Nice Enough To Hang On the Wall

Bounce TV is a new-to-me African American-owned station currently broadcast in 68% of local US markets.  It has been available in my area for quite some time; however, my main TVs are connected to cable.  The cable provider excludes many local stations, Bounce TV included.  I have been able to watch Bounce TV on an infrequent basis in my doll room on a non-cable-connected TV, but I rarely turn that TV on.

In order to watch Bounce TV on my high-definition television and the other local stations that I could not receive through the cable box connected to that TV,  I used a two-way splitter to connect a VHF/UHF antenna to my HDTV.  With the local stations programmed in, I gained access to 50 extra channels.  I can now "Bounce" and enjoy classic movies and shows geared toward the AA community. 


I recently watched a 1980s Soul Train program on Bounce that featured the Brothers Johnson.  After their performance of "Stomp!" (not to be confused with Kirk Franklin's gospel song), the main group members (George and Lewis Johnson) presented Don Cornelius with a platinum record plaque.  Cornelius commented, "Once in a while someone gives you something nice enough to hang on the wall."

While not platinum records, but worth as much to me as thoughtful gestures, I have received several extremely nice doll-related gifts that were designed to hang on the wall.  Some of these are shared below:

One of my initial doll-related gifts, a throw or blanket, was received in 2003 from the WeLoveBlackDolls group as part of a congratulatory gift package after my first book was published.  Made from a picture of a group of my dolls, it can be used as wall hanging.

The throw measures 45 x 63 inches and features Magic Attic Keisha, My Twinn "Danika", and Robert Tonner's Penney.

In 2004 or thereabouts, I received a framed canvas of the cover image of my first book.  A gift from doll-friend Vicky Williams, it hangs in my doll room/office.

Framed canvas of book cover image

Meeting master carver, Floyd Bell at the 56th United Federation of Doll Clubs Convention held in Dallas, Texas in 2006, led to a collector-artist friendship.  Bell and I have collaborated on articles for Doll Reader and Dolls magazines.  In late 2007/early 2008, he surprised me with a beautiful Music Dolls on Canvas framed portrait of his 6-inch carved "Music Dolls."  The dolls commemorate the 2007 UFDC 58th Convention theme, Music! Music! Music!

Music Dolls on Canvas by Floyd Bell #4/500 features his music doll grouping of 6-inch carved dolls.  This portrait also hangs in my doll room/office.

In late February/early March 2011, I received a painting, ready for framing, from renowned doll artist, Goldie Wilson.

Girl with Blue Bow was shared in a March 3, 2011 blog entry.  It sits on a shelf in my doll room/office

I bartered for and purchased for myself the following two doll-themed items suitable for hanging.

This doll tapestry contains a scene of three porcelain dolls having a tea party.  It was purchased for me from Cracker Barrel, ca. 2002 by another collector in exchange for a Mattel Classics doll (AA Chatty Cathy, I believe) that I was able to locate and send to the collector, who was eager to complete her series of these dolls.  I use the tapestry it to cover a green, vintage storage trunk that sits at the foot of a bed. 

Six rag dolls and six stuffed fabric hearts are attached to this doll wall hanging by Delton Products Corporation.  Not shown in the image are the cloth loops at the top which accommodate a wooden dowel used for hanging it.

I have other doll-themed wall hangings that I purchased for myself, but the purpose of this post was to share those I received as gifts.  I included the last two because of their uniqueness and readily available photos.

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Célébrations en Couleurs Exhibit, Images From

Doll-friend, Ruth M. attended the UFDC Convention in Anaheim, California during the week of July 25, 2011.  I blogged about this year's convention, specifically its Célébrations en Couleurs Exhibit (CECE) on June 3, 2011.

Ruth shared five separate image installments of different aspects of the convention.  I thoroughly enjoyed the images taken of the CECE. 

About the CECE, Ruth wrote:

Seeing the exhibit was the highlight for me. It's the only part of the convention that I went back to see many times. Floyd [Bell] gave a group of us a tour of everything in the exhibit and he talked about how he started with Africa, how he happened to make each doll, etc.

I was given permission to share this link to Ruth's images.  (Click the "View Album" link and enjoy!)

Thanks again, Ruth, for sharing the images with me and for allowing me to share.

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Célébrations en Couleurs Exhibit - UFDC Convention July 2011

The United Federation of Doll Clubs will hold their 62nd national convention in Anaheim, California beginning July 25, 2011 through July 29, 2011.  The theme is Les Célébrations des Poupees. For those UFDC members who enjoy all types of dolls, their history, a multitude of workshops, doll buying (in convention sales rooms) and all things doll-related, the UFDC Convention should prove to be an enjoyable experience -- a true celebration of dolls!  Convention registration is restricted to UFDC members, family members and guests 18 years of age or older. 

As a several-year member-at-large of UFDC, I have attended one national convention, their 57th, which was held in my hometown in 2006.  I wanted to experience a doll convention of this magnitude where usually over 1000 doll enthusiasts (collectors and artists) are in attendance.  I commuted to downtown Dallas during three days of the week-long event.  It was an enjoyable experience, but there were not very many dolls that mirror those in my collection.  The highlight of my experience, however, was meeting the man behind his wooden dolls:  master doll artist/carver, Floyd Bell.  Floyd and I have maintained contact and collaborated on doll articles and held frequent written doll discussions since our memorable meeting in Dallas, Texas. 

Garrett and Bell at the 57th UFDC Convention, Dallas, Texas (2006)

While convention registration is restricted to UFDC members, family, and guests 18years of age or older, the convention is open to the public on Thursday, July 28, 2011, when non-UFDC members can enjoy the exhibit and sales rooms for a nominal entrance fee. If you are able to attend this year's UFDC Convention in Anaheim, California, stop by and say hello to Floyd for me.  Unlike the convention I attended in 2006, this year there will be a presence of Black dolls. 

Bell and his doll club, Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers, a Southern California organization, will sponsor UFDC's Modern Dolls of Color event (Célébrations en Couleurs) that I am sure will be spectacular!  The event is described by UFDC as follows:

'Celebrating the artists and artistry of modern dolls of color‛

Artistry, elegance, beauty, and dignity of purpose- this marvelous exhibit is a small slice of the world of dolls of color. A feast for the eye awaits visitors to this exhibit which celebrates the artistry of modern dolls of color as well as the artists who create them displayed in scenes celebrating both the special and every day moments in life. The exhibit is sponsored by Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers of Southern California. It includes the work of local, national, and international doll artists.

Stephanie Moore, the current president of the multicultural Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers added:

Célébrations en Couleurs is our chance to share the world of dolls of color from our perspective, with UFDC, (a respected and prominent organization with a long arm).  Since I have been in [Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers], I have been lamenting the preponderance of Gollywogs, Beloved Belindies, Mammies and other stereotypical-type dolls of color that I have seen at UFDC functions. Though loved by many even in our own community, and clearly worth much historically, I have long thought that it was time to bring a new perspective to the table and who better to do this than a primarily (at this time) club of color? We have so many wonderful modern artists who have not been as recognized and should be so I thought it was time we recognized them.

Célébrations en Couleurs is one of 6 special exhibits this year at the convention. The exhibit is curated by Mary Kimbrough. It is very encouraging that UFDC is beginning to incorporate Black-doll exhibits organized by those closely connected to the dolls we love.  I hope to see more of this at future conventions.

To view this year's tentative schedule of events, click here. To learn more about the UFDC organization, click here.

Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers' website can be accessed here.

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Unique Black Doll Stationery

Image used for stationery items

I often hand write personal notes, notes of thanks, and replies to people who have written me. Corresponding with others via email is okay; but mailed, handwritten notes go a step further when writing replies or expressing my sincere gratitude.  When writing these notes to fellow doll enthusiasts, I enjoy using stationery that contains images of dolls from my collection.   Doll lovers appreciate anything doll related. 

In May 2009, I gathered a few dolls that possess a unique characteristic and photographed them as a group. I uploaded the image to Vistaprint.com* where I ordered note cards and envelopes, note pads, and self-adhesive return address labels.   The image used (shown above) covers the front of the note card; the back is blank with the exception of the statement/question at the very bottom:  Black dolls are my passion ... what's yours?  A smaller version of the image appears in the top center of the note pad, and a thumbnail version is used on the return address labels.

Front of doll note card printed on linen-looking card stock paper by Vistaprint.com

My previous blog regarding dolls made in America reminded me of my doll stationery. Other than being Black, each doll used for the stationery image shares the unique characteristic that it was made by an American doll artist (or company) of African descent. The dolls and their artists/company are as follows:

(Back Row, L-R)

Kemi is a one-of-a-kind dark leather doll by Lorna Paris that I first saw on exhibit during the 2005 International Black Doll Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After suffering deep regret for not buying the doll at the convention, I contacted Lorna by phone and purchased Kemi a few weeks later.

Lou Ellen is a one-of-a-kind cloth doll with hand-painted features crafted by independent doll artist, Gloria Young. Lou Ellen is part of the Lil’ Color’d Girls series and holds a basket of black berries. The doll’s creation was inspired by the phrase, “The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice.” After Gloria made the doll, she shared pictures with me and shared the doll's story.  This was an immediate purchase.

Kayin is a one-of-a-kind porcelain trunk doll by Goldie Wilson. I chose the Yoruba name Kayin, which means a child who has been desired for a long time. Kayin has a handmade trunk and several outfits made by Goldie. The tricycle with basket and wooden bear seen in the picture belong to Kayin.

(Front Row, L-R)

Kayla is a limited-edition resin doll by Lorna Miller-Sands, who is well-known for her life-like babies.

Walnut Baby is a one-of-a-kind, spring-jointed doll carved from walnut wood by master carver, Floyd Bell.

Baby Nancy by Shindana Toys, Inc., is the first doll manufactured by the company known for being the first American company to mass-produce ethnically correct Black dolls. Baby Nancy’s head is marked: Div. of/Operation Bootstrap, Inc. USA/©1968 Shindana. The Shindana Toys, Inc. division of Operation Bootstrap, a Black-owned and operated business, made Black dolls designed by Black people from 1968 until the company ceased operation in the early 1980s.

After two years, its time to reorder, or choose another group of dolls to replenish my supply of unique Black doll stationery.
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*Vistaprint.com is an Ebates.com affiliate.  Linking to their website from Ebates.com prior to making a purchase will generate 5% cash back, if you are a registered Ebates user.   

Sew Inspired

Wood Resin Music Doll by Floyd Bell

An article I wrote on master doll artist-carver, Floyd Bell is in the April 2011 issue of DollReader Magazine on pages 32 - 35.  I just viewed the digital edition.  They did a fabulous job with the layout. 

To view the article, click here.


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AA History Museum Exhibit Ends Soon!

Floyd Bell with a Tuskegee Airmen fighter plane at museum exhibit

I received the following information and images from noted, master wood carver/doll artist, Floyd Bell regarding the African American History Museum Exhibit at the Pilgrim School in Los Angeles, California.  Dolls carved by Bell and his model plane are featured. 

If you are in the LA, California area, this might interest you.

Hoping to see you at the museum! Extended for 1 more day! Tuesday, February 22nd from 9:00 - 3:00 by appointment only for PRESS and classrooms to visit a 2nd time!

Contact Lisha Rigney, Museum Coordinator to schedule a Tuesday visit: 323-428-1423


Initial Press Release
Pilgrim School

February 16, 2011 [Extended as indicated above until Tuesday, February 22, 2011]
Pilgrim School's 3rd Annual
African American History Museum

Visit with your family!

Friday, February 17th, 2011

Between the hours of

3:30PM - 6:30PM

This exhibit is not to be missed!

What people are saying about Pilgrim's African American History Museum...

"This is giving CAAM (California African American Museum) a run for its money and CAAM is losing!"

"This needs to be up all year long and invite other schools to visit."

"There's so much information that I did not know."

"Wow."

Come see 40+ exhibits sharing the African American experience created by students, teachers and parents. Some of the exhibits include a wall exhibit of The Underground Railroad, the Negro Baseball Leagues, an African American Doll Collection sponsored by Mary Kimbrough of Zambezi Bazaar in Leimert Park, the work of Master Doll Maker, Mr. Floyd Bell, unveiling his recently completed replica of a P51 Mustang model airplane, a Tuskegee Airmen fighter plane with a 5 foot wing span and art projects created by each classroom! This exhibit follows the African American experience from Egyptian Kings and Queens to present day events!

Museum Contact: Lisha Rigney, 323-428-1423, lisha@badamitv.com

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I wish I could be there!


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DOLLS' Offerings in Paper and Wood

The February 2010 issue of DOLLS magazine features "Felicia's Fabulous Friday," a printable paper doll  by paper doll artist, Diana E. Vining. Felicia has one outfit in the publication, but extra downloadable outfits are available at the DOLLS website.

Also featured in the same issue of DOLLS magazine, is an article I co-authored with renowned, master doll artist, Floyd Bell. Bell discusses his "Fabulous Entertainers" captured in wood. (At left is his Las Vegas Showgirl doll.)

DOLLS magazine is presented in the traditional hard copy format as well as a digital version via subscription. Individual copies can also be purchased at major book stores.

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