Hi Neighbors!!
I believe some of you know that I collect wooden dolls from the early 1900's. These dolls were created by the same company who made Schoenhut pianos. A company founded by Albert Schoenhut a German woodworker who moved to the states. Along with the dolls he also made circus sets and animals. The company stopped making the dolls in 1935. Since I have been collecting these dolls and some of the other figures, I found a community on Facebook, Well Loved Schoenhuts, where members not only collect these dolls, they also repair, restore and re-create them.
I presently have approximately 20 of the dolls, as well as a small circus set and a poodle. What makes these dolls unique is, not only are they made from wood, but they have spring metal joints, that allow you to pose them. They are jointed at the ankle, knee, hip, wrists, elbows and shoulders. I am amazed that so many of them are still in very good condition. They range in size from 11 inches to 22 inches. The most common is the 22 inch Miss Dolly, but there are several others both boy and girl. Many like to dress them in clothing from their time period, but it is also fun to find more modern clothing for them. I have found that many of the American Girl accessories and clothing will fit some of my Schoenhut Dolls.
I am following along in this group I am a member of to see all the different things that can be done. Several of the women are skilled at rebuilding some of the dolls and parts for them. These women use different woodworking tools, like those found at, MemorialWoodWorking.com to make new arms and legs for their dolls. I would love to become that skilled. Another woman in the group has sanded down their faces and then recreates totally new looks for the dolls. She has made two different boxers, a monkey face, adorable Raggedy Ann and Andy and many others. There are also members in the group who make and sell period clothing and one makes replica shoes.
I recently purchased a couple of older TLC dolls to try my hand at repair and restoring. I will see how it goes. I know I can sand them down, but beyond that will be an experience. I will be repainting the body and face. I may have to replace a wig or two. I have been studying some of the different books and articles available on Schoenhuts. I am both excited and hesitant to start one.
I have two large store displays that I keep my Schoenhut Dolls in. They have glass doors that lock, although I never lock them and have lights above. I have purchased many different items to create displays. I have hay bales, fences, tables and chairs, desks, and of course food and drinks. I found one woman who is great at creating homemade items. They look so realistic. She has done Starbucks, ice cream, snacks, etc.
There are just so many things you can do with these dolls. If you are interested in more information, leave a comment or message me and I can put you in contact with people who are much more knowledgeable about these dolls.
Thanks for stopping in. And come back again soon.
I believe some of you know that I collect wooden dolls from the early 1900's. These dolls were created by the same company who made Schoenhut pianos. A company founded by Albert Schoenhut a German woodworker who moved to the states. Along with the dolls he also made circus sets and animals. The company stopped making the dolls in 1935. Since I have been collecting these dolls and some of the other figures, I found a community on Facebook, Well Loved Schoenhuts, where members not only collect these dolls, they also repair, restore and re-create them.
I presently have approximately 20 of the dolls, as well as a small circus set and a poodle. What makes these dolls unique is, not only are they made from wood, but they have spring metal joints, that allow you to pose them. They are jointed at the ankle, knee, hip, wrists, elbows and shoulders. I am amazed that so many of them are still in very good condition. They range in size from 11 inches to 22 inches. The most common is the 22 inch Miss Dolly, but there are several others both boy and girl. Many like to dress them in clothing from their time period, but it is also fun to find more modern clothing for them. I have found that many of the American Girl accessories and clothing will fit some of my Schoenhut Dolls.
I am following along in this group I am a member of to see all the different things that can be done. Several of the women are skilled at rebuilding some of the dolls and parts for them. These women use different woodworking tools, like those found at, MemorialWoodWorking.com to make new arms and legs for their dolls. I would love to become that skilled. Another woman in the group has sanded down their faces and then recreates totally new looks for the dolls. She has made two different boxers, a monkey face, adorable Raggedy Ann and Andy and many others. There are also members in the group who make and sell period clothing and one makes replica shoes.
I recently purchased a couple of older TLC dolls to try my hand at repair and restoring. I will see how it goes. I know I can sand them down, but beyond that will be an experience. I will be repainting the body and face. I may have to replace a wig or two. I have been studying some of the different books and articles available on Schoenhuts. I am both excited and hesitant to start one.
I have two large store displays that I keep my Schoenhut Dolls in. They have glass doors that lock, although I never lock them and have lights above. I have purchased many different items to create displays. I have hay bales, fences, tables and chairs, desks, and of course food and drinks. I found one woman who is great at creating homemade items. They look so realistic. She has done Starbucks, ice cream, snacks, etc.
There are just so many things you can do with these dolls. If you are interested in more information, leave a comment or message me and I can put you in contact with people who are much more knowledgeable about these dolls.
Thanks for stopping in. And come back again soon.
Comments