Paper Dolls

I also bought a pile of children's story and colouring books at the auction last week, which included several books of paper dolls. Some of the books are quite old, dating back to the 1940's but the paper doll collections are all less than than 40 years old.

There are two books from 1972 of cutsie dolls named Josie and Mary with various outfits and a little story book inside each one.

There is one based on the book "Little Women", with a doll for each of the sisters and the handsome neighbour Laurie as well.

And then we get to the more unusual books of paper dolls:  one is a Joan Crawford collection from 1983, featuring costumes from several of her MGM movies.

There is also a Princess Diana Book of Fashion from 1982, featuring a scantily clad Chuck and Di and lots of outfits that will look very familiar to anyone familiar with photos of the happy couple from the early days of their marriage.

However, I was most delighted to discover the Monster paper doll book, also from 1983.   There's Frankenstein and a woman who appears to be his bride, as well as a vampire and a werewolf.

They have lots of outfits to choose, appropriate for themes such as "The Sporting Life", "Unholy Matrimony", "Happy Holidays" (complete with a giant sized Easter Bunny outfit!) and a rock bank known as the Transylvanians.  My personal favourite is "Work Clothes", especially Frank's outfit with the unconscious woman in his arms: