So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, March 13, 2014

A Short History Of Cloth Dolls

By Jaclyn Hurley


Mothers have always tried to provide their children with something to keep them occupied while important chores are being completed. Cloth dolls came into being when man started making his clothing out of woven fabrics. With the leftover pieces of material mothers would stitch together a doll and give it to her child as a companion.

Over time people started using softer, more luxurious fabrics for their creations and it was not unusual to see silks and velvets used for faces and gowns on the doll. Some doll makers painted faces onto the doll after it was complete using oil paints for a longer lasting effect. Beading and buttons often took the place of eyes and enhanced clothing worn by them.

Because the demand became so high manufacturers began mass production of the rag doll in the 1800s. The patterns were simple and usually were rolled onto a bolt of fabric in ink. They were then cut out, assembled and stuffed. Most factories had crews that would then dress each doll and prepare them for market. Occasionally a doll would be made with real hair sewn to its head instead of simply printed onto the pattern. Hand painted faces were also an option for the completed doll.

Some of these companies came to be in the simplest manner imaginable. A mother creates a loving companion for her little girl and it is so cute that friends want one made for their child. The doll becomes so much in demand that it is taken to a small factory to be produced on a larger scale because the original creator cannot keep up with requests for the doll.

Another part of this doll family is the Art Doll. They first came to be Europe and were not toys but rather a decorative piece for the home. They were sought after because they had wire in their bodies that allowed their arms and legs to be arranged in different ways. They became fashionable to own because they were very colorful and attractive.

The Art Doll is currently a very popular product as well as a project for people who wish to create their own designs. Most are caricatures of real people dressed in the most outlandish clothing available for the theme of the doll. Part of the charm they hold is the use of many different mediums when making them. Some artists use beading, paper and paints when putting the finishing touches on their creations.

An antique doll can be a valuable possession and may bring a lot of joy to it's owner. Before embarking on this collection you need to study and gain intimate knowledge of the field. The market for these pieces is wide open and the only way to be sure you are getting a real piece of history is to know the subject matter as well as you can.

Learning what is authentic and what is not is a long term endeavor that should not be taken lightly. Many of the pieces for sale today are very costly and you may not be able to return it after your purchase is finalized. You can educate yourself with the books that are available but as a good measure a novice buyer should perhaps have it authenticated by a professional.




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