Finally....a giveaway for 100+ followers!

Hi Everyone~

I promised a giveaway when I reached 100 followers and then I took some time off and went to visit our Grandson Charlie and our son Eric and daughter-in-law, Jane. We had a super fun time and I have some really funny pictures to share with you a little later but I can't make you wait any longer for this giveaway!!!

I am at 103 followers so this giveaway is in honor of those who have been following me for a while and new followers, too. Just leave a comment telling me that you already follow or you've just signed up and that makes you eligible. What will you win? Well, so far I have 2 prizes but I'm sure I'll add some surprises to the pot. For now, let's start with one of my favorite books...

I've written before about my love for paper dolls when I was young. I could spend hours and hours carefully cutting out all of the dresses and accessories, being extra careful around the tabs used to hold the clothes on to the paper doll's body. Some times I traced around the dolls and made my own clothes for them. In the 50's and early 60's paper dolls sets were abundant. Movie stars, royalty figures, babies, brides...so many kinds to choose. My favorite, all-time paper doll, was Katy Keene, who started out in comic book form. Katy had a 10 inch waist and 10 inch high heel shoes and long hair and eyelashes...I thought she was beautiful!

This book called Artful Paper Dolls by Terry Taylor is a great reference book for some of the history of paper dolls and also a guidebook to making modern paper dolls for art projects.

There are even templates in the book for making your own paper dolls.

Did I ever tell you that when I was born (in 1949-yikes!), my delightfully imaginative older sister actually named me for her favorite paper doll? She had a set of "teenage" paper dolls with boys and girls and "Joyce" was her favorite because she had the most clothes. (I've tried to explain to David that this was like receiving an ancient curse and that is why I like shopping but he didn't buy that at all!) I have looked on Ebay many times for sets like my sister had and I've seen them priced out of my range. Mary Lou (House of Whimsey) directed me to the Vintage Paper Doll website which is very interesting. The paper doll sets found there are reproduction but I may have to go that direction if I can't find them any other way.

So, Terry Taylor's book is one of the prizes and another prize will be this clever spoon handle bracelet...

I found this at an antique/flea market. If you bought a bracelet the seller gave you your choice of charms. I thought the scissors were real cute. The clasp is magnetic which makes putting it on by yourself a breeze.

Two prizes (so far) to show my appreciation for your visits and the comments you leave. I have said many times that I've come in contact and developed great friendships with some wonderful women through blogging. Woman in different parts of the country and out of the country, young women, women my age and older...I love you all. You have brightened my days and given me wonderful support. I am so happy to have this opportunity to say thank you for always making me feel welcomed into your lives. Id love to give you all a hug but that isn't possible so I hope you will enjoy these tokens of my affection.

So...go right ahead and sign up to win, and check back often as I will add some other items as well.

Remember to let me know if you are already a follower or you've just signed up to follow.

I will announce the winner on Friday, June 11 around 9 PM EST

If you're a paper doll lover too, tell me your favorites.

xoxo

Joyce