We’ve really been enjoying Claudie, and it’s inspired all three of us to work on new accessories. While scissors, paper and glue sticks are my thing, Sis prefers hand-sewing with needle and thread. After skimming through the Meet Claudie book illustrations, she decided to try making Claudie’s hand puppets and stage set. Personally, I have no idea why American Girl didn’t make this set as part of her collection, but then they decided not to make a Brownies’ Book for her, either. Oh, well! It leaves more scope for our imaginations, doesn’t it? Well, Mom and I are absolutely in love with Elizabeth’s Puppet Show set. Claudie begged to be allowed to model for the blog with her new set. And she was so adorable in the pictures that we’re wondering if we don’t just need one more of these dolls. After all, Sidney Carter could always use a sister. But that’s another story for another entry. Back to the puppets. Let’s look at some cute pictures. (Aren’t Kit’s bed and PJs perfect for Claudie? Much nicer than what they’re selling for Claudie, in our opinions.) Isn’t she adorable?!
Sis’s favorite turned out to be Puddles the Duck . . .
But I was having a hard time deciding between Miss Pink the Pig . . .
. . . and Domino the Cat.
Apparently, Claudie wasn’t having any trouble. She loves them all! (And notice how she does the voices when the puppets are “talking”!)
And here are some pictures showing the close-ups of the puppets (all hand-sewn out of felt with embroidered faces), the theater stage (also handmade and decorated by Sis) with red felt curtains that are removable and adjustable, and a storage box for the puppets that looks like a vintage suitcase. Too cute, isn’t it? This was so much fun to photograph!
Click any images to enlarge.
This was a happy thing to make and photograph, and Sis has decided to list it in the Islandshire Etsy store. If your Claudie is just dying for a puppet show, this might be her chance to get it. And I will add that this is a very limited item! I don’t think I’ll be able to talk Sis into making too many of these. 🙂
For those of you who haven’t gotten the book yet or seen the illustrations, here is the little picture showing Claudie’s puppet show in the book:
I think the “Claudie bug” has really bitten us around here. We’re enjoying learning about a period in time that none of us has ever really delved into before. We’re decently well-versed with the 1925-35 Art Deco movement and the early part of the century, but the transitional post-war period just kinda gets lost in the research. I spent part of today looking through a 1922 Sears Roebuck catalog for fashion inspiration. And probably more inspiration for a future blog entry. Stay tuned . . .