Peddler girl

This is a 1950s Harriet Hubbard Avery doll that I found at a thrift store for $1.99.  Of course, I had no idea who she was when I first saw her.  

But her hair was a mess!  I think most people would donate a doll like this to the thrifty store!  Not me!  I love the challenge of trying to restore a doll to either it's original condition - or something completely different.   I did some research and found out that Harriet (in real life) lost her fortune several times, but re-invented herself each time and was a successful cosmetics manufacturer.  She went through great times of poverty and times of great wealth.  Interesting woman!

Remember Grandma's silver metal permanent rods?  Well, I still use them in my doll repair and I think her hair came out beautiful!

Hard to believe this is the same hair in the photo above!  The magic of Johnson's "no more tears"!  Yep - as simple as that!

I decided to completely alter her and turn her into a peddler girl.  Found the clothes on another doll at a thrift store for $4.00.  Yes, I paid more for the clothes than the doll....but I can't afford to sew them myself when I can find them for $4!

The little box is wood with holes drilled in the side for the jute around her neck.  Covered with paper and then distressed with ink.

I love all the little patches that came on her clothes - perfect for a peddler girl.

I left her barefoot - but she also has some vintage pantaloons on under her skirt.

I love miniatures and have been collecting them for years.  Went through my stash and came up with some totally fun things!  The "jack be nimble" is an actual working game - pull the lever and the ball bounces up to the top and  goes back to one of the little holders.  Had those as a kid but can't remember what they were called

Not sure you can see, but the little bear is holding a "Goldilocks" story book.  There's a ruler, pencil, scissors, and notepad on the edge of the box.  Lots of things to look at

  Harriet Hubbard Avery.  Restored. Remodeled.  Ready to be re-loved.  :o)

Night 3 - Eight Nights of Lights 2009

Night 3 is about storytelling. Hanukkah is about the Feast of Dedication - the rededication of the Temple. Have you ever built a model temple or tabernacle? Do you know how the tabernacle/temple and the traditions and riturals associated with it illustrate God's plan of salvation? It was in 164 BCE, the Maccabees recaptured the Temple and it was purified....rededicated.

Do you know the meaning behind the lampstand? Ex 25:31-40 actually gives a detailed exlaination of what it should look like. Hammered from 1 piece of gold, 4 1/2 feet high, weighting 100 pounds. It was to burn continually (Lev 24: 1-4). But it didn't! Each sacred vessel and vestment has been recreated by the Temple Institute and is ready for use in the 3rd Temple! WOW!!!

Several years ago, I tooled this lampstand in leather. It took me days to make - but learning what knops and flowers were - studying the design, researching (without the internet) was an education that's lasted me a lifetime!





I don't think any of the detail has worn the least bit and I probably made this at least 25 years ago.




So, tonight, I'm going to show you simple tooling methods - because if you design it in leather, it will last a lifetime.



Many people think of leather and think of flowered purses, gun holsters, etc. I like to think of it simply as another medium that I can play with. I make Jewish Immigrant Peddler dolls




and this is a very detailed box that they were required to wear to carry scripture in, the cord had to be wrapped 7 times around the arm and the box had to be facing the heart.



By simply applying water and stretching leather, you can shape it into almost anything.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." May you study and grow this Hanukkah season and may your lampstand always be lit.