Fourth of July

The Kansas City convention comes to a close today. I'm looking forward to the pictures and stories to come. Those of us who couldn't make it to K.C. also look forward to Convention 2011 in Philadelphia. This wonderful logo designed by David Wolfe, the organizer for next year's event, couldn't be more appropriate for the Fourth! You can purchase your 2011 registration here.

Victorian 4th of July card

I had to cancel my convention plans suddenly for family reasons, but I can still join Postcard Friendship Friday! This image is from my cyber collection.

Thanks to Beth at The Best Hearts Are Crunchy and everyone else who plays along. I enjoy seeing all of your cards and exploring your blogs as well.

Jerry paper doll, c. 1920s

Margaret Menamin was expert at finding figures in old magazines and creating a wardrobe for them, either with an eye for similar poses, or with her own drawing and collage skills. Above, one of her "found paper dolls" that she named Jerry, and two outfits Margaret created herself--I especially like the black dress defined with a white watercolor marker. Below, four outfits cut from a magazine, plus a collage dress with pink sash, created by Margaret. Note some of the magazine dresses are not a perfect fit--the hands-on-hip dresses don't match up with the paper doll pose.

Betty and Veronica, 1961

These copies were part of the Margaret Menamin collection.

Good Housekeeping, c. 1940

 
Life goes on. And lucky for us that it does. I'm grateful for this virtual community of paper collectors. It's a pleasure to share items from my collection, and alert you to interesting links along the way.

This wonderful magazine cover was posted by Lone Nunnally on her excellent web site, Origami Bears. I'm taking a guess on the date. Be sure to visit all the links on her site for a great variety of paper dolls from around the world.

The Best Laid Plans...

I've just spent the last 20 minutes canceling my flight, hotel and van pick up for the convention. When I first planned to attend, little did I know how quickly my mother's health would deteriorate. I could see it accelerating over the last two months. I thought having a paid companion and my saintly husband takeover in my absence would be OK. I was wrong.

Today she had what is known in Alzheimer's parlance as "a catastrophic reaction" -- panicked, and beyond consolation. She didn't have the words to tell me "Don't go," but in the end, she didn't need to say a word. After a quick trip to the ER, she calmed down. But there is no doubt I must stay home.

As much as I will missing seeing my paper doll friends, I am also relieved. Something just didn't feel right, and my mother figured out a way to communicate exactly what she needed, and exactly what I had to do. I'm glad I got the message in time

Convention 2010: Helen Page

The original Helen Page artwork for "Marie Antoinette, Queen of France" will be on display at the convention. You can pre-order a copy of the book at Paperdoll Review. It will be ready to ship in August.