Ephemera:

Ephemera is a broad term used to describe items of paper that were created for use in a short time span and meant to be thrown away after one or two uses. Items generally put into the ephemera category of collecting would be sheet music, posters, stock certificates, post cards, cigarette cards, magazines, catalogs, and the like.
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Friday, March 11, 2011

Vintage Homemade Paper Dolls

I found an old hatbox among Madeline's memories.  I was even happier when I looked inside and discovered very old, handmade paper dolls.  There were clues in the box that indicated that her Grandmother Annie was the creator of these items.  Annie liked to keep scrapbooks and her attention to detail is evident in the little dresses.  I'm happy to share with you!


One of the tiny paper dolls, wearing one of Annie's outfits.



A selection of outfits.  Notice the hand pleating on some of the skirts.  (Click on pic to enlarge.)



Another paper doll, along with a teeny tiny box.



A Victorian lady and gentleman paper dolls.



Outfits for the lady doll.



Two more fancy dresses.



A gown, complete with fancy hat.

There were many more paper dresses in the box, but these were the ones in the best condition.  I am not sure at all about the age of these paper dolls.  They may have been Annie's when she was a child, or she may have made them for Madeline.  Whatever their age, they were a delightful find.