Dolls from the Past

A couple more little dolls that I have dressed.
Here they are before I set to work on them (I had already made a vest for the one on the right).

The first is a 3 inch baby with a diamond mark and  open/close eyes.
I do not know her maker.  She is probably a mass produced doll from the 1960's.

 

The other one is 2.7 inches long and is clockwork and crawls when wound up.  This is a really cute little doll.  I had a bit of a job working out how to dress her so that she could still crawl.  I am really pleased with the result, especially the frilly knickers.

The next job has to be making more Pud Bears.  The holiday season should be starting shortly  (if the snow and wind goes away), so the bear shops will be getting more customers and I have to be ready to restock when they sell some of my bears.  Also, the craft fairs start in May and I like to take a few Pud Bears along as I have a few return customers who are bear collectors. 

Hopefully I will be able to sit long enough to man a stall.  If not my husband will help out as he has before, so that I can have a break.  This darn arthritis and back problems make me so frustrated at times.  I used to be an active person and now a short spell on my feet, or sitting in one position for too long, and that is me finished for the day - and probably the next one too. 

My 'To Do' Box of Bears

I didn't realise I was building up a box full of restoration projects until I removed them from the corner of the store area and put them all together in a box.

The Teddy Hospital 'Waiting Room'

They are now huddled together in their cosy box waiting to see who is first to be mended/cleaned ready for a new home.  They've probably got the right idea, it is freezing here on the East Coast of England.  The cold, biting wind blowing off the sea doesn't seem to want to go away and it has felt so cold it hurts your eyes to walk into it (the wind).
Let me introduce you to the residents of the box :-

Minibrix Bear

This handsome chap is a Minibrix bear.  I have never come across one before and I would say he is pretty rare. He has a label tucked under his (very damaged) arm that says 'Minibrix Hygenic Toys' Apparently the firm usually made toy bricks (like Lego, but rubber), but made a few other toys between 1959-1961, then the factory caught fire and they ceased production.
I thought he was a Lefray bear until I saw his label. Has anyone else come across one of these bears?

Leather nosed bear SOLD and grey Chiltern cat

The grey cat is a Chiltern.  These were made in at least two sizes, this being the larger one.  He needs a good clean and brushing, but his fur is quite thick and his felt ears are all intact.  They sometimes look as if the cat has been in a fight with the local alley cats!  He (or she) also has the original pink ribbon.
The chubby bear is one that my husband found at a boot fair.  I have no idea at the moment who made him but he is a cute little chap with a kind face. He could be a one off home made bear, anytime from the 1950's  to 1980's - one to research I think.

The red duo came in job lot boxes. The rabbit is really cute with his big red ears and little felt coat.  There are no makers labels on him so, again no idea who made him.  There is quite a bit of delicate stitching still to do on his red felt.  I did make a start and then got waylaid with another project.

The pretty little red and white bear has a label, and is made by 'Acme Hygenic Toys'.  He is very lightweight and just requires a few stitches to his seams.  He has the most beautiful red eyes.


The scruffy looking Chiltern cartoon bear with the dirty face needs a good clean and brush.
His companion is a small Chiltern from c1940's.  He has his facial features intact, but needs 'surgery' on a large hole at the side of his nose (see close up). 

This is another bear purchased by my husband.  He needs a matching pair of eyes.  Again, I think he could be a one off home made bear.

And of course, not forgetting the large Chiltern Hugmee bear that I have named George.  He needs major surgery on one of his foot pads and eyes.  Also a good clean to his mohair.


I think I have got a busy time ahead, sorting out this little lot.  There are also a couple of dog nightdress cases to tidy up and two miniature baby dolls to dress. 

The Dolls are Trying to Take Over the Bears' House!

I have always been a soft toy person.  I even preferred my teddy Cuddly, to any dolls that I was given as a child.
Just lately though I find myself drawn to 1950's dolls - miniatures and small baby dolls especially.
I found these tiny 3" baby dolls with no clothes, and had great fun dressing them.  They are all dressed using lace, with cotton brodiere anglais type lace being my preferred material.  I gave them all names, as I do my bears and they are proving very popular with my customers.



Little SOLD



Eric SOLD

Chrissie SOLD

Beatrice SOLD



Bella SOLD

Anna SOLD

 I then searched for more to do as I enjoyed them so much.  I couldn't find more tiny ones and found these four 6", 8", 10" and 11" already dressed, but needed a bit of tidying up.


Add caption



Haley

Rosy



Ceppiratti Doll Co

Blue Box Toys SOLD

I particularly like Rosy in the pink coat.  Her wrists are even jointed enabling her to twist her hands in different positions.  Her maker is a mystery, she has AGAESPOLY  0206 Hong Kong on her back and I have not as yet found out who used this wording.

The bottom left one is a really cute little doll made in Italy by the Ceppratti Doll Co.  I identified her by the 'Stork carrying a baby' mark on her back.

Blue Box Toys (doll bottom right) is a Hong Kong company that has been making dolls since 1952, starting with the first drink and wet doll.  They are still producing toys, including Thomas the Tank and Hello Kitty, and have won many awards for toy excellence.

Haley is a very lightweight celluloid doll who used to have a 'Mama' sound box, but sadly it is now missing.  Her all in one underwear covers the hole that is left in her back.  She is the only one of the four without open/close eyes, but her blue eyes are very large and pretty.

For the bear lovers amongst you, don't worry I still have 3-4 lovely old bears to tidy up for my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/pollysvintagebears including this large Chiltern bear.

 

 



 

Nev Goes over the Fence

.....and back again!

You remember this little fellow, and that I said my daughter was going to try letting him out now he is older.
Well, she rang me up on Monday, laughing and told me of his adventures.  She had let him out in her small back garden which is surround by a 6 foot fence.  He had a roam around the garden and then climbed a trellis to get to the top of the fence.  Over he went and she went out of the gate to see what he was doing.  He was wandering up the grass path at the back and taking a look down the dyke.
So far, so good - so she went indoors to do a bit of housework and left him to it.
After a while she opened the back door to see if he would come in when called only to be nearly bowled over by him as he dashed indoors.
We don't know what he saw over the fence, but it spooked him and he has not dared to set foot out of the garden since.  She says he walks around, glances at the fence, then comes back in, as if to say "there's no way I'm going over there again". :)
She rang me up when she let him out yesterday and it was snowing a bit.  He didn't like the snowflakes falling on his head and she was in laughing at him.  The laughter suddenly increased as the snow started falling heavier and he shot in the door in a panic.
My grandson said "Nev's not a pussycat, he's a wussycat".

I think my daughter is secretly hoping that he will not want to go any further than the back garden, but I think come Summer, he will be off, over the fence on his adventures to face the scary 'whatevers' that are out there.

Our Spring Neighbours are Moving in

Well, it is that time of the year again, when everyone's thoughts turn to the warmer months to come and love is in the air.
Unfortunately it is also the time of the year when our noisy neighbours return.
Yes, Mr and Mrs Seagull are back!

Taken a few days ago

They have been sitting on the roof of the bungalow behind us, chatting about starting a family and what colour to decorate the nursery. 
The first year we lived here it was amusing and interesting, watching the young birds grow, learn to flap their wings and eventually fly off.
We were probably making as much noise as them that year as we were knocking walls down and replacing windows etc.
The last couple of years the novelty has worn off as the Seagulls swoop and scream over our little garden, leaving nasty splodges on our patio doors, and occasionally on Foggypuss if he is in the firing line.

Foggy waiting to pop up when he
hears a Seagull coming

Last year he decided he might be able to catch a Seagull as they flew over.  He positioned himself on the fence and it was quite amusing to watch him pop up and take a swipe at the Seagull everytime it divebombed him.  The only worry I had was that if he connected with one it would have probably
knocked him off the fence or broken his leg, as they fly fast and are quite big birds. 
I think Foggy has an inflated idea of his own strength and size.

When the young are about the parents defend their territory (which includes the air space over our garden apparently) with a great passion.  I have been seen running from the shed to the patio door as Mum swoops down, screeching at me to get away from her babies.  I don't want them, they are ugly little things when they are young.
Each year I hope they have found a new place to bring up their young, but it looks as if it is not going to be this year :(

Neville

Nev November 2012

Let me introduce you to Neville, my daughter's kitten.  She kept putting off getting a pet, but gave in last November and this little character came to live with her and the boys.  My Grandsons are 11 and 8 now so both old enough to help with looking after him.  





He has fitted into the household beautifully, and even two very loud and lively boys do not seem to phase him.  He seems to be just as lively as them, and is gradually learning to be noisy too.

Having a cuddle with Nanny

 

As all kittens are, he is very playful, running around with toy mice and playing with anything that moves when he taps it.  He seems to be very intelligent and has learned to play 'fetch' with his mice.  I have heard of cats doing this but never seen it until now.  It is really cute, he trots back carrying the mouse by it's tail, looking so proud of himself.  If you ignore him he puts it on top of your shoe so that you throw it again.





He loves a box too

He is growing into a beauty, soon be time for him to face the great outdoors.  The cat flap is ready to be fitted.  It is one of those that works with his micro-chip so no other cats can use it.

Growing up

He had his first walk round the back patio today, but got scooped up when he was heading towards a hole in the fence.  I don't think my daughter is quite ready to let him stand on his own four feet just yet.  She is determined that he will be allowed out, but is worried about letting him go as we all are for that first time. 

I can remember when my Foggypuss went out for the first time.  I was terrified that he wouldn't find his way home.  No worries there, he now meows loudly and hammers on the door everytime he wants to come back in. We have never fitted a cat flap, Foggy just visits the neighbour if we are out when he comes back.



"Have you finished taking photos yet? 
I want to scratch my ear."





More Dolls House and Miniature Dolls

Between restoring the old bears and dogs I have been dressing and photographing the little dolls house dolls that I came across in my searches for bears.
The ones that I have posted on Etsy have proved to be very popular and some have already sold.
I have just 3 babies left to dress - the 6" Schildkrot one in a grass skirt called Mambi  I am knitting a little lemon outfit for him so that there is a choice of clothing.


Mambi, a Turtle marked doll SOLD

Tiny Rubber Doll SOLD

Then there is the little bisque baby made by Hertwig in the Thuringia area of Germany 1940's-1950's.   Her elastic had perished, and broke when I tried to tighten it.  Not having strung a doll before I went to the internet to get instructions.  Here are her before and after pictures.  It took a few attempts and some wasted elastic to get it right.  As you can see she has a bit of damage to the surface of the bisque. 
The next job is to dress her.  I cut nappy shapes out of soft white material for all of the tiny baby dolls.  She is the last one apart from a little rubber doll that already has her nappy on.  These dolls are just 3"/8cm tall.

Poor little baby all broken



That's a bit better SOLD



Then there are the dolls house dolls I have available now -2 girls and a boy, in their original clothes.  These dolls are 4"/10cm tall.  The one in the hat has no markings, but the other two have a Fleur de Lys mark on their backs, which means they were made by a Japanese company. 

 

The other 3" baby doll I have is dressed in knitted clothes.  This is not proving as popular as the cotton and lace outfits I have put the previous ones in so I may make her a new dress and bonnet.

Awake

Asleep

I didn't notice until I put her away in my cabinet that her eyes, as well as open and closing, actually look from side to side.  I have not seen a doll that does this before, let alone one this size!

She can look from side to side if you tip her SOLD

These dolls will be available from my Etsy shop shortly www.etsy.com/shop/pollysvintagebears




Susie Patch

I was keen to tidy up the little Terrier dog named Susie. 
She came to me looking quite unhappy, with ears that just didn't look right and a perky tail that wasn't perky anymore.

I picked her up and took a good look at her to see what needed doing.  A few stitches in her tail, and move around the woodwool stuffing so that she stands better. What could I do with those ears?  They were either too big or too small I decided, so must be replacements.
I noticed that she used to be a beautiful cinammon colour as it could still be seen between her legs and on her tummy. 
Then I realised that there were darker patches just below her ears, and it dawned on me "they were her original ears, they just need stitching in place correctly".

Is this a 'hang dog' expression?

Standing proud SOLD

I set to work, carefully stitching up a seam that had come undone and fixing her wonky tail.  I managed, with a bit of pushing and pulling on the woodwool to straighten her legs out and then, with a few stitches in her ears, she was done.

What a proud girl she looks now.

The final touch was a little bead bracelet from my bits and pieces drawer.  It made a perfect collar for her. 
I left her white patch in place, as she has grown quite accustomed to it over the years.
My original name for her was Patch, until her previous owner told me that she used to be known as Susie.  Still liking the name Patch I gave it to her as a surname, so now she is known as Susie Patch.
Here she is with her new best friend, my old Chiltern bear, Hubert.  Don't they look good together?

Susie Patch and Chiltern Hubert waiting for a new home
They are both now SOLD

 They are both available in my online shops www.pollysvintagebears.weebly.com and www.etsy.com/shop/pollysvintagebears

Chiltern Bear Hubert's Big Day is Here

I'm really keen to get Hubert  finished and looking gorgeous.  I couldn't wait, and he has already had his teddy bath (it's 8am here in the UK).

Hubert relaxing in his bath

I even took photos to show you, he's not modest so doesn't mind.  Not that he wears clothes anyway!
Bet you didn't know that bears like to play with a toy duck in the bath.
He made a lot of mess - oats everywhere, I had to get the vacuum cleaner out to tidy up after him.


Waiting to be brushed out

He has to wait a little while now for the oats to do their job and lift the dirt from his mohair.  If any of you have an old bear that needs a freshen up, it really is like magic.  Their mohair comes up much cleaner and softer after this treatment.  It can be a bit of a pain getting it all out from the joint areas and around the ears, but I'm sure they love the attention of a good firm brushing.

I'm now wondering if he will require a nice ribbon or bell, or even a cardigan/waistcoat.



At the moment I am veering towards a bell or two on a cord /ribbon around his neck.  I don't want to cover this beautiful boy too much and his body mohair is strong so he doesn't need covering for protection.

And here he is in his before and after photos.

 



"Anyone there"?



 



"Hi, I can see you now"

"I feel poorly"



"That's better"
Hubert is now SOLD

I found him 3 bells, and fastened them around his neck with a black cord.  His eyes are a dark amber, a bit darker than they would have been originally, but it is so difficult to get hold of antique eyes.  At the moment I have had to buy in some new glass eyes for replacements as I have tried, with no success to find the old ones.

He is a handsome boy and, at 21"/53cm, quite a substantial bear.

He will be available on my website www.pollysvintagebears.weebly.com and in my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/PollysVintageBears