Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Decorating with Frozen Charlottes

Frozen Charlotte dolls, German, bisque





You know how I love my Frozen Charlottes.  Well, last week I received a new shipment that contained Frozen Charlies!  I was so excited.  With Christmas coming, a million and one ideas started popping in my head. 

Now I know I am the one who said I would not rush Christmas before having the time to give thanks, but I am going to give a sneak peek at what is about to happen.

Plus Frozen Charlottes and Frozen Charlies fit in with everyday life.  They are welcomed anytime!



  The History of Frozen Charlottes and Frozen Charlies

Frozen Charlottes were produced in Thuringia, Germany from 1860 to 1900.  They were mostly used in dollhouses.  The name Frozen Charlotte (Frozen Charlies are rare) derives from the fact they did not have movable parts.  The dolls were made of glazed bisque.  If the doll passed inspection, it was hand-painted. They range in size from ½ inch to 4 ½ inches.  These are factory rejects that were thrown out because of flaws in the glazing or missing parts.  The rejects were thrown into ditches at the backs of the factories. Some years ago collectors were invited to come and dig for the rejected dolls.  These come from a collector in Germany who dug up a massive collection.  They are highly prized by jewelry makers and mixed media artists.  The discolorations and flaws make them desirable for various art projects.
 


Here they are in my display case at the antiques mall.  They look great displayed in silver compotes and dishes.  I have added skeleton keys to the mix.


 Miss Charlotte dressed in a ruffled tulle tutu ready for the Thanksgiving dinner.

She will have to put on some more clothes.  My brother brings his travel trailer to the lake and smokes Cornish hens for Thanksgiving.  

We sit outside by the fire and snack on roasted peanuts. 

We hike around the lake.

On second thought Miss Charlotte better stay at home.
Another way I display the Charlottes at home are in those tiny aluminum Jello molds.   They are so delighted when they are near lace.  Especially old, grungy lace.

If your lace is not grungy, just soak it in your husband's leftover coffee.

Make sure it is leftover and not a new pot.

I do not drink coffee and Chuck's smells so bad, I usually cannot tell!

Notice I have started wiring these for -

I am not telling yet!





 Part of the shipment of Charlies.  They come with the mud still on them because some collectors are particular about how they are cleaned.

I displayed them in a box with the German stamps from the package.  I also saved some of the German newspaper they were wrapped in.

These bad boys will get a bath.

Are you beginning to get ideas popping now?



The photo above and this one shows just how well they look with a red background.

Some may think they are a little macabre with their little missing limbs.  I also have some that are just torsos.

Just think Venus de Milo.  Everyone loves that chick!




One last look before I go.

The next time you see my Frozen Charlottes and Frozen Charlies, they will be different.

In case you want to try some, I do put some up for sale on eBay twice a month.  My seller name is zoeyfeb98.

I do not offer many - I am stingy with them!


 


See y'all!











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12 comments:

  1. Wow! That is so interesting. I have never heard or seen anything like this. Really neat!!
    Connie from Sadieloohoo

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  2. Hello! Such and interesting post!
    I have seen them but I didn't know their story.
    Besos from Argentina, Silvina

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  3. How interesting! I did not know any of this. Thank you!

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  4. I've never seen these before or heard of them. Very interesting. Look forward to seeing what you'll do with them.
    Mary Alice

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  5. I've never seen so many Charlottes in one place, and have never heard of the Charlies! WOW!
    Nancy

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  6. Your shop is quite interesting! What a variety! I had never heard of the Charlottes or Charlies - your post is very informative. Now I'm curious as to what you're going to do with them. Can't wait to read more.

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  7. Love the way Frozen Charlottes bring vintage charm to everything. I have read this story before and find it very interesting. You have a wonderful collection. Thank you for sharing and the history lesson.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  8. I learned something new. Frozen Charlottes. :)

    Thank you for partying with the Wildly Original Crowd.
    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!

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  9. What great history on these little beauties! Looking forward to seeing what you're going to do with the wired ones!! Thanks so much for sharing on Blissful Whites Wednesday!
    Have a lovely Thursday!
    Becky

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  10. a girl after my own heart. I love these babies and use them in my art work alot too. But since I too am stingy with them I started casting my own out of clay - now I can use them at will. I love your collection.

    have a great weekend
    found you via the blog hop and just became your newest follower.

    tina
    one crafty mess

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  11. They are so little! You're stingy? Really? :) Thank you so much for linking this up to Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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  12. what an amazing post. I loved hearing the history of the little dolls. thanks so much for sharing on Vintage Inspiration!

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I enjoy reading all of your comments and will always answer with email. I will try to track you down if you show up as a "no reply" commenter to let you know. Friends are like that!