Linda Walsh Originals Blog Pages

Friday, May 27, 2016

I Finally Finished My Dimensions Quiet Night Counted Cross-Stitch Kit Picture



For some reason I decided last week that I needed to complete a 5" by 7" cross-stitch kit I had started several months ago. Ten to one I probably delayed working on it as I knew it would take me longer to finish it than the 5" by 5" kits I had been completing.

The cross-stitch kit I just finished was a counted cross-stitch kit from Dimensions Gold Collection Petites entitled Quiet Night. Like the other Dimensions Gold Collection Petites kits I had bought the kit included the pattern, pre-sorted cotton thread, 18 count navy blue cotton Aida, needle and instructions.

The Quiet Night pattern uses full counted cross-stitch, half cross-stitch, french knots and outline stitching for emphasis and depth and this detailing really makes the picture stand out. The design of this cross-stitch gives the finished picture a 3 dimensional aspect with the half cross stitch, french knots and outlining being used for artistic effect.

The pattern came with starting and working order instructions as well as samples of the various stitches required, color coded keys (with code #'s, lengths, color names, and cross-stitch symbols) and a chart with color coded symbols. The colors and symbols on the keys and chart were easy to read and follow. The pattern did not include instructions for finishing the piece.

While I was very pleased with the end results of this design there are some things in the kit and in the instructions that can be improved upon.

As was the case with previous Dimensions kits the thread sorter was poorly designed. The embroidery threads were glued to two foam backed 6" by 1 1/4" strips of cardboard that had a picture of the color of the thread and it's number. In order to get to the threads you had to separate the foam back from the cardboard strip. Very quickly the threads separated from their section and then you no longer knew what the thread number was to tie to your symbols & legends.

As I have done with other cross-stitch kits I've completed I had to design my own thread color sorter and symbol key. I took a piece of thin cardboard and cut a 1" x 11" long rectangular piece out to use as a thread sorter. I then punched 23 holes in my cardboard strip in which to tie each of the different colors. Just below the hole I wrote the DMC floss # and just above the hole I added the respective color coded cross-stitch symbol. I then inserted the floss threads that went with that # and symbol through the hole and tied them in a loose knot. This kit could be much improved if different thread sorter with respective #'s and color coded symbols was provided.

Short of changing the thread sorter all together to make things even easier for the user the color symbol should at the very least have been shown on the thread sorter strip of cardboard as well. That way you would only need to use the thread sorter strip of cardboard to follow your chart.


The Quiet Night  kit creates a 5" by 7" woodland winter house scene using the 18 count navy blue cotton Aida cloth which was included in the kit. The cotton Aida was large enough to fit into my cross-stitch rectangle frame which was great but the navy blue fabric proved to be difficult to follow. While I understand why the navy blue color was chosen and agree with using that color trying to see the holes in the fabric was difficult at best without extra halogen lighting.


As with any counted cross stitch picture you can lose your place in the chart and mix up the colors of the thread.  For this picture I mistakenly used a light blue thread on the left side of the barn where it should have been the light bluish white thread (as shown in the picture above). Instead of trying to rip the wrong threads out I decided instead to cross-stitch over some of the area with the light bluish white thread. It ended up creating a little more dimension and depth for the picture which was fine with me.

I also decided not to follow the black highlight stitching for the large tree branches (as shown in the Dimensions picture below) as the diagram was just too big to follow for this. Instead I created my own black highlighting design for the branches (as shown in the picture above) while trying to visually adhere to the diagram design. This worked out just fine.

The pattern called for using french knots to create the effect of snow falling. Once again, I decided not to follow the french knot snowflakes design in the diagram (as shown in the Dimensions picture below) as the diagram was just too big to follow for this, too. Instead I created my own snowflake pattern (as shown in the picture above) while trying to visually create the snowfall effect. This worked out fine, too.


The pattern did not include instructions for finishing the piece which should have been included for a beginner cross-stitch user. This was not a problem for me as I knew what type of picture frame I was going to use, the double mat I was going to use and the way in which I wanted to finish the picture.

I tend to favor 1/4" foam backed adhesive mounting boards for the cross-stitch pictures I'm inserting into a finished picture frame. I originally was going to use a 1/4" foam backed 8" by 10" adhesive mounting board but discovered that this would be too thick for the picture frame backing I was using and wouldn't allow the backing piece to be inserted into the slot on the back of the frame and allow for securing it to the frame. So, instead, I opted to mount by my picture on a 5" by 7" foam backed adhesive 1/4" mounting board which would provide enough room for to insert the picture backing into the slots and allow for securing it to the frame.


I had chosen a black frame with blue and cream double matting to finish it which I think really brought out the beautiful colors of the woodland scene. Plus the double matting allowed for enough room for the 5" by 7" press and seal adhesive foam board to create a padded look for my finished cross-stitch picture.

I centered my cross-stitch picture on the 5" by 7" adhesive foam board and trimmed the excess navy blue Aida cloth by 1/4" to 1/2" around.  The trimming allowed for me to tape the sides of the Aida cloth with masking tape to the back of the double mat boards I was using.

It took me 73 hours to complete this picture including the framing. Despite the problems I encountered I was very happy with the way my Dimensions Quiet Night picture turned out.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

It's Not That Much Longer Until Artful Gathering 2016


It's not that much longer until Artful Gathering 2016 and I, for one, can't wait. This will be my 5th year taking online classes at Artful Gathering and I have thoroughly enjoyed every class I've taken.

Here's what I've taken so far:


2012 - Pat Winter -Crazy Quilting CQ101 

2013 - Briley The Birdie - A Vintage Tweetheart by Colleen Moody


2013 - Lovely Sea Maiden - A Needle Felting Adventure by Judy Johnson


2014 - Julie Haymaker Thompson - Let's Go For A Ride


2014 - Mary Jane Chadbourne - The Imaginarium: Anthologies of an Art Doll


2015 - Hally Levesque - Bonnets & Bows: A Regency Doll Project


2015 - Mary Jane Chadbourne - Tiny Topia & The Magic of Little Things


2015 - Debbie Anderson - A Romantic Journey On Canvas

I have loved each and every class I've taken there as the instructors are fantastic and the classes are always delightful. I've had a blast in each class learning something new and, best of all, making wonderful new friends. I walk away from each class with a head filled with all sorts of new techniques and ideas for items I want to make. To say my creative juices are overflowing during and after each class is an understatement. They're in overdrive.

Each year the line up of classes have gotten better and better. So good it's literally almost impossible to decide what to take. For me there are just SO MANY wonderful Artful Gathering classes that I want to take.

Truth be told, I want to take them all, but that is definitely not possible. So, choose I must - but, oh, how difficult that has been.

This year as I scanned the classes in Session 1 and Session 2 my eyes were immediately drawn to two classes in particular and I knew, after looking at their descriptions, that the decision was out of my hands. "Dollie's" always win and Hally Levesque was teaching two doll classes: Romantic Rosabella in Session 1 and Wee Winter Whimsies in Session 2.


2016 - Hally Levesque - Romantic Rosabella - A Ribbons & Roses Doll Project 


2016 - Hally Levesque - Wee Winter Whimsies - Primitive Folk Art Dolls for the Holidays  

I knew for sure I'd be taking those two. I really want to take more, but I'm not sure I have the time.

Session 1 runs from June 6 to July 17 and Session 2 runs from July 16 to August 26.

If you've always wanted to take an online art and/or craft class you won't be disappointed in any of the Artful Gathering classes.

Hope to see you there.

Sunday, May 08, 2016

The Beautiful Collection of Fashion Dolls At The Strong National Museum of Play


Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

It's definitely no surprise that I love Victorian dresses and Victorian dolls.  So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to see how many Victorian French Fashion Dolls the Strong National Museum of Play had in their doll collection.  It's unbelievable.

There are so many I couldn't decide which was my favorite.  I LOVED them all and would like to see all of them.  They're all simply exquisite.

Here's a few of my favorites:

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Manufacturer E. Barrois, Material kid | bisque | glass | mohair | paint | silk | straw | cotton | wool, Origin Paris, France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6627.

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material kid | bisque | mohair | glass | paint | silk | velvet | metal | cotton | leather, Origin France. Style fashion, Object ID 77.6569

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material bisque | kid | wood | paint | glass | mohair | silk | lace | cotton | leather, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6706

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material kid | bisque | paint | glass | mohair | satin | lace | cotton | leather, Origin  France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6607

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1875-1880, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Manufacturer Gaultier?, Material wood | bisque | mohair | glass | paint | silk | lace | straw | cotton | wool | leather, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6597

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material bisque | wood | kid | glass | paint | mohair | silk | lace | cotton | wool | felt | velvet, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6707

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1875-1900, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material bisque | kid | glass | paint | mohair | leather | metal | silk | textile
Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6564, 

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1880, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1880, Manufacturer Gaultier?, Material bisque | kid | glass | mohair | satin | lace | paint | cotton, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.654

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material bisque | kid | lamb's wool | glass | paint | straw | silk | cotton | leather | lace | velvet, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6700

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material wood | bisque | paint | mohair | glass | silk | velvet | lace | cotton | leather | wool | straw, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6647

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Manufacturer Gaultier?, Material bisque | kid | glass | paint | mohair | silk | lace | cotton | velvet | wool | leather, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 80.1123

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1885, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1885, Manufacturer Gaultier, Material bisque | kid | paint | glass | mohair | velvet | silk | cotton | felt | lace, Origin Paris, France, Style fashion, Object ID 79.1336

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1885, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1885, Manufacturer Gaultier, Material cloth | bisque | kid | glass | paint | mohair | leather | cotton | lace | velvet, Origin Paris, France, Style fashion, Object ID 79.1334

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1850-1890, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1850-1890, Material wood | bisque | paint | glass | mohair | silk | lace | straw | velvet | cotton | leather, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6617

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1870, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

Credits: doll 1870, Material wood | kid | bisque | glass | mohair | paint | silk | straw | cotton | lace, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 77.6689

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The French Fashion Doll c. 1865-1880, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play online collection.

 Credits: doll 1865-1880, Material kid | bisque, Origin France, Style fashion, Object ID 73.1369

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

After seeing just a small handful of fashion dolls here and then seeing the rest of the fashion dolls collection at the The Strong National Museum of Play I bet you'd have a hard time choosing, too.

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Hitty Dolls - What's Not To Love!


If you've never heard of the Hitty book entitled "Her First Hundred Years" it's a children's book written by Rachael Field and Published in 1929. It won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1930. It's a book about a lttle dolls adventures.

According to the Hitty Wikipedia pageThe book details Hitty's adventures as she becomes separated from Phoebe and travels from owner to owner over the course of a century. She ends up living in locations as far-flung as Boston, New Orleans, India, and the South Pacific. At various times, she is lost deep under the sea and also under sofa cushions, abandoned in a hayloft, serves as part of a snake-charmer's act, and meets the famous writer Charles Dickens, before finally ending up in an antique shop in New York City among other, fancier dolls of porcelain and wax. There Hitty is purchased and taken to her new owner's summer home in Maine, which turns out to be the original Preble residence where she first lived.

If you would like to read her book there is a .pdf of the words and chapters here.


If you would like to see all of the illustrations by Dorothy Lathrop for Rachael Fields book they are here.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The Hitty Doll c. 1930, shown in the picture above, is from The Strong National Museum of Play website.

Credits: doll ca. 1930, Material wood | paint, Origin USA, Object ID 110.10782, Credit Line Gift of the family of Patricia M. Morse.

According to her description: The Hitty doll is the central character in Rachel Field's 1929 "Hitty: Her First Hundred Years," a children's book that received the Newbery Award. Field garnered inspiration for her story from a wooden doll she saw seated in the window of a New York City antique shop. In the story, the doll receives the name of Mehitabel by her first owner, Phoebe Preble. The story presents the doll's point of view and recounts how Phoebe shortened her name to Hitty. Hitty describes 100 years of adventures that began in Maine and included travels to New Orleans and Bombay, India. She recounts meeting Charles Dickens and John Greenleaf Whittier and she records that she had been lost, stolen, borrowed, exhibited, sold at auction, and abused by fire, water, and neglect. Through her many trials, she remains calm and stoic, and ever ready for her next adventure. The book inspired many whittlers to fashion Hitty dolls of mountain ashwood as gifts for little girls who enjoyed the doll's story.

Sounds like an amazing doll and story - doesn't it?


The original Hitty doll resides in the Stockbridge Library, Stockbridge, MA.  They produced a wonderful .pdf brochure The Stockbridge Library presents: “All Aboard” with Hitty! A doll, a book, a conference June 10-12, 2011 here.  I hope you get a chance to read it.  That would have been a fun conference - don't you think?


If you'd like more information on Hitty, the Hitty doll, and the modern day Hitty's please click here for the Practical Hitty website.

Image Courtesy of The Paris Review

The Paris Review ran a delightful article in the Our Daily Correspondent section entitled "Hitty, Her Second Hundred Years" by Sadie Stein about the Northeast Harbor Library and the book Hitty, Her First Hundred Years.  If you'd like to read her article please click here.

There's a wonderful post entitled "Incredible Vintage Wooden 1950's Hitty Doll 
with Accessories and Tasha Tudor Letters" on Maida Today by Dixie Redmond about the 1950 wooden Hitty doll at Lucy's Doll House here.  It's a wonderful post and I hope you get a chance to read it.

Image Courtesy of The Great Cranberry Island Historical Society

The Great Cranberry Island Historical Society has a Hitty's Home website to educate the public, especially children, on the rich history of Cranberry Island and their with author Rachel Field here.


Hitty dolls have become very popular amongst doll artists and your girls alike.  Gail Wilson is an amazing doll maker who specializes in reproduction antique dolls on her Gail Wilson Designs website.  The Hitty Series includes information on her Finished Hitty dolls, doll kits so you can make one of your own, Hitty doll clothes, clothes kits, patterns, accessories, Hitty house, information about Hitty, Hitty books & book clubs, Hitty Photo Gallery, and Hitty supplies.   If you love Hitty and would like to make a Hitty doll of your own you should visit Gail Wilson's website.

The Julie Old Crow website has a tutorial showing how to make a Hitty doll cradle quilt here.  She also has a Hitty dress pattern for sale on her Julie Old Crow Etsy shop here.

Tons of information on Hitty can be found on the Hittygirls website here.  Free patterns for Hitty Clothes is here.  Hitty's timeline is here.

I just love the Hitty dolls and I'm looking forward to making one some day. They're small, they're adorable, and they have exciting adventures. What's not to love!

Friday, May 06, 2016

For The Love Of Rococo Dolls - You Might Become Speechless, Too!

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

I absolutely love Rococo fashions and have always wanted to make a Rococo fashion doll of my own.

Well, while doing some research on other fashion dolls I could hardly believe my eyes when I landed on the page for the unbelievable 18th Century Fashion Doll From Eugene Barrois c. 1790, shown in the picture above, from the Carmel Doll Shop website.  She was just stunning.  Just look at that amazing dress! And, that unbelievable hair.  I just LOVE her.

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

No sooner had I landed on the Carmel Doll Shop page for the doll at the beginning of this post when I saw the 18th Century Fashion Doll From Eugene Barrois, shown in the picture above, from the Carmel Doll Shop website.  She was every bit as stunning as the first one.  Just look at that amazing dress! And, that unbelievable hair.  Just stunning, too.

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

Seeing two astonishing Rococo fashion dolls is certainly a delight. What do you say when you see a third astonishing fashion doll like the 18th Century Fashion Doll From François Gaultier c. 1790, shown in the picture above, from the Carmel Doll Shop website.  Maybe you become speechless.

Please click here for more information on this beautiful doll.

Thursday, May 05, 2016

17th, 18th, and 19th Century Wooden Dolls


Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

I can't help falling in love with the beauty of the Queen Anne Doll, shown in the picture above, from The Strong National Museum of Play.  She is an exceptional wooden doll circa 1750-1800.

Credits: Queen Anne Doll, 1750-1800, Material wood, Origin England, Style Queen Anne, Object ID 79.451

I would love to see this doll.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The unbelievable Earliest Queen Anne Doll c. 1690, is also from the Strong National Museum of Play.   How amazing is she?  Just incredible.

Credits: Doll ca. 1690, Material wood, Origin England, Style Queen Anne, Object ID 73.1447

According to their description: A simple, jointed body and carved face decorated with stylized eyebrows and brightly rouged cheeks characterize this "Queen Anne" style doll made in around 1700. Manufacture of these wooden dolls originally predated their namesake, Queen Anne, who reigned only from 1702 to 1714. English woodcarvers and craftsmen began making these dolls in the 1600s, and the craft continued through the 1840s. Affordable only to affluent families, the vast majority of Queen Anne dolls were owned by women, who dressed them in the fashions of the time. Because the clothing obscured the plain wooden bodies, carvers focused their artistic attention on the faces. The dolls' painted, almond-shaped eyes, though distinctly conventionalized, changed to glass or porcelain in later years, and limbs came to be made of fabric or leather. Dolls made prior to the mid-19th century are scarce: some reports note that fewer than thirty seventeenth-century Queen Anne dolls have survived.

Only thirty 17th century Queen Anne dolls have survived.  What a shame.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The beautiful Queen Anne doll, shown in the picture above, is also from the Strong National Museum of Play.   How beautiful is she?

Credits: Early Queen Anne doll 1700-1799, Material wood, Origin England, Object ID 75.3093

My understanding was that various types of wooden dolls were being made from 1300 on. Prior to this ancient figures or dolls were made from bone, ivory, clay, leather, and carved from wood.

Wooden French dolls date from 1300 on. Some of the earliest English and German handmade wooden dolls date from 1600 on. William and Mary English wooden dolls date from 1680 - 1720. Queen Anne English Wooden dolls date from 1700 - 1750.German wooden dolls date from the 1700's.

Many wooden dolls from the 18th century on have been family treasures for years and passed down through families from generation to generation.

Supposedly there is a Marie Antoinette wooden doll in a museum in Salisbury, England that still has her entire ensemble, which was made by Marie Antoinette while she was in prison awaiting her execution in 1793.  I would LOVE to see this doll and her wardrobe.


The following is according to the 200 Years of Dolls: Identification and Price Guide By Dawn HerlocherAuthentic antique wooden dolls were typically manufactured in England sometime between the late 1600s and the early 1800s. (However, a large number of antique wooden dolls were manufactured in Germany during the 19th century as well). The majority of antique wooden dolls are generally female, however, a small number of wooden male dolls were manufactured during this period as well. Antique wooden dolls typically come with traditional folk art-style clothing and/or accessories, and usually feature glass eyes and facial expressions.

I decided I wanted to see more of the gorgeous 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century wooden dolls - especially the Queen Anne's. Here's what I found:

 Image Courtesy  National Gallery of Art,Washington.

The Wooden Dollshown in the illustration above, is from the Index of American Design at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Credits: Wooden Doll c. 1936, Iverson, Jane, American, 1910 - 1997 watercolor, graphite, gouache, and pen and ink on paper, overall: 34.6 x 27.2 cm (13 5/8 x 10 11/16 in.) Original IAD Object: 12 1/4" high, Index of American Design 1943.8.15570

 Image Courtesy  National Gallery of Art,Washington.

The Wooden Jointed Dollshown in the illustration above, is from the Index of American Design at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Credits: Wooden Jointed Doll c. 1936, Iverson, Jane, American, 1910 - 1997, watercolor, graphite, gouache, and pen and ink on paper, overall: 35.4 x 27.8 cm (13 15/16 x 10 15/16 in.) Original IAD, Object: 12" long, Index of American Design 1943.8.8144

A Doll c. 1790 was on the Historic New England Museum website here.

There was another Doll c. 1750 - 1800 on the Historic New England Museum website here.

I found two old wooden dolls in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum Of Art website.  The first Doll c. 1800 - 1815 was here.  The second Doll c. 1800 - 1815 was here.

The History.org website of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation had a Wooden Doll, c. 1770–1775 here.

I found 3 beautiful wooden dolls in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  A beautiful 18th Century Doll in  a red damask dress was here.  Another beautiful 18th Century Doll in a yellow taffeta dress was here. An amazing male Doll c. 1730 - 1740 in a blue satin waistcoat and breeches was here.

I thought I might find more example of Queen Anne type dolls in some of the museums in England. Here's what I found:

Images Courtesy of Hampshire Cultural Trust

The WOODEN DOLL, UNKNOWN ENGLISH MAKER, C. 1740–50, shown in the pictures above, are from the Hampshire Cultural Trust website.

According to her description; This particularly fine and well-preserved doll was donated to the Curtis Museum, Alton in 1949.... She is certainly an example of the so-called ‘Queen Anne’ dolls, but these were made throughout the late 17th and 18th century and not just in the reign of Queen Anne. English doll makers of this period were renowned for their fine and delicate work, although most remain anonymous. By the end of the 18th century, the quality of work in England had deteriorated, due to competition from cheaper wooden dolls made in Germany.

Also: The doll’s detailed and complete set of clothing reveals the work of either a very accomplished amateur (possibly a lady from a wealthy family indulging her passion for needlework) or that of a professional dressmaker showing off the latest fashions on her ‘pandora’ or fashion doll. What is certain is that the doll has not been played with much, if at all, by a child. It would have been very much a case of ‘Look, but don’t touch!’. Nevertheless, she has a broken finger.

For more information on this doll please click here.

There were five exceptional wooden dolls on the  Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, London.  A  gorgeous Doll c. 1740 - 1750 in a gold dress was here.  An amazing Fashion Doll With Accessories c. 1755 - 1760 in a gold embroidered dress was here.  Doll  c. 1770 - 1775 in a red dress was here.  An incredible couple of wooden dolls, one known as Lord Clapham c. 1690-1700 was here.  His spouse, Lady Chapman c. 1690-1700 was here.  These dolls were named 'Lord and Lady' of the family home in Clapham, London by their owners, the Cockerell family.

An exquisite doll known as The Old Pretender c. 1680 was here.  According to the V&A: The Old Pretender is one of the oldest dolls in the museum's collection. It was carved from wood and covered with gesso (a mixture of plaster and glue) before being painted. The doll is fashionably dressed with a wig made of human hair and beauty spots painted on the face. It is associated with the court of King James VII (of Scotland) and II (of England and Wales) at the palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. It is said to have been given to a family of loyal supporters by James II's son James Edward (acknowledged James VII in Scotland but not James III in England and Wales who was subsequently known as 'The Old Pretender').

Image Courtesy of HistoryTube.org Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation 

The  large wooden doll named Miss Chalkley, shown in the picture above, was pictured in an article entitled “Miss Chalkley,”  A Georgian Wooden Doll, Acquired for Yorktown Victory Center By David B. Voelkel, Curator on the HistoryTube.org Jamestown-Yorktown  Foundation website.

According to the article: A large wooden doll recently added to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection was made by an unknown English toymaker around the time of the American Revolution.

Also, according to the article: Though the American colonies broke with Great Britain, the trade links between consumers and suppliers were quickly re-established following the decisive American victory at Yorktown.  Luxury goods such as English wooden dolls continued to cross the Atlantic, as can be seen in many portraits of the 1780s.

For more information and to read this article please click here.

It seems there are quite a few 17th and 18th century wooden dolls in several of the museum collections.  So, I decided to see if there were any for sale on the various auction and doll shop websites.  Here's what I found:

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The beautiful 18TH CENTURY WOODEN DOLL WITH DISTINCTIVE PROFILE, as shown in the picture above, was on the Theriaults.com website.

According to their description: 16" All-wooden doll with so-called "bulging" enamel eyes, dot-painted brows and lashes, closed mouth with extended center line, blush spots on cheeks, has artistically carved head having shaped cheek bones, distinctive chin, nicely shaped shortened nose with aquiline shape, elongated throat, modeled bosom, shapely waist, block-shaped lower torso, wooden arms with cloth attachments, dowel-jointed hips and knees, wearing lovely authentically styled costume of antique fabrics..... Comments: English, late 17th/early 18th century. Value Points: highly characterized doll with beautifully carved features, from the collection of the late Madeline Merrill, and featured in her book, The Art of Dolls 1700-1940,pp 4 & 71. Realized Price: $18,000.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The beautiful ENGLISH WOODEN DOLL OF THE MID-18TH CENTURY, as shown in the picture above, was on the Theriaults.com website.  How beautiful is she?

According to their description: 20" All-wooden doll with oval egg-shaped head, elongated throat, shapely torso, wooden arms with cloth shoulder attachments, carved claw-like fingers, block-shaped lower torso, simplistically carved arms and legs with dowel-jointing at hips and knees, enamel inset eyes, dot-painted lashes and thin brows, blush spots on cheeks, closed mouth with thin line between tiny lips, human hair wig, wearing authentically styled dress and undergarments of antique fabrics.... Comments: English,mid-18th century, the doll is being sold from the private estate collection of the late Madeline Merrill, and is shown in her book, The Art of Dolls 1700-1940,pp 6 & 71. 

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The amazing FRENCH CARVED WOODEN COURT DOLLS IN ORIGINAL COSTUMES, as shown in the picture above, was on the Theriaults.com website.

According to their description: 14" Depicting persons of the 18th century French court, the pair of wooden dolls include a gentleman and lady, each with elaborate carved hair, facial features, highly characterized anatomical features, and wooden lower limbs with carved and painted shoes. The lady has pompadour style coiffure with four horizontal rows of curls at either side of the face, long looped curl at the back and a rolled coronet curl, strong facial features with painted details; the man has carved brown/grey hair with rolled curls at the sides and an extended carved ponytail behind. Each has hemp-wrapped upper torso and upper limbs, carved wooden lower limbs, and each is wearing its original silk and cotton transfer print costume with rich detail (see detail photographs),and the woman with tiniest pearl necklace and bracelets..... Comments: from a remarkable series of dolls created during the mid-late 18th century representing figures of the French court, and used by members of the aristocracy to story-tell innuendoes and social scandals of the day, being sold from the collection of the late Claude Detave, noted Parisian antiquarian and collector. Value Points: rare dolls, uniquely one-of-a-kind, in original condition and having original costumes. Realized Price: $11,000.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The gorgeous EARLY ENGLISH WOODEN DOLL WITH HIGHLY-CHARACTERIZED EXPRESSION AND ORIGINAL COSTUME c. mid-1700's, as shown in the picture above, was on the Theriaults.com website.

According to their description: 18" One-piece carved wooden head and torso, shapely bosom and waist, oval-shaped face with unusual puffy fullness to cheeks and well-defined chin tip, elongated throat, enamel inset eyes, painted upper and lower lashes, single-stroke brows with dot accents on upper edge, aquiline nose, closed mouth with full lips and piquant smile, original brunette human hair wig, cloth upper arms, wooden lower arms with individually-carved spatula-shaped hands, wooden legs with dowel-jointing at hips and knees.....Comments: English, mid-1700s, very rare early model with distinctive sculpting of facial shape...... Realized Price: $22,000

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

The beautiful Georgian Wooden Doll, shown in the picture above, was on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine for the Carmel Doll Shop.

According to their description: Georgian wooden's have sometimes seen refreshing to their paint over the years, but we prefer to offer those that have remained just as the day they were made, like this tiny wooden lady. Standing 15-1/2" tall (overall) details include a turned wood head and torso with original paint, plus rosy cheeks, inset black glass pupil-less eyes and a wonderful mohair wig. The body features carved wooden legs that are jointed at the hips and knees, with forked hands (losses). Eighteenth century silk in various shades forms the basis of her elegant dress. A marvelous wooden that will help bring your early dollhouses or vignettes to life. Measures: 15" in height.

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

The exquisite Georgian Wooden Doll c. 1780 - 1790, shown in the picture above, was from the Carmel Doll Shop website.

According to their description: 15 1/2" overall, is a Georgian Wooden in a desirable cabinet size - one who is small enough to reside in an early dollhouse or vignette, but large enough to play "mother" to your more child-like examples. Circa 1780-90, Lady Gwendolen's features include original paint in excellent condition that offers a glowing patina, painted eyes, rouged cheeks and what appears to be her original deep blonde wig. In addition, she is exquisitely costumed in period silk brocades, fine lace and silk ribbons - especially charming are her original leather "gloves" that she wears upon her simply carved wooden hands. A treasure, to be sure.

Image Courtesy of LiveAuctioneers.com

The unique Pair of Queen Anne Wooden Dolls, shown in the picture above, is from the Liveauctioneers.com website.  I just love their outfits.  Don't you?
According to their description: English, late 18th century, bedpost style all wood carved Queen Anne man and woman with pupil less brown glass eyes, painted features, mohair wigs, appropriately redressed in vintage brocade with metallic trim.  Size: tallest 28".

Nowadays many renowned art doll artists are making reproductions of wooden dolls from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. Some are so good it would be hard to tell them from the real ones. I would love to make one of them but can't decide which century to choose. 17th, 18th, and 19th? Maybe I'll make one for each!