ACKLEY ADDICT

EFA 's space  was conducive to her creative energy. She apparently did not care if rules were broken. Good for her.  My creative space had become a "nighmare". Probably due to my habit of working into the "wee" hours.  As some of you know, I maintain a homepage dedicated to EFA, cloth dolls, etc.  Please visit. A recent update of  "before and after"  photos,  of what was once my creative space, is posted.  Comments are welcomed as well as how you maintain your work space.

http://hometown.aol.com/efa4ever/index.html

Celebrate Spring! Make a Doll 

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What's in the air? Spring! Flowers, fresh air and great information!  Thanks to the person sharing information regarding EFA's daring to create a puppet stage in her apartment! I'm never satisfied....any little bit of information is always welcomed. 

Don't forget to visit all cloth dollmaking sites & groups to learn, share or lurk. I'm so happy to see flowering pear trees, mock crab apple blossoms, and birds.

Have a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

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Photos of Edith Ackley appear to be "posed"...professionally arranged and stiff.  Other than her dolls and puppets, there are few personal objects.  I have noticed a sewing basket and other doll making materials .  However, are these hers or photographer's props?  Hmmmm?

The photo in "Marionettes" , shows EFA in front of a fireplace.  No. It appears to be a stage. Is that a rug on the wall or the curtain for the stage?  Her delightful marionettes are haphazardly placed around her.  She looks bored, as if wanting the moment to quickly end. Her face is pretty and plain. Perhaps she is thinking of her late husband and wondering how she will raise a child. 

If the pictures of EFA were takened in her home, I wonder where  she found inspiration.  As I explore questions about her creative space, I am also evaluating my own.   How's your space geared toward creativity?  Mine needs help.  

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I celebrated Thanksgiving by not having to cook....only enjoy a wonderful meal with my family. Edith Ackley celebrated many Holidays with her family, having lived  80 plus years! On the anniversay of her death, I remember her with "thanks"....for sharing her talent with us.  I'm especially thankful she wrote  books & designed patterns.....my favorite "Dolls To Make For Fun & Profit".

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         HAPPY   THANKSGIVING!

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How am I to cope with this addiction?  I  enjoy  being a collector, researcher of EFA & other cloth dolls and cloth doll makers/artists!  What wonderful friends I have made by being addicted to cloth dolls!  Cloth dolls may be made on any level by anyone! Those  still possessing  a childhood cloth toy  is lucky!  This is your history.....pass it on....extend it to the next generation!  My daughter loved Teddy Bears....I saved them all.  However, the bear she really loved was thrown from a high-rise balcony by a very bad 6 year old!  The bear had served all odds, except those of a jealous child!  Are we too jealous to extend our hobbies to the highest levels of being friendly?  I hope not.  The groups which I belong may be small but I like it!

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A dear friend stated that blogs were replacing web sites...due in part to readers being subjected to mountains of ads.  I 'm not one to really read the ads, but do search links.  There are severals sites, pages, blogs specifically for cloth dolls & EFA! So,  why are these interested parties  silent.....except for discussions of dolls...only?  Is there no  interest in the life and times of Edith Ackley ?  I find her fascinating.  The somber photos reveal nothing of her personality as a dollmaker & puppeteer.  I imagine her  as vibrant and  

Wish I could see a photo of her smiling. 

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Please exercise your right to vote!!!!

EFA & women her age spent most of their lives seeking equality. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Participate in politics where you will have some importance.

PARTICIPATE IN THIS POLL

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