Wow, what an exciting title, huh?! Well, if that title caught your attention, we are kindred spirits! We must be either interested in the media of a gentler era or a little nuts! Either way, I'm glad you paused to have a look. Anyone who is into the doll making and/or decorative arts knows working with crepe paper is mostly a labor of love....
You may be asking yourself why I am currently preoccupied with crepe paper. I don't want to say too much at this point, but it will make complete sense upon the opening of the July 31rst EHAG Emporium. Aside from this, I do have to say that I adore the old fashioned charm of crepe paper. It was invented in the late nineteenth century and seems to have had a golden age in the years 1900 to 1930. During these years, it seems the Dennison company of Framingham, Massachusetts reigned supreme in the manufacture of crepe paper. Dennison published little booklets packed with wonderful illustrations and instructions for creating a wide variety of items with their product. Two of these little books, published in 1925, are pictured above. Costumes and flowers in crepe paper are quite reasonable. But can you imagine lampshades, bed spreads, or everday hats? I've actually seen these instructions in my studies. Dolls were also a natural conclusion when working in this medium. I am fortunate enough to have a set of old Dennison paper dolls with crepe paper costumes and a German bisque Christmas doll dressed in holly patterned crepe paper.
With regards to dolls, after seeing some of the old doll costuming and the Dennison costume books, I could not resist trying to make my own interpretations. I've done this for a few years, here and there, on my dolls. Modern crepe paper can be found by a few different makers. However, I must warn you that the quality is less than favorable. Modern crepe paper has no where near the strength of the old stuff. Expect to tear some part of the costume, just when you are thinking completion is almost at hand! When I have been able, I snatch-up vintage crepe paper. I've been lucky enough to find it on more than a few occasions. I recently used the orange (or amber, as it is labeled on the packaging) on a doll
(HINT-HINT). This vintage crepe paper is like a dream...heavenly....to work with. It has the
quality and strength of muslin and on this last project, not one piece of my pattern was torn.
I will end this post here. Again, I don't want to say too much and let the cat (HINT-HINT) out of the bag! Please remember JULY 31rst, 9:00PM EST... that's when the many talented artists of the EHAG Emporium will be unveiling their latest work. Oh, and do stop by the Emporium now and sign up for a chance to win three fabulous door prizes!
Best Wishes to You!
