In 1881, Harper’s Bazaar listed the “new” Victorian dolls available for Christmas gifts that season. “The eating doll is the novelty with which girls are delighted this year. A bit of candy is put in her open mouth, disappears, and comes out at the sole of her foot. Another new doll has music within herself, so that when wound she raises her hands and seems to sing…” [CLICK for full article]

A 5×7 art print of an early 19th century girl and an antique doll.

“RAGGEDY ANN STORIES” - 1918

Raggedy Ann is a fictional character who has been entertaining and charming young children for almost ninety years. This mischievous rag doll and her enchanting toy friends were introduced to young readers in 1918 by author Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938).  Raggedy Ann always has a warm and optimistic outlook and a calm approach to difficulties.

Gruelle based his main character on a real rag doll that belonged to his mother. The doll was found in an attic trunk by Gruelle’s daughter, Marcella. When Marcella became ill, Gruelle created stories about her doll –named Raggedy Ann– to comfort her. When Marcella died he wrote and illustrated Raggedy Ann Stories (1918) in her memory. [Read full article with photos and book list]

PRINT … COLOR
CUT-OUT … PLAY

“Victorian Paper Dolls” ebook is a great resource for teachers, crafters, and parents at home!    

Find beautiful color images - as sharp and clear as when originally published - of these rare paper dolls from the November 1859 Godey’s Lady’s Book.  These pages are impossible to find today because most were removed long ago from the original magazines by young Victorian girls anxious to play. Each of these rare century old images was scanned at a high resolution and digitally restored for color and clarity.

• Print a paper doll on cardstock paper for a fun craft project!

• Teachers … print as many pages as you need for an entertaining history lesson!

• Reenactors … entertain the children with an authentic toy … print as many as you need.

• Make Victorian Christmas Ornaments … just print a paper doll, color and hang with ribbons on the tree.

Instant Download or CD

In 1959, the Ideal Toy Corporation introduced a collection of dolls called Playpal. The life-size Patti doll was 35″ tall, the size of an actual 3 year old and could be dressed in a little girl’s clothes. The family included little sisters Penny and Suzy, and big brother Peter. The Carrot-Top Patti Playpal(R) is one of the rarest of all, and this red haired collectible doll is a simply stunning re-creation of the original vinyl doll! She’s every inch a little lady - a near life-size 35″ tall! Her bright-as-a-penny carrot-top hair drapes over her beautiful green and floral dress. She looks so real, with her head tilted and her blue eyes gazing at you inquisitively. This exclusive Carrot-Top Patti Playpal red haired collectible doll from Ashton-Drake is a carefully crafted reproduction, faithful in every detail to the much-loved and very rare original. Click image for more info. ]]> http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/06/patti-playpal-vintage-doll/feed/ http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/05/history-of-the-victorian-paper-doll/ http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/05/history-of-the-victorian-paper-doll/#comments Thu, 05 Oct 2006 23:40:04 +0000 Victoriana Magazine Paper Dolls http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/05/history-of-the-victorian-paper-doll/

Paper dolls have been affordable toys for children for almost two centuries.  They first appeared in Paris during the 1700s and were also a popular toy in England. English paper dolls often included moral stories and booklets of virtues as part of the packaging. Furthermore, early paper doll clothes did not come with the folding tabs to dress the dolls that we see today, but were attached with tiny drops of beeswax which were not greasy, therefore did not leave a mark when the clothing was removed.  America did not enter the paper doll manufacturing arena until the mid-19th century. [Read More]

“Dolls’ outfits are a feature in the toy shops this season.” 
… from Harper’s Bazar, 1872
  An article in the Victorian magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, in 1872 described the latest antique dolls for the Christmas season. The dolls represented all ages and sizes, from the infant in long clothes to old ladies in caps and spectacles. Read more… ]]> http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/05/victorian-dolls-and-doll-clothes/feed/ http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/04/madame-alexander-doll-for-elvis-fans/ http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/04/madame-alexander-doll-for-elvis-fans/#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:31:10 +0000 Victoriana Magazine Vintage Dolls http://dolls.victorian-shopping.com/2006/10/04/madame-alexander-doll-for-elvis-fans/  

Madame Alexander vintage dolls have a way of capturing our favorite dreams and fantasies, and this charming Cissette is no exception. She’s all dressed up for a 1950s school dance in her off-the-shoulder sweater with Elvis portrait on the back, slim slacks, and spunky high-heeled slides. She’s the perfect Elvis(R) gift, for yourself or a fellow fan! Click image for more info.