I’m SO glad Charlotte sent a few pictures of her dolls today! They will be the feature attraction today as my day did not go as planned.
How hard should it have been to find some dark antiquing wax to use over the clear wax for my island? Out of Walmart, Lowe’s, Hobby Lobby, Sherwin Williams, and Ace Hardware, one of these stores should have had something… but Walmart had nothing, Lowe’s had a can of some Minwax Paste Finishing Wax, Hobby Lobby was out of the bottle of Antique Wax they usually carry, Sherwin Williams had the same as Lowe’s only double in price… and Ace Hardware just had discontinued Amy Howard’s line of paint waxes…
So I went home empty handed. I told my hubby what had happened, and he said, go back to Lowe’s and get the one they had. So I reluctantly did. When I got home and tried to dab it in the cracks and impressions of the wood, it absolutely would not stick in the grooves. As soon as I had it in the cracks, one move of my brush and it was wiped out. I tried for over and hour and finally decided I was going to sleep on it and see if I got any brainy ideas overnight! I’ll get it done eventually but just not today!
I stood that table up on its legs so I could see for myself what it was going to look like. I do like it very much and just hope I can get the details to stand out… Here are a few pictures for you!
These are the grooves I want to make stand out a bit…
This is an area I tried to make the wax stay in the grooves, but it looked pretty awful to me… I’ll keep trying…
See why I was glad when Charlotte’s email appeared!
I’ll let her do the talking about her pictures… Thank you Charlotte!
Hi Jeanne,
Some while back I promised pictures of the Leeann dolls I purchased–“part of Leeann’s history”. The dolls offered were primarily production samples, although some were samples for special events.
The first picture shows all three dolls. From left to right: LouLou as “Carousel LouLou” (a pre-production sample for an event); LouLou as “Blonde Hair Sample”; and Leeann as “Games Dolls Play.”
The next picture shows Carousel LouLou, but without her hat–I thought you might like to see her pretty red hair! I think the fabric for the skirt was specially printed for the event.
Then we have the LouLou “Blonde Hair Sample”.
I rarely buy blonde dolls (maybe because I have always been a blonde, and I just think red hair is so much prettier!!), but I loved her hair; it was so nicely styled! I figure I can always dress her over her original bodysuit, should I choose to do so. I was really excited when I got up that morning and found that she was still available (the Leeann company is in the eastern time zone, and I’m in the west!). I really Really wanted her!!
Next up is Leeann in “Games Dolls Play”. This was a pre-production sample of an event doll, and she is dressed in play clothes made of knit fabrics. As I recall, he also had some extra pieces of these clothing items in different colors for sale in the past, probably at the event as well as after it was over. I may have one or two of them!
Now we have the back view of the three dolls, so you can see their hair. Although Leeann’s (middle doll) hair is intricately braided at the top, it was cut rather unevenly at the bottom, I’m afraid. However, I will leave her that way, as that’s how she came. I think all the dolls have really pretty hair, don’t you?
Each doll came with a Letter of Authentication, stating what she is specifically, and whether she was a pre-production sample, hair sample, or whatever. I am just showing you the one LouLou with her letter; the other two dolls have similar letters.
So, those are my Leeann dolls that I bought a while back. As you may recall, I do have several other Leeann/family dolls, including Leona (the ballerina) and Leneda, whose pictures I may have shared a year or two ago.
Does anyone else among the Sofa Sisters have any Leeann dolls?
Hi again Charlotte,
I learned what a Leeann doll looks like now. I didn’t have a clue until I saw your pictures. Thanks again for sharing.
Blessings, Jeanne
See everyone tomorrow.
What a surprise to find my pictures in your post tonight, Jeanne! I’m glad I thought to send them last night. I took the pictures maybe 3 weeks ago and loaded them into my computer; just never got around to sending them before this. I guess the time was right!
I’m sorry about your difficulties finding the dark wax you needed. I guess I’m fortunate–I have TWO Hobby Lobbies within 20 minutes of where I live, so if I can’t find something at one, I can go to the other! Ditto, two Michael’s stores!
Maybe give your HL a call in the morning, and see if they’ve restocked that Antique Wax you like?
Joy, I saw your comment about the new Gigi doll, and I have decided not to get her. I like her better as a kindergartner (8″ size, from RR Galleria) and in her Sibiles version. I have her in both, so I think I’m good.
Barbara, I still have my original 1960 Barbie. That Christmas, I was almost 15, we had just moved to Seattle from Michigan, and I was horribly homesick. There were only two things I wanted–to move back to Mich. (not going to happen!) and a Barbie doll. They were hard to find in those days, but I had seen her in the Miles Kimball catalog, told mom, she ordered it, and I got her for Christmas. I’ve had other Barbies, too, but have kept very few of them.
Ingrid, I have already started praying for Lawrence–and for you, too. Sometimes the waiting is worse than the procedure!
Good morning, Sofa Sisters.
First, INGRID. Hoping and praying for the best results for your hubby.
Second, DOROTHY of PA. Boy! Have I missed you SO much. Did you have eye surgery? Anyway, it warmed my heart to see you write, though I have been MIA for a bit, being lazy. 😣 So hugs to you and all my best wishes and prayers.
CHARLOTTE, I know you have mentioned these dolls before, but I wasn’t aware of seeing any of them. So glad you sent Jeanne the pics. Thank you. Such treasures.
JEANNE, this is an interesting table project. What is the tabletop size? Good luck finding that wax. There is always Amazon…which, sad to say, is my “go to” here in Salida, stuck out in the middle of nowhere.
Those QUILTS blew me away with the intricate artistry. Wow and wow. An extraordinary treat to have those excellent pictures. Thank you!
More RRFF keep finding their way here and some customs from Jana. I am one sick, sick woman. 😎
SUSETTE, glad you got Russell with that delightful connection to your own grandson. That is precious.
Have a great day….hello to ANNE, so great to see you wrote several days ago, and to ALINA, hope all is well with your family and you.
Dear Sally, thank you for your kind words. I have missed spending time on the sofa with you all. I am happy that it is May!
Sally, you are so welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing some of my “Leeann family”. The nice thing is, it’s a small company, and Denis often shares some of the joys and challenges of working with overseas manufacturers, etc. (He refers to himself as “Leeann’s dad”.)
Dear Charlotte, thanks for sharing your dolly photos. I love looking at dolly photos. They make me smile.
You are so welcome, Dorothy. I’m glad they made you smiel!
Jeanne i don’t know anything about the wax you are using. But what about shoe polish wax.
Hi Bonnie,
It’s funny that you should mention shoe polish… Cindy just sent me a text with a smiling emoji beside it. She said,”Well there’s always shoe polish!” who knew… but I think I got it solved… you’ll see tomorrow…
Love you, Jeanne
What a shame you had to waste an entire day looking for something, and not finding it, Jeanne! I have those kind of days too, but not so much anymore, since I don’t really like to run around looking, and just decide to go home early if I can’t find what I am looking for! Have you tried Menard’s, or is that not available in your area? I remember you going there when you were here in Missouri.
So nice of you to send pictures, Charlotte! I don’t believe I have ever heard of Leeann dolls, so that is a new doll to me! that’s ownderful to have originals and special versions that you do have with their papers! Just wondering, how tall are they? More like RRFF or AG dolls?
Ingrid, I wrote on the blog yesterday that I will be praying for your husband this morning. My comment went through without me typing my name, and then when I tried to correct it with another comment, it wouldn’t “take!
Thanks, Linda. The Leeann dolls are about 13″ tall, but have a more slender body than the Little Darlings. I don’t have any of the boys in the line (Leroy, Lenny, etc.) but I think they are just a bit taller. They can be found at leeann.ca The owner (Denis Bastien) is away at the moment, but the web site will be back open for business again on May 15. However, you can still go there and look in their archives, and see some of the dolls that had been offered in the past.
Charlotte,
I enjoyed your pictures of Leeann, many years ago I attended one of Denis’s events here in Tempe, Arizona, he is such an entertaining guy! In the magazine “Doll Castle News”, the latest issue, has a big article about his new dolls, all ballerina themed.
Jeanne,
Have you checked Amazon for the furniture wax you like? They seem to have everything!
Thank you, Terri–how nice that you got to attend one of Denis’s events! I almost did, when he was out our direction, but it didn’t work out for my schedule. I don’t remember offhand why, but…. I don’t think he’s been out to the west coast since then.
Yes, I have my issue of Doll Castle News. I also have one of the ballerina dolls and a couple of the outfits (the red performance outfit and a rehearsal outfit, too).
Sorry Jeanne, about the lack of wax and then finding some that didn’t work. If nothing else turns up, I like it as it is. 🙂
So, Charlotte, I had one of the Leeann, dolls some years back. She fit in well with my Ann Estelle dolls, 10 inches, since she was only 11 inches, I believe. She was able to share clothes with them as I remember. I gave her to a friend as I was sticking with the AE dolls, but it was fun seeing your girls. 🙂 I’ve also bought lots of accessory items from Denis, like roller skates. Fun.
Still haven’t pushed the button on Gigi, Ruby Red Galleria, 8″ girl. She is the same size as the original Ten Ping, but has the new joints like Little Sara. They are kind of like playing with the Ginny dolls of old. Same size. 🙂
Definitely thinking of Ingrid’s husband this morning. It is amazing what can be done surgically these days. Sending positive thoughts on a swift recovery.
Excited, as I have a tracking number for Rita, RRFF. She’s at the Hong Kong airport. Hope she gets a flight out soon. 🙂
Hi Joy. You are right, she’s close to Ann Estelle in size. I was thinking 13″ (must have been thinking of LDs!) but she’s actually 10.5″. I have “quite a few” of the Leeann clothes, shoes, and accessories, as well as several of the patterns. (For those that sew, Denis himself designed some of the patterns, and has had LA patterns printed in various issues of Doll Castle News, as well.) My girls will not run out of clothes to wear, that’s for sure!
Jeanne….Wonderful color on your island counter! Just wanted to share that I used tan shoe polish wax to stain and polish a basswood pergola I constructed, to go along the back side of a dollhouse that my father made for my daughters 45 years ago. The dollhouse was made to go with my daughter’s Sunshine Family dolls, to give you an idea of the size of the pergola and the dollhouse. The shoe polish worked beautifully….it added a soft redwood looking color and then I buffed the wood pieces before gluing the wood pieces to the deck and posts. There may not be navy blue type of shoe polish available, but a soft brown or even black might highlight the carved areas when rubbed on. I have also used acrylic paint rubbed into carved areas on picture frames that I wanted to highlight and then polished the frames afterwards. The acrylic paint is rubbed onto the carved areas (a small area at a time) then wiped off immediately so only the carved areas kept the paint color. Just a thought!
HI Elizabeth,
You, my sister and my aunt have all mentioned shoe polish wax… and you know what, I’m going to look for some the next time I’m at Walmart and give it a try and see if it works. It will HAVE to be cheaper than the stuff “marketed” for home projects and it’s probably made with the same ingredients. :o)
Since I had already waxed the island, I didn’t think the acrylic paint would work, but I might try that next time… unless, of course, that shoe polish does the trick.
Thanks so much for chiming in!
Blessings, Jeanne
The Island is going to be pretty no matter what. When we were re doing furniture it was way before the new chalk paints and wax finishes. We used straight artists oils for staining and antiquing. There are a myriad of browns and you use thinner to get it as light or dark as you want . So easy. Then top coats of polyurethane…which is so tough.
Charlotte …loved seeing Lou Lou and friends. Such a cute little shape on the blonde and she has and pleasant expression. All the “L” names are a hoot. Thanks for sharing!
Kathie, thanks for your kind comments on my pictures! Yes, I think originally Denis just started with Leeann, and then the first boy, Lenny. And from there, it just kind of explodes with all the “L” names! Although I really love the original Leeann sculpt, I am also very fond of LouLou, whose face sculpt is quite different from Leeann’s. The girls all have the same body, and for the boys, there is a different body sculpt that they all share.
Hi Ingrid, I will be praying for your husband that the surgery goes perfectly and he has a rapid recovery.
Hi Charlotte, thank you for sharing your Leeann dolls. I’ve never heard of them either. How wonderful that you have the special editions or samples. Their hair is so shiny and I love the intricate hairstyle on “Games Dolls Play”.
Jeanne, have you tried purchasing natural clear wax, adding some to a mason jar and letting it sit in a pot of freshly boiled water off the stove heat until it melts and adding the desired stain color to it?
Also Miss Mustard Seed is available on Amazon. I hear that one is good.
Thank you, Laura. Yes, I was so pleased to get some of the special ones. Originally Denis had kept one of every special edition
and every event doll, as well as hair and other samples (and since Leeann has been around for 18 years or so, that must have been a lot!), and last year he decided he really didn’t need to keep ALL of them, so chose some to sell. As I recall, he posted a number of them at a time, and at intervals. He would let us know (via FB) when the next batch was going to be posted, so we would have time to look them over and decide which were our favorites. He made his own certificate of “authentification” (although I think he meant authentication) on which he said what doll it was, and for what purpose, and then hand-signed each. I will keep the certificates with the dolls.
HI Laura,
It’s funny you should mention Miss Mustard Seed wax.. I had a little container of her dark antiquing wax but only about 1/2 teaspoon of it… not enough to even start the project… I’m going to get some more one of these days… unless, of course, I try the shoe polish wax suggested and it works just as well. I’m sure it will be cheaper! :o)
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne, I agree with Kathie, to maybe use some staining to antique the kitchen island table. George did a fantastic job in raising the height of it for you to do you prepping on for meals. Charlotte, thanks for sharing your Leanne dolls with us. I know what they are and have seen them before, but I do not collect them. At the moment I am looking and planning to sew Blythe Doll clothes for my one Blythe Doll that I named after my Westie Lilly who died on Thanksgiving in 2021. My new Westie puppy is named Ellie and she is 9 mos old this month and doing great. She is a sweet little girl.
I collect mostly AG dolls and Kathie Kruse Puppen, Dolls and Zapf Creation Puppen both from West Germany. The American Girl Dolls derived from the Gotz Company in West Germany and the Prototype is Romania I believe #5, but don’t quote me. The First three dolls were Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. I wished I had known about them when I was stationed and living over there. I went toy shopping every weekend. That was my hobby. I have a huge collection of Steiff stuffed animals as well. Maybe sometime I can send a photo and show everyone. I use to bring them out a lot during the holidays. Now they are pretty much packed up in boxes.
Ingrid, I will be praying for your husband to do well in his surgery. God Bless All of you, my Sisters.
You are so welcome, Elaine! Leeann dolls are a lot of fun.
I knew what American Girls were early on–my best friend had sent me a catalog that her son had somehow gotten in the mail, thinking I might be interested. That was back when it was just Molly, Samantha, and Kirsten! Well, I thought it was a wonderful catalog, but I really wasn’t much into collecting dolls at that point (except that I did get the holiday Barbies for a while), as I had a son of my own, and we were more getting Legos and little cars and baseball stuff!! Then when I did see one in person, and, finally, got my own Molly, I was entranced by them! I so enjoyed sewing for them (I ended up with 5), and I’m glad I started shopping AG dolls while Pleasant Rowland still had the company, so I got some of those wonderful accessories!