Handmade Folk Dolls

Doll collection provides a lifetime of memories

After World War II, when France was devastated, my family sent care packages to a French family whose husband and father had been killed, leaving a widow with four children. In 1985, we visited the family in France, and among other expressions of gratitude, they gave us five small plastic dolls in regional costumes. The dolls are not particularly valuable in themselves, but huge in expression of the family's appreciation.

They joined my collection of nearly 300 ethnic or folk dolls, begun in 1923 when one of my grandmothers took a Mediterranean cruise and brought back seven souvenir dolls.

My mother and both grandmothers enjoyed searching for additions to the collection in their travels, and I hope they had as much pleasure in that as I have had.

As a military family, we had friends who brought dolls from many countries where they were stationed. Through the years, I've had the joy of receiving gifts of dolls from other traveling friends and family and of seeking out special

dolls myself. I avoided the ubiquitous plastic tourist dolls but searched for dolls with handwork and individuality.

Native American dolls are favorites of mine. Two small charming and unique dolls are made entirely of yarn by Navajo women to raise money for the Presbyterian mission school for Indians in Ganado, Ariz. The school closed in 1968, and in trying to get more information about them this year, I learned that several Navajos remembered the dolls, but the makers had, in their words, "entered eternal rest."

But my favorite Indian doll is of well-worn leather, crudely made with bead features and a horsehair wig. Some small Indian girl cherished it many years ago.

My collection suffered two losses. In 1984, while we were away, thieves broke in and stole seven of my most cherished dolls. I was so distressed that I put up signs in the city flea markets — probably not a wise thing to do.

However, a few months later, a woman called to ask if I had recovered any. I sadly said I hadn't. She told me the same thing happened to her but that she actually found two of her dolls in the manager's office of one of the flea markets.

A few years later I loaned dolls to a friend to decorate dinner tables for an international guests' dinner. Four of them disappeared then. My friend was devastated. Me, too!

Special memories include a Portuguese fisherman doll bought in Nazare, Portugal, on the annual day the fishing fleets set sail for the season; dolls from war-torn Vietnam and Thailand brought by Army and Air Force servicemen, including our son; Irish dolls from a beloved Irish teacher-nun at (then) Incarnate Word College; a Hungarian doll one grandmother found while searching for family in Hungary; a Polish doll purchased in Krakow when our grandson worked in the area.

Quaint Antique Handmade Folk Art Doll Model House | Miniatures ...

Quaint Vintage Folk Art Handmade Doll Model House Bungalow AT THE END. --> Tonight is special. Truely. It is with pure joy that I bring to you my biggest, bestest, baddest (yes, I know..two of those are not real words) Folk Art Auction EVER! Check out the group shot above to see if you agree..and remember that is only the tip of the iceberg of tonights offerings. Let's have some fun! . Quaint and sweet vintage handmade folk art doll model house. True bungalow style and great charm. Most likely 1930's or so. Scalloped three sided porch, glass windows, door, black roof, and white lap siding. Wonderful size for display. Frankly looks good anywhere. Does not open for play so most likely a model or folk art. Wear as shown, a few chips missing from roof corners. Measures 10 1/2" tall, 16" wide and 14" deep. Another folk art treasure. Enjoy! Paypal is accepted and preferred. Payment is expected within 48 hours of purchase. Items are shipped USPS, unless weight or size exceed shipping requirements. Fed Ex is used for larger items. Delivery confirmation is required and added, I am willing to ship this item Internationally express mail only.

American country folk crafts, 50 country craft projects for decorating your home

200 Years of Dolls, Identification and Price Guide

The Library journal book review

Encyclopedia of American folk art

Collectible Dolls