Dolls, Dolls, Dolls!

So where can you find Gypsies, the Wicked Witch of the West, a Balinese Dancer, and Christmas Joy?

You can find them at Cora Raiford's "La Belle Doll: Art Dolls" show at the library! Cora began doll making as a hobby and has since entered and won doll making competitions. In her own words:

"Casting a Spell" Courtesy of La Belle Doll

"As an illustrator for the pre-computers Florida Times-Union, I was incredibly happy. In addition to a full time job, I took on any free-lance work I could find while maintaining the wife, mommy, homemaker chores. That's just how it was in the '50's and '60's. Two years spent with a publishing company in the Bahamas made use of all my graphic art and illustrating experience. I filled a sketch book with the people and the places of the islands. Some were reproduced as prints or paintings."

"Exotic Balinese Dancer" Courtesy of La Belle Doll

From the "Exotic Balinese Dancer" description:
"[...], while teaching at the Florida Gourd Society show in Palatka, Florida , I saw a basket of potato sized gourds. "A doll's body!" I thought aloud. The seller was quick to pick up on my AH HA! moment and showed me her egg gourds then directed me to a bin of long handled dipper gourds. She was reading my mind!"

"Wicked Witch of The Wild West" Courtesy of La Belle Do

 If you would like to contact Cora about buying or creating one of her amazing dolls, you can pick up one of her business cards at the show.

The La Belle Doll show will be on display until the end of the month. See you soon!


If you have a favorite doll and you would like to share, post a picture and/or description in the comments below :o).