Happy New Year

2013 can only be better.

"Starstruck," Erte, 1985.  Purchased at the Drama Book Shop.

Paper Doll Review Issue 54

The latest issue of Paper Doll Review has arrived, and it is special. Beautiful cover art by Karen Hunter (she also did a paper doll of these twins on the back cover), perfect way to highlight the article about twin paper dolls by editor Marilyn Henry and twins Joyce Mitten and Joan Lograsso.

As always, the issue is a great read: David Wolfe on Mary Pickford, Bruce Patrick Jones on the Dayton convention. Tamara Gerard did a fantastic job writing about the Betty Bonnet paper doll series and weaving in how significant these dolls were in her grandmother's life. Outstanding. Tamara also profiles the author-illustrators Berta and Elmer Hader, and it is fascinating to read how the lives of this couple intersected with Laura Ingalls Wilder, Helen Hayes and Dorothy Parker. We are so lucky to have writers of this caliber in PD Review. Great job, all!

Click here to order your copy or to subscribe for the year.

 Click image to read table of contents.

TV Guide, 1956

 It was fun having Christmas week off as a kid, and thumbing through the TV Guide for what to watch next, after all the presents were unwrapped, played with, and company had gone home. I was still a baby when this issue came out, but some of the shows were still in syndication by the time I could turn the channel myself. Christmas 1956 was also a Tuesday.

Merry Christmas

A lovely card from Margery Schaffer. May you all enjoy a peaceful holiday.

Katie by Muriel Whitley

1998. One of the nicest thing about blogging is the people you meet. Doreen Whitley Scalera reached out to me on Facebook after seeing this blog, and offered some of her late mother's paper doll collection, and copies of her original art. Muriel Whitley had a delightful style, as you can see in "Katie."  Thank you Doreen, for your generosity. I've shared many of your mother's items with other paper doll friends, and look forward to making them available to other collectors in the coming year.

Father Christmas

A card from Nan Moorehead showing a more slender Santa, closer to the English Father Christmas. A Punch and Judy puppet in his arm? Perhaps. No date; I think Nan made the card with a vintage scrap or  postcard, something I also love to do.

Dollhouse, 1975

It was wonderful to receive this dollhouse in the mail today from Paula Hill: A  4 x 4.5 inch card (when closed), it shows a modern dollhouse (1975) built in the Victorian Gothic style, from the Bethnal Green Museum in England. You can see the rooms on the back.

A Czech Christmas, 1919

Any Czech translators out there?

The Littlest Angels

A Christmas Paper doll

c. 1920s

Virginia Crossley

In case you missed it, Garth Lax shared the following sad news at the end of his first 2013 convention email message:

Virginia Crossley of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away

on October 23.  Virginia was one of the principal figures of the

Paper Doll world. An avid collector and a very active participant

in Paper Doll events, she played major roles in National Conventions,

particularly in the MidWest. Virginia will be missed by all of us.

For those who may wish to express sympathies, there is an on-line

guestbook at www.modetzfuneralhomes.com. (Go to Visitations,

then type Crossley in the Search Box, and you'll be at the Guestbook)

I didn't know Ginny Crossley well, but I have seen her collection referenced in guide books, and I've come to know people who knew her well, such as Elaine Price, also a knowledgeable collector.

"Dotty on Parade" was part of the Crossley collection that was auctioned a couple of years ago. To see more of the Crossley collection, click here.

Paper Doll Review Catalog

You can order the latest catalog for $2 at www.paperdollreview.com.

Margaret O'Brien is cutting up what my friend Carol says looks like a Sam Gabriel set. Longtime collectors can identify artists and manufacturers at the drop of a hat. Does anyone recognize the specific set?

The 2013 International Paper Doll Convention

This lovely calendar doll was a souvenir of the 2009 Paper Doll Convention in Las Vegas -- and of course, by the great Tom Tierney. Deanna Williams and Kwei-lin Lum put on a wonderful event that year, and they have been planning the 2013 event in Los Angeles, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

And it just wouldn't be a convention without Garth Lax's newsy email blasts.  

2013  INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION

 

                                  WAY OUT WEST !

 

                                        Email  #1

 

                                   INTRODUCTION

 

 

It's December of 2012, the 2013 International Paper Doll Convention is

only 24 weeks away, and this is the start of your Convention email series!!

 

Over the next few months, the 2013 Los Angeles Paper Doll Convention

will issue a series of emails that will tell you about the fabulous

Convention to come, and give you all sorts of information that will make

your 2013 Convention experience one that is brimming with memories.

Not only will we tell you what to expect at the Convention, but also

we'll outline a wonderful set of venues and events that will help you

to make your Convention an even more memorable occasion.

 

The Convention will run from Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, Sept. 1.

It will be held at the Embassy Suites, International Airport/South,

1440 East Imperial Avenue, El Segundo, California, 90245.

The telephone number is 1-310-640-3600.

 

Embassy Suites has long been a favorite site for Conventions.

Because of the suite arrangement and the convertible sofa, it's easy

for three people to share a suite; four requires a bit more coordination,

but it certainly is "do-able" and frequently is done.

You'll enjoy a free buffet or cooked-to-order breakfast each morning,

and a free Manager's Reception each evening (where the Convention

attendees love to gather for refreshments of all sorts, plus munchies,

plus great conversation - - where you'll meet old friends and make new

friends). You'll also enjoy the fully-equipped fitness center, and

the refreshing indoor pool.

 

In addition to the breakfast that you'll get with your room, you'll receive

all your lunches and dinners from Thursday lunch through the Saturday

banquet as part of your Convention Registration. You won't have to leave

the Hotel for anything (nor would you wish to) because from the time

you check in to the time you check out, you 'll be up to your shoulders

in Paper Dolls, Paper Doll seminars, Paper Doll artists, and wonderful

paper doll FUN  !!

 

 

The Embassy Suites hotel has been redecorated in fabulous fashion.

It will make you feel as though you are luxuriating in the opulence

of a Moorish castle in Spain!  For those who have been there for past

Conventions, yes the lush foliage still abounds, oasis-like around the

ponds and stream; and yes, the ducks and fish still paddle and swim,

gracing the many conversational nooks of the extensive lobby. 

 

Getting to Los Angeles is easy; the City is served by every

major U.S. Airline including Air Tran, American, Continental, Delta,

Frontier, Hawaiian, Jet Blue Southwest, United, US Airways, and others.

International carriers include Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France,

Air New Zea land, British Air, KLM, Luftansa, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic,

and more.

 

The Hotel is adjacent to and just south of Los Angeles International

Airport (LAX), and the Hotel provides a free shuttle to whisk you

both ways between your Airport terminal and the Hotel.

 

By the way, the Convention folks suggest that you plan to arrive

on the Wednesday in order to be able to participate in everything.

I'll give you more information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, keep their suggestion in mind.

 

In the Convention email series, we're going to tell you of great spots

to visit in the greater Los Angeles area. For that spouse or friend who

has no interest in a Paper Doll Convention, we'll tempt that person with

special venues that they'll find greatly appealing while you're at

the Convention August 29 - Sept. 1. Since Monday, Sept. 2 is is the

U.S. Labor Day holiday, you have the perfect opportunity to take some

extra time to enjoy one of the great cities of the US West Coast.

 

All venues that we describe will be within 90 minutes from the

Convention site. While you must stay at the Convention Hotel

August 29 - September 1, there's no reason why you can't stay at

lodgings closer to your points of particular interest for the pre- or post-

Convention days (although Embassy Suites has agreed to give you the

Convention rate for a day before and a day after the Convention).

 

We'll tell you about the fabulous and diverse sights that you may enjoy

- - from some of the great art Museums of the world (including one

modeled after a Roman villa), to a variety of seafaring venues (from one

of the great old passenger ocean liners to a superlative WWII battleship

to a mini ocean voyage to a famous island). We'll tell you about Fashion

venues and Hollywood studio tours and Theme Parks and a legendary

Spanish Mission, and so many more special venues that make

Southern California a must-visit locale!

 

And we'll tell you some things about the Convention - - the types of

Workshops that are planned, what the schedule of events looks like,

even a hint about the Programs and the souvenirs if we can pry the

information loose. A new email will be sent every second or third Friday,

with a break over the Christmas Holidays. If you're currently undecided

about coming to California in 2013, or even if you're leaning toward

actually skipping the Convention, you may want to print the emails,

or store them in a Computer folder. After receiving a few of the emails,

we think that you'll be reaching for that Registration Form!

 

NOTE: Lots of folks remember Marion Jennings who regularly

attended the Conventions from her home in the UK, and many

have inquired regarding Marion's address these days. Now I have it.

If you'd like to send Marion Jennings Christmas Greetings or just say

"hello", she's at: Miss Marion Jennings, BrandonCare Nursing Home,

Park Road, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 7BE.

 

SPECIAL NOTE:  I do have some sad news to report.

 

Virginia Crossley of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away

on October 23.  Virginia was one of the principal figures of the

Paper Doll world. An avid collector and a very active participant

in Paper Doll events, she played major roles in National Conventions,

particularly in the MidWest. Virginia will be missed by all of us.

For those who may wish to express sympathies, there is an on-line

guestbook at www.modetzfuneralhomes.com. (Go to Visitations,

then type Crossley in the Search Box, and you'll be at the Guestbook)

 

Diana and I will take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas

or a Happy Hannukah, We'll be back with  Email #2 after the new Year.

 

 - - Garth

 

P.S. We found for the previous Conventions that virtually everyone loved

the email series and found it informative and useful. However, if you really

hate the idea of getting Convention information every two or three weeks,

just drop me an email, and I'll purge you from the list for 2013.

 

               2013 INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION

                        Embassy Suites Hotel, LA Airport South

        1440 East Imperial Avenue, El Segundo, California, 90245, USA 

                              August 29 - September 1, 2013

*******************************************************************************************************
                            CONVENTION REGISTRATION


Name:_________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

City: ______________________ State: _____
  
Zip/Postal Code: _______

Phone Number. __________________
   
Email Address: _______________________   

Registration Fee: $295.00

                          $325,00 After July 1, 2013)   

                          
Absentee Registration: $100.00 (souvenirs and any "art" menus)

Guest Registration: $150 (Meals and viewing of Exhibits)

[All prices are in U.S. Dollars]

Make checks payable to Way Out West

 

Mail to:

Deanna Williams
733 De La Fuente

Monterey Park, CA  91754

*********************************************************************************************************

Baby Peggy paper doll, 1925

The Woman's Home Companion, June 1925. Artist: Florence Tipton Hunter. I'm sure there are more outfits and accessories on the uncut page.

Turner Classic Movies is honoring Baby Peggy this month. You can read about her career in the 1920s as a major silent film star, and how she found happiness at last as the writer/film historian Diana Serra Cary, here.

TCM is also airing a documentary about her life, Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room.

Five Little Balerinas by Helen Page

A charming set by the beloved Helen Page, 1987.

Paper Doll Review paper dolls for sale

Jenny T. has really done a great job featuring new artists in her online shop. And I can't think of a better way to spend a few dollars on Cyber Monday than by ordering a few books from her site, for the sheer pleasure of the artwork and playtime in store, plus the satisfaction of supporting artists we love.

Jenny has a special offer when you order from Paper Doll Review online: Free shipping on orders over $20 placed by the end of the day Dec. 2. You'll also receive a bonus Dover Little Activity Book, "Little Victorian Girl," a perfect stocking stuffer.

Rudy Miller's lovely set of princesses.

 Charlotte Whatley's fantastical steampunk set comes with a delightful tale featuring the Curious Canine "Prof. Watts" and all kinds of smart wordplay as a mystery is unravelled.

Linda Hoerner's Paper Pals feature 8 charming girls, in colorful scrapbook layouts filled with all kinds of clothing, accessories and pets.

The Martha Washington Doll Book, 1945

I try to avoid the malls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and prefer to explore small shops in Teaneck and other nearby towns. My loyalty was rewarded Friday when the owner of The Brier Rose used bookstore in Teaneck told me he was saving this book for me  (I've been in over the years looking for paper dolls). So fragile, lots of foxing, but plenty of charm.  Aline Bernstein is the author and illustrator.

More "Fifi" by Peggy Jo Rosamond

"Fifi Steps Out," by Peggy Jo Rosamond

Created by Peggy Jo Rosamond in 1990, this lovely set was distributed as souvenir at the 1992 convention in Kansas City. "Fifi" was die cut and placed in a beautiful presentation box. The convention theme that year was "Paper dolls -- and all that Jazz." Each costume represents a different year in the 1920s -- the Jazz Age. Festive and special, this beautiful dress and coat (1926) is perfect for the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. More to come.

Flossie's Thanksgiving Party

Do not adjust your screen. Nothing is wrong with your vision. I just couldn't figure out how to stitch this together.

I miss my old Microsoft paint application, which was easy as pie. With a Mac, everything feels way more complicated. It seems most free programs are for really serious photographers who want to create panoramas. I just want to stitch together old pictures. Sigh. Well, here you have two pieces of an old page from the Philadelphia Public Ledger. The artist is Margaret Carlson, and it dates from the mid 1920s, I would guess.

Here's how it came out when I used Hugin:

A perfect match, but quite askew. I need a few weeks at least to study the tutorial and figure out this program.

Here's a close up of Kitty at the table. Cute!

Enjoy your bird, everybody!

Little Miss Christmas and Holly-Belle, 1965

I love that Paper Doll Review is selling affordable reproductions of classic paper doll books! This charmer, illustrated by Elizabeth Anne Voss, would be very expensive if you could find an original in mint condition. And good luck handling a fragile original if you had ideas about copying it for play.

Thanks to Jenny T., you can buy a copy that you can actually cut and play with -- or use for a holiday scrapbook, or for a collage or to make gift tags -- and preserve that original in archival wrappers if you were lucky enough to find it.

You can order this book for $12 from Paper Doll Review. Jenny has a special offer when you order from her website: Free shipping on orders over $20 placed by the end of the day Dec. 2. You'll also receive a bonus Dover Little Activity Book, "Little Victorian Girl," a perfect stocking stuffer.

Dressed Animal of the Zoo, c. 1890s

From Mark Woodcock:

These two animal paper dolls are from a different series. These have "Yale Coffee" stamped on the back. They're 3.25"x6.5".

Animal Series of Paper Dolls, c. 1890s

Here's Mark Woodcock on these fabulous animal paper dolls:

Here are a few uncut advertising paper dolls. They're 4.5"x7". Four of them are stamped on the back "U.S. Standard Baking Powder" and one "Flag Coffee." They're not numbered so I don't know how many were in the series. I'd be curious to hear if anyone has others. For people who collect animal paper dolls, these are amazing.

Indeed, they are amazing. I'm guessing they're c.1890s, the heyday for this kind of advertising premium.