700TH POST! - THEN AND NOW

700TH POST! - THEN AND NOW.

It is amazing to realize that we have reached 700 posts on this blog! What better subject that this set from 1976 featuring representations of fashion styles from the 1890's, 1920's, 1940's and 1970's.

I began this blog because of my interest in paper dolls for costume research and because I am partially disabled which leaves me plenty of time on the computer to pursue that interest among others.

 I have also written five books on puppetry, my other interest. If you are interested in that or know someone who is then follow these links:

puppetsandmarionettes.blogspot.com

funwithfabricmarionettes.blogspot.com

funwithfabrichandpuppets.blogspot.com

makeyourownfairytalemarionettes.blogspot.com

and

Funwithfabricglovepuppets.blogspot.com

 

NATIONAL TRUST DOLLS

NATIONAL TRUST DOLLS.

One of the reasons that I began collecting paper dolls some years ago was my study of fashions from different periods of time, a useful tool to have as a theater designer. This set was issued by the Killerton House Collection in Devon, U.K. and features drawings of actual clothing from the extensive archive of fashion located there.

 Often when replicating period clothes for stage productions it is more important to get the silhouette correct rather than focusing on specific details of actual outfits. Studying paper dolls helps the designer achieve that overall look. 

We'll take a different view of fashion tomorrow.

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween Background Left Side.

Happy Halloween Background Right Side.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I am an old man now so Halloween means something different to me than it does to the majority of families and young kids today. There were no killer clowns or zombies back then, just fun costumes and a community spirit that is sadly lacking now. But every year for some time now one young family comes to my door on Halloween night, not just the kids but the whole family, and they bring back that same long ago feeling for me as I oh and ah over the little costumes and hand out the candy the way my parents used to do. During that all too brief exchange Halloween lives again in my heart. I hope I see them again this year and I hope that all of you experience a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

TRICK OR TREAT

TRICK OR TREAT.

This young lady has a wide array of colorful costume choices for Trick or Treating this Halloween. Which one will she pick? 

She has to hurry and decide because Halloween is tomorrow night!

 

HALLOWEEN MASKS

HALLOWEEN MASKS.

Need last minute costume ideas? Why not start with one of these fun and spooky masks.

 Just print onto card stock or glue to poster board and cut them out. Attach elastic cord and they are ready to wear. 

To make the full face masks fit better cut around the outline of the nose leaving the bridge of the nose attached. Boooooooo!

 

JOAN WALSH ANGLUND HALLOWEEN PARTY

Anglund Halloween Background Left Side

Anglund Halloween Background Center

Anglund Halloween Background Right Side

JOAN WALSH ANGLUND HALLOWEEN PARTY.

If you are a fan of vintage Joan Walsh Anglund drawings as I am then you will enjoy this little party of Halloween costumed characters. Along with the tri-fold background they make a nice holiday decoration for the mantlepiece or table for your own Halloween party.