I have loved dolls, history, and the Victorian Era since I was little and can credit my grandmother for that. As a young girl she gave me a Godey’s Fashion print for August 1870 from my great, great Aunt Flossie. I was captivated by the dresses and became hooked. I just love to research everything and anything about the Victorian Era. I also love to design Victorian dolls. I hope you enjoy my Victorian Dolls, Victorian Traditions,The Victorian Era, and Me blog.

Monday, December 7, 2009

My Victorian Houses - I Had To Keep Them!



During the last few months I have been happily creating some of the items from punch-needle, cross-stitch, and needle felting kits I had purchased during the spring. All of the kits were purchased with the thought of giving the finished projects as Christmas gifts this year or next.

Of course, like everything I create I tend to fall in love with the finished products. Some more so than others. Some so much so that I selfishly decide to keep them for myself and my home decor.

Well, I have to tell you that I absolutely fell in love with my Victorian cross-stitch village. Now I know that wasn't the intent, but I couldn't help myself with my Victorian houses. If it's Victorian it's right up my alley. Ya think!!!! LOL LOL

My Victorian house village was created based upon a Dimensions cross-stitch Gold Collection kit called "Christmas Village Ornaments." It was supposed to be a series of Victorian house ornaments with a cross-stitch front and felt cloth back outlined with a braided gold band.

However, I didn't make my Victorian village as cloth ornaments. Instead, I enlisted the help of my younger brother to create wood shadowboxes that I painted with a blue/white/green sponge affect.

My Victorian village includes the following:

Sunday, October 4, 2009

I Just Love These Victorian Graphics



I am definitely a lover of all things Victorian, including graphics. Here's a few of my favorites from Karen Watson's The Graphics Fairy:




I have Karen's website bookmarked as I just love her graphics and love including them in some of my blog posts.


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!


Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

I'd love to incorporate some of her graphics into a product. My problem is that I love them all which means it would be difficult, if not impossible, for me to choose which one. Maybe someday I'll have some time to create some. In the meantime, I'll continue to love her blog posts.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Victorian Graphics My Sister-In-Law Would Love


I just love Victorian dolls and also happen to love Victorian graphics. One of my favorite graphics websites to visit is The Graphics Fairy by Karen Watson. She posts the most beautiful and adorable Victorian graphics you'd ever want to see. I just LOVE visiting her blog so I thought I'd show you a few of the Victorian graphics on her website that my sister-in-law would just LOVE.


You see, my sister-in-law is a dog lover and a bird lover. In fact, she's an animal lover. But, she's also a Victorian doll lover and has quite a few (make that many) of my handmade Victorian dolls. They're all showcased in a curio that my brother made for her and all along the headboard of their bed which my brother also made.


I know she'd love all the graphics in this post and hope she enjoys seeing them


Here's Karen's terms of use:

I have to confess I have a paper addiction! I've decided to share many pieces from my huge collection of vintage and antique paper items here on my site. Selections will include old wallpaper, early photos, advertising pieces, Victoriana scraps, and other assorted ephemera. These images are suitable to use in your collages, for scrapbooking, or as clip art for web design etc and they are free!

The Graphics Fairy is an angel company. Which means you can use these images to make a product that you intend to sell. There are a few rules though so please read below:

1. The graphics are free however you may not use more than 4 of the clip art images in any single product.
2. In order to use these lovely visuals you will need to save them to your computer. In order to do this first- click on the item that you would like (this will open a window with a much larger image) second - right click the larger image and select "save as" in the pop up box, and then click the save button in the lower right hand corner of the box.
3. Do not link directly to the images.
4. If you use these on your blog, website etc. Please include a link back to this site.
5. Have fun!


Please respect Karen's TERMS OF USE: - The Graphics Fairy is an Angel Company. You are free to use all clip art and photos, with the exception of the banner, in any of your projects created for resale or pleasure. Please do not use more than 4 of the graphic images within any one project, or single blog/website page. A link to the Graphics Fairy is very much appreciated, when including clipart on your blog or website. Thank you!

Copyright © 2007 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Karen Watson. Karen is the owner of The Graphics Fairy/ and Fleurish a brick and mortar store located in Leesburg, Virginia that specializes in well priced vintage furniture, stylish lamps, Italian paper products, and French glassware.

Graphics courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy

Monday, September 7, 2009

How Can You Not Love This Trio Of Flappers!


The music started playing right away and before I knew it there was a trio of flappers just dancing away. They were doing the Charleston. All heel kicking, stepping, and twirling - all in unison. They were having a carefree old time and didn't look like they were going to stop anytime soon. So, I let them dance - and dance all night they did.

They say that the roaring 20's were a time of zaniness and craziness and our trio "Roxy" flapper ladies were among the zaniest and craziest.

As cousins go Roxy Ash Blonde, Roxy Black, and Roxy White were very much alike. They were only a year apart in age and were all raised together. So, their likes and dislikes were pretty much the same. They loved to dress alike, have similar hair styles albeit of different colors, and do the same things. But when it came to dancing - well that's where they differed a little.

Roxy Ash Blonde loved to do everything with her cousins, Roxy Black and Roxy White, but despite her best efforts was never able to master the "Charleston." She just could not get her feet to move with the same rhythm as her arms. Her time was always off. So, no matter how hard she tried it was beyond her athletic abilities. So, she'd spend her time watching her cousins dance the night away.

Unlike her cousin, Roxy Ash Blonde, who despite her best efforts was never able to master the "Charleston" steps, Roxy Black was a master at it. She could move with a rhythm all her own and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 cousins. She knew her cousin, Roxy As Blonde, would agree with her. Now her cousin, Roxy White, well that was a different story.

Roxy White was also a master at it. She taught herself very quickly and in no time had taught her cousin, Roxy Black, too. She had a certain style and flair to her "Charleston" and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 cousins. However, her cousin, Roxy Black, didn't agree and was always trying to compete with her.

Despite their competing ways the cousins always traveled together and always enjoyed themselves where ever they went. They were just a trio of happy flappers.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Four Flossie's In A Row - How Lovely!



I just love this picture of the four Flossie Victorian Ladies I created .  They really are a lovely group to look at.  I am partial to the "gray-haired" doll - wonder why that is?. Just don't tell the other dolls.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals


Thursday, March 19, 2009

This Stunning Beauty Is Kimberly Anne! - Victorian Lady Doll




“Kimberly Anne” is a 13” Doll Victorian faceless lady doll who is wearing an  1876 Promenade Costume.

Kimberly Anne is a beautiful Victorian lady from a long line of beautiful ancestors. Her great grandmother was a stunning and beautiful woman as was her grandmother and her mother. However, despite their beauty her mother and grandmother always believed that inner beauty was more important than outside beauty and tried to instill this quality in Kimberly Anne.

"Kimberly Anne" is a 13" free-standing Victorian doll all ready to show off her fancy new outfit. She is wearing her favorite 1876 Promenade Costume. She has a fancy multiple layered lace & ribbon trimmed satin dress with lace trimmed & gathered sleeves, fancy lace & ribbon trimmed overskirt decorated in the back with wired ribbon bows, and lace & ribbon trimmed waistband. Her lace & ribbon trimmed lined bonnet has silk floral accents in the back and feathers. Her lined and fringed shawl is wrapped around her shoulders and arms. Her slip is lace trimmed and her long long curly blonde hair is tied in the front with ribbons. She is carrying a lined and lace & ribbon trimmed parasol accented with silk floral. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Silk ribbons adorn the dress and sleeves.

I just LOVE how she turned out.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Roxy Ash Blonde, Roxy Black, and Roxy White Just Love To Dance! - Victorian Lady Dolls


They say that the roaring 20's were a time of zaniness and craziness and our trio "Roxy" flapper ladies were among the zaniest and craziest.

As cousins go Roxy Ash Blonde, Roxy Black, and Roxy White were very much alike. They were only a year apart in age and were all raised together. So, their likes and dislikes were pretty much the same. They loved to dress alike, have similar hair styles albeit of different colors, and do the same things. But when it came to dancing - well that's where they differed a little.

"Roxy Ash Blonde” is a 12” Victorian faceless lady doll who is wearing a 1920 Flapper Costume.
Roxy Ash Blonde loved to do everything with her cousins, Roxy Black and Roxy White, but despite her best efforts was never able to master the "Charleston." She just could not get her feet to move with the same rhythm as her arms. Her time was always off. So, no matter how hard she tried it was beyond her athletic abilities. So, she'd spend her time watching her cousins dance the night away.

"Roxy Ash Blonde" is a 12" free-standing Victorian doll who can hardly wait to go to the club and is wearing her favorite flapper dress. She has a fancy lace trimmed and ribbed dress with long lace trimmed sleeves and embroidered floral accents, lace overskirt with ribbon sash tied in a bow, lace shawl, boa, head band, lace trimmed slip, pearl necklaces, and long curly blonde hair. Floral accents adorn the ribbed bodice of the dress. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace.

"Roxy Black”  is a 12” Victorian faceless lady doll who is wearing a 1920 Flapper Costume.

Unlike her cousin, Roxy Ash Blonde, who despite her best efforts was never able to master the "Charleston", Roxy Black was a master at it. She could move with a rhythm all her own and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 cousins. She knew her cousin, Roxy As Blonde, would agree with her. Now her cousin, Roxy White, well that was a different story.

"Roxy Black" is a 12" free-standing Victorian doll who can hardly wait for to go to the club and is wearing her favorite flapper dress. She has a fancy lace trimmed and ribbed dress with long lace trimmed sleeves and lace collar, lace overskirt with ribbon sash tied in a bow and decorated with a crocheted bow, lace shawl, boa, head band with feathers, lace trimmed slip, pearl necklace, and long curly black hair. A gold button adorns the top of the bodice. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace.

"Roxy White”  is a 12” Victorian faceless lady doll who is wearing a 1920 Flapper Costume.

Unlike her cousin, Roxy Ash Blonde, who despite her best efforts was never able to master the "Charleston", Roxy White was a master at it. She taught herself very quickly and in no time had taught her cousin, Roxy Black, too. She had a certain style and flair to her "Charleston" and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 cousins. However, her cousin, Roxy Black, didn't agree and was always trying to compete with her.

"Roxy White " is a 12" free-standing Victorian doll who can hardly wait to go to the club and is wearing her best flapper outfit. She has a fancy lace trimmed and ribbed dress with long lace trimmed sleeves and lace collar, lace overskirt with ribbon sash tied in a bow, lace shawl, boa, head band with feathers, lace trimmed slip, pearl necklace, and long curly white hair. A silver button adorns the top of the bodice. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

How Can You Not Love A Quartet Of Flossie's? - Victorian Lady Dolls


It doesn't get much better than a quartet of "Flossie's" all modeled after their cousin "Flossie" (LW011). In fact, the Flossie quartet's idolize their cousin Flossie so much that they decided to have similar names, look similar to their cousin and wear similar outfits. But, that's where the similarities lie as they are nothing like their cousin Flossie.

Flossie May (LW011A), Flossie Anne( LW011C), Flossie Jacqueline (LW011E), and Flossie Kate (LW011E) are 4 completely different "ladies." They are all refined and well bred, but their personalities couldn't be any different.

Flossie May is a book worm and very studious. She is hoping to be the class valedictorian when she graduates from college and wants to be the first doctor in the family. So, she spends a LOT of time at the library and studying. However, that doesn't mean that she doesn't like a little fun here and there.

Flossie Anne is very quiet and shy and doesn't like a lot of attention which she tends to get because of her long curly blonde hair and facial beauty. She'd much prefer to be in the background helping wherever she can. She love organizing parties and afternoon tea's. She just doesn't like to be the center of attention.

Flossie Jacqueline is the most dignified of the Flossie's. She wants to be a refined lady of society and marry into a good family. To do so she has to be a well mannered, dignified, intelligent, and talented lady. Flossie Jacqueline thinks she is all that and more.

Flossie Kate loves adventure and wants to be out hiking, mountain climbing, playing tennis, or on some wild safari. She just loves the outdoors and hates when she has to be presentable and make an appearance at her cousin's afternoon tea's. She may look every bit the "lady" but she is an adventurer at heart.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals