Hi everyone and Happy Friday,
I received an email from Debbie and thought I would share it as a reminder of World Doll Day! Thought this might be a fun way to remind you if you wanted to participate!
Hi Jeanne,
I hope George’s recovery is going well and he is getting stronger everyday. The following was an email from our local doll museum in North Carolina. Hugs, Debbie
Special thanks to our friends at Art Dolls Magazine for reprinting this letter for everyone to enjoy:
“So, you have not heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising as of an hour ago, I hadn’t conceived the idea.
To make it happen. I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, doll maker, mother, grandmother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles.
The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. Give a doll to a grownup, child in the family or just a friend. If you don’t have a child to give a doll to – find one. There are many children with no dolls.
Think of it this way and ship a doll to another country: I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the first time I started writing books on doll making, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit. Museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special doll exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on campaigns weeks ahead. Doll makers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner’s doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll collectors gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have one made.
Everyone can enjoy the fun as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It’s a free- for- all, take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let’s do it now. World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it–only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people, and each of them tell five people and so on?
World Doll Day’s birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely,
Mil and Vernon Seeley
After Debbie sent this to me, I looked up a little bit more about World Doll Day and found this list…
How to Celebrate World Doll Day
World Doll Day is built around one straightforward gesture: give a doll. From there, the possibilities open up for collectors, families, crafters, and anyone who appreciates these small companions. Here are some ideas to mark the day.
Give a doll to someone you love – This is the founding tradition of the day. Choose a doll for a child, a friend, or a fellow collector, and pass on the idea that they should give one to someone the following year.
Donate dolls to children who need them – Gather dolls in good condition and donate them to a children’s hospital, a women’s refuge, an orphanage, or a local charity shop so that a child without much can still have something to hold.
Make a doll by hand – Sew a simple rag doll, knit a small figure, or build one from spare fabric and buttons. Handmade dolls carry a personal touch that shop-bought ones rarely match.
Sew new clothes for an old doll – Refresh a tired doll with a new dress, coat, or hat. It is a relaxing afternoon project and a lovely way to revive a childhood favourite.
Visit a doll museum or exhibition – Many museums hold collections of antique and cultural dolls. Some, including dedicated doll and toy museums, offer special access or free admission to mark the day.
Research the dolls of different cultures – Spend time learning about traditional dolls from around the world, such as Russian matryoshka, Japanese kokeshi, or Hopi katsina figures, and discover the meanings behind them.
Host a doll gathering – Organise a small show-and-tell with friends or fellow collectors, either in person or over a video call, where everyone shares the story behind a favourite doll.
Share your collection online – Post photographs and stories of your dolls on social media to introduce others to the hobby and connect with collectors around the world.
I’ll be back Monday, hopefully!
Have a nice cool weekend :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
