Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Half Dolls and.........

I found this Half Doll in an antique mall in El Cajon, Ca. two years ago during our annual camping trip at the beach. I just love her! Also, I've had a few people ask me what exactly are Half Dolls, so I googled it and found this:



"Half dolls are just that--generally, the upper half of a human figure, without legs. Half dolls were produced without legs so that they could be attached to something useful--very commonly, pin cushions, but also wisk brooms, tea cozies, and numerous things that could grace a ladies dressing table, such as powder boxes.
The vast majority of Half Dolls were produced between 1900 and the 1920s, although some were produced earlier than that and some later. Some half dolls are still reproduced today.
Most half dolls are between 2 and 6 inches tall, although there are smaller and also a few larger examples.
Half dolls are generally made of porcelain (glazed bisque, sometimes called china) although there are also models made in unglazed bisque." from: Denise Van Patten - collectdolls.about.com

Here are some Half Dolls that I painted myself when I went to a few doll classes with my Mom.


And here are a few more. I have a stash of beautiful antique lace and ribbons, pieces of raw silk and tiny, tiny buttons...All waiting for me to transform these Glam Gals into Fashionistas. Oh, if I only had a few more hours in the day!
then, while taking photos of the Half Dolls today.... WHAT DID I DO?!!!!!! I accidentally knocked over my FABULOUS little jewelry box that I found in a thrift store. (My heart sunk for a moment) The box had a few pieces of jewelry already on it when I bought it, so I added some that I had inherited from my Grandmother Bochman. (only the broken pieces of course) Oh well, I've got to get my glue box down and get to "fixin"!
(Those who know me, know that one of my great Motto's in my Life is... "Oh well...." In order to stay "sane" I have to "Oh Well" A LOT and then go on. Fix what you can, and then remember the only really important things aren't things but people.)

11 comments:

Lori said...

Kelley, thanks for sharing your beautiful half dolls:) i love the pin~cushion, she is just gorgeous...and the ones you painted are so so so pretty! i added your link to my post!

Shabbee Chick said...

Hey Kelley,

Didja get my email?

Amber :)

hilari said...

i love those beautiful dolls. i think i just might start a collection of them. i am so sad to see that lovely box in such a sad state.

the "oh well" attitude has helped all of us to know to "pull up our big girl panties and move on."

Anonymous said...

I also love the "Oh Well" attitude. Those half dolls are beautiful!!

Sandra Evertson said...

Beautiful work on your hand painted half dolls!
Sandra Evertson

Chelsea said...

half dolls are the shiz!... sorry about your box.

Anonymous said...

I love that box only 9/10ths as much as the half dolls ! They are a great collection!

Nicole said...

Rico's wife Nicole here. I spoke with Brooke a few weeks ago and she mentioned you had a blog so I dropped in to check it out - I love it! You're so full of creativity and your family is just incredible.

Sandy said...

So many half dolls!!! I have been seeing a lot of these during the doll challenge and now I want one or two for myself! Wonderful collection!

ginny said...

Jealous as usual to learn you have yet another collection of talents I didn't know about (that is, doll painting).

allisonlaurel said...

Sis. Smith- Hey, it's Allison Whittle (the Allison formerly known as Dinnell.) It is so fun to see your blog. I just spent way more time than I should have going through some of your older posts and looking at the slide show of your family pictures. It is so cool to see pictures of all your girls. I hope you like your new house and ward, my parents were sad you moved. Keep up the great blog!!!