Thelma DeHart has been creating dolls for more than twenty years. Inspired when a handmade doll caught her eye at an antique store one day, Thelma went home and created her own version of a Raggedy Ann. "I enjoyed it so much, I've been making dolls ever since!" she says with a laugh. Thelma's dolls—which are intended as collector's items, not toys—range from simple cloth ragamuffins to ornate Victorian-style masterpieces. All are completely handmade from vintage laces, fabrics, and accessories, and have hand painted faces. No two are alike; Thelma says the best part is watching a dolls "personality" evolve right under her fingertips: "I never know how they'll turn out; I make the body first, then as I paint the face and add the hair, I start to get an idea of who's coming to life." She picks clothing and adds details—such as purses, stockings, and hats—based on the doll's personality. "Some turn out to be elegant, some are born coquettes. It just all comes together somehow!"
Currently, Thelma creates bed dolls, which sit against a pillow or headboard to adorn a bed; "material girls," which can be used as accents or home décor; chair dolls, which sit on chairs as a decorative element; "bag ladies," which hang on a wall and hold plastic bags for recycling; and specialty dolls, which can be anything from holiday angels to crotchety old men.
Since Thelma's dolls are all unique, you can enjoy knowing that when you buy one, there's not another like it in the world. You can also enjoy knowing it was made with love—by an artist who says, "You don't have to be a child to enjoy dolls!"
Click here to read about the five types of dolls Thelma makes.
The picture of Victorian charm! Beth has dark brown hair and wears a soft blue calico dress adorned with lace and a vintage pin. She holds a lace heart in her hands.
Who can resist a doll with this much attitude? Flo wears a dress of red, black, and blue—lace bows and finery falling daintily about her face. With her mane of black hair and Liza Minelli eyelashes, she looks just the type for sexy black lace stockings and boots!
The picture of decorum...well, except for that tiny bit of cleavage under her shawl...Lucy is all dressed up in yellow and blue floral print, lace shawl, dainty hankie, and tres chic crocheted hat. All she needs is your plastic bags to give her a little more lift!
No idle hands for this Victorian lady! Martha will stitch away on a bit of embroidery while resting in your favorite chair. Her light brown hair goes perfectly with her cream-colored calico print dress.
Has there ever been a more beautiful doll? "Miss Madison" will spread her opulent self across your bed, her satin gown and pink lace overskirt shimmering under a swirl of appliquéd pearls. Her matching purse and hat add an additional touch of elegance that make this dark-haired doll a true work of art.
This frothy concoction of red and ecru vintage lace will melt the heart of all who see her. "Miss Valentine" wears lacy bloomers and pearl-buttoned boots and holds a red satin heart adorned with a vintage pin. Her dark brown hair is topped with a hat to die for!
Ain't love grand? This adorable couple takes comfort to a new level. "Mr." wears a pair of snapy checked pajamas (complete with hankie in the pocket); "Mrs." is decked out in gingham jammies, a fluffy robe, fluffier shoes, and matching turban that doesn't quite cover her rollers. Handmade with love and a sense of humor, these dolls are stuffed with cotton fiber fill, have hand-painted faces, and are guaranteed to deliver smile after smile. A delightfully different gift for a wedding or anniversary.
Prim and proper Priscilla, with her demure navy and lavender floral print frock and antique beaded bag, will guard your bags with greatest pleasure.
The epitome of class, Rae is decked out in a peaches-and-cream dress overlaid with vintage lace and adorned with vintage jewelry. Her matching hat features feathers and crocheted lace and her lace-covered legs boast snappy black fabric boots. A perfect companion in the car, the office, at home, or to give to someone you love!
With her curly blonde hair, bright plaid dress, festive hat, and bejeweled bosom, Roxie the Bag Lady is sure to bring a smile. Stuff her skirt full of bags; there's room to spare!
Gentility at its best is represented by Sarah's lace-accented, blue calico dress and the vintage handkerchief she holds. Her dark brown curls are held in place with blue satin ribbons, and her long, graceful neck is adorned with a vintage jewel.
Say "I love you" with this exquisite Victorian valentine doll. Victoria wears a white satin gown trimmed in pale green lace and holds a red and white lace heart festooned with a vintage pearl pin. Her dark brown hair peeks out from beneath a glorious white lace hat accented with a feather and two red satin bows.
