Tuesday, July 01, 2008






The Dollie Follies of 1920!
For the past year I have been watching the popularity of dolls: China Head, Charlotte, Carnival, Kewpie and Blythe really soar. In my move this past fall, I boxed up so many of my studio items, including many of my china heads, kewpies and Blythe dolls, which I'm still unpacking. In those boxes you will also find The Glamour Dolls, Charlies Angels, Darcy Dolls, Spectra, Barbie, Jem, Shirley Temple, Princess Diana, Rainbow Bright, Rose Petal Place, Sea Wees, Holly Hobbie, Revelon Dolls, and more, all resting until I find them.
In my search to add to my collection of dolls I came across an auction on Ebay that was incredible, four carnival dolls from the 1920s era, complete with flapper curled haircuts, feathers and frou frou, I knew I had to have them. So I waited and waited, them the email came, you have won this auction, my day was made, they would become mine.
Then within a week, the package came and I carefully uncovered each doll, like opening up a treasure chest of surprises. From this purchase I have become overly inspired and have decided to use them as my muses for The Dollie Follies of 1920 and as the basis of my next book.

The Dollie Follies is a show similar to the Ziegfeld Follies, filled with fairytale story lines and enchantment, the lead follie star is: Sadie Marmalaide whose been in The Dollie Follies since she was 10 years old, ususally playing the role of a cupid or little pixie. Today Sadie chooses her roles and usually plays the Queen of the Fairies or Alice in Wonderland. Her lead credits include:
1. Titiana, A Midsummer Nights Dream 1920
2. Glinda, Wizard of Oz 1920
3. Alice, Alice in Wonderland 1921
4. Alice, Alice and the Flamingo Parade 1921
5. Venus, The Sea Goddess 1921
6. Alice, The Made Tea Party 1922
7. Morgana, The Wizard's Spell 1922

Other famous Dollie Follies include:
Maude Moorehead (Lady Maverly in Damsel's Distress), Charlotte Witherspoon (Gertie in Pearl's Secret Garden) and June Soursnaps (Madame Pomfrey in Paris Nights)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

So cute just wanna pinch their cheeks! These look familiar to me ..nice find!
The stamp place is called Stamp Act in Marshfield Mass...you should teach there!

Lisa Kettell said...

We should do a teaching duet out there! LOL! we'd have a blast.
I'll email you the dates I will be out there! Hopefully we can meet up!
Hugs!
Lisa!

Lola Enchanted said...

Sounds absolutely magical!~
They are so cute! I love when someone finds something so awesome on Ebay.. I never do!!!!!!!

Lisa Kettell said...

I usually find great bargins on the weekend! And when I win them, even better! This purchase made my week!
Hugs!
Lisa!

Unknown said...

Lisa, these cupie dolls are the cutest. When I was a little girl and we went to the amusement parks, like Coney Island they used to have these on sticks for you to carry around. Aren't they wonderful? By the way I was unable to leave a comment on your Mad Hatter Tea Party, but yours looks so gorgeous...I love how you can turn a photo into something magical as you enhance it.

Karen

Sherry said...

I love the crown Lisa!! It is really very pretty!! I completely redid what I made for you and it will be in the mail Friday for sure!!! Thanks so much!!

Sherry

bluemuf said...

Oh My!!! those dolls are so sweet. I can't wait to see what you do with them.

Karen

pamelahuntington said...

HI Lisa..
I am posting a little surprise for
you on my blog...
xox
pamela

Lisa Kettell said...

I picked up my wonderful surprise, thanks so much Miss Pamela!
Hugs!
Lisa!

Jeanne said...

Wow, I found magic this morning, Your dolls are magical. I can see why your awards are many. You have enchanting posts.

Jeanne

Lisa Kettell said...

Thank You so much! So glad you like them!
Have a very magic filled day!
Lisa!