Kellogg's Krumbles China Cut-Out Dolls

See more in this c. 1940s series here.

And read more about Krumbles here.

The Sopranos by Tom Tierney

From "The Sopranos  Companion," TV Guide, 2002.

Turin Streetcars

Streetcars I have seen. I always enjoyed The Daily Postcard's Streetcar Sunday feature. I was thrilled to see these in Turin last month.

Yves St Laurent's Paper Dolls

If you have not yet seen Yves St. Laurent's paper dolls, you are in for a treat. The Pierre Berge-Yves St. Laurent Foundation has begun the process of placing the great designer's archive online. You can see a timeline of his fashions, art collection and sketches. And these fabulous paper dolls. Click here.

Marie Claire vintage covers

Agence Eureka has done it again, with an outstanding display of vintage Marie Claire covers from the 1930s and 1940s (search for the posts of June 12 and 16). Did women actually wear these hats? Hard to imagine a world where sportswear was for people who played sports. Everyone else dressed up. Divine.

The Van Swaggers starring Aunt Min, 1940

Looks like Aunt Min had her own spin-off comic. Aunt Min gives as good as she gets.

This 1940 strip featured the Tillie the Toiler Fashion Parade doll below:

Happy Father's Day

Casper and Buttercup, c. 1938. I dug this one out of the archive, first ran on my blog in 2009.

Wedding card

The dyed paper was found on the freebie table in Morgantown. The bride and groom tally was purchased at convention some years ago.

For my niece Christine, who is getting married today in Wheaton, Il.

Aunt Min from Tillie the Toiler

Everyone should have an Aunt Min. c. 1940s.

Paper Doll Studio Issue 105

Another fantastic issue, great job by Jenny and the OPDAG crew! Artists were truly inspired by the kid theme and the dolls drawn by Linda Hoerner, also the featured artist for this issue. It is the largest issue of Studio ever, coming in at 64 pages. The interview with Linda is a fun read. I love her dry, self-deprecating humor. But don't be fooled. This is an artist in charge of her craft. Her joy comes through in her artwork. 

Other issue highlights: David Wolfe on Shirley Temple, and Michel-Victor A. Gdanov on how play and "kid art" can spark creativity in grown-ups. 

Another good reason to subscribe: A chance to dress the Queen! David Wolfe's Queen Elizabeth with corgi is pretty fabulous. Click on box above for subscription info, or just click here.

The 2013 National Paper Doll Convention

I'm looking forward to what Deanna and company have in store for us! The California crew always puts on an exciting event. Now is the time to register, if you haven't already. Registration will go up after July 1.

Here's Miss Fury, a rare paper doll, but you might find her in the convention sales room...

Arabella Grayson on Donald Hendricks

Author and paper doll collector Arabella Grayson has written an excellent essay about Hendricks' research into Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman of mixed race who belonged to Thomas Jefferson -- and bore him four children.

You can read the essay by clicking here.

Donald Hendricks

When I first started collecting, I was amazed to find Donald Hendricks on-line. His Legacy paper doll web site was so much fun -- I loved his witty take on everyone from  Jane Austen to Ricky Martin. I always got a kick out of the web site's featured dolls. You just clicked on the image and the doll's dress would change. It was a beautifully designed site.

Donald studied at the Arts Student League in New York and illustrated over 40 books. His artwork has appeared in numerous magazines, in the U.S., and Europe and beyond, and his drawings, paintings and collages have been exhibited in the Tate Modern in London and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. It was a delight to meet him at the paper doll conventions, and find his work among the souvenirs.

The Paper Doll Review announced in its latest issue that Donald passed away on March 23. He will be missed. Donald's web site was taken down a while ago. Look for his work at convention sales rooms or  on eBay.

The Dragon's Gorge, Luna Park, Coney Island, 1915

Coney Island had three amusement parks in its very early days: Luna Park, Steeplechase and Dreamland. This card was made in Germany, Hamlin & Moskowitz Publishers.

In light pencil on the reverse undivided back a small note reads:

Can you meet me at Uniondale sometime Friday 12? Will let you know what time later in the week. Lina

It's addressed to Mrs. Oliver Chandler in Uniondale, Pa.

Wikimedia Commons has the same postcard, with this information:

It was an enclosed roller coaster with steep curves and grades, and which passed under a waterfall at great speed.

Ah yes, we know it well!