Saturday, January 21, 2012

Happy Tot Composition doll

Happy 2012 Everyone!
I thought I would start out the new year on my blog showing some "New" transformations on some dolls I have been restoring. I have been working on many new projects which I will be showing this year both with dolls and other items. 

I thought I would start off with this little Happy Tot doll that I purchased a couple of years ago.
She was a terrible mess. Someone had tried to restore her and oh how sad she looked with her terrible paint job. I knew this doll would be adorable once she had a little spiffing up.
 Happy Tot was made by American Character Doll Co. from New York city in the 1920's.
She has a composition head/breastplate, arms and legs. Her body is cloth and her eyes tin.
As you can see from the photos she was in desperate need for a transformation. Cracked, lifted paint along with discoloration, holes and dirt.


One thing wonderful about her was that she came with her original tagged dress and slip. After a little mending and cleaning it looks much better.

  Here she is after getting a total repaint and clean new clothes. I later changed her bonnet with one that looked much better but at the time I just wanted to see how she looked with a cute little pink bonnet on.
Happy Tot and her friend!
Here she is with her new bonnet. I made the little rosettes and added new silk ribbon  for the ties.
Don't you think she looks "Much Happier Now"? 
I adore this little doll...she has always been one of my favorites from that time period. These dolls typcially held little rubber tipped bottles but I don't have one at the moment so she holds a tiny little bouquet of sweet flowers for a sweet little girl!   ;-)

8 comments:

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Marcie
You are a master at restoring these little treasures... Beautiful work! It is so good to see you back using your creative hands..
Happy New Year my friend.. I am so happy I was able to access your blog.. I am having so much trouble with so many blogs. I get a white screen when I try to visit.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend
Blessings,
Penny

Marcie Hart - A Work Of Hart said...

Thank you so much Penny! I know what you mean...I have trouble with some of them too. Can't figure out what is going on. Thanks for popping in! ;-)

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh you sweet thing you! Thank you for coming over and your sweet words...
Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Sending a big hug your way
Penny

Unknown said...

Oh Marcie! You are so talented!! I wish I had the talent to restore these beautiful old dolls.
You do am amazing job... I love how you have restored her.
Do people come to you to restore their dolls?
Keep them coming...I want to see...
Have a wonderful weekend...
Dessa Rae

Marcie Hart - A Work Of Hart said...

Hi Dessa! Thank you for popping in and your thoughtful comments. ;-)
I do have people ask me to restore their dolls but at this point I just do it for my own enjoyment. Great to hear from you! ;-)

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Marcie
How very kind of you to wander over.. When my son sent the photos of the beach I just had to share them.. Nothing as relaxing as looking and listening to the ocean. I am so glad you enjoyed.
Have a great week
Blessings, Penny

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Good morning Marcie
So happy you enjoyed Granpa rabbit.. Thank you for your encouraging words..
Years ago I made a family of these guys, thought I would give it another round..
Have a beautiful week. Can't wait to see more of your beautiful work.. You bring these treasured old dolls back to life Marcie... It must be an enormous amount of work.
Have a beautiful week
fondly,
Penny
Blessings,
Penny

Unknown said...

I have my mother's Happy Tot Doll. Her condition is similar to your "before" photo. It is nice to know that they can be restored. Perhaps I will try someday.