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I work from my studio near Boise, Idaho and have been active for twenty years in repairing
dolls, antique and vintage. What started as a hobby in doll repair has turned into a cherished vocation in doll
restoration.
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Welcome to Antique Child. My mission is to meet the needs of today's doll collectors,
explain differences between doll restoration, repair and conservation while offering museum quality doll services
in restoration, repair and doll costuming to those who value the difference.
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Journey to Antique Doll Repair & Restoration
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I never really cared much about dolls as a kid, preferring to spend my time outside
riding a horse. A visit to my grandparent’s home brought about a big change. My grandmother was fussing
with items in a trunk and pulled out a doll. She handed her to me saying "Here you like old things."
The doll was a lovely antique bisque baby doll with the most expressive eyes and face. I was hooked. The antique
bisque character baby had been given to her on her 12th birthday (1912), when she thought she was too old for dolls,
so it had never been played with and remained in mint condition. It was one of the first character babies Kestner made, so
early, in fact, that it had an adult ball jointed body, rather than a traditional five piece baby body. What a treasure
that "old thing" became.
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 Composition
Doll Repair . . . China Doll Repair . . . .
Bisque Doll Repair . . . Antique Doll Clothing and beyond
. .
Antique doll repair and restoration evolved out of necessity because it seemed that
a lot of dolls I wanted, I could not afford. I bought less expensive versions that needed repair. I started
with antique composition dolls, mostly because of the price, and later sold them, reinvesting the money into antique German
bisque. The Character babies captured my heart and along the way I got child dolls. The all bisque dolls held
my attention as most were in shambles when I got them. I met some great German dealers and got original arms and legs
for replacements. Adding antique fabrics, their personalities unfolded to tiny people. I had always overlooked
Antique China dolls because they did not seem different enough. Examining them closely I discovered the wide variety
and range of them as well and today have a particular fondness for them.
Composition Doll Repair to Restoration
From repair I learned restoration, the process of bringing the doll back to original condition. My mother had been
a professional seamstress so I had a great foundation for the costuming. Hours and hours were spent perfecting
and reading about what dolls looked like those many years ago when new. I think of dolls as a work of art. Each
has their own look and character. Finding the beauty in each is exciting.
I
have lived most of my life in the country and would have it no other way. Sitting on the deck, overlooking the Snake
river brings balance to the hectic moments. I have always been a teacher, whether it has been in the classroom,
volunteering, or promoting a hobby. I am a life long learner and enjoy sharing all that there is. With so many
more things to discover, I don't plan on slowing down any time soon!
Janie
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