Crazy for Grodnertals!

 Inspired by the charming ceramic dolls made by Jenny Barnett, and a chance image of a Grodnertal head she sculpted out of wax, I have plunged into making my own take on the wooden dolls made in the early 1800's. They were carved by people in the Grodnertal area of Germany during the wintertime when they couldn't work in the forest. They also go under the name Tuck Comb doll, because of the carved comb in the doll's hairstyle, or peg doll because of the pegs holding together their wooden joints. I am not sure who was responsible for dressing these dolls. I have read that many were sold undressed and then dressed by their new owners. The costumes have really captured my fancy. I especially like the late Regency/Empire styles, as well as those extravagant early Victorian dresses with gigot sleeves. Dressing dolls has taught me so much about historical costume, since I have to make my own patterns. Bless the internet!

I am not handy at carving wood, so I have sculpted my dolls out of air dry clay in the manner of the china head dolls; head and breastplate, and lower arms and legs. The rest is stuffed fabric doll body.

The original dolls came with, or had made for them, very large wardrobes. This doll has a chemise, petticoat, dress (with gigot sleeves), a lace pelerine and a bonnet. That bonnet took a whole day to make. Actually three, if you count the research/study of the instructions, making the pattern to fit the doll and then cutting out the buckram, wiring it and then covering and lining it. I do love a Regency stovepipe hat!

 Undies made. 

         I learned a lot, and will make some changes in my next doll. This doll has no tuck comb, but the next one does. She is just getting her limbs sculpted and painted, then I forge ahead!