Dolls at Penny's house

My friend Penny enjoys toys and dolls and bears and birds and places them in her home charmingly.  Pieces in a collection are pretty in a group so most of her dolls are gathered in a guest bedroom. But a few others are tucked here and there nicely.   Barb and I were visiting Penny last week so I took a few pictures to share with friends here.

I could stand here and look and enjoy this corner for an hour and not see it all. Bits of early textiles tucked in and used as doll clothing also add to the setting immensely.   Three little Calico books of Tasha's are on a shelf.  A tiny doll by Dixie Redmond sits in a cradle. Several Steiff animals are part of the mix, and of course some of the doll furniture was made by my husband Jack O'Neill.  The tin sconce is an early piece by Jim De Curtin. (Someone who knows please correct my spelling so I can do it right.)

A large beautiful Jenny Lind Bun China sits in the center.

Here is the award winning precious little Cinderella made by Jan Conwell.

There are friendly mice on her head scarf and shoulder as well as a wee bird on top of her broom.

Penny is an accomplished weaver. On top of her loom are sample ends of a coverlet and a blue and white blanket she has woven. Peeking out behind is a red and mustard floor cloth just completed for a friend. Barb especially enjoyed the weaving.

There are treasures to enjoy in every room, A cupboard Jack made is filled with pearlware by Penny's talented friend Denise.  The wooden candle sticks were made by Jack also.

This grouping is in a third bedroom. Penny made the bear, one of several she has tucked around.

I apologize for the glare, but wanted to show the little redware plate the doll is holding made years ago by Nancy C.

In  the living room is a ship model made by a brother in law. I hope to borrow it for a still life painting I am planning.  e

From a private collection

Thank you for sharing with us my friend.

 Colors are far from drab or dull.  The walls show off the collection. The painted furniture and portraits and textiles add even more color.

There are two parts to this post. Don't miss the other part, you may have to refresh the banner at the top of the blog to see the whole blog.  e

 

More from a great collection

Chinese Export porcelain and other early ceramics set the scene.

What great wall color!

Old Delft my husband loved

Eighty Five is a Blessing!

My birthday was a happy occasion, Beth baked two pound cakes and served cake and berries and whipped cream and tea to eleven of us.  For the sake of safety she used 5 candles instead of 85 which would have set off the smoke alarms!  I enjoyed the company of my little ones as ever. 

The two strands of turquoise I am wearing here are gifts from Linda who makes wonderful jewelry!

The next morning, my real birthday,  I had a few friends in for cake and tea at my house and we visited and had a great time. Barb Carroll told how she went to a local resale shop here last week and bought two good Jacquard coverlets, one with cows in the border!  Others of us discussed great finds but none could top that.   All in all a happy bright day, one to count my blessings.  I spent a little time starting a new painting.

My beloved minivan is getting on up there, she is 14 now.  Since the deer hit us on the side, she has had a number of issues, but looks great again. Vanessa is home now with a new radiator and her door lock redone.

Yesterday at the thrift store I bought a pretty rug to go in the back so she feels all dressed up. The back end was originally fitted with a third seat which Jack discarded in favor of more room for antiques, but we were left with the grooves for it. So a pretty rug looks good plus when I am hauling painting supplies the van herself is protected somewhat. She is silver outside and Copen blue inside. For an old girl she does very well.  I dress so much in denim and silver so we match.  She and I both know that one day our motors will stop but for now we are happy and looking toward spring. E