This article discusses the role of the illustrated women's magazine Bluszcz [Ivy] in shaping and stimulating its readers' social and political engagement throughout the interwar period, from its relaunch in 1921 until 1939. Addressed to educated, middle-class women, it strove to raise their awareness in the wake of the women's enfranchisement act of 1918 and inspire them to participate in public life, to energize the local community, and to organize and promote various forms of social work.

Rzeczy Piękne [Beautiful Things] (1918–1932) was a monthly publication of the Adrian Baraniecki Municipal Industrial Museum in Cracow. Among its distinctive features were a sophisticated graphic layout and eye-catching initials. The latter are remarkable for one more reason. While decorative initials are usually associated with of book design, it is rare to find a set of artistic ornaments commissioned specially for a periodical. This study has shown that the initials owe their distinct character not only to the ideas of the arts and crafts association Warsztaty Krakowskie [Cracow Workshops] but also to an original and attractive technique of composition.