Mini Bisque Dolls

Recently on a thrifting day I found this little wood cradle.

It was quite scratched and dinged.

I went over it with scratch cover polish and look at it now!

I now needed to decide what to do with it?

Keep or sell?

I thought this would be a sweet doll cradle for Shirley, 

but what dolls to get for her?
How I found Shirley

She would need a vintage doll, a modern doll would not do!

SO, I looked online to get some ideas.  

The doll should be no larger than 5".
I did a search for 4" to 5" doll.

This is what I found!  So sweet!

But, this was an ad for the tiny crochet dress ONLY!
Tiny Crochet Dresses

The ad described the dolls it would fit so I searched for:

"Frozen Charlotte" and "Nippon Dolls".

This is a 5" bisque Flapper Doll.

Also sometimes called a "Frozen Charlotte" because her legs are frozen.

She is made in Japan, but not marked as a Nippon doll.

She is from the 1920s or 30s.

Here she is with her new momma and
wearing her crocheted pink dress.
She is perfect for Shirley.

The doll cradle has new bedding and is all ready for play.

But one doll is not enough!

While searching for other small bisque dolls,
I came across these "Nancy Ann storybook dolls".

I have seen these from time to time in Antique shops, but never

gave them more than a glance.  

Something about this pair just grabbed me!

 When these little dolls arrived, this note was attached.

Aw! So sweet!
Bonnie, they will be!!

Here they are just after I unwrapped them. 

Bonnie used an old hankie to add an apron and 

hair scarf to this little girl.

This little girl is all original.

As usual I forged ahead where some collectors fear to tread!

I did a VERY gentle wash of their dresses.

I also noticed this old glue residue visible after her hair pulled away.

I gently touched it up with a damp cloth and it all came away.

Here is the red haired baby!

I saved the hankie and made it into a tie apron.

Die-hard collectors feel only original will do.

I disagree!

I think these little personal touches ADD to a doll's value,

because it shows someone loved them.

I also used the remaining hankie piece and made a little cap.

This vintage hankie was beginning to fray, 

and I wanted to save it! 

Here is the brunette baby. I gently brushed 

her felt bonnet to remove any dust.

The tiny old flowers are showing their age, 

but there is not much you can do with them..

I will carefully save this bonnet just as it is.

I also gave her a piece of my Grandma's wedding lace

for a sash.  Since her bonnet is so fragile I made her a hair band as well.

And here is the whole family!
Shirley loves her new dolls and cradle.

Oh and here's a treat....

Shirley Temple Black's personal doll collection.