Summer Time Brings the Fun

We didn't have much of a Spring this year, so some bunnies decided to go right into Summer activities. One gentleman bunny is tending his flowers, two little girls were pulling carrots in the garden, and then there was a rebellious bunny who decided just to hop and skip all the way to Hallowe'en.  Added in is our sweet Becassine. She is ready to leave the French country-side and journey to Paris or perhaps some other big and exciting city.

All dolls are available for purchase.

Please contact me at: allenwcunningham@gmail.com. 

Billing can be done via Paypal or Square Services. Look at the description beneath each picture for size and price. Dolls are made with paper clay and in this case, dressed in cotton and felt. Click on photos to enlarge. Thanks so much!

Gentleman Gardener Bunny 5.5" $138

(SOLD)

Bunny for Hallowe'en 5.5" $138

(SOLD)

Pulling From the Garden Girl Bunny 4.5" $128

(yellow)

(SOLD)

Pulling From the Garden Bunny Girl 4.5" $128

(blue)

(SOLD)

Becassine's Voyage 5.5" $138

(SOLD)

My, my, isn't this old blog dusty? In this "stay-at-home" time in which we are living, looks like many of us will have to communicate through the wires now. I hope all of you who see this are safe and sound and doing the best you can. To keep up spirits, I'm participating in this online artists' event. I'm clearing out the cobwebs and inviting you take a little virtual tour of my studio... see some views of where the creating takes place and the end results. To take more virtual tours and discover other artists, click this link: bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com

    

Check back here for more information on my work or send a friend request at this link:

facebook.com/allen.cunningham.7

Until next time, every best wish... 

p.s. be sure to click the maximize icon  in the lower right margin of the video, to enjoy to the fullest extent. 

March EHAG Emporium

Happy Springtide from the EHAG Emporium. It's update time and here we go! Be sure to scroll all the way down. Once past the Hallowe'en items, you will see some "bitty baby" bunnies and some bunny ornaments. With Spring not quite "sprung" in much of the country, these bunnies will "hop-fully" brighten your day....

"Wobbly Noggin Pair"

These are one-of-a-kind sculpts in paperclay. They measure 5.5" tall overall.

SOLD

 

 

 

"Bitty Baby Bunnies"

These little sweethearts are one-of-a-kind sculpts in paper clay. Each holds a sassy smiling flower and stands on a decorated wooden box. Bitty baby bunnies stand 3.5" tall, 4.5" overall with box. Boy in mint, girl in violet, boy in blue, girl in pink...

ALL SOLD

 

 

 

"Spring Time Bunny Ornaments"

Last, but surely not least, here are some ornaments that would look lovely on a Spring feather tree... or hung anywhere else you'd like, just to brighten your day. The bunny faces are one-0f-a-kind-sculpts in paperclay. The backings are folded paper with a sprinkling of clear, shimmering glitter. They are approximately 3"

All SOLD

 

EHAG Emporium Sneak Peak

  It's Spring and "that time" again.... what am I talking about, you ask? On March 31, the EHAG Emporium will be updating with all new artwork and I will be a part of it. My creations will have a little "spring".... in their... well, not their steps. You'll have to wait until that evening to make sense of my lunatic ramblings. So, remember to sign onto the Emporium (ehagemporium.blogspot.com) promptly at 9:00 pm eastern time and then hurry here... along with  Hallowe'en items for EHAG, some very affordable Springtime creations will be available.

EHAG Emporium and a Little More

An EHAG Emporium offering and some very special Valentines Day offerings. Be sure to scroll all the way down and thanks for having a look!

"Silas Shivver : The Absinthe Jack"
New Year's Resolutions.... Bah! Silas Shivver will have NONE of that! Indulge, indulge, indulge says he... as he pours another glass of absinthe. What's that I see on his top hat? Looks like the "green fairy" is coming for a visit!
Silas is 10" tall overall, paperclay, dressed in felt and vintage cotton print
Item sold... Thanks, S.

 

 

  



"Romeo's Hearts and Flowers"  and  "Sweetheart's Bear Hug"
Some things very sweet and most unusual. I have created very few valentine-themed dolls in the past. Both are paperclay and dressed in cotton prints. The little top hatted fellow, Romeo, is 6.5" tall and with presentation box is 8.5" tall overall.  Our dear girl, Sweetheart, is a petite 6" tall and with her box, 7.75" tall overall.
$140 each includes shipping: checks, paypal, credit cards through Square Services accepted
Items sold... Thanks, N.

 

"Flirty Face Ornament"

For the romance themed feather tree or just to hang somewhere to brighten the last of the gloomy winter days. Paperclay sculpted head on an accordion folded paper backing. Measures 3" tall overall and has a little "sparkle" added.

Item sold... Thanks, J.



 

 

 



 

 

O, Christmas Tree

   It's that time of year again and I can hardly believe it! This year has come and gone so quickly and it is once again time for our final Best We Can Do Christmas web sale. Our theme this time around is "O, Christmas Tree"... without saying to much (Santa has sworn us to secrecy), this sale will certainly be ALL ABOUT the Christmas tree. Join us November 14th (that's a Wednesday) at 8:00pm est.. thebestwecando.com

This little snowman is awfully excited about the upcoming Best We Can Do "O, Christmas Tree" web sale... he hopes you are, too and will stop by to see him on November 14th!

The Best We Can Do "Pins and Needles" Sale

   Excited....Nervous....Anxious....on pins and needles?!  I might be as Hallowe'en quickly approaches! Join me and see (and maybe even purchase) some advance Hallowe'en OOAK creations on Sunday August 19th (8 pm est) at The Best We Can Do "Pins and Needles" Sale.... thebestwecando.com (click link)

How and where will he fit in? Stop by August 19th to see!

                                       

The Tale of the Haunted Dress Form

(Or: What Frightened Us in the Attic)

   Recently, I completed two 35 inch versions of what I call "haunted dress forms." These creations are centered around two nicely made dress forms that I found on one of my buying trips. I'm never one to leave well enough alone, so the dress forms were completely altered... decorative painting, arms and hands, dresses, and jack o' lantern heads were all added. Please take some to enjoy the story behind them in the following text and photographs.

   Mama couldn't help but notice how frightened we children were of the old dress form. She decided to do something about it, then and there.

   Into a ragged cardboard box marked "Hallowe'en," she reached and with a flourish produced a grinning old papier mache jack o' lantern.
   "This lantern was such fun at Bogey Parades in the past," Mama explained. "I think now, it will make a perfect head for our dreaded dress form." With that, she plopped the lantern down where a head belonged.

   In another corner of the attic, Mama lifted the creaking lid of an enormous old trunk. After a few minutes of sorting and searching, out came a long dress all black and orange and flounces.

   "This old fashioned frock served Granny well at a Harvest Ball when she was but a girl," Mama exclaimed. "It's the perfect touch to finish off what we've started!"

   Mama took a few minutes to unfasten the many hooks and buttons contained in that old dress. Before too long, it was draped on the form, all buttons and hooks done up again. Mama gave a few adjusting tugs to the skirt and fluffed up the sleeves with her hands.

   She stood with her back to us for a moment, admiring her work. Then slowly. Mama turned and pointed a finger. Calmly and quietly, Mama declared ", I don't want you children to ever be frightened by this old dress form again. It's now touched with Mama's love and Granny's love and why, just look at it... she couldn't be a more jolly figure to run into, in the corner of an attic, could she?"

Best We Can Do Spring Sale

   All over the country, Spring is in the air and that can mean only one thing...

   It is time for the first Best We Can Do web sale of the year! This time around, the artists of Best We Can Do will be having a "little house" challenge. Whatever could that be, you might be wondering? Well, Spring is the time to open up the house after a long dark winter... airing out, sprucing up, and generally making ready for the beauty of the season to come. Come see how we  incorporate a "little house" in each of our creations.

  No FOOLING! April 1rst at 8:00 pm (est)

Don't be late... all items offered are first come, first served.

For more inf0, click: thebestwecando.com

A Little Teaser...

Join the jolly Gentleman Bunny and

the merry Milliner Maid

On April 1rst for the Best We Can Do web sale!

Gathering of Friends...Come One, Come All!

   Well, my my...so much for tending to this poor neglected blog. According to my last entry, it was due for some attention four months ago! Well, at any rate....

       Have you had enough of the dismal weather?
       Are you  ready for a little early Spring-time fun?

   Join me in southern California for a day that is sure to set things right. I will be returning to the land of milk and honey, after a five year absence, to take my place in A Gathering of Friends. Jody Battaglia, Paul Gordon, Pat Murphy, and Leslie McCabe will also be attendance. There is sure to be fine merchandise offered as well as a lot of fun and merry-making. If you can, please stop by for a visit...

A Gathering of Friends

March 17th  10 am - 2 pm

            Mill Creek Restaurant  103 N. Lincoln Ave.

Corona, CA   92882

(Lincoln exit from 91 frwy)

 In the bunnies' garden,

Any day at all~

You'll find her dressed as Queen Anne,

Playing with a doll.

Garlands of flowers are ever so grand,

When dear Miss Milliner makes them by hand.

My Poor Neglected Blog!

     I've been absent for awhile, but for good reason! In the last few months, I have dealt with a leaking roof, a health scare, filled a 65 piece order, and been to both Detroit and Orlando and back...phew! I think I'll have to do a year end "wrap-up" post, as I did a couple years ago. I have one more show in November... Paul Gordon's "Friends in Christmas" open house. I will post more information on that, SOONER than later! For those interested in my work, but fast running out of surface space, I may soon be returning to painting/illustration work. It's been several years since I did any of that! Right now, I actually have some odds and ends up for sale on my website and blog. Even if you don't plan on purchasing, please have a look and enjoy!

dollsbyallenwcunningham.com (click link)

etsy.com/shop/allenwcunninghamdoll (click link)

Until Later.... Happy Hallowe'en!!!

The Best We Can Do Hallowe'en Web Sale

"Of Trickery and Magic Spells

    And things you cannot see,

  The tales we will regale you with

    Upon this Hallowe'en..."

(Just a hint of what's in store...)

     Come join the official kick-off to the Hallowe'en season. Yes, you read that correctly, the KICK-OFF to the Hallowe'en season. For a holiday so filled with frivolity and mirth, I do believe we need a little more than one single day of celebration. Start your celebration, in the most appropriate way possible, by attending The Best We Can Do artist group's "Of Trickery and Magic Spells" web sale. Tricks, treats, and wonderful little surprises are in store and you are bound to have a delightful time perusing the work of six talented artists. Mark your calenders... the party starts August 14th at 8 o'clock p.m. (eastern time) at thebestwecando.com

Golden Glow Christmas Convention July 21-31

   Come one, come all!!! The North Pole will be temporarily set-up for a short time in New York. Rye Brook is the location of this year's Golden Glow Christmas Convention from July 27 - 31. If you are unfamiliar with this organization, please refer to goldenglow.org and do what you can to attend one (or more) of their spectacular conventions. During these 5 day events, there are lectures, themed dinner and luncheon parties (complete with favors), a market of new Christmas creations, a sales room of antique Christmas items, and the true show piece of the event, the museum room. In the museum room, the finest in antique Christmas-related relics is displayed. Things that you could not even imagine...feather trees, Dresden tree ornaments, putz houses, Christmas dolls, antique toys, 19th century Santa costumes...WOW!

   Once again, my creations will be at an event but I will be there only "in Christmas spirit." Collins Gifts will have a select assortment of my work, so stop by to see Wendy in the Christkindlmart, if you have the opportunity.

 ***Show Schedule Update: Due to a slight financial set-back, I will not be attending Halloween and Vine this year***

This jolly trio will be making an appearance at the Golden Glow Christmas Convention

Santa found this lovely antique toy in his attic and will show it to you at the Golden Glow Christmas Convention

This little snowman is ready to deck the halls at the Golden Glow Christmas Convention

Santa and his hobby horse dolly will be rockin' the Christkindlmart at the the Golden Glow Christmas Convention

     

UFDC National Convention July 25-29

     Well, well, can the year be better than half over? Time flies when you're having fun... AND when you're busy. I don't have much in the way of news for myself, but my little creations certainly are making up for that fact. A small assortment will be traveling cross-country in the company of Diane's Doll Shoppe for the UFDC Convention in Anaheim, CA.  The convention takes place July 25th to 29th and if you are in Southern California (or can get there), you should stop in. You'll find everything in dolls...both new and antique. If you are an antique doll lover like me, you'll be in hog heaven! For more information on "public admittance," refer to ufdc.org.

   

     UFDC is certainly the "word of the day," here in the studio. I am also working on a 65 piece order for the Lady Baltimore Doll Study group. They will be hosting a Halloween luncheon in October and my dolls will be a party favor for each guest. I can't say or show too much now, as I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. I'll show you more after this sure to be fun-filled event...

Until  later,

Best Wishes...

This Jack  O' Lantern Man and his marionette are dancing their way cross-contry with Diane's Doll Shoppe for the UFDC Convention in Anaheim, CA   July 25th-29th

Santa and this little Christmas Queen Anne doll will also be making an appearance with Diane's Doll Shoppe at the UFDC Convention in Anaheim, CA   July 25th to July 29th

The Quinlan's Doll and Teddy Bear Convention

Thinking Christmas is such an awfully long way off?

Need a little gifty pick-me-up?

Why not visit Philadelphia for the Doll and Teddy Bear Convention?

If you are interested in the finest in art dolls and soft sculpture creations, make the journey to Philadelphia and see the magnificent convention, hosted by Susan and Terry Quinlan. Artists from all over the world will be exhibiting and selling some of the best work you will ever see. The festivities take place May 12th to the 14th at the Airport Ramada, just outside of downtown Philadelphia. For more information, please refer to quinlanmuseum.com/convention. I do hope to see you there!

The Secret Lives of Bunnies

Berniece the "Spot of Tea Bunny"

   From the old hollow tree trunk, two bunnies carried a tiny table. You see, this was no ordinary tree trunk because nestled inside was a cozy well-kept home. The two bunnies, though not sisters, were as close as sisters and on that particular day they decided to have a tea party. Coquette, the taller of the two girls, brought along her favorite dolly to enjoy the affair. Berniece, the smaller of the two girls, followed along with her toy pot, cups, and saucers. As the table was set, a surprising sight appeared. It was Jimmy Rabbit riding upon a racer fashioned from an enormous orange carrot.

   "Would you care to join our tea party, Jimmy Rabbit?" called Coquette as Berniece looked on in amazement.

   "Aw, shucks no!" cried Jimmy. "Tea parties are for GIRLS! You should join me for I am off on a great adventure..."

   Always at this time of year, the spotlight shines brightly on our little bunny friends. They are ever busy upholding their Easter-time traditions. By the score, bunnies all over the world are dying eggs, sewing toy self-replicas, and assembling fantastic presentation baskets. Schedules are set for the "big day" and this tiny legion works as efficiently as a favorite clockwork toy.

   But, do you ever ponder the every day life of bunnies? Surely there is more to their lives than Easter preparations! If we could silently part the forest brances to reveal the proper clearing, what might we find? I imagine a miniature village... tiny houses formed from tree trunks, a town square, the post office, and a theatre. Every morning, Papa Bunnies set off to tend the fields of carrots and cabbage. Mama Bunnies shake out the rugs and keep their homes and the child-bunnies find no end to the pleasures of frolicking in the sunlight...

for more information on the bunnies pictured, refer to collinsgifts.com

Coquette the "Bunny and Her Favorite Dolly"

Jimmy Rabbit is "Bun on the 4th of July"

A "Best We Can Do" THANK-YOU!

   I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to everyone who stopped by The Best We Can Do Sale last nite! It was very exciting and a sell-out for everyone. It amazes me how quickly our loyal customers will respond during these sales! However can someone see it all in minutes and send an email? I have to say, it must be something in the genes of the collector! Well, bless them all for their continued support.

   In the previous post, I described my inspiration for our Nursery Rhyme Sale. Below, you will find the end results.

   Please enjoy and until next time... Best Wishes!

"Tommy Trout's Discovery"   overall 9" tall by 7"wide

"Betty Blue's Little Helper"   overall 6.25" tall by 7.25" wide

"Peter and His Runaway Wife"    overall 6.5" tall by 4.5" wide

March 30th Best We Can Do websale

  Where, oh where, is this year disappearing? It's nearly a third over, but on the bright side, something new and exciting is on it's way. Whatever could that be? Why of course, it's the latest Best We Can Do artist group websale! My work, along it the magical offerings of Lori Ann Corelis, Paul Gordon, Nicol Sayre, Scott Smith, and Roberta Taylor will soon be online for your enjoyment and consideration. Please come to our new and improved site (click link in the right margin) on March 30th at 8:00pm est and let us "tuck you in with a nursey rhyme..."

  Above you will find the cover of the little book in which I found most of my inspiration. It was published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in 1928. The rhymes I chose to recreate...

"Ding, dong, bell, Pussy's in the well.
Who put her in? Little Tommy Green.
Who pulled her out? Little Tommy Trout.
What a naughty boy was that,
To try to drown poor Pussy Cat."

"Little Betty Blue
Has lost her holiday shoe,
Give her another
To match the other,
And then she will walk in two."

"Peter-Peter, Pumpkin-eater
Had a wife, he couldn't keep her.
He placed her in a pumpkin-shell,
And there he kept her very well."

Remember... March 30th... Best Wishes!

Little Ladies of the New Year

   I'm a little late, but there is still one day left in January. So, I will say Happy New Year and wish everyone health and happiness in 2011. At any rate, it's never too late for well wishes!

  

   I have nothing new to report from the realms of art doll creation. I can only say that I am working right along, getting things organized for the upcoming months. I'm setting up my show schedule, working on special orders and trying to accumulate stock. When I can spare a moment, I have been sorting through my collections and listing antique and vintage dolls, etc. on etsy and ebay.

   While I am on the subject of antique dolls, I do have a little collecting experience to share. Presents are always fun, aren't they? Even presents that you purchase for yourself, right? Every year, within a couple months of Christmas (when I can afford it), I purchase a little something for myself. I don't mean to suggest that I don't receive lovely gifts from other people, but my "self-gifting" is a fun little tradition that I enjoy. I put my  presents away and open them in private, usually after the new year. As I have a mind like a sieve, it's still a surprise... even though I purchased the items.

    This year's "self gifts" are treasured finds. All were priced low, which is always appreciated. These dolls are not high-end by any stretch of the imagination, but each one is all-original and has simple, innocent charm.

I'm calling them the Little Ladies of the New Year. Please scroll down, see their photos, read the descriptions, and enjoy the artifacts of a long ago  nursery....

Little Ladies of the New Year

9.5" tall... Bisque head marked  "390  Made in Germany  A9/0M" (Armand Marseille), open/close glass eyes, mohair wig. She has a composition body. She wears a pink silk dress and bonnet trimmed in lace (even some flowers on bonnet), buckram drawers and slip with lace, stockings, and one shoe. I imagine she lost the other shoe while making a hasty retreat from a kitten, sometime in the last century. circa 1900

7.5"... Bisque head marked "GK  crossed bones symbol  N  Made in Germany   193  20/0  DEP" (Gebruder Knoch), fixed set eyes and blonde mohair wig.  She also has a composition body. She wears her all original linen sailor dress and hat, trimmed in rickrack, buckram drawers, and has painted socks and shoes... the shoes are in a blue to match the dress! circa 1900

 

A dear little miniature doll, only 4.25" tall. Parian-type bisque shoulder plate head, bisque arms and legs. Her torso and upper arms and legs are cloth. Her outfit is all original and meant to depict some form of regional dress. The red skirt is fantastic, as is the fancy bodice!  circa 1900

If you are curious about the painting in the background, it is an oil entitled  "On the Lynn, North Devon, Eng."

It is dated July 23, 1886... folky-looking, in my opinion and just one of those odd little things I found at an estate sale.