Katy Keene had a relatively long run in comics, 1949 to 1961, produced by her creator, Bill Woggon. She was revived by others in 1983 and was published until 1990 by the same folks at Archie. On the other hand, Kitty, drawn by a favorite of mine, Lily Renée, was a one-shot from 1948. Paper dolls were popular, and I've seen comic books where someone cut them out, thereby damaging the book beyond repair. But I think to do it they'd need sharp eyes and a sharper pair of scissors to follow the outlines of the tiny images published in comic books. If you want to use my scans to print your own go ahead. Kitty was drawn in 1948 by Lily Renée for St. John with a cleaner, less complicated style than that required by Fiction House, where she drew Werewolf Hunter, Señorita Rio* and the Lost World features. I'd think Kitty would be a natural character for Renée, who wasn't far out of her teens (born 1925). Although born in Austria and a war refugee who became an emigrant to the U.S., she captured the American bobby soxer very well. She claimed she dressed Rio in clothes she wanted to wear, so a paper doll fashion comic book seems a natural. In 1953 St. John changed Kitty's name to Lucy, and reprinted the story (whiting out Renée's signature) in Lucy the Real Gone Gal #1. Bill Woggon got a lot of mileage out of simple storylines about supermodel Katy, her tomboy little sister and several boyfriends. He also helped future fashion designers by providing an outlet for them. They supplied the creations, Woggon drew them up and published them in his comics. Woggon, born in 1911, died in 2003. I picked this story to show because Katy wears a leopard costume. There is just something about a girl in a cat suit... From Katy Keene #2 (1950): From Kitty #1 (only issue, 1948): *I've posted several stories by Renée, but the latest was this one where I told a little of her story: Pappy's #1175.

Arigato! Japanese vintage art - c.1918  Although I have remained silent about the terrible, tragic events of the recent past, Japan and the Japanese people have been very much in my heart and in my prayers. vintage Japanese silk label You see, I have always loved the Japanese culture, and it is one of my dreams to travel there someday. I would be so thrilled to stay a week or two (or three!) and learn Japanese painting calligraphy doll making beading and so much more! vintage clip, c. 1918 "I have always known That at last I would Take this road, but yesterday I did not know that it would be today." - Narihira, 9th century Japanese poet The following are vintage Japanese paper dolls: vintage Japanese soldier paper doll 1936 Playmate magazine Japanese paper doll vintage paper doll Marjorie May's Japanese friend Tamaki, c.1910 Here is another safety pin project for you- the flag of Japan. Refer to the directions from my previous blog! vintage song sheet cover vintage postage stamps Liana has some lovely Asian inspired paper doll costumes. Here are a few: and some modern Asian inspired dresses: check out Liana's blog - web site on the right woodcut Japanese kimonos are so beautiful. I love the textures and colors. Maiko, by Barbie 2006 Some day, I will have one of mine own! Princess of Japan, DOW series, by Barbie 2003 For now, I enjoy the 2 Barbies, above. c. 1906 Dolly Dimples in vintage Japanese costume, with doll "When I went out In the Spring meadows To gather violets, I enjoyed myself So much that I stayed all night." -Akahito, 8th century Japanese poet Battle Hymn, c.1904, written by the Emporer of Japan Japan has a long and rich history of war, and samurai - Here are some samurai warriors that you can cut out and play with - "Summer grass Where warriors dream." - Basho, Japanese poet, 1644 - 1694 vintage Japanese raw silk label, with dragon emblem by Hiroshige, from his artwork and painted panels: left side center panel right panel "In my life As in the twilight, A bell sounds. I enjoy the freshness of evening." - Issa, Japanese poet, 1763 - 1827 vintage clip  I have always wanted a Japanese parasol! For now, I am content to color them. They also make stunning painted fans, as this vintage paper doll shows: Let's not forget Current's Japanese paper doll outfit: Here are two more vintage paper doll sets for you: I trust you have enjoyed this brief overview of some of the wonderful things that Japan has given us. It's time now for us to give a little back. Please contact your local Red Cross. inkspired http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/ [email protected] http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/

victorian paperdolls

I have been thinking about spring, but it feels a long away off. Even here in Alabama where the winters are so mild compared to what I have experienced in Alask

More lace on dolls. These dolls are very large (almost 15 inches high). Copyright 1958. Polly and Molly do not actually have dolls despite the title of the set. They do have lots of accessories and folders to put the items in. Most of the clothes are labeled with a M or P for the dolls. They came with plastic round stands to stand up and ribbon to use to tie on the clothes. Also I may not post again this week. I am going out of town (to Disneyland!) and will be back later. I might even post a Disney set when I return. Description:lace on paper dolls Name: Polly and molly and Their Dolls Date: 1958 Publisher: unknown Artist:unknown Format:2 large dolls and clothing, some flocking Condition: pre cut set, no box or envolope Ratings: Out of 10 Base: 8 one doll has tape at ankles, dolls are slightly cartoon like Clothing: 8.5 good range of outfits, sturdy paper Accessories: 8.5 hats and purses go well with clothes, includes two 'pouches' for storage Cover:N/A Color: 8.5 good range of colors, has not faded much Shading/Texture: 9 flocking adds an interesting touch, patterns are also nice Overall:8.5 of 10

This was a large strip so had to scan it in two pieces, there is a little over lap of a couple of the outfits. This has the date of 10-18-1936 on the bottom. I find it interesting that a lot of th…

Here is a two page paper doll I've designed for the "Fashions Round the World" Issue of OPDAG's Paper Doll Studios magazine. Kokeshi dolls are made in Japan and are carved from wood and hand painted in various designs. This paper doll was created using Adobe Illustrator CS5. There are two dolls that can both wear the 11 outfits and 5 wigs.

This sweet little girl is from Japan and was in the Children’s Playmate Magazine dated January 1956.There is no signature as to who drew the paper dolls.

I have been thinking about spring, but it feels a long away off. Even here in Alabama where the winters are so mild compared to what I have experienced in Alask

Today, we have a pair of paper doll ballgowns which were heavily influenced by wa lolita and qi lolita dresses. I showed off the rough sketches last Monday. Wa

Are you ready for Halloween? Nope...not me! I'm STILL working on my projects...so I can't post them just yet. But just had to share this fabulous haunted house treat box I received last week from my friend Lorna. Isn't this just AMAZING?!!!! The detailing on this haunted house is absolutely crazy...each of the four sides is different, so intricate...and beautifully decorated! Lorna used a Sizzix Gingerbread House Bag die to create her haunted house...so clever! She added texture by running her cut through an embossing folder and I love how she cut the icing part in green, inking it up in black to give her house a very cool eerie-ness. Cute skeleton, ghost, tree, and tombstone were cut with her Cricut using the Paperdolls Dress Up cartridge, fence is a Martha Stewart punch, and the adorable little witches are digital clip art images from Leigh's Wishing Well. The addition of the large circle cut full moon pulls everything together to complete this totally amazing project. But wait, that's not all....  Look at the surprises I discovered inside! Yummy candy coated chocolate "pearls" in festive Halloween colors...and a witches' broom! Can't see too well from the photo, but the broom is actually a candy pop dressed in fringed tissue and twine...how cool is that! Needless to say, I was simply blown away by all of this! And get this...Lorna later told me that she made SIXTY of these! Thank you, so much Lorna! Every minute, all the thought, and love you poured into creating this incredible treat box is truly appreciated!

I made this for Alicia for her Yule present. She had mentioned once or twice (or twenty times) that she loves Gone With the Wind. Every once in a while she gets a new outfit for Chibi Scarlett, who currently resides on Alicia's filing cabinet at work as a magnetic paper doll. The pieces of hair go behind the doll's head to go with the corresponding outfit (I don't like putting hair fashions on top of the doll as in traditional paper dolls). Eventually I'll get around to drawing up Rhett, Melanie, Ashley, etc.