Unique Serving Platter

Little girls who have a fascination with dolls often grow into collectors as adults. Antique dolls are a special interest with a large following. They come from various sources but French and German dolls are particularly prized. They are made from different materials, some more durable than others.

For dolls that are damaged, all is not lost. There are doll hospitals where staff are experienced in repairing antique dolls. Collectors also like to have period clothing, wigs and accessories and these too can be restored at doll hospitals. There are many different designs to choose from and a collection could soon fill an entire room! They are a delightful addition to any home and will be appreciated by all generations. To qualify as antique, they have to be at least 100 years old. Collectible dolls are between 25 and 75 years old.

Bisque dolls are very popular. These have heads that are made from unglazed porcelain and some are pink bisque dolls with a pink colored tinge. China dolls have heads of glazed porcelain and a sheen surface. Child dolls are the name given to German made dolls with a bisque head and a dolly face, a term that denotes an open mouth and eyes that open and close. Carton Moule are French or German papier mache antique dolls that have a bisque head and a life like face. Some papier mache dolls are immersed in wax.

Rag dolls, wholly made from cloth or fabric are popular too, especially with younger children. Some dolls have flirty eyes, meaning that the eyes can move from side to side. Fortune Telling Dolls have fortunes written on bits of paper that are stitched to the doll’s skirt. Half Dolls are a head, torso and arms mounted on a pincushion base. Peddler Dolls are modeled on peddlers that sell items in the streets.

It’s just as much fun to collect clothing for the dolls. There are charming dresses, socks and pantaloons. Various hats are available, made from French silk, straw or velvet. Shoes are often made from leather and there are also felt slippers and fabric boots. Outfits can be topped off with a silk parasol with a handle made from wood, bone or ivory. The wigs for antique dolls are often made from a mohair material and the doll can have her own comb and hairbrush set. The world of doll collecting extends to accessories, such as porcelain dishes, pitchers and bowls and picnic baskets.

A family heirloom typically means more than just having something that has been passed from one generation to the next. It’s a symbol of a family and if you are fortunate enough to have an heirloom, you are likely to treasure it and take extra good care of it. Homemade bedding is often given as gifts for weddings or after the birth of a baby. Whether it’s a handmade quilt or a crochet bed skirt, it’s an item you both want to display and keep in good condition. Knowing how to care for such special things can keep them looking perfect, longer.

The biggest thing to remember when it comes to washing handmade items is not to put them in a washing machine. The washing machine is designed to give the clothes a real thorough washing and as such, it twists, turns and bends them every which way. When it comes to washing a crochet bed skirt or a crochet bedspread, taking them to a trusted and experienced dry-cleaner is a must.

If you haven’t been given any of these types of items by a family member, but you love the look and feel of a crochet bed skirt or bedspread, consider purchasing an antique. Many cities have an antique store with a selection of handmade heirlooms including bedding items. Check the condition carefully before you purchase it as you don’t want it to fall apart when you are putting it on the bed.

You can also look online at any one of the trusted auction sites to see what types of items they may have available. Quite often when a mature member of a family dies, some of their belongings are sold at auction. Doing this online is very convenient for those in charge of the sale, so don’t discount this as a great resource when it comes to locating, beautiful handmade bedding. Do a quick search for a crochet bed skirt and you are bound to find some real treasures.

Why not start your own tradition and take on the task of making something like this yourself? Consider that all the items that were passed down to you had to have been made by one of your ancestors. If you are crafty and already know how to crochet you can certainly make a bed skirt or a crochet bedspread that you can use and that can be left to your children. Knowing that it will someday be enjoyed by your grandchildren and great-grandchildren makes every moment spent making it so very memorable. Crafting a future heirloom is a wonderful gift you can give your future family.