Saturday, July 5, 2014


Welcome to my blog covering the International Paper Doll Convention held in Richmond, Virginia June 25-29.  The convention was held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel.  Pat O'Rourke and her crew did a fabulous job planning and a great time was had by all.  Obviously I don't have pictures of everything and I wasn't able to cover every aspect of the convention.  If I don't have a picture of you, or something important you were involved in, I apologize.  I tried to tell my story using the pictures that I had.  I hope you will enjoy it!
For my cover post I'm using "The Gibson Girl" by Eileen Rudisill Miller.  The paper doll features Irene Langhorne, a beautiful Richmond debutante who married  pen & ink illustrator, Charlies Gibson. 

Tour and Wednesday Evening


Wednesday's tour included a bus tour of noteworthy places in Richmond including Virginia Commonweath University and Monument Avenue.  We toured the John Wickham House and the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio. Here I am (above) in the sculpture studio.  Below, some tourists take a break.  From Left:  Ron Fong, Patricia Corte Rooney, Joe Rooney, and Guy Shannon.


After the tour of the Wickham House and Valentine Studio the bus dropped us off at Carytown, where we had lunch and visited a few shops.

After lunch we visited the Maymont Mansion, home of James and Sallie May Dooley.  This picture (above) shows the servant quarters downstairs.

This case shows some of the items the servants used to take care of the family living upstairs. 



This is one of the fancy rooms upstairs at Maymont Mansion.


Hmmm....I wonder if  Sallie May Dooley enjoyed "paper" as much as we do?  Here is her scrapbook. 

On Wednesday evening we were treated to a fascinating presentation about the Ghosts of Richmond.  Apparently Richmond has more than its share of ghost stories.  The town seems to be haunted by dogs, soldiers, men lost in mines and even a friendly ghost at the Governor's mansion.  The evening was topped off with birthday cake and our FIRST souvenir of the convention--a paper doll of Ron Fong to celebrate his birthday!!


Raffle and Workshops

This is one wall of items in the raffle room.  Tables covered with raffle items lined all four walls of this room. Sondra Leeds did a wonderful job of organizing the raffle.  There were so many amazing items to win!  Convention attendees could purchase tickets and then place their tickets in the bags next to the items they most coveted.

Lori Lawson gave Sondra a break from selling tickets.  Here is Lori visiting with Sharon Yarter.



The drawing for the raffle items was held on Saturday afternoon.  The dozen or so bags with the most tickets were pulled out and those drawings took place at the Saturday evening banquet.  I was thrilled to win a box of Easter paper doll greeting cards in the raffle.  Here are two of the cards.  The bottom one was done by Queen Holden.  If you click on the picture to enlarge it you will see her initials down by the little girl's shoes.  The lid of the hatbox opens with a flap and the hats are supposed to go inside.



Jan Mckay shared some lovely paper dolls from her collection in her presentation on handmade paper dolls.   Here Jan shows some tiny handmade envelopes, which housed some tiny handmade paper dolls. 


Patti Fertel gave a fun and informative program called "Department Store Paper Dolls." Patti is a wealth of information and is always willing to share and educate the rest of us.  Thanks, Patti!


Linda Ocasio entertained us with her personal story of how she came to be a paper doll collector. She told us about the kinds of things she collected in the beginning and what happened along the way to influence what she collects today.  I always enjoy hearing a person's paper doll "story" so thanks to Linda for sharing hers.

David Wolfe gave a fascinating program on fashion.  He explained how fashion has been influenced in the past and how he came to be what's known as a "fashion forecaster."  What does David think about present fashion?  He calls what's going on in the current world of fashion, "The Age of Fracture."  And yes, his socks are orange :-).

Sylvia Kleindinst gave a workshop on "Articulated Paper Dolls."  Here is Eileen Rudisill Miller with her finished product! (Photo Courtesy Eileen R. Miller)
In between workshops Ron and I take a moment to pose with our red purses.  I wonder what he carries in that thing? 


Thursday Banquet / Artist's Gallery / Special Exhibits

 Mary with her wonderful collection of tin dishes from the Ohio Art Company. 
Ron Fong was in charge of the Dress-a-doll.  Here is Ron with Margaret Brown who was the lucky winner.  All of the participants' names were entered in a drawing and Margaret's name was drawn.  She got to take the entire dress-a-doll display home with her.  Participants created costumes for the doll Margaret is holding, which was designed by Eileen Rudisill Miller.

Here I am with some of my paper doll art on Thursday evening at the Artists Gallery. Thanks to Sylvia Kleindinst for organizing the Artists Gallery and Special Exhibits.

Some of my table mates at the Thursday evening banquet.  The three ladies on the left are all sisters and came to the convention together.  The other lady is Mary Longo. 

Several individuals were give Fanny Gray awards at this year's convention.  Jayne Keller was one of the well-deserving individuals who received an award.  Jayne has contributed to the hobby of paper doll collecting in so many ways over the years.  She's donated her own artwork, been a judge at many of the convention competitions, shared her personal collection through displays, educated others through various programs, and has hosted a paper doll party in her area for many years. I'm sure she's done many other things that I'm not aware of.  Congrats to Jayne!

Jean Sullivan was also honored with a Fanny Gray award because of her many years of service to the paper doll community.  Jean has been in charge of numerous convention competitions.  She has also hosted a regional paper doll party at her home for many years.   Jean was unable to make the it to the convention, but we want to congratulate her on her award as well.  Congrats to Jean!


Ralph Hodgdon was honored with a John Axe award.  Ralph has attended many conventions and has always been gracious enough to host a program called "Drawing with Ralph," in which he draws on demand, based on suggestions and ideas from his audience.  The finished products are then put in a raffle and given away to lucky attendees.  Many convention attendees collect Ralph's art and he is best known for his extensive sets of Gone with the Wind paper dolls.  Congrats to Ralph! 

Here are two of my favorite souvenirs which we received at the Thursday evening banquet.  They are, "Children of the Old South" by Karen Reilly, and "The Gibson Girl," by Eileen Rudisill Miller. 



Salesroom Day--Friday

Debbie Spangler is shopping at Carol Sullivan's sales booth. Carol always has some marvelous things for sale.
This was my purchase from Carol Sullivan.  It is "Diane and Daphne: The Roundabout Dolls."  Published by McLoughlin Brothers, 1933.  I have a cut set of these dolls.  This is one of those sets that I could just buy over and over.  These dolls were used over and over in many various books and boxed sets.  Betty Campbell did the artwork. 


 Peggy Ell appears to be enjoying herself at her sales booth. Peggy shared a booth with Mary Young. 

        

Mary discusses a paper doll with a possible buyer.  I think Mary and I like the same kinds of paper dolls. 

Sylvia Kleindinst is enjoying her time in the sales room.  Sylvia is always so supportive of everyone!

Eileen Rudisill Miller had some lovely things for sale.  I purchased her set of Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl

I also purchased this Anne of Green Gables set from Eileen Rudisill Miller.   I think this is the prettiest Anne of Green Gables paper doll I've ever seen. 

                                                   
Carolyn Thompson makes a sale!  I bought several things from her as well.  


I'm sure that Mary Longo and Ralph Hodgdon are having a very very deep religious, political and philosophical discussion :-).

This year there were two salesrooms.  This was the second salesroom.  Cheryl Jaeger's booth is pictured in front.  You can see Jan McKay and Cheryl manning the booth. 

Lori Lawson is cutting out a paper doll she just purchased, while Lone Nunally sells a paper doll purse to Paula Sherrick.  Lone explained that she had only used the purse once!! 


I purchased this Valentine paper doll from Louise Leek.   I love this kind of stuff!  I also purchased a paper doll greeting card from Louise with artwork by Charlot Byj. 















Friday Evening Banquet

Here were my table mates at the Friday evening banquet.  Front:  Garth Lax, Diana Lax, Sherry Cowan, Anne Donze.  Back:  Marsha King, Joseph Rooney, Patricia Corte Rooney, Jane Borg, Jeanette Craker, and Nancy Lee.  I ran into Jane and her sister Jeannette at the Atlanta airport.  Fun ladies!


Another table of friends on Friday evening:  Elaine Price, Jan McKay, Cheryl Jaeger, Laura Kushing-Kidney, Sam McKay, Dee Radcliffe, Cynthia Musser, Carol Carey and Patti Fertel.

Each evening at the banquet we received a paper doll of Shirley MacLaine, with already cut-out clothes!  Jim Howard was the artist for this set which we received at Friday evening's banquet.  I love Jim's work.  Unfortunately he was unable to make the convention this year.  We missed him!


Competition--Saturday

 Peggy Ell's blue ribbon entry was "Mammy and Kinky Top," published by DeJournette in 1950.  The category was American Paper Doll after 1950.  Click on photo to get a better look.  Love those boxed sets from DeJournette! 
Diana Lax's blue ribbon entry was entitled, "Le Trousseau de la Poupee."  The category was Foreign Paper Doll pre-1900. 
The category was Artists Self-Published Book/Folio and Sandra Vanderpool was awarded a blue ribbon with her entry, "Irene Langhorne of Richmond:  The Gibson Girl."

OK, so it's not a blue ribbon winner :-).  But I was pleased to be awarded a red ribbon in the category Original Art, Professional, Done by Competitor.

Jane Rasor was awarded a blue ribbon in the category of Original Art, Non-Professional, done by Competitor.  Jane actually drew this set, "1960's Woman," when she was in high school.  And of course she still has it in her collection!

Second place was awarded to Patricia Courte Rooney for her entry, "Ellowyne Wilde, National Doll and Toy Collectors, 75th Anniversary."  The category was Original Art, Professional, Done by Competitor.  Love this one!

"Lord Robert, the Queen's Favorite," was Sandra Vanderpool's blue ribbon entry in the category of Original Art, Professional, Done by Competitor.



Karen Hunter received both a blue ribbon and a "People's Choice" award for her fabulous rendition of "Downton Abbey."  The category was Original Art, Professional, Done by Competitor.





Jan McKay was awarded a blue ribbon and a "People's Choice" ribbon for her entry, "1810 Man Woman Overlay."  The category was Original Art, Not Done by Owner, Before 1900.


The category was Foreign Paper Dolls After 1940 and the blue ribbon winner was Jan Belcher.  The entry was entitled, "Miss Canada" and the set was published by Magic Toys and Displays, LTD.


Patricia Rourte Cooney received a blue ribbon for this Lynn Anderson album cover.  The category was Celebrity Paper Dolls after 1940


Loved Mary Young's entry in the Commercially Printed Card--Doll category.  It won a blue ribbon!  The card says, "A Litle Doll to Help You Get Well. 


My second place entry in the Commercially Printed Card--Doll category

  Jayne Keller was awarded a blue ribbon in the Commercially Printed Card- Toy category. 

 Jan McKay won a blue ribbon in the Paper Toy Pre-1900 category. 

       
The category was Paper Toy after 1940 and the blue ribbon winner was Brenda Givens.  The entry was titled, "Lisette."  Take a closer look because it is also a foreign paper toy. 

Sharon Yarter received a blue ribbon for her entry, "The Goodchild Family at Home."  The category was Paper Toy Pre-1900

The category was Bridge Tallies, Boxed Set and the blue ribbon winner was Jayne Keller.  The name of this entry was, "Country Fair Bridge Set." 

Another blue ribbon winner in the Bridge Tallies, Boxed Set, was Mary Young's entry, The Pirate's Den Bridge Party 1930. 

This entry, "Cambell's Soup Kids" won a blue ribbon in the Bridge Tallies category.  The winner was Elaine Price.


Peggy Ell won a blue ribbon for this entry, "Three of a Kind Lucy Leary Leary , Nesta Paper Doll."  The category was Non-Celebrity Newspaper or Magazine.

I received a 3rd place ribbon in the category, Non-Celebrity Newspaper or Magazine.  The entry was "St. Louis Muny Preview Dress for Success." 

Another blue ribbon winner in the Non-Celebrity Newspaper or Magazine was awarded to Diana Lax for her entry, "Elegant Costumes of the 2nd Empire, Mon Journal, Paris, November 1, 1902."

Peggy Ell was awarded a blue ribbon for her entry, "Gerandine Farrar, Chicago Sunday Examiner, 1911, Paper Dolls of Famous Players."  The category was Celebrity Newspaper or Magazine.

"Little Miss Brittle Bits" was Karen Hunter's entry in the Advertising Dolls or Toys 1900-1940.  Karen was awarded another blue ribbon!!

The category was Advertising Dolls or Toys after 1940, and the blue ribbon winner was Jayne Keller. 

I was awarded a red ribbon for my entry, Eloise FAO Schwartz Catalog.  The category was Advertising Dolls or Toys after 1940


Karen Hunter entered this blue ribbon winner in the Die Cut Scrap category, entitled, "Framed Cock Robin."

 
One of my favorite entries in the competition was this "Shirley Temple Press Sheets for Covers and 8 Pages of Clothing."  The publisher was Saalfield and the year 1935.  Mary Young received a blue ribbon for this entry in the category, Celebrity Paper Dolls 1900 to 1940

This was a very interesting entry.  This is the original artwork for a paper doll book that was never published.  Marilyn Henry explains that the artist is unknown and the book was neither finished or ever published.  Marilyn received a blue ribbon for this unique entry.  I missed the information on this one but I assume that the category was Original Art, not done by owner after 1940.  But I might have the date wrong.

Patricia Courte Rooney received a blue ribbon for this entry, "Fifteenth Century Headwear."  The artist was Susan Sirkis and the category was Original Art not done by Owner. 

Jayne Keller won a blue ribbon for this entry, "Venus" by Dorothy Lange.  The category was Original Art not done by Owner

The category was Die Cut Scrap-Individual, the entry was called, "Two Bloomer Dolls," and the blue ribbon winner was Jan McKay. 

I'm always a sucker for a boxed set.  Just love them.  This boxed set belongs to Peggy Ell and is titled, "Edwina--Gibson Block Doll."  It was published by Selchow and Righter in 1911.  Peggy won a blue ribbon in the category of American Paper Doll 1900-1940

Elaine Price entered this German paper doll in the category,  Foreign Paper Dolls After 1940.  It is called, "Lenchen Oufdem Masked Ball," and it was published circa 1900.  Elaine won a blue ribbon.

This paper doll is called, "Elegant Costumes of the 2nd Empire."  It is from Mon Journal, Paris, November 1, 1902.  Diana Lax won a blue ribbon for this entry in the category of Non-Celebrity Newspaper or Magazine.

Rebecca Walker Chapman entered this original artwork by Charlotte Whatley for Charlotte's book, Native American Costumes.  Still not sure about the category on this one.  It would seem to be Original Art Not Done by Owner.  But it wasn't on the same table with those entries.  Waiting for more information and then I can edit this post.  

This Altered Book was created by Diane (Dee) Radcliffe.  It is titled, "Alice in Halloweenland."  There was much oohing and aahing over this book and Dee was awarded a blue ribbon.  The Category was Altered Books.

This was Sandra Vanderpool's enty in the Altered Books category.  It is titled, "The Real Alice."  Sandra won a blue ribbon for her fabulous entry.