and packed with the kind of vintage charm that makes you want to step straight into the picture and shake that dog’s paw.

If Denver has a “front porch,” it might just be Union Station. Rolling suitcases, commuter coffee runs, and wide-eyed visitors all converge beneath one historic roof. Tucked into the bustle is a compact Tattered Cover storefront that serves as the city's literary welcome desk. It is part travel companion, part local love letter, and part treasure hunt. Born during Union Station’s major renovation (mid-2010s), the location was designed to meet readers where they arrive and depart. It captures people in motion and invites them to stop, browse, and stay a while.  

This month, Cate Bell, co-founder of Found Image Press shares an image from the archive that really moves her. “Modern Dancer” cartwheels into the room and instantly uplifts the mood. The pure Art Deco electricity exudes flowing movement, bright color, and a dancer who is made of confidence and momentum.  

Some images feel like they were made to do a job, and they do it well. Barry Bell, co-founder and chief nostalgia curator of Found Image Press, selected “T Tiger, U Umbrella, V Van” as his pick of the month. This cheerful illustration teaches as it charms. Three letters, words, and scenes pull you into a world where learning looks cute and quaint. Barry shares why this image hits all the right nostalgia notes. 

There’s something about vintage ski posters that hits just right. With bold lines, crisp snow, and endless peaks, they give that feeling of motion that you can almost feel in your bones. This month, Barry Bell, Found Image Press co-founder and chief nostalgia curator, chose a striking winter scene as his pick. The dynamic skier moving down a sunny slope beneath a radiant sky conveys athleticism and elegance all in one. 

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. 

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 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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.