Sunday, March 30, 2008

What if?

Eye was thinking...

When is a doll just a cigar, I mean doll? ( I know my attempts at humor are awful!) Le petite french poupee sitting quietly on a shelf,

countless books have been written of their wide eyed far away stare, apple cheeks and painted titled smiles.

Are the little mannequins just the sum of their parts,

graceful elongated china arms,

to gently hold you,

delicate sloping legs ending in two tone button down boots,

or even sweet little woolen knee highs and bow tied mary janes.

Perhaps a fully jointed composition body ready for restorations and repairs?

Maybe she is but a mere silent treasured novelty

with cork pate and curly wig and

the teeniest tiniest pair of chestnut brown sleep eyes, all the better

to see you with my dears! Or is she a wealth of information waiting to be tapped? Does her mood change when her wardrobe does?

A lacey Edwardian fit neatly around

a gusseted kid leather body.

Maybe a playful "A" line made from Great Grandmama's cast offs.

Does she feel happy or sad or silly or mad?

Does she yearn to taste a cookie or two or three and a sip of warm chamomile tea with just a touch of honey, no lemon, yes milk. Thank you.

Will she become a spoiled naughty girl when I put her bits together or what if,

what if, I indulge in my more playful desires and turn her into an art doll,

a piece only to be studied and evaluated, never to be held in the arms of a young confidante?

Will the others laugh at her, call her names because she is different?

Will she care and what if, what if, she can never, ever become a girl at all? These thoughts cross my mind, do you wonder if they whisper when we walk away, "Silly humans, so complicated, they should try to be happy just dressed up and pretty"! "It's easy, it is, it is! A doll is a constant faithful companion a friend not a foe, she will happily cheer you up and chase away your woes.

Countless secrets have been shared and tears have been shed and sweet little prayers said just before bed.

Is her worth in dollars and cents, rare and valuable or just that she sees your point of view? I think that I vote for the latter of the two. All in all be a kind curator to your trusted friend, tend to her needs, keep her lovely and dusted and dry, for you never know... I could swear I have walked into my room and out of the corner of my eye just caught the slightest glimpse of, well, I'm not quite sure, but I know I saw something!

You see, I've been thinking. Adieu, see you later!

114 comments:

Rachael Kinnison said...

Ohhh YES! Sandra! It IS true~ I believe we are but keepers in the moment...that our dollies have lived before us, are living with us, and will continue to live & play long after we are gone to another place. They all have minds of their own, and MOODS too! Sometimes I will make a dolly and if Im not listening, she will start to look crass and unhappy, but then, when I stop and have a bit of a chat, mabey go walking and talking & drinking tea.... we always work things out. When DOLLY is happy, all is right in the world of a dollymaker

Rosemary said...

Hi Sandra,
I think the dollies will outlive all of us. They will keep on playing.
Love them,
Rosemary

Beth Leintz said...

All those dolls are so lucky to live in your rest & rehab facility where they can start life over and become anything they want.

Donna O. said...

Oh, the secrets our dolls could tell. And by the look of your collection of confidants, I can tell that their lips are sealed. Sealed with a kiss, that is.
Great post~
D.

MightyMom said...

the mystery fuels the fun.

LiLi M. said...

I love this post. Those pictures are great! The first one is an invention again!

Adla said...

Dolls oh dolls...some live to tell a tale and some don't but I'm sure your dolls speak for themselves. The pictures are a delight Sandra!

Cowboys & Custard said...

Dolls have such a presence and therefore make good companions though some would not agree with me.
I know people who find them eerie and disturbing!?
I lived for my dolls as a child and still love their individual characters..

Michelex

Linda Manning Findley said...

Well Sandra you have summed it up so well ..... dolls have seen so much and have so much history in there little parts ..... you bring them to a whole new level or living ... thanks for sharing them with us .... love the eyes & glasses ... Linda F

PG said...

An utterly gorgeous medley of dolly beauty!

Sherry ~ Cherie ~ ms. herbes de provence said...

The eyes have it -- eyes mean the world.

a fanciful twist said...

OHH!! You are the doll keeper extraordinaire!!! You saw something?? Like, a pair of legs dancing??? hee heeeeee!! Oh, I love it!!! xo

Sugar Bear said...

If only they could talk - can you imagine the stories they could tell!
Karla

T=ME said...

Oh Mighty Queen of doll makers you have once again left me wanting more and a little afraid to leave my dollies alone. Do I care what people think of me or my dolls? I care not! Your wonderful! Hugs, Terri

Di Overton said...

Reminds me of when I was a child and loved story books that spoke of toys coming to life when the children were asleep. Charming!

Charmingdesigns said...

Do you know how funny it is to click on your name and a pair of eyeballs are starring at me. LLLLOL!!Thanks for coming by..I read your "bio" I think it is a common thread among crafters...just to CREATE! and maybe play with dollies lol. Laurie

Diane said...

Ok so your just a little talented hey! Wow OMG what a beautiful blog. Thanks for stopping by my humble blog, it was an honor to have such a guest (:
Hugs, Diane

P.S. YES you are an ARTIST

Alison Gibbs said...

Sandra what a fun post
Alison

Diana Evans said...

Hi Sandra....

oh the dolls...gotta love them and they sure have been around forever...and will remain forever...in our hearts and in our minds...

Great post and I love your wonderful photos...you have a wonderful way to inspire and delight the eyes and the mind...

have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

Gabrielle Madsen said...

Wonderful images and yes your sense of humor made it through the eyes and your tale.....it was lovely and left me wondering what it means it I don't own even one single dolly. I know there may be a fashion doll buried deep somewhere...no dollies~I hope I'm not too sad..wow, I think your post may be the catalyst for something that's been missing.

gabrielle

windycorner said...

Eye see....that first picture made me laugh.....I get your joke! Hahahahahahahahaha!
Holley

Fete et Fleur said...

Beautiful collection of dollies and their parts. I am especially fascinated with doll shoes. I recently just purchased a pair of doll shoes and the sole of the shoe had been replaced. I thought how strange and then I began to think about all the pairs of antique doll shoes I’ve come across with worn out and soles. Do you think perhaps the dolls truly come to life at night and like the twelve dancing princesses, dance the night away and that's how their shoes become so worn?

Nancy

Susan Tuttle said...

You have the best collection of doll parts and outfits around! Your attempt at humor is awesome - just my style!

Susan
xo

PixieDust said...

They most certainly keep their thoughts to themselves, yes? Behind their rueful little smiles, and forever staring eyes...

:-)

Brieanne Nix said...

I love your musings! Here is to those cherished darling dolls, may they be loved even when they are worn and tattered!

Lori said...

Sandra, i always love your sense of humor:) and seeing all of your very sweet and unique dolls!!!

BumbleVee said...

aha... so this is where all the fun people were hanging out this week... so glad to find them and their comments. Think I'll stay here. I had a couple of weirdos show up who thought my site creepy because of dolls and my sweet little bears.

Victoria Lynn said...

Hi Sandra,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for you comment! I would love to see pics of your kitties! I love the feature on you in "Where Women Create"! I have that book and it's one of my favorites. I also loved your story about painting your bike...I had a purple metallic banana seat! Those were the days! Victoria Lynn :)

Velta said...

Sandra ~ What a wonderful post...I always look forward to what you have in store for us next. Your imagination just goes on and one. The first pic just had to catch everyone's eye!!! Your photography skills are perfect!

suze said...

Great post! A nice way to start my day. Thanks!
suze:)

Maija said...

I loved this clever post!!

robin bird said...

i was just waiting for another post from you so that i could visit and enter a world unknown to me! a world of china faces, wardrobe changes that include not just clothes but heads, arms and legs as well! thank you for a lovely walk through an excellent pictorial story, poem or journal entry. the photos are a wonder all on their own. you make your posts a work of art and i appreciate the thought and care that goes into them.
bird tweet robin

Off the Shelf Productions said...

HaHa, Those Eyes in the Glasses got me laughing, It remings me of my uncle Joe he used to take out his false teeth and put them on the Fireplace with a cigar in between the Teeth!!!

hopetreestudio said...

Always so inspiring to click into! Loving it all. I would love to do a banner for you with all your pretty art. Denise

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh, I so enjoyed this lovely Dolly post...to me making dolls is a journey leading down many different paths, some of healing, tears and pure joy....Thank you for this lovely post Pinkie Denise

GÃ¥rdsromantik said...

Oh! So charming. I just love your delightfull pictures.
Regards Maud

Mermaid Queen said...

I think I just saw my doll wink at me. Loved your photos, and descriptions. Take care, ~Martha

Abbie said...

Hi Sandra,
Oh what gorgeous dolls! Thank you for stopping by my blog, as now I have found yours!
My son just laughed outloud at the image of the two eyeballs on wire. It tickled him pink! :)
Absolutely lovely!
xoxo~
Abbie

Kathi Rerek said...

Such a delight to click on your blog and have a pair of spectacled eyes peering out at me!

I enjoyed your post and your photos.

My mil and her mother were both doll makers. The dolls belong to my daughter now, though as a teenager, she doesn't quite appreciate the time and love that went into their creation.

Thanks for visiting my blog today. I was shocked and thrilled to receive a comment from you!

The Other Side of Me said...

Sandra,
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It is nice to "meet" you. Your latest post with all of the dolls and the makings of many is wonderful. I especially love the pincushion. The baby doll on that is just precious.
I loved my dolls as a child and hope one day my daughter finds the same joy and comfort from them as I did.
Tammy

Edgar and Edgar said...

What a lovley post!!!!

Kimberlee

Nancy said...

I loved this post...brought me back to my childhood. I really thought my dolls could tell me a story...my mother made me think so!

Wonderful, Sandra
Nancy

Dana's Design Studio & Wholesale Furnishings said...

Thanks for visiting today. What a talent you are and how wonderful to see how you have found your niche and are working by doing what you love. inspiring! Thanks,Dana

ElegantSnobbery said...

Oh your pictures are just heaven. I have always adored antique dolls and all their bits and pieces. I just love your blog!!

Shabbyfufu said...

The more tattered and torn the better in my book ~Janet~

Jen r. said...

Okay, when I clicked on and saw those eyes behind the glasses peering a tme I almost fell out of my chair! I laughed! It is amazing how each piece is like a little sculpture on thier own and they make up this tiny bit of joy all together...though I do like thier eyes better in thier heads ;)
Jen R

bluemuf said...

I love being able to share your collections and imagination.

Thank you,

Karen

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Your posts and pictures are truly awe inspiring. What a lovely place to visit, your blog is!!!

Sabii Wabii said...

Had to laugh at the "gentle sloping legs"....Those are some mighty fine joggers calfs! I can't imagine what the thighs might look like! She most definatly would half to cover them with a full farthingale but could offer a peek at the ever so gentle ankles....but no higher!
Terisa

Marie-Louise said...

It is many atmospheres in your photos. And it develops many different feelings. When the body parts are divided to… Some are funny and others feel sad. Nice, I like it very much!

EVA AGNES said...

I too love dolls and what you can do with them.
I also love the pictures you have taken. It says a lot about you as an artist.
Also thank you for visiting my blog and your comment,
Hugs Eva Agnes

Christine LeFever said...

How poetically beautiful,Sandra. And your collection is wonderful!

Christine

Charlotte said...

As a former dollmaker, I found this post very interesting. It brought back lots of memories. Thanks for sharing.

corine said...

Your photography is truly superb. I so wish I knew how to do this!

dubuhdudesigns said...

I've enjoyed seeing all of these dolls~whole and otherwise. But I have to say the photos of the eyes and spectacles are so creepy and funny at the same time that it made me laugh.:) Loved it!

The Rose Room said...

Being the doll lover I am, this lovely post has brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Sandra

Femmy said...

love this very much! great story and great pictures!

Kathryn said...

Sandra thank you so much for visiting my blog and your kind words regarding my Pay It Forward. I am a huge fan of your work, I own several of your books and one stamp. I love your post regarding the dolls, they are exquisite! I do not know how you found my blog, but I am delighted you did. I hope you will visit again soon. I would like to add you to my blogroll if it is ok with you?
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Enyaeire's Creations said...

Your work is truly amazing. Thanks for taking the time to look at my website. I wish you all the best and continue your work as you truly are an artist
Slainté

ShabbyInTheCity said...

You HAVE been thinking! Now you have me thinking...maybe there should be a blog day of doll parts? Is kid leather softer than human skin? I love all the photos and descriptions:)

Rosa said...

Every one needs a dolly or two. I have exactly two from my childhood that I keep on a shelf in our bedroom. There is never any dusting needed there as they seem to keep it quite clean. They are quite content being out of that old shoe box they called home for so many years. Wonderful post. xo

Beadale Photography said...

Hi Sandra. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such kind words. You have a great blog with lots of beautiful photos too.

Crystal :-)

Sophee-a Laroo Bijoux and Sheri too said...

The most thought provoking blog I have read thus far. My mind conjured up all sorts of things. I am personally drawn to the vintage compo. horsman doll. Why? I purchased one on ebay, dressed her in a vintage christening gown and I swear.....she is almost real LOL. I have several others, in fact I just purchased one for $10 at the flea market. So she is missing 1 finger. Even with that I could sell her for atleast 5 times what I paid. Will I? Maybe, maybe not but my very first will never leave me until, well you know. Glad you found me. Now I must check the issue of Romantic Homes. MY FAVORITE MAGAZINE. Hope you visit with me again. I know I will be back.

{this is glamorous} said...

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment today, and I've enjoyed your wonderful photos and thoughts.

Naturegirl said...

I would agree Queen of the dolls..what a wonderful craft..a treasure that keeps on giving Joy!!
Truly a sweet post and wonderful prose!

Gina said...

Very powerful image of those blue eyes..beautiful too.
Thanks for visiting my blog and best of luck with the little g/a :O)

Fated Follies Studio said...

Sandra, Thanks for entering my giveaway. I am catching up on emails and comments and will announce a winner in the morning. You are quite a creative blogger. Thanks for sharing!

Jenny

Amy at Bunny Rose Cottage said...

OH, I LOVE this post!!! I adore these dolls!! They are just fabulous and they actually have a look in their eyes of having a past life. I have always felt that way about older dolls! I just love them! Your writing is beautiful. I get lost in your words, just lovely!

Hugs,
Amy

Felicia said...

What a delightful post :)

Kim Hardt Originals said...

I love dolls and I love this post. Your pictures always come out so clear.

Kim

Peggi Meyer Graminski said...

Such a lovely post, Sandra - and brought to mind so many childhood memories of hours spent with my beloved dolls. Thank you for sharing!

Peggi
xo

LW said...

What a wonderful post….
Beautiful pictures!
I hope every doll collector and maker see this ...delightful.

Louise

Sea Dream Studio said...

Sandra~ What a delicious post! I could all of those dollies like scrumptious cookies!!
thanks for the eye candy~dale

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

A delightfully enchanting post, Sandra!

Happy Spring,
Melissa

Andie-The Brown Bee said...

Such an enchantress you are my friend! I should be more ladylike, sitting quietly, gracefully nibbling and sipping the delights presented before me...but alas, I cannot help myself....I barge right in, devouring this bliss like a scraggly little raggamuffin street urchin, flinging crumbs and splashing tea everywhere. Dear goodness, what the dollies must say about me!

Dragonlady said...

Hi Sandra, Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment...I really enjoyed your story with pictures..so cool...
Brenda

somepinkflowers said...

i like when you hold things
in your hand
so that
i can see the scale
of these tiny treasures...


:-)

where ever do you find them all?

girl_gone_thread_wild said...

oh, the magic of a doll. Come by, someone wants to meet you Sandra. :)

love & blessings, Monica

Simply Me Art said...

I myself have a true fascination with these little doll. I was Lucky enough to find one a while back and used her in a necklace and fell in Love with the piece. They truely are little pieces of the past with their own stories to tell... thank you for stopping by and I am going to go and visit your blog some more. Jamie

Lola Enchanted said...

How beautiful!!!!~ What a "DoLL" you are!!!!!!!!!!!~

A bird in the hand said...

I only have a handful of little dollies, but I do love them so. I make them comfortable is little armchairs, a couch made of a box and pretty fabrics...
They are forever!
I do love yours.

Lisa said...

hehe you crack me up! I'll be on the lookout for that mag. For Mother's Day this year, I've used another gift from you. It must have been last year's issue in which I found it. I used a bit of it on a wooden heart...well...you can see it here
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2241617615_615fd8b335.jpg

Thank you. I hope my mom will love it!

Sandi McBride said...

What a beautiful post, Sandra. What lovely subjects you have chosen...I loved this
Sandi

Ricë said...

love the doll's eyes--now THOSE would be fabulous on a fetish necklace, yes, indeed!

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

Sandra, from your beautiful photos to your mesmerizing captions, I was spellbound! Fabulous blog! Thanks for visiting ours!

Miss Sandy said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. This is a truly imaginative post. I used to love those cartoons where the lights went out and the toys came to life, I'd like to think it is so, at least it is in my childhood heart and imagination! Many a doll has heard my secrets, comforted my heart, and attended my tea parties. Wonderful Post!

Sarah said...

I am not a doll collector but your pics are beautiful. Love that green dress and the bisque (?) doll with the pearls is lovely. So dainty she is! Oh...and those ceramic doll legs...to funny...that's what I feel like my legs look like...ha!
Sarah
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Marilyn said...

Hi, Sandra-
What an absolutely delightful post! All of your photos are beautiful! I so enjoyed my visit here.
Thanks very much for stopping by my blog...I have a couple of your books and see your work in several of my favorite publications--I love it all!
Marilyn:-)

All Things Bright and Beautiful... said...

Sandra - you doll in green in your side bar is particularly lovely:-)

THose free standing eyes and glasses -- oooo I dont know - make me feel uncomfortable!! :-)

Pat Winter said...

I love this! What a lovely collection you have acquired. Even the "bits" are wonderful to treasure. I have always had a love for the vintage because there have stories,you can feel them wanting to tell.

Kerry and Rachel said...

Lovely, the bits and pieces and the potential for the whole. The mystery and magic for what might be...
The eyes, the window to the soul.
Have a lovely weekend.

jillian said...

Oh, how I loved this post! Even all the dolly parts are sweet! The stories they could tell, what they have seen, how beautiful.
Thanks for sharing!
Jillian

Jeanie said...

This is wonderful! I do love all the images you used, especially the one in the (?)egg(?)-- no, ALL of them!

Are you familiar with Jane Rosemont's work -- she has a series called "Secret Keepers" which is doll heads. They DO keep secrets -- they did when I was a kid! (If you're interested in the link to her site, I know it's on my blog, but can't recall it offhand!)

Very nice -- I always love to visit here. Thank you!

Tutti Chic said...

Love all these precious dolls! I really enjoyed this post~:) chris

Betzie said...

I feel the same about old photos too...at least those of my relatives gone by...I am almost sure that their eyes change at times!
I just put up my Hedda Get Bedda doll today and finally had a chance to visit my blogland friends. Hedda was a moody girly too.
Lovely post as always Sandra!! I love to come visit you.

Gemma said...

This is wonderful.

Back Through Time said...

I adore the green dress! Your dolls are beautiful!
Have a great weekend
Michelle

Tara said...

I just know a new life begins here for them all!

Shop girl said...

This was truly beautiful to look at and your words hit a spot in my heart. I had a Baby Blue Eyes doll that my Dad gave me when I was 7 years old. Blue eyes was more than a doll to me, she was more because that it was a gift from my Dad. She held in so many ways my story, my tears, all those fears that I had where wrapped up in her. I believe that Dolls are a comforter, something to love and take care of. And I think she did want a cookie, Hugs, Mary

Kari & Kijsa said...

Have a lovely weekend!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

paris parfait said...

Beautiful musings about dolls - you would have had a field day at Chatou, where there were not one but two doll hospitals and lots of beautiful, but damaged poupees and assorted parts.

Ruth Rae said...

what a wonderland you live in my dear! your photos are stunning!

Cre8Tiva said...

so many parts..i have missed you...r

Vickie said...

I believe not only do they outlive us but at night they play without us. We poor mortals truly don't know how to live. They probably dance on moom beams and bestow gifts of pixie dust and rose oil on each other. I can see them having gowns so fine not even the most precious jewel could compare.

Halo Hill said...

Awesome, everything! I especially love the bird cage doll!

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Hi,
Oh, I sure have enjoyed my visit to your quirky and whimsical blog!! I'm so glad you stopped my my blog and said hello!
Smiles, Karen

Jenn said...

I love this post so much Sandra! I always believed (and still do) that my dollies were alive. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos and thoughts with us:)
xo...jenn

Kristin Hubick said...

I loved this series of pictures and your story! Such cute dollies!
xoxo,
Kris

Danita said...

What a wonderful collection you have!! Beautiful pictures too!

Tizzalicious said...

I love all these pictures!

Sandy said...

You doll parts collection is wonderful as well! Thanks so much for your comments at my place!

Sandyxoxo

Chi Chi La La Designs said...

Hi Sandra - thanks for taking the time to pop by my blog. I have just been enchanted by yours and all your collection of dolls, their parts and the clothes! - utterly beautiful :) I have added you to my favourites & i will be back! All the best, Nikki.

diane said...

You know Sandra, I read your profile, and I believe I understand myself all the better now. And your time post, fits alot of us~right?~but I now feel much better knowing why I have always, always been thinking ahead. Constantly thinking of things, now, at 50, really starting to direct my thoughts more towards my art. O, I still must keep my full time job, but Lord help me to control all those "creative" thoughts. It is hard isn't it? I know it is Very Hard indeed ~ for me!

Laura said...

Thank you for visiting my page Sandra ! I'm glad you like my roses I really enjoy working with the paper clay. I love your page it is so full of life and stories thats what i see when i'm looking at it. I as well have a big collection of dolls and other things from days gone by. I almost flipped when I saw your klackors I wondered if anyone still had a pair,What memories.Please visit me again and I will visit you as well I look forward to seeing what you put on next.If you would like i'll add you to my special places. Take care Laura :>}