Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Nurture Your Family - Lovely Paper Dolls

Alexander McQueen Fashions: Re-created in Paper Dolls, $9.99, by Tom Tierney, available on amazon.com. 

I've been on the hunt for vintage toys for my daughter's upcoming birthday (she turns two in March) and I recently stumbled upon some gorgeous vintage paper dolls.  It reminded me of my childhood when I carried my paper dolls everywhere I went and loved changing their outfits, giving them names, and making up stories of where they were going. There is something so beautiful in the simplicity of paper dolls - a timeless thread that speaks to little girls whether they were born in the 1850's or 1970's. So whether you have a daughter, a niece or a goddaughter, surprise someone with one of these simple treasures.


Yves St. Laurent Fashion Review Paper Dolls, $6.95, by Tom Tierney, available on amazon.com. 

Tom Tierney is a master illustrator who has authored hundreds of paper doll books. Just type his name into Amazon and you'll have a selection that ranges from the Obamas to Art Deco Fashions to Ancient Egyptians and French Film Stars. Whatever your favorite decade, presidential family or designer, its likely Tierney has brought it to life through his vivid imagination and gorgeous drawing.  I'm especially partial to his many books devoted to haute couture from the houses of Dior, Chanel, YSL and McQueen.  They are a perfect way to share my love of fashion with my daughter and I know I'll enjoy them just as much as she will!

Personalized Paper Dolls by Jordan Grace Owens, starting at $25, etsy.com. 

Give Jordan Grace Owens a photo of yourself, your family or your pet, choose the clothes, and she'll illustrate your likeness using ink and colored pencils. The dolls measure 6 inches and take approximately 4-6 weeks for completion. And these aren't just for the kids - pick up an Ikea Ribba frame and some white matting and you can mount the dolls to make a unique and lovely family portrait.

Vintage Family Affair Paper Dolls By Whitman, ebay.com. 
I found this 1968 Vintage Family Affair paper doll set on Ebay for only $11 and think it would be perfect for my daughter since there are a lot of outfits to choose from. I'm also thinking it might be just the thing to keep her busy at the dinner table the next time we eat out.

Shirley Temple Paper Doll Set, $37, ebay.com. 
This vintage Shirley Temple set from 1938 is unusual because of its large size - 34 inches high - and would be great for framing in a little girls room.

Framed Paper Doll Collage, $30, etsy.com. 

Here is a framed collage for sale on Etsy. Just looking at this gets my the DIY part of my brain thinking about the endless options to add paper dolls to my home decor and my daughter's room. Did you play with paper dolls as a child?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! Paper dolls were the ultimate when I was growing up. I would want to share that tradition if I had a daughter. so sweet! Teri

tina said...

Wow, love your post. Can you believe I've never had a paper doll? Outrageous... I grew up n the 60''s in Germany. Not sure the germans had these.... never mind.

They will be great for your daughter but think they will equally be great for me, yes, you read correctly: MOI!!

Off to check out all the links. Definitely made my morning:)

California Chic said...

@Teri - I am a sucker for anything that reminds me of my childhood.

@Tina - I totally ordered a book just for myself, knowing my 2 year old is going to rip these things to shreds. Some of the editions even have the title of "Paper Dolls for Grown-ups". Glad you liked them!

Erin said...

Oh, wow. This brings back so many memories. I had tons of paper dolls as a child, and one in particular from a really special set that included a CD of music from Sleeping Beauty, multiple background cards, and the most beautiful paper doll I'd ever seen. She was stunning, and I loved dressing her up and making her dance with her prince. Man. It really makes you think about how much kids are missing out on today with all this technology.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane! have a lovely weekend. xo

California Chic said...

@Erin - So true about technology. I'm so scared of it taking over my daughter's life. She doesn't konw how to use my Iphone yet, so I'm feeling that is a small victory:)

Theresa / InspirationCOOP said...

Those illustrations and paper dolls by Jordan Grace Owens are so cute! I really like her illustration style. And, you can get them personalized? Genius.
Yes, with all this technology, here's to finding ways to nurture their imagination. Paper dolls are certainly a great start.

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