It all began innocently enough. I bought a doll no one would bid on at an auction for $1. I decided to clean her up and make her a new outfit. I found that I enjoyed that and continued to look for neglected dolls. In the process I met Vangie Jackson, the mother of our classmate Dennis. She showed me her collection and the rest is history! Vangie and I became instant friends and I credit her with my love of designing the outfits.
I continued with the auctions and found this little girl at former Chief of Police Bill Morris' sale. He was always working in his garden and sharing the fresh vegetables so I dressed her in his honor.
I soon discovered they had auctions strictly for dolls. This is a modern German doll that I was able to get "mint in box."
Harmony from the 70's. I dressed her and Herman Jackson, Vangie's husband, made the guitar.
Herman was molding dolls so I tried my hand at it. This is Mikey crying over spilt milk.
I learned to repair composition dolls. Vangie gave this one to me so she became "Baby Vangie."
My favorites have always been the baby dolls. She always makes me chuckle.
I also like the unusual. This is a Terri Lee from the 50's.
This is flirty-eyed Shirley Temple look-alike. I had to have her!
I don't have many boy dolls. When I found this little guy I decided to make him a paperboy.
Of course I had to try my hand at making cloth dolls. This one has a block of wood for the body and clothes pins in the arms and legs.
I have a few antique dolls, but very few.
I liked the smiling face on this little girl.
Vangie and I both liked dressing the dolls as story book characters.
They fill every corner. I refuse to grow up!
This is the last doll Mom bought me. She is very special.
When I run out of room, the bigger ones hold the little ones.
One of the most rewarding parts of my hobby is restoring childhood dolls to their original beauty. Judy Rosebrough recently sent me her last doll. She is pleased with her new look and I am very happy to have her in my collection.
