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.

Merry Christmas and Thank You!

 I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has read, followed, and purchased from my blog in 2010. I appreciate your efforts so very much! Merry Christmas to you all....

 I have had some requests to post my offerings from The Best We Can Do websale here, so here they are:    (click on images to enlarge)

                                       Spirit in Helping
Santa measures 9.75" tall so this piece is larger in height and scale than my usual work, all antique and vintage fabrics, antique and handmade accessories, an actual German toy cart circa 1900   sold for $395......Thank You, J.

Spirit in Giving

10.25" tall overall , so also a little larger than usual, Santa is dressed in felt and cotton, mohair beard, dollhouse and candy container are handmade, candy container has removable head and note dollhouse address, authentic German platform horse circa 1900     

Sold for $245... Thank You, T.

               

Spirit  in Tradition

An old real picture postcard was the inspiration. The photographer's prop sleigh an backdrop are all hand painted and mounted on a single base, so as to be free standing. Santa and the little girl are also free standing. A sepia tint postcard of this scene is included. 8" x 7.25"

Sold for $185... Thank You, T.



The Best We Can Do December websale!

(click on this image to enlarge)

  I am pleased to announce that I will be joining The Best We Can Do artist group for their December 1rst websale! I've admired all their creations for many years, so it is a thrill and

an honor to be included with this group. I wish to express many thanks to each and every one of them. As for a hint to my offerings for this websale, let's just say everything is......

                                                         "Santa-tastic!"

 Click on the link in the right margin (Christmas Spirit) and you will be whisked away in Santa's sleigh to The Best We Can Do website!