Our season at the historic site is winding down. We finish with school visits at the end of next week. I am looking forward to the time off so that I can catch up with some of the many projects I have shown you over the last year. I continue to search for and find 'battered beauties' who need my attention. It is my intention to own one or two dolls of each type to represent major categories of antique dolls so that when I give talks, as I will be doing in February, I can adequately show the history of dolls and tell all the interesting stories associated with their creation and purpose. In the last few months I have picked up three - two are major projects. I will share their photos and a little bit about them below.
The first is a really neat china head - and I do mean 'head'. The doll head is made of pink lustre china and has a molded snood. She reminds me of an ABG as she is extremely well-made with fine features and individual brush strokes framing her face. When this one came into our consignment shop, it was attached to a piece of PVC plastic with caukling! I couldn't bare to let her be thrown away, so I purchased her, removed the plastic piece (very quickly!), and am now in the process of making her 'presentable'.
I decided not to build a new china plate at this time, but am creating a plate out of felt so the dress I put on her will fit correctly. When I have time - hopefully this winter - I will do it right!
As you can see, I purchased a vintage Goldsmith-type body to place the head on. It has a sewn-on red corset, cloth hands, and black boots. I am ordering a custom-made dress for her. I'll post an image here when she is complete!
My next project is a Parian made by Kling. I have always wanted one of these, but they are way beyond my budget. This one came up at auction on eBay. She has been much loved - which I think it wonderful. Her nose is chipped and her plate cracked with a piece missing. I have not done any work yet, but am anxious to get her cabinet ready! She has such a lovely, stately feel to her. The photos that follow are from the original eBay listing.
Gorgeous, isn't she?
And last, but not least, is my new wax-over papier mache. I haven't done much but clean her face a little. I love the lambswool wig.
Keep checking back. Eventually I will have some completed dolls to show you!
