1954 postcard

Another Vanves find.

Boy paper doll

Found on a table at Vanves--who doesn't like to spy an envelope at a flea market, stuffed with paper clothing and a doll! This is a much played with boy doll, very unusual -- usually it is the girl dolls that are loved to death. But I imagine some child loved the fantasy play of all of these colorful outfits, and especially that you could color the back side. The feet of the doll are heavily taped to the stand, which made copying the back of the doll difficult. Some of the clothes and hats were also taped together, the better to stay on, no doubt. Circa 1950s, early 1960s, I think.

The Arcades

The arcades of Paris are enchanting. Small shops enclosed under a glass arcade. This one had many stamp dealers, and a few postcard dealers. The postcard shown is dated 1906, from Isabelle to Mme. Renee Chatelain in Le Havre.

Woman with mantilla

A postcard from the Musee Picasso, "Femme a la Mantille, de face." P. Esperon, Madrid. Paris, Archives Picasso, Musee Picasso. Partly embroidered.

Michelle Obama by Pat O'Rourke

Michelle Obama's distinctive style has inspired many paper doll artists. Pat O'Rourke produced a limited edition paper doll and coloring book, available through her website, now under Lovely Links:

• Pat O'Rourke

Memorial Day

This little scrap was part of a bag purchased from Gwen Goldman at the PA party in April. "Use Lautz Bros & Co's Soaps, Best in the Market." It measures a little over 3 inches.

Noiset Montage Eclair

Vanves was exhilirating, but exhausting. As we made our exit I found this squirrel and offered two euros. Sold!