Some time ago I bought this paper mache head on Ebay. It's not perfect, but I'm okay with that. I wanted to get a sense of shape and size, etc. as a reference for my own dollmaking. It looks like she's had some repainting around the eyes. I think she was listed as an M & S paper mache head. The seller said the damage "wasn't as bad as it looks in the photos." Well, yes it was, because the darn thing broke when I tried to put the head on the doll body the seller sent along with her. So I've had the interesting job of repairing a paper mache head. I'm so thankful for some of the knowledgeable antique doll lovers in some of the groups I'm in online - because they walked me through it.




I glued the pieces together (clamping them with blue painter's tape) and then glued a piece of linen on the inside of the shoulderplate to anchor it all together. If I were I to do this again I could do a better job, but everyone has to start somewhere. And it was a good learning curve for me. Anyway, I intend on making a body and dress for her, and will keep her for myself.




I'm thinking I might need to put another layer of glue on top of the linen.



This is a little repainted Greiner head that I purchased from a friend, Edyth O'Neill, who is in a doll study group I'm in. Edyth has an extensive doll collection. Several years ago her house burned. She has the huge task of restoring the doll heads that survivedthe house fire. This little doll head survived that fire and my friend repainted her. To me, this little doll head is an icon of grace and redemption. The love that Edyth bestowed on her with paint is evident. Because of the damage and subsequent repainting she's not worth much. But I love her because of her story! I will make a body and dress for her, too.

3 comments:

maija said...

Oh, poor little girls...
You`ll take care of them, they`ll be fine and beautiful.
Thank you for sharing antique dolls, I love them.
maija

SympleTymes Cloth Art By Sherrie Nordgren said...

Dixie, I adore your paper mache head doll, You have done a out standing job mending her, I love her face,I can't wait to see you bring her to life!!
(((Hugs)))) Sherrie

Anonymous said...

Your little doll heads have so much character and feeling, I would love them too if they were mine. You must keep some babies for yourself, I approve!
Your cleanup of the Creative Area is a reminder that I should do this too. How hard to start.
Tracy


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden