First Couple

Don't they make a lovely pair?

Paper Doll Projects

Battered, worn, or pulled-apart paper dolls of all kinds still have a lot of life in them -- making them the perfect choice for paper crafters and mixed media artists.

From old Disney characters to old-fashioned magazine cut-outs long ago played with and discarded, a handful of creative, innovative projects listed online by artists (both ours and other crafters) may give them a new lease on entertainment.

Creative gift tags, anyone? Pre-cut dolls and dresses find a new home on holiday packages here.

Wooden paper dolls? Find decoupage tips here for making mixed media designs with paper dolls and wooden surfaces, from jewelry boxes and doll closets to the basic steps for crafting wooden dolls for display or fun.

Design your own paper doll? Find tips here on creating something one of a kind or adapting a familiar choice

Find printable and public domain paper dolls here, complete with dolls, dresses, and a glimpse into the paper arts of long-ago (all free for use in personal craft projects).

How about a unique "cupcake doll" design inspired by the eighties doll craze? Click here for tips on crafting them for parties or afternoon fun.

Or click here to learn about creative fabric "paper doll" designs made from felt and other materials.

Creating something unique with worn-out paper dolls recycles those paper figures in need of a little TLC into something new and loveable. Test out of a few of today's designs on printed magazine cutouts or an old-box of wrinkled but wonderful images.

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!

From the Cabin to the Land of the Free ... may her flag always wave true.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Old Records

Many things are piled around the cabin ... including stacks of old LPs. Collected by family members and salvaged from junk sales, a little bit of everything spins beneath the needle.

The latest acquisitions ... Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.

Last year's favorite finds: Glen Miller's Orchestra and The Platters.

Classical records, operatic performances, Christmas choirs and Dowop bands -- from 33s to 78s, in vinyl sleeves to original covers. The sound of scratchy vinyl is unforgettable, magic in comparison to smooth cds and remastered classics.

Although a few do need to be rescued now and then from a "skipping" song. But I firmly believe that's part of the charm of classy vinyl collections.