HINA MATSURI (DOLL FESTIVAL) EXHIBIT AT UNIV. OF AL

(Click on photos to enlarge)

These precious dolls representing the royal court have been handed down from generation to generation.  Originally a purification ritual, Hina Matsuri (March 3 in Japan) represents a day of hope for the growth, happiness and future of young girls. One legend says that if a girl displays her dolls for more than 3 days, she will marry later in life.

WOODEN DOLL CARVING CLASS BY JANET CORDELL

The Birmingham Doll Club of AL sponsored a Wooden Doll Carving Workshop March 3-6, led by Janet Cordell. There were many happy and talented carvers working, and with her direction, turned out some amazing works. A few had never carved before, and were doing an excellent job. Someone years ago found an old wooden doll in an antique shop named Hitty, and this inspired a book HITTY, HER FIRST HUNDRED YEARS, which has inspired many to carve their own wooden dolls.



Here is the group of proud carvers.

Some carved the Hitty doll, but Sharon learned to carve a tuck comb doll.

Here is Janet with her tuck comb doll, partially finished.

Here is the Hitty book surrounded by finished examples of Hitty dolls and a Grandmother doll.

WOOL FELTED ANIMAL SHAPES FOR YOUR DOLLS OR YOURSELF

We saw these marvelous wool felted animals by Kathy Bailey (from Oklahoma) at the Tupelo, MS Doll Show. By using long felting needles and continuously poking while shaping, you can come up with some realistic shapes. Our doll club had a felting workshop last year, and we were amazed at what we could do. Here are sites that give tips on felting and a felting tutorial:

http://chushka.com/felting_tips.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcfbgtyrz2U

PHOTOS FROM TUPELO DOLL SHOW & SALE MARCH 5

Some of our Birmingham Doll Club of Alabama made the trip to Tupelo, MS in the rain yesterday, and it was definitely worth it.  Here are a few dolls we saw for sale:


                                                          

Here is Margie by Cameo, a 1929 doll with compo head and jointed wooden body.

                   

Here are some minty Madame Alexanders all dressed up for the show.

This Betsy McCall by Ideal is in her original box!

This F.G. French Bebe is begging to go home with you.  She is 24" tall.