Tag: History

We are making history! A book entitled "Black History Month" rests beside a circle of hands bumping fists. Each fist is a different flesh tone, from pale to dark brown. This thumbnail is for an article about how we, in real time, are making history happen all around us. The article can be found at Chelly Wood dot com, as part of her Black History Month celebration in February of 2026.
Holiday Crafts, Uncategorized

We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

We are the history makers… As you know, February is Black History Month, and in celebration, I’m writing articles that research various famous Black Americans or persons of African ancestry, while also posting my usual doll-clothes-sewing related blog posts. However on Fridays this month, I want to feature everyday people of African heritage. Why? Because we are the makers of history — you and I … Continue reading We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

Chelly Wood6 Comments
A woman in a long dress with a bustle is silhouetted in white on a purple background with a turquoise blue frame. She holds a bouquet. a man in a top hat holding a cane stands beside her. The Word "History" is in all capitals, stylized in a historical font, beneath the two silhouetted figures in white on the purple background.
History and Research, Sewing and Fashion History, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

The video above comes from the Catherine Sews YouTube channel. I love a good romp through fashion history, and Catherine (who like me is retiring from her teaching career to focus on her own creativity) takes us on a wonderful journey through fashion history in this video, which chronicles both men’s and women’s fashion, from the 1700’s to the 2000’s! I hope you enjoy this … Continue reading Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

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A pink screen shows a video play button and the text reads "History of American Dolls: Video."
Doll Collecting, History and Research, Sewing and Fashion History

Fashion Doll History from the DAR Museum #FashionDolls #History

The video above comes from the DAR Museum’s YouTube channel. As a member of the DAR myself (the Daughters of the American Revolution), I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the podcasts and YouTube videos the DAR Museum has done on sewing history. To see the whole “Making-Meaning-Memory: A Sewn in America Symposium” playlist, please click here. You may recognize some of the dolls featured in … Continue reading Fashion Doll History from the DAR Museum #FashionDolls #History

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A background of plaid includes lines of dark green, black, Kelly green, and a very thin line of peach or tan. In the center is a large medallion in a peach or tan color. The medallion has been watercolor painted with Kelly green seahorses, their tails whipping into tight swirls. Beneath the center floral motif of the medallion, two seashells are depicted with swirling lines. This Celtic shield reminds us of the central animal and artistic figures in the Witham Shield, which is designed with swirling animals that have been interpreted as swans. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears at the bottom of the swatch of plaid fabric.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, Favorite Books, For Sale in the Store, History and Research, Links, Paper Crafts, Sewing and Fashion History, Tutorials: Crafts, Yarn and Embroidery

Ancient Celtic artwork inspired my fabric designs… What do you think? #CelticArt #CelticKnot

  Did you know that Wood, my last name, is Scottish? When my aunt visited Scotland, she was surprised by how many Scottish people shared our last name. In fact, the Wood clan has its own registered plaid! (It’s a little different from the plaid I designed, which you’ll see later in this blog post.) Like many people, I’ve done my DNA analysis, and my … Continue reading Ancient Celtic artwork inspired my fabric designs… What do you think? #CelticArt #CelticKnot

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

History of Dolls in America (Facts, a Timeline, and Family-friendly Fun!) #Collectibles

  Today’s blog post is the wrap up for the history challenge that I did earlier this year. Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF to join the history challenge. Today’s images and much of the information provided come from the DAR Museum online. Please click on the links provided to learn more about the DAR Museum. The address of … Continue reading History of Dolls in America (Facts, a Timeline, and Family-friendly Fun!) #Collectibles

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

Queen Anne Era Doll with Delicately Designed Gown, Shoes, and Stockings — but who made them? #AmericanDoll #10

This doll is referred to in the DAR Museum collection as a Queen Anne era doll, and its date is cited as being 18th century, but for our history challenge, we need to know a more precise date for this doll. Was it early 18th century or late 18th century? I want you to also picture in your mind the person who made the delicate … Continue reading Queen Anne Era Doll with Delicately Designed Gown, Shoes, and Stockings — but who made them? #AmericanDoll #10

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

This antique doll may have been imported by the Hudson’s Bay Company! #AmericanDoll #9

This little wooden doll is wearing a lovely long dress trimmed in ribbons and lace. But just have a look at the bottom of the dress. Do you see how that spotted burgundy fabric on the underside of the dress is a different fabric from the outer skirting of the dress? This is a perfect example of how lining a doll’s garment gives it longevity! … Continue reading This antique doll may have been imported by the Hudson’s Bay Company! #AmericanDoll #9

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Charity Work, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, Doll Furniture, History and Research, Links, Props and Dioramas

Giddings China Doll, Four-Poster Miniature Bed, and Mini Quilt –#AmericanDoll #8

This lovely doll is part of an extensive collection of toys donated to the DAR Museum in Washington DC by the Giddings family of Nebraska and (later) Illinois. Her name is “Miss Hetty” (1), according to the collection’s information on the DAR Museum website. Today’s blog post is part of a history challenge! Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF … Continue reading Giddings China Doll, Four-Poster Miniature Bed, and Mini Quilt –#AmericanDoll #8

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

The Hattie Thompson Doll — An early heat transfer face perhaps? — #AmericanDoll #7

For today’s “History of Dolls” blog post, I’m researching what I’m calling the “Hattie Thompson Doll” because according to the DAR website, this doll was made at some point in the 20th century, by a woman name Hattie Thompson. Today’s blog post is part of a history challenge! Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF to join the history challenge. … Continue reading The Hattie Thompson Doll — An early heat transfer face perhaps? — #AmericanDoll #7

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

Izannah Walker: an icon in the history of doll making in America #AmericanDoll #6

The doll you see above was created by a woman who is considered something of an icon in American doll history. The person I’m talking about is Izannah Walker, an early American manufacturer of dolls and an artist in her own right. Today’s blog post is part of a history challenge that has been running throughout the month of August. You’re supposed to look at … Continue reading Izannah Walker: an icon in the history of doll making in America #AmericanDoll #6

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

Can we judge a doll by its costume? #AmericanDoll #5

Meet Cordelia… Isn’t she sweet?! If you’ve been playing along with the history challenge, I’m very curious to hear your honest guesses. What era do you think she comes from? Please leave a comment below. If you’re not familiar with my history challenge, please click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF to join us. When I first saw Cordelia, I … Continue reading Can we judge a doll by its costume? #AmericanDoll #5

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

A Precious Native American Doll with a Beaded Face #AmericanDoll #4

Have you given a guess yet, as to the age of this precious little doll? That’s part of the history challenge that I issued at the start of this month. Click here to read about the challenge and to download the free PDF to join my doll history challenge. In what year do you guess this doll was “born” into the world? And who do … Continue reading A Precious Native American Doll with a Beaded Face #AmericanDoll #4

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

The mystery of the pen wiper seated doll… #AmericanDoll #2

We’re going to refer to the doll shown above as the “Pen-wiper” doll because the little black felt pad she’s seated upon is what’s called a pen-wiper. Back in the 1800’s people used what we think of today as calligraphy-style pens to write letters and correspondences. The black felt circle, with its “circular pieces of layered felt and silk” (1) would have been used to … Continue reading The mystery of the pen wiper seated doll… #AmericanDoll #2

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

The history of the corn husk doll (AKA cornhusk dolls) #AmericanDoll #1

The doll in the image above is what’s known as a cornhusk doll (sometimes spelled as two words: corn husk doll), and they are so called because, well… they’re made from corn husks. This one is housed at the DAR Museum in Washington DC, and it dates back to the mid-19th century, so if you’re participating in the history challenge, you can give it a … Continue reading The history of the corn husk doll (AKA cornhusk dolls) #AmericanDoll #1

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

History Challenge! And… announcing three contest winners! #History #DollLover

In July, we did a quick study of some of the oldest dolls on earth, but did you know there was also a contest running? All you had to do was leave a comment on the “History of Dolls” blog posts in July, and your name was automatically entered in a drawing for one of three free copies of Doll Castle News. To read the … Continue reading History Challenge! And… announcing three contest winners! #History #DollLover

Chelly Wood2 Comments