I've had my share of dolls throughout my lifetime. The prerequisite vinyl baby-dolls (remember Thumbelina? I had the big one.) The walkers and talkers (Susie Smart. Loved her blonde hair.) The regal Bride Doll (a gift from my grandmother)... But, what I really loved playing with as a
child were my paper doll sets. I loved cutting out the clothes, and I'd make my own for them (a fashion designer in the making? Alas, not...) My cousin gave me some pointers on how to draw the female form more realistically - plus I avidly studied every Millie the Model comic I could get my hands on... Later illustrations told the tale of that. I loved to draw and nothing better than to create some fabulous career girl and her entire wardobe of fashionable clothes.
Life does move on.
After rearing two daughters (as well as sons!) of my own, vainly attempting to foster a love of dolls in either of the girls to equal mine, my youngest daughter happened to bring home a library book of antique dolls - and the love I thought I'd put aside came surging to the fore.
I attempted collecting, devoured any and all doll magazines I could find. And re-discovered paper-dolls. It was eye-opening to find just how popular and in-demand paper-doll art and book collecting was. I was shocked. But, also eager to see what I could do. Pregnant with my
youngest son, I was looking for something to occupy my time, anyway, as well as potentially making a bit of money on the side...
The best I could manage was getting some of my work published - I will forever be grateful to (founder & publisher of Doll Castle News Magazine) the late Edwina Mueller's kind support of my work. If nothing else, my name is forever listed in the annals of Doll Castle News |
