Janet's Dolls

Claire

Artist/Manufacturer:  Ruby Red Galleria
Material:Resin
Size: 11-5/8"
Sculpt Name: Bleuette
Jointing: Ball-jointed at head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
Hair: Red human hair wig
Eyes: Glass eyes


Claire is a Ruby Red Galleria Bleuette doll (www.rubyredgalleria.com).  Bleuette is a french doll that was originally given away with subscriptions to La Semaine de Suzette, a magazine written for young french girls to teach them home arts, especially by making clothing for their doll.  The magazine was published from 1905 to 1960, but collector's have rediscovered her, and Ruby Red Galleria has created a reproduction out of resin (originally, Bleuette had a composition body and porcelain head).  There were patterns for Bleuette in most issues of the magazine, and people have posted them online at places like The Bleu Door (http://www.thebleudoor.com/BleuettePatternLibraryHome.index.htm), and there are sometimes English translations available.  This is a big reason why Bleuette is so popular-- there are all of these great patterns, spanning different times and styles to have fun making, and that is why I enjoy this doll.  In the picture below, she is wearing Robe Empire from a 1908 issue of La Semaine de Suzette, which I made from a blue plaid fabric.  I also made the hat, using a hat form and straw from PNB Doll Company (www.pnbdoll.com).

Claire, a Ruby Red Galleria Bleuette

Andi
Artist/Manufacturer:  Xenis
Material: Wood
Size: 11"
Sculpt Name: Doll Making Kit
Jointing: Articulated at head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
Hair: Brunette mohair wig
Eyes: Painted eyes (by me!)

Andi is made from the Xenis Doll Making Kit-- the doll comes fully carved and assembled, but the buyer paints the face.  Definitely a fun learning experience, and a less expensive way to own a doll by a very wonderful artist.