Last January, when I started on my journey into 17th century embroidery, a dear friend asked me what it had to do with my other passion, doll collecting and costuming. It was a good question because she challenged me to find a connection. This A. Marque doll in Theriault’s January, 2015 “Cotillion” auction pretty much sums it up. Up until recently, the A. Marque dolls held the record as the most expensive dolls … Continue reading
I think I’ve made it obvious that I am obsessed with the color BLUE. I love all its shades (except some shades of teal). So, I am also intrigued by turquoise beads. But this has been a problem. Any collector of antique dolls has seen numerous examples of antique dolls wearing turquoise jewelry or having it in their trousseaux. It is iconic. From the earliest French fashions to bebe’s to … Continue reading
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Yesterday, I avidly followed an animated discussion on Facebook in response to someone’s question about how to start collecting dolls. It morphed quickly into the question of collecting vs. hoarding. I don’t think there is a one of us who can read a list of medical symptoms without mentally checking ourselves. And since hoarding has become such a hot topic in the media, I don’t believe that any collector has … Continue reading
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Last Saturday, after attending SG’s Tae Kwan Do tournament, I went to the Gaithersburg, Eastern National Doll Show. Since it only occurs twice a year now, I couldn’t miss it. I needed a doll shopping fix. Accepting that my fabric and trim stash is overflowing, I passed by all the beautiful antique fabrics with a mere glance. I was there to see dolls and my doll friends, and I did. I … Continue reading
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In the December, 2014 issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine, Margaret Gray Kincaid wrote an article about “Christmas Fairies” with beautiful photos and their charming English history. The story goes that Santa fills the stockings, but the Christmas Fairy brings the tree and toys. So I needed to make a Christmas Fairy myself. Yesterday afternoon, after a trip to the craft store for star stickers and silver wrapped wire, then … Continue reading
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Thank you to the kind people who responded to my “dilemma” yesterday with comments on my blog, on Facebook and by email. So far the response is all in favor of sticking to just one blog, but talking about everything. I was leaning that way, anyway: “It’s my blog and I’ll write what I want to” (to the tune of “It’s my party”). I have to admit that I spent … Continue reading
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I bought a new doll on eBay that is not for flipping, but is just for me. I think he is princely and charming. And it doesn’t hurt that he is dressed in 17th century style. A courtier, perhaps, to accompany my Bru if I ever finish her 17th century fairy masque costume… He’s unmarked, German, 11″ (28cm) tall, with a solid-dome bisque/Parian head, bisque hands and a cloth body. … Continue reading
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I sincerely hope you have a fat, happy, family and friends day. And that you have lots to be thankful for. I’m thankful for my wonderful family. Sometimes it’s just fun to sit back and watch them. DH and I have been together for close to 45 years and I still like him. I’m thankful for that. My kids make me terribly proud of how they have … Continue reading
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When my son was in high school, one of his friends was disturbed by my dolls. He thought they were staring at him. Even the most dedicated doll collector can probably understand how some people find dolls creepy. Especially dolls that smile… This rare French Jumeau, in perfect condition, was sold by Theriault’s last Saturday for $250,000.00. Does anyone think she’s not creepy? She’s certainly not cute or pretty. I … Continue reading
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Naked dolls haunt all doll collectors. Every doll should have something to cover their birthday suits, even if it is something simple and quick. This 3 1/4″ (8.5 cm) German all-bisque flapper doll was a gift from a dear friend over a year ago and she was still naked until today. To make a simple dress for her, I chose 1 1/4″ silk ribbon and some tiny antique trim. By using … Continue reading
