A FORMER DOLLMAKER'S MEMORIES and some for sale

By request from a loyal follower, I'll show you some dolls I've made and how I got started.  Not sure I can locate my very first doll but would be embarrassed to show you if it was found.  Like most things we get better the more we practice.  But I digress.....

A question Maureen asked was ..."Were you always a creative person? Did a family member pass on the art gene to you or did you develop it on your own?" 

Gee, thanks for the compliment on my being creative and none of my family did any sort of crafts.  Back in the 'olden days' there was a semester class of Home Economics, so I learned to sew in high school.  Then once married made my own clothes and eventually clothing for my husband and my son including footie, snap crotch sleepers.  Then many moons later decided to shop for a primitive doll to fit in with my antiques.  Checked out a shop at the Columbia Mall and a small primitive doll was $70.  How hard could it be to make a doll since I can already sew??  I made one and then a few more.  It was fun at the time.

Although I had a day job thought it might be fun to build up an inventory  to be a vendor at craft and artisan shows.  Here is a photo taken at the outside show held by the Historical Society in Lewes, DE.  My photo was taken by the buyer of those two dolls.

The red headed beekeeper angel below still hangs on a wall here but think she needs new wings.  The brown paper wings I originally gave her look wilted.

As a child I did play with dolls but never had an Andy or Annie.  So did enjoy making those and still have a photo of one which sold ~ an Annie with her own li'l Annie.

I made a couple Beloved Belindy's which were popular.

And one woman who attended the Lewes show yearly purchased numerous black dolls from me over the years.  One day she sent me a photo of all of them lined up on her fireplace mantle.

The child's book "Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" inspired me to do my own pattern and sold some Edward Tulane rabbits, mostly to teachers.  And even after no longer vending I'd get orders but would decline as I was sick of making any type of doll.

Sure made my share of Patriotic dolls too, some female and numerous Uncle Sam dolls.  Here is a sample of the traditional Uncle Sam I made and sold; sorry have no more and don't plan to make any.

Although I started out making primitive type dolls decided to expand my skills and learn more techniques.  One such class provided me with the pattern and techniques to make a classic Columbian cloth doll coated with gesso, painted then coated with a sealer.  This one still lives with me but further down there is a reproduction Moravian Doll which is for sale.

I've many additional photos of bears, dolls and critters which sold and will do another blog of this subject if there is interest.  Meanwhile, I'll list a couple dolls from my reserve to see if there are any bites.  What a surprise when opening up the bins, didn't realize there was such a big inventory left when I quit selling.  Well, here goes....

Two primitive black dollies (and I've more where these came from).  On the left is Della Mae (I used to name the dolls).   She has buttons for eyes, stitched on twig for nose and embroidery lips.  A vintage doily for her apron.  She is 20" long, can hang or sit and her arms are just rolled fabric, no stuffing.  She is $25.

On the right is Hattie Mae who is 16 1/2" tall from top of head (not counting standing pigtails), can hang on the wall or sit.  Vintage trim and cotton fabrics for clothing.  Also  $25.

The only patriotic type dolls I have left are the following.  Uncle Sam the Tax Man who is 30" tall, will hang or sit, coat is made of craft felt, painted hat and pants.  You can see his cash bag is stuffed full.  Sam is $50.

This guy wants to help celebrate America's 250th Birthday with you.  He is 22" long, holds a rusty wire America sign and dons a party hat.  He will  hang or sit and is $50.

On the left is Chasity who is 18" tall, has a painted face with wool roving hair.  She is not prepared to hang but does sit well.  Her dress has 3 narrow pleats running around the bottom. Chasity is $50.

Her friend Lesley Lou, 15" tall, has a stitched face, wool roving braids and has her own dollie.  Lesley Lou is $38.  

A Moravian style doll reproduction I have left is wearing a vintage child's Christening Dress, handmade bloomers and antique bonnet.  Doll measures 19" from top of head to toes.  Christening gown falls below the feet ~ $90 plus shipping.

And finally, Susie Homemaker was made using a different technique applying a vintage face photo onto fabric.  She measures 18" and is tea stained, $40 plus travel costs.

Now I know what Lauren feels like when she gets out her boxes during holidays.  My house looks like a tornada came through.  But perhaps I'll be able to consolidate remaining items into fewer bins.

It is raining lightly but constantly here and is COLD.  Have pulled chili out of my freezer to have for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow.  Now it's time for me to have some hooky fun.

  

Saundra