A One Hundred Year Old Doll House

I took photos of this antique doll house in my kitchen garden. It once belonged to my mother-in-law and I will now pass it down to my younger daughter this Christmas. There are many handmade furnishings that were especially designed for it. I will include these along with measurements and templates in future articles.

Above is the side view of this 100 year old antique doll house.

The doll house has four rooms of equal size.

The roof of the doll house as seen from above.

The furnishings are mostly handcrafted. Above is an old-fashioned Welsh

cupboard, with miniature copper posts and brass candlesticks.

A hand-carved bed, tiny mattress, coverlet, and two tiny rose needlepoint

pillows provide a cozy place for small dolls to sleep.

A close up shot of the walls and curtains inside the doll house.

The doll house has two side entrances with windows.

The second entrance distinguished by red curtains and an

ornate red and blue print wall paper.

A dresser, movable vanity mirror, wash basin with a pitcher,

a fancy brass crib and a small plastic baby all accompanied this doll

house when my mother-in-law first purchased it.

A small child must have sculpted this bathtub and baby from homemade clay.

This Kitchen table and chair and cupboard also was hand crafted by

the doll house’s former owner. The mouth blown glass oil lamp was one if

the few tiny decorative objects to accompany the furnishings.

Unlike many modern doll houses, this antique version was designed

to be displayed with it’s back against a wall; it has a plain simple cabinet back.

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A “Forget-Me-Not” Traditional Rag Doll Challenge

My teacher’s sample of the “Forget-Me-Not” traditional rag doll.

Theme: floral needlpoint/applique/fabrics/quilting etc… depicting Forget-Me-Nots

Subject: Traditional Rag Doll

Historical Connections: Forget-Me-Not in Art, Folklore, and Culture:

• In a German legend, God named all the plants when a tiny unnamed one cried out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord!” God replied, “That shall be your name.”
• Henry IV adopted the flower as his symbol during his exile in 1398, and retained the symbol upon his return to England the following year.
• In 15th-century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armor he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted “Forget-me-not.” It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love.
• Prior to becoming the tenth province of Canada in 1949, Newfoundland (then a separate British Dominion) used the Forget-me-not as a symbol of remembrance of that nation’s war dead. This practice is still in limited use today, though Newfoundlanders have adopted the Flanders Poppy as well.
• Freemasons began using the flower in 1926 as a symbol well known in Germany as message not to forget the poor and desperate. Many other German charities were also using it at this time. In later years, by a handful of Masons, it was a means of recognition in place of the square and compass design. This was done across Nazi occupied Europe to avoid any danger of being singled out and persecuted. The symbol of the forget-me-not in modern Masonry has become more prevalent and exaggerated claims about the use of the symbol are often made in order to promote sales of bumper stickers of the symbol. Today it is an interchangeable symbol with Freemasonry and some also use the Forget-me-not to remember those masons who were victimized by the Nazi regime. In English Freemasonry it is more commonly now worn to remember those that have died as a symbol that you may be gone but not forgotten.
• J. R. R. Tolkien refers to the flower in his poems.

Materials: listing

• fabrics and type
• cotton batting
• notions

Methods of Construction: process

• Select a traditional rag doll pattern or design your own.
• Measure, cut, sew, stuff, and incorporate into your doll or doll’s clothing Forget-Me-Not design.
• Those doll designs including traditional needlepoint and/or some kind of quilting/applique methods are preferable.

Expectations/Objectives/Goals: listing

• Students will demonstrate the process of interpreting sewing patterns.
• Students will demonstrate the theme and subject combined in a rag doll.

Exhibit: Finished figures will be exhibited inside a showcase located on the school property or be photographed by the instructor and uploaded to an internet forum/blog.

Feedback/Assessment: Students will either participate in an online discussion, classroom critiques or be expected to fill out a self-assessment form.

Include the following on a label with your finished project:

• A Title
• Your Name
• The date the project was completed
• The materials used
• An approximate size

More Craft Resources for Forget-Me-Not:

• Exquisite forget-me-not doily and bowl
• Angela Pullen’s Forget-Me-Nots
• Cross Stitch Forget-Me-Not Bouquet
• Forget-Me-Not pin cushion
• handmade Forget-Me-Not anniversary card
• Handmade wool broaches

Forget-Me-Not Doll Inspiration:

• Forget-me-not doll by Joanna
• A porcelain figurine of a child in a Forget-Me-Not dress
• A forget-me-not flower rattle doll
• A Waldorf Doll dressed in Forget-Me-Nots
• A Forget-Me-Not paper doll from the National Museum of Play
• A talking Fifi and the Flowertots Forget-Me-Not Plush
• Forget-me-not Elf miniature doll
• A vintage “hankie baby” (pew baby) made from a kerchief with needlework of Forget-Me-Not
• A Seeley’s mold china baby dressed in Forget-Me-Not blue
• Foreget-Me-Not Jackie Doll
• Forget-Me-Not mouse by Barby Anderson
• Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls: Forget-Me-Not

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My Little Quiet Book

“All By Herself,” a quiet book from the 1950s by Kay Clark was manufactured by Plankie Toys in Younstown, Ohio.

The first page introduces little ones to a charming rhyme about a little girl who dresses herself.

Each page has a special attachment that challenges little people to learn “how” to button, lace, zip, snap, fold and tie.

The original illustrations printed on this fabric quiet book were drawn by “The Twins.”

This little book is perfect for distracting a small child during a long sermon!

Dozens of Ideas for Making Quiet Books:

1. How to Make A Quiet Book
2. My “Star Trek” Quiet Book
3. Quiet books by sweetdreams
4. The quiet book from Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio
5. My Children’s Diary quiet book
6. Quiet Book from Serving Pink Lemonade
7. Busy Quiet Books
8. Baby’s felt quiet book
9. Quiet Book from the crafting chicks
10. Quiet books by Shelley Wallace
11. Quiet book patterns by copycrafts
12. The Quiet Book Makes Its Debut!
13. On the Go Activity Book
14. My Finished Quiet Book
15. Velveteen capes…on the inside
16. Tiffany’s Quiet Book
17. Fun Felt Stories
18. Quiet Activity Book from Place Mats
19. Close Your Clothes!
20. The Quiet Encyclopedia
21. Felt Board Mr. and Mrs Potato Heads
22. Beth’s Adorable Felt Book for Baby
23. Tutorial and Pattern: Felt Egg Design Book
24. Quiet Book Feature
25. Quiet Book Tutorial: Binding the Edges
26. Baby Girl Texture Book  and Baby Boy Texture Book
27. Toot Toot Tuesday-Quiet Book Tutorial
28. My ABC Book!
29. Quiet books by Jill

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Sawtooth Star Quilt

This pale yellow, sawtooth star quilt was made by one of my in-laws.

This pattern would be nice in ivory and green. There are dozens of quilted clover in the white areas of the quilt. I’ve included a template for those of you who would like to make a quilt like this one. Read and agree to the Terms Of Use before downloading the template.

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Age Appropriate Sewing Lessons

      Preschool and Kindergarten sewing activities that will improve eye-hand motor skills are a must. Below, I have listed the most common supplies that even a homeroom teacher may adapt for quiet time use with her small charges. Teachers should only supply large, plastic, round-tipped needles to children this young!

• Lacing Cards
• Stringing Giant Beads
• Sew’n Sew (wooden sewing block)
• Stringing cereal

      Sewing activities for first through third graders may be similar to the above suggestions only slightly more complicated in nature.

• Two-sided felt animals with pre-cut holes. Teachers can also craft projects like these using paper.
• Stringing small beads
• Stringing dried fruit or candy as a gift for a parent
• Sewing decorative threads to pre-printed holiday cards

      Sewing for fourth graders and up! Although there are many children younger than nine or ten who can sew, we suggest that teachers wait until fourth or fifth grade to introduce kids to sewing projects in the classroom. This is because sewing with sharp needles requires some mature accountability on the part of a student. Teachers need to be in charge of any artistic activities that involve this kind of risk taking. A sewing needle can seem harmless enough, but, there are many health risks involved when open wounds are probable, even when the wound is the size of a pin prick. So proceed with caution and write a note home or send an e-mail to your student’s parents explaining that their child will be expected to conduct themselves appropriately with sewing materials in your classroom.

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What should a “beginners” sewing kit look like?

 A student’s first sewing kit could be a simple basket, preferably with a lid or a small plastic container. Sometimes teachers prefer to purchase plastic containers all at once for a discount. This also guarantees that the kits will be of uniform size and appearance. Teachers may choose to stack kits neatly on a shelf during the school day. Some students are too forgetful to be trusted with bringing a sewing kit to class when it is needed. Boys can also be a bit self-conscious about packing a sewing kit into their backpacks as well. Personally, I prefer to give the task to the student of “scouting out” their own sewing kit. I believe that individuality and personal choice should be rewarded to a child’s artistic pursuits whenever possible. Encourage the girl who wishes to purchase a small attractive basket or an unusual box for her first sewing kit. Have examples of many small kits on hand to show your students the possibilities. Make sure that several of these samples are not too feminine in appearance or very expensive to collect.

      Here is a linking list to several versions of sewing kits that parents may acquire for their children to use. These kits make wonderful birthday gifts for a young girls. I’ve also included a few links to historical versions of sewing kits as well.

• A Child’s Sewing Box
• Antique child’s sewing box with tiny celluloid doll
• Antique child’s sewing basket – silk drawstring top
• Turn a ordinary basket into a sewing basket for your child
• A sampling of store bought sewing boxes
• A template for a cardboard sewing box creation
• Cover a ordinary box with fabrics to create a new and interesting sewing box
• Embroidered waist pockets and purses by Sherri Jones
• A good workwoman praises her tools
• A Smartek Foldaway for the serious sewer
• Beautiful new Cath Kidson Sewing Box
• An extraordinary marquetry sewing box
• English Papier Mache Sewing Box
• A sewing box covered with felted wool applique

      If you are a parent homeschooling your children and wish to teach sewing skills, you may consider gifting a child with a kit designed for sewing fishing lures. A bait and tackle box is an excellent alternative for a child who prefers this form of entertainment. Sewing skills need not be about clothing. This would also be an excellent winterim course for middle school students after Christmas break in a private school. These brief courses are usually taught for fun and faculty members are always on the look out for new ideas. Girls frequently gravitate to small needlework or quilting classes. However, for those students less inclined to sewing garments or fancy work, bait and tackle boxes have fun possibilities. These make great gifts for a dad if sons or daughters don’t fish. If you intend to teach this type of course make sure that you acquire a good quantity of feathers and specialty products along with a basic manual before starting. There are actually films available that give instructions for crafting lures as well. Make sure that you have some “fish stories” and other fun activities to mix in with the threading or your student(s) may take a nap, well, it is fishing.

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Quilt Maps

Basic Checkerboard

Circle/Square Design, Quilters often include needlework in the circles

Trellis Pattern, applique designs often go in the larger squares

Narrow Diamonds, include a large applique’ for the center

Add and subtract blocks to size the quilt according to your needs. Jpg. Is copyrighted by Kathy Grimm 2012. For private use, map should not be resold. Shopkeepers and/or teachers may post these for students or recopy for educational purposes or note taking inside of an actual classroom or store, but not online.

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How Artists Make Portrait Dolls

Dewees Cochran painting eyebrows on a doll head modeled
from a real child. Reproducing features, expression,
complexion, and even freckles, the doll’s face presents a
remarkable likeness.

      Portrait doll artists capture similar facial features, hair and skin color of an individual who hires them to craft a doll modeled after herself or a loved one. Typically portrait artists are hired to craft wedding dolls, child dolls or dolls of a deceased loved one. Ordinarily portrait dolls are made from porcelain and may cost as much as $800 dollars, or as little as $125 dollars, depending upon the demands of the client.

      Portrait dolls have been constructed by many fine doll makers over the years. In the 1938  edition of Modern Mechanix an article called “Your Child’s Portrait in a Doll,” describes in detail, the elaborate process used in the making of a portrait doll by a composition doll artist:

      “PORTRAIT DOLLS, modeled after children or adults by Dewees Cochran, New York painter and sculptress, reproduce all the details of features, hair, and complexion found in the original. Supplementing conventional sculptor’s tools with dental instruments for fine work, Miss Cochran models the amazingly lifelike figures from real life, or from written descriptions and photographs, one full face and one profile. The doll head is first shaped in a clay-like material. From this a plaster mold is made in which the head is cast in a virtually unbreakable substance that simulates actual skin texture.

The young mistress poses with her likeness.

      Hair closely matching the original is used to fashion a realistic wig, and the face is tinted to the correct flesh tones. Bodies are fashioned from another unbreakable composition material, while the hands are made of hard rubber. A skilled seamstress turns out diminutive clothes that are perfect miniature reproductions of the costumes worn by the actual model. The portrait dolls, which require about five weeks to complete, are made in proportion to the size of the child or adult, running from fourteen to twenty-four inches in height. When a photograph of the child is compared with a similarly lighted photograph of the portrait doll, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the two.”

      Just above, the young subject and her finished doll are pose for the camera man. Note how the artist has captured the personality of the child in a tiny figure less than two feet tall!

      Below we see the artist dressing the doll. Every detail of the sitter’s costume is copied in the diminutive garments, which are specially made for Miss Cochran by a skilled seamstress.

The artist fits the custom made clothing to the doll before shipping.

 Working from photographs, the artist first models the head in clay. In this process she uses several dental tools, in addition to scalpels and regular sculptor’s aids. This old article included also a diagram depicting the process of making a mold from the sculpted clay head.

  1. When the clay model is completed, it is used in making a plaster-of-Paris mold as seen in the illustration below.

  2. The mold is being filled with the special composition material from which the head is to be cast. This produces a virtually unbreakable head.

  3. Fresh from the mold, the head is sandpapered to a skin-like texture and painted to match the natural complexion of the subject before hair is added.

The process for making a mold from a sculpted, clay head.

Here we see the artist is working from photographs.

The body is formed of unbreakable composition material and the hands of hard
rubber. This artist makes dolls from fifteen to twenty-four inches high,
depending on the size of the child. The finished doll is seen below.

The doll is finally finished!

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Santa In a Patchwork Coat

This is one of my first attempts at crafting a hand-sewn Santa.
I also sculpted the mask from an oven-bake clay like Sculpey.

I used acrylic paints on his face and then sealed it with a wood varnish.
My Santa’s beard is made from lamb’s wool.

I had a very old quilt that was falling apart in every way possible.
Instead of tossing it, I recycled it into this patchwork coat.
The cotton prints from my grandmother’s old quilt were recycled
from old flour sacks.

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