Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dolls From The Land of Make Believe


These sweet little nursery rhyme and fairytale characters are part of my paper doll collection.   The cards were designed by artist Vivian "Viv" Trillow Smith, and published by Hallmark in 1947-48 as "The Land of Make Believe".  Vivian was a very prolific designer and the first Hallmark artist allowed to sign her own work.  (There are 16 cards in the whole collection, but I only own 9 of them.)




I just love all the colorful details, including the sequins and feathers!   The backs are just as ornate as the front.  And each one has a little story printed on the inside.


I have other paper doll greeting cards, but they will have to wait for another day and another post.


Linking to:
Vintage Thingie Thursday  at The Colorado Lady
Friday Pretties at  I Love Pretty Little Things
Show And Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Favorite Things  at  Bargain Hunting and Chatting  With Laurie
Thank you for hosting!!


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Update- the complete collection can now be viewed here.
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45 comments:

  1. Terra September 30, 2010 at 2:41 PM

    I had not seen anything like these before, and they are beautiful. How neat that they are colorful on the back too, and have a story inside.

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  2. EmilySeptember 30, 2010 at 3:05 PM

    Those are beautiful. I think it's especially cool that they are from Hallmark, since it's a "local" company :) Love their vibrant colors. I saw a really neat framed paper doll collage in the September 2010 Romantic Homes magazine. I'm going to keep my eye out for paper dolls at antique stores.

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  3. NanESeptember 30, 2010 at 3:05 PM

    Oh my gosh, I love these little cards. I have seen a few of these that other bloggers have posted but have never seen them all lined up in a row. So cute! TFS, Nan

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  4. Sissie's Shabby CottageSeptember 30, 2010 at 3:05 PM

    I remember seeing some of these paperdoll cards in my Mother's collection and I always wanted to play with them.
    Your collection is so pretty and you are fortunate to find them in great condition. I hope you find more to add to your collection.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  5. Diane MarsSeptember 30, 2010 at 3:13 PM

    These are charming great collection!

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  6. ColoradoladySeptember 30, 2010 at 3:49 PM

    What unusual cards, I have seen so many things that were first for me today on VTT! These are so cute...have a great VTT!

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  7. A Gardner's CottageSeptember 30, 2010 at 4:02 PM

    How sweet are they! Love your collection. I really like how different blogs can open your eyes to a whole new world. I would never have thought about paper dolls as a collection but they are lovely and endearing. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.

    Nancy

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  8. Linda @ A La CarteSeptember 30, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    I have not seen these before and I love them. How sweet and such a fun story. Hope you find the others for your collection.

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  9. LVSeptember 30, 2010 at 4:23 PM

    I simply adore these cards. I have spent enough at Hallmark that I probably paid to have these printed. I never say any like this. They are just great and a wonderful keeper.

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  10. LynnSeptember 30, 2010 at 4:29 PM

    They are adorable, I hope you find the missing pieces!

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  11. NanSeptember 30, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    I simply adore these little girls. I have seen them many times but never in person. I would love to get my hands on some. I imagine Ebay is where I would look.
    Lovely collection you lucky girl you.

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  12. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2010 at 5:13 PM

    Beautiful! I have never seen any of these dolls, but I definitely would start a collection if I do!
    Margaret

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  13. birdie blueSeptember 30, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    those are too sweet!

    xo
    ~molly

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  14. DiannaSeptember 30, 2010 at 5:43 PM

    What a special and beautiful collection, Gayle. Have you found them from your trips to antique shops? I love the colors and the sweet faces of each doll...especial Peter Piper.

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  15. TerrySeptember 30, 2010 at 6:03 PM

    Too cute! I never ran across these before. What great shape they are in too,complete with the feather. Most times things like this are overlooked and tossed aside. Beautiful!

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  16. Scrap for JoySeptember 30, 2010 at 7:06 PM

    Oh I remember these from my childhood. They must have had another set that came out in the early 50's too. My Mother always used to laugh about the fact that from the time I was a tiny child, when I received a card I always turned it over to see if it was a "Hallmark" card. Brand loyal even then-LOL. These certainly appear to be in pristine condition and you are lucky to have them in your collection.
    Joyce

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  17. PondsideSeptember 30, 2010 at 7:50 PM

    How sweet - they take me back to a very happy time, when little dolls like this were the biggest treat for little girls.

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  18. ChrissieSeptember 30, 2010 at 8:01 PM

    I have never seen a collection like this. Your cards are wonderful! Where have you found them? They are absolutely beautiful!

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  19. Julie Kwiatkowski SchulerSeptember 30, 2010 at 8:29 PM

    I've never seen the likes of them! They are so colorful!

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  20. MelindaSeptember 30, 2010 at 10:06 PM

    Oh, those are soooo cute!

    Melinda

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  21. Carrie @ Cottage CozySeptember 30, 2010 at 11:22 PM

    Oh...those are so darling!

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  22. A Kitchen WitchSeptember 30, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    Dahlin', simply, dahlin' I love each and every one : )

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  23. DawnOctober 1, 2010 at 1:02 AM

    These are adorable!
    Is there anyway I could find a set?
    :))
    You have the most incredible collections!

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  24. dutch sistersOctober 1, 2010 at 1:12 AM

    What a lovely collection of sweet dream girls! They are great!

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  25. Savannah GrannyOctober 1, 2010 at 1:14 AM

    I stopped by your blog for another reason but found this beautiful blog. I loved the paper dolls. It reminded me of the beautiful paper dolls of my childhood. That was many years ago before Barbie dolls. I enjoyed it very much and I will be back to explore the rest.
    The reason I dropped by: I was on "Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere" the questions post. I am preparing my first blog post. Right now it is in draft. I would like to know where to find and set up the comment parameters that you mentioned in your comment. It sounded like the most efficient method of answering comments offered. I would to use your method to answer the many comments I will have. LOL. Thank you sincerly, Ginger

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  26. DiannaOctober 1, 2010 at 6:29 AM

    Hello Gayle,
    Thanks for your concern and for stopping by.

    I hope I remembered to send you a note about the test results from last week and my doctor's visit on Wednesday. If you didn't receive it (as I just noticed your "contact me" e-mail this morning)let me know and I will fill you in. I'm doing fine with it and feeling good.

    I canned 18 quarts of pumpkin yesterday and froze one quart (I ran out of jars!)...Have one more day of canning (butternut squash for yummy soups and breads this winter) and I'm putting the canner to bed! ;)

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  27. diane bOctober 1, 2010 at 7:20 AM

    What an interesting collection. I've heard of them but never seen them until now. They are delightful.

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  28. barncat (Lisa)October 1, 2010 at 8:06 AM

    They look so pretty all together! I have two, and love them, but your set looks fantastic!

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  29. Susan FreemanOctober 1, 2010 at 10:49 AM

    Those cards are so precious ~ what a treasure. Thanks for sharing them with us. I have never seen those before. I will be on the hunt for them now.

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  30. baukjeOctober 1, 2010 at 11:21 AM

    Lucky you they are GORGEOUS. I've never seen such beauties.....

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  31. Prairie RoseOctober 1, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    Their Darling!
    They just make you smile when you look at them.

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  32. Suzanne@thriftstoredecorjunkyOctober 1, 2010 at 4:49 PM

    Cute! Paper dolls are back ...my 10 year ols loves playing with them.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and the comment. Come back soon!

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  33. MartinaOctober 1, 2010 at 5:37 PM

    So sweet and special, these paper dolls, you are glad to have them! And thanks for visiting - so good to see new faces appear. It's nice to be in touch. Have a fab weekend!

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  34. LynnOctober 1, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    Thank you for visiting my site today! I appreciate your comments and love your blog....It's very nostalgic.

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  35. Celestial CharmsOctober 1, 2010 at 8:42 PM

    Those are the most darling cards. So pretty.
    Maureen

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  36. ClaireOctober 1, 2010 at 9:09 PM

    Hey Gayle, lovely collection of paper dolls. Love their dresses and bonnets, very sweet. You certainly have collected a variety of interesting things over the years.
    Thanks for commenting on my blog about the Standing Bear quote. I like to think it is one and the same person and it's great to get a bit of background information, which makes it all the more meaningful.
    Have a great weekend.

    Claire X

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  37. sandyOctober 1, 2010 at 9:58 PM

    I've not seen these before though I grew up LOVING paper dolls and having quite a collection! These are SOOO cute and colorful!

    I'm now a new follower!
    sandy

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  38. DiannOctober 2, 2010 at 9:03 AM

    These little dolls are so cute and adorable!

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  39. CoraOctober 2, 2010 at 9:04 AM

    Oooo I love them all! So cute and precious! Vintage drooling!

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  40. AnonymousOctober 2, 2010 at 10:06 AM

    Oh what a fun blog you have here. Thank you for your sweet comments and support on my blog. I am signing up to follow you and invite you to do likewise. I can't wait to see all the fun posts you have. Great job, my new friend!

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  41. AnnesphamilyOctober 2, 2010 at 10:28 AM

    These are amazing and sweet. I love these little cards and you are so lucky to have them in your collection. I love all the vintage things and am always happiest looking at such wholesome little treasures. Thanks for sharing today and have a wonderful weekend. Anne

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  42. AnonymousOctober 2, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    What a wonderful paper doll card collection...I love the way they are so colorful and detailed, even on the backs of the cards!

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  43. UnknownOctober 2, 2010 at 3:22 PM

    These are fabulous....I have always loved paper dolls...yours remind me of a ride on It's A Small World at Disneyland :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  44. Bargain Decorating with LaurieOctober 3, 2010 at 8:20 PM

    Oh! What Fun! What memories you brought back. I received the Cinderella card when I was a child, and I KNOW I still have it somewhere. When I opened up this post, I jumped up to look for it, but it wasn't where I thought it would be. Do you find them in antique stores? I've never seen any of them for sale. What a fun collection. I love it. I'm so glad you linked this to Favorite Things Sat. (Now I have to find my Cinderella). laurie

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  45. Susan Nowell @ My Place to YoursOctober 3, 2010 at 10:10 PM

    Such a nice collection! I know I've never seen this many together before...

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THANK YOU for your thoughtful comments. Replies to your questions will be posted here, so be sure to check back soon. Have a wonderful day! - Gayle, Garden Of Daisies

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