Dee Radcliffe's Art Books

Dee Radcliffe generously donated two of her book constructions to the raffle room. They were highly coveted. See more in the Flickr photostream slide show at the bottom of this page.

Girls in Uniform, c. 1940s

From the collection of Elaine Price. This was part of Elaine's Special Collections display, which featured military-themed paper dolls.

Pop-up books

Marge Seltzer brought in her pop-up books for the Special Collections exhibit. Enchanting.

Marge Seltzer shows how one of the pop-ups come together.

Frida Kahlo

This miniature paper doll is the work of Barbara Barnett. Thanks to Pat O'Rourke for bringing this lovely artwork to my attention. Barbara's work is truly a wonder, as she uses her materials with great economy for maximum effect. Barbara and her sister used to produce "Off the Wall" paper dolls as the Jones Sisters, using vintage wallpaper for costumes. They are hard to find now, and very collectible.

The artist Barbara Barnett...

...and her many fans.

Sheet music

Dean Ockert of Huntsville, Ala., had an excellent display of sheet music in Special Collections, with an emphasis on wartime popular music. The theme of this year's convention was "A Salute to the Military," so it was perfect.

I especially loved this photo montage of welcome home hugs and kisses. The song "It's been a long, long time," automatically came to mind.

Newspaper illustrations, c. 1930s

The artist Marilyn Henry had these exquisite vintage newspaper illustrations on display in Special Collections. One from her collection also appeared in the raffle room. It takes a lot of effort to preserve this kind of newsprint, which can be so fragile.

Artist Jim Howard

Artist Jim Howard checks his files to see what he needs for his Boston Herald Lady. I'm always impressed by the organized records that many collectors keep.

Here's the Boston Herald Lady (c. 1895) from my collection, with one of the few outfits I have for her:

An E-Paper Doll Party

Sheryl Jaeger of Eclectibles couldn't make the convention this year, but she is hosting her own online e-paper doll party through the end of August, with 20 percent off on items in the paper doll categories (not including Collection Completers). Check out her online catalog here. Above, three images from the catalog.

When checking out, enter the code AUG20 to the left of the total and click apply. It will reduce the rate by 20 percent on applicable items.

Valentine paper dolls

From the collection of Mary Young, on display in Special Collections at the convention. Check the slide show for more valentines, as well as Mary's paper doll sewing sets.

Girls in Uniforms, c. 1940s

How cool is this? Original box included! From the collection of Elaine Price and on exhibit for Special Collections at the convention. Don't forget to check the slideshow for more pictures of this set.

Altered Books

Beverly Micucci's altered books, done in collaboration with Sandy Vanderpool. Just fabulous.

Anne Donze's Convention Blog

Anne Donze has her convention blog online, and it's wonderfully organized. Unlike me, she took notes, so you'll find more details about the Competition and other events. Thank you, Anne! Above, Anne with her special collection exhibit: Betsy McCall in all her various forms.

Anne Donze 2012 Convention Blog.

Masque Ball paper dolls, c. 1920s

Another great entry in the Competition room, this won first place in its category (foreign paper dolls, I think this is German) and a special judges' award. Check slide show below for more pieces of this beautiful set.

Godey's Lady's Book, c. 1850s

One of the earliest, if not the first, paper dolls published in a magazine in the U.S. This was on display -- still bound in the book! -- at the convention's Special Collections exhibit. For two more views of this book,  go to the slideshow at the bottom of this page.

Handmade paper dolls, 1889-1890

An outstanding handmade paper doll set, made by two sisters. This is from the collection of Diana Lax, and it was the hit of the convention competition. I've moved the convention slideshow to the bottom of this page. As I add to the Flickr account, the slideshow will be updated as well. I'll feature photos to display here.

McLaughlin's coffee paper doll

c. 1890s. Another convention has come to a close. I'll be posting more pictures in the weeks to come.

Tuck's Artful Alice 2

A close up view. This was on display last night in the Special Collections exhibit.

Correction: this was actually part of Carol Sullivan's presentation on Paper Toys through history. I'll be posting more pictures of her fascinating talk, which covered everything from pantins to zoetropes.

Tuck's Artful Alice 1

Bruce Patrick Jones

Artists collect, too. Bruce looks through an album of newspaper paper dolls at Diane McBurnett's table.

Marilyn Henry

The artist holding one of her covers for Paper Doll Review. In the back, original art work by Florence Winship.

Polly's Paper Playmates, 1910

Handmade paper dolls

Early handmades.

Jayne and Valerie Keller

Carol Carey's sales table

More from the convention sales room

The sales room is now closed, but here are scenes from earlier today.

Sales room scene

Nellie Bly trade card, c. 1890s

O Nellie Bly, upon a 'Bi' 

Around the planets in the sky,

Pursues the stars, outstrips their gleams,

And races comets (in her dreams)

Nellie Bly game, J.H. Singer

The 2012 Paper Doll Convention is just days away! I've work to do for my presentation on Nellie Bly. More later.