Portfolio de Couturier: The Miss Potter Era

Portfolio de La Vie: Beatrix Potter

I have always enjoyed the stories written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, author of some of the most beloved Children’s books.

When I was little we always had those stories to read or were able to look at the pictures in the books. I still enjoy them now that I'm in my late teens. I just love looking at all of Beatrix’s watercolor pictures and enjoy her simple, yet wonderful and entertaining little stories.

Though it unlikely you may be wondering “Who this Beatrix Potter is?” Well, she is the author of one of the most popular and well-known childrens books of all time, and they have been translated into more than 36 languages. Beatrix was born on July 28th 1866, and grew up in a fancy house in England. Spending much of her time alone she started drawing and painting at a very young age. Some of the characters in her book, such as Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, were her real life companions.

Fashions of Beatrix Potter's World

In the early 1900’s fashions were starting to take a different turn. Long gone were the hoopskirts and puffy crinolines; instead women were wearing walking skirts and more simple blouses with puffed sleeves. Pretty tailored jackets were often seen worn with a fancy hat or simple style of bonnet.

A few notes about Victorian style blouse

Blouses of this era were usually white or cream. Lace and trims were often used to give each blouse a different look and provide the lady a way to show their personality. The sleeves were usually puffed at the shoulders and tapered down to a small cuff that was normally fastened with small pearl or shell buttons.

Sometimes the entire blouse was constructed of small pieces of lace and delicate fabrics. This gave the blouse a very lacey look, but took hours of time and sewing to achieve the proper fit because the blouse was sewn in such a way that you could see no seams.

Beatrix is often seen wearing long simple walking skirts popular of the early 1900’s. I love that simple style and they are easily adaptable for everyday wear even today.

About Miss Potter:

There is a movie entitled Miss Potter, which I have really enjoyed because the movie stayed very close to her real life. She did not have a perfect life; in fact she had a very sad life, but found joy in writing her books and creating watercolors. Just by watching the movie it gives you a glimpse of what her life was like. I would highly recommend the movie for historical reference and a peak into the woman behind the characters on in Miss Potter's storybooks. The film was very well done and the costumes and locations are just lovely.

Activities for children:

Here is a link to a site that has printable coloring pages and activities to do with children…or if you just enjoy coloring, (And who doesn’t) please visit….Peter Rabbit.

You will find online games, coloring pages, news about the world of Beatrix Potter… and much more!

Another fun idea to do, especially if you have little ones or sisters that want to be like Beatrix; try printing off a few pictures onto watercolor paper. That way that can do watercolors of their favorite animals in the stories.

Peter Rabbit and Friends

Did you know that Beatrix Potter published over 23 little books? She wrote so many stories. Some of them remained unpublished, while other such as Peter Rabbit became so famous they are still selling in book stores today, along with different kinds of media items such as stuffed animals, bedroom decor, and much more.

The BBC has produced films for children based off of Beatrix Potter's books. These films are so cute and they are now available on DVD! Each one of the little cartoons is from one of Beatrix’s stories. The beginning of each cartoon starts out with a little scene of Beatrix doing something, either painting, riding in a carriage, or gardening, and then she sits down and starts to tell a story. Afterwards it then becomes a delightful, colourful, and entertaining cartoon version of her story. I highly recommend these, not just because I enjoy the stories, but because they are so well done.

Thank you for reading, I hope that you perhaps learned a little bit about Beatrix Potter. Doesn’t it just make you want to read one of her books or pick up a paintbrush?

You can read the entire biography on Beatrix's Potter by clicking here.

Whether you're young or old you have enjoyed the treasure of Beatrix Potter's stories, and we'd love for you to take part in the Peter Rabbit Book Giveaway! You can enter a chance to win a copy of The Tale Of Peter Rabbit

If you'd like to enter to win this here are the rules:

1) Tell me if which of the Beatrix Potter's books was your favourite
2) Announce this giveaway on your blog.
3) Please put the icon on your sidebar, linked to this article.

This giveaway will end at midnight, Friday, August 15th and the winner will be announced the following Monday. Please make sure you follow all the rules to be entered! We don't want to have to exclude anyone due to lack of participation!

Giveaway Button Code. Select all, copy, paste into your site template.

<p align="center"><img src="http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/ggmstaff/Buttons/prbookgiveaway.png" /></p>

About The Book

Publisher: Warne
Pub. Date: September 2002
ISBN-13: 9780723247708
Age Range: 4 to 8
70pp
Series: Original Peter Rabbit Books Series, #1
Edition Description: Original
Edition Number: 100

Synopsis

Twenty-seven large illustrations rendered by Nancy Perkins from the book. The text of the full story is included.

Annotation

Peter disobeys his mother by going into Mr. McGregor's garden and almost gets caught.

Blessings!

Picture Credits: All the image used in this article was still shots that I captured from the Miss Potter Movie. Other images such as the ones with toys and books are pictures that I took using my own props and accessories.