Playing With Paper Dolls
I'm not completely sure why I'm intrigued by vintage paper dolls at the moment, maybe it's the combination of nostalgia, retro fashion and the tangible quality of being able to hold it all in your hand and play dress-up that appeals to me right now. Oddly, I didn't get much out of it as a little girl. I recall being very young when I was first given a box of cutie cut-outs and despite my love of paper and using it to make anything and everything, I saw the little paper dolls as being an inferior alternative to an actual doll, which I didn't have much use for either - I loved my 'babies' but never really cared for Barbie herself or her friends, though I did love the big white Barbie case I had that doubled as a wardrobe. Just thinking about it I can smell the synthetic fabrics and plastics that made up the piles of tiny clothes, shoes and accessories I packed away inside it. And when I look at pictures of cut-outs I can smell those, too. Do you know what I mean or am I just strange? Can we smell our childhood?
One of the sets from the 1800s that I didn't win. MAJOR bummer.
I lost out today on bids for paper dolls on Ebay dating back to the 1800s. The clothes weren't particularly exciting aesthetically speaking, but they were sweet (love the tiny floral-embellished hats) and representative of the dress of the time. And I'm fascinated by the idea of holding something a little girl played with over a century ago and that my daughter, in 2008, would find them irresistible while having no clue as to their historical significance.
So, while I missed the boat on the antique dolls, I'm hopeful I'll win some sets from the 50s and 60s. If I do, you'll see them here in a couple of weeks!
For now, here are some great sets from various collections on Flickr. There are some serious paper doll collectors out there, and I'm both blown away and a bit envious of the foresight they had to take care of and hang on to these delicate treasures from their childhoods. I destroyed or lost just about everything I owned. And not to end on a sour note, but I was thinking of not making the same mistake with my daughter's things as she grows up, then realised there is nothing from her generation that is actually worth keeping! What is the paper doll of today? Freaking BRATZ??!!! If I'm missing something, please point it out to me and save me from my imminent despair.
Right, back to happy - look at these fun sets and SMILE!!
1930s cut-outs from glassgrrl_ok - ahh, so dreamy
1950s set from Anja Louise Verdugo
Handmade embellished paper dresses from Karla's Cottage
Betty Grable set from Nostalgic Nana
Rare Greer Garson set from Nostalgic Nana
Rita Hayworth set from Nostalgic Nana - how awesome!
One of the sets from the 1800s that I didn't win. MAJOR bummer.
I lost out today on bids for paper dolls on Ebay dating back to the 1800s. The clothes weren't particularly exciting aesthetically speaking, but they were sweet (love the tiny floral-embellished hats) and representative of the dress of the time. And I'm fascinated by the idea of holding something a little girl played with over a century ago and that my daughter, in 2008, would find them irresistible while having no clue as to their historical significance.
So, while I missed the boat on the antique dolls, I'm hopeful I'll win some sets from the 50s and 60s. If I do, you'll see them here in a couple of weeks!
For now, here are some great sets from various collections on Flickr. There are some serious paper doll collectors out there, and I'm both blown away and a bit envious of the foresight they had to take care of and hang on to these delicate treasures from their childhoods. I destroyed or lost just about everything I owned. And not to end on a sour note, but I was thinking of not making the same mistake with my daughter's things as she grows up, then realised there is nothing from her generation that is actually worth keeping! What is the paper doll of today? Freaking BRATZ??!!! If I'm missing something, please point it out to me and save me from my imminent despair.
Right, back to happy - look at these fun sets and SMILE!!
1930s cut-outs from glassgrrl_ok - ahh, so dreamy
1950s set from Anja Louise Verdugo
Handmade embellished paper dresses from Karla's Cottage
Betty Grable set from Nostalgic Nana
Rare Greer Garson set from Nostalgic Nana
Rita Hayworth set from Nostalgic Nana - how awesome!
so cute! I always wanted veronica lake :)
Posted by: hanne~ | December 29, 2008 at 09:37 AM
what a marvelous collection!!!
Posted by: jennine | December 29, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Wow is that your personal collection?? I really like all the amazing varieties! =) i agree that the one you lost in the ebay auction wasn't that colourful but it has amazing details!
Hope you have a great new year!
Posted by: Nicole | December 31, 2008 at 09:00 PM
What is more popular these days than everything retro and nostalgic? And Paper dolls are the perfect special interest collectible that combines those two themes with the ever popular topic of fashion. We thought your readership would be interested in knowing that there is a fantastic place to learn about and buy them – Paper Doll Review. Supported by some of Hollywood’s most popular Golden Age stars, renowned fashion illustrators, and an ever growing list of subscribers, Paper Doll Review is quickly becoming THE source for all things paper doll.
We’ve posted a release about the most recent collection editions that Paper Doll Review will be offering over the coming months. You can get to it here: http://www.paperstudiopress.com/publicity.htm. Enjoy!
Posted by: Lissa Gumprecht | January 07, 2009 at 05:35 PM