Decorating with Frozen Charlottes

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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