From Fragile to Beautiful: Restoring a 13-Inch Armand Marseille Doll
Giving an Antique Armand Marseille Doll a New Body, Wig, Wardrobe & a New Life
Another patient at Dolls’ Stories Hospital: a cabinet-size antique Armand Marseille bisque doll, marked “Made in Germany, Armand Marseille, 3/0.” For such a respectable age, she had survived remarkably well. Only her right hand required major reconstruction.
However, her original body did not seem quite right for her. It appeared too small and rather plain for the character and scale of her bisque head. Without hesitation, I decided that she deserved a body better suited to her size and personality.
Miracles happen regularly in my workshop, and this project certainly needed one.
Replacing the body was only the beginning. Next, it was time to dress her according to the fashions of the period into which she was born.
Her drawers, chemise, and petticoat were remade and trimmed especially for this early-twentieth-century antique doll, following the sewing traditions of the time. Even the fastenings came from antique garments and were given a new purpose.
I created her wig from scratch. A custom cap was sewn to fit the shape of her head, and strands of natural blonde hair were then carefully braided by hand. It took a great deal of patience, and perhaps a little magic, but the doll now has a wig that perfectly complements her face, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
I filmed the wig-making process in greater detail and shared it as a series of short videos, so you can watch each stage step by step.
Weaving tresses for antique doll wig #shorts
Weaving tresses for antique doll wig #shorts
Weaving tresses for antique doll wig
Weaving tresses for antique doll wig #short
Starting to collect tresses on a hat for an antique doll #shorts
Starting to collect tresses on a hat for an antique doll #dollhospital #shorts
Wig hat for an antique doll is ready #shorts
This is how she looked after receiving her new body.
The top opening of the doll’s head also required additional restoration. First, I made a custom cork pate to support the wig cap and protect the sleeping-eye mechanism. It also holding the wig securely in place with pins.
Inside the head, I reconstructed the eye mechanism using stationary doll eyes, following traditional methods. Even the small cork pieces were placed exactly where they were needed for safe, correct operation.
The doll began trying on her new look, and, as far as I could see, she was very pleased. Just look at the little shoes: hand-sewn in my workshop from a piece of vintage genuine leather.
Follow the complete dressmaking process for this cabinet-size antique Armand Marseille doll in the playlist below:
The antique doll dress is ready! #antiquedollparts #antiquedoll #antiquedolls
@dollsstorieshospital
#dollsstorieshospital
#antique #antiquedoll #antiqueporcelaindoll #cleaningdolls #dollhospital
#dollspa #asmr
The antique doll dress is ready! #antiquedollparts #antiquedoll #antiquedolls
The antique doll dress is ready! @dollsstorieshospital ...
How I sew a dress for an antique doll #shorts #asmr
How I sew a dress for an antique doll. @dollsstorieshospital ...
How I sew a dress for an antique doll #dollhospital #sewing #doll #asmr #dollfashionaccessories
How I sew a dress for an antique doll. @dollsstorieshospital ...
How I sew a dress for an antique doll #asmr #shorts
How I sew a dress for an antique doll. @dollsstorieshospital ...
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model #shorts #asmr
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model ...
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model #asmr #shorts
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model ...
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model #asmr #shorts
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model ...
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model #asmr #shorts
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model ...
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model #asmr #shorts
How I create a dress for an antique doll based on an old model ...
Her blue eyes and blonde hair are beautifully highlighted by a dress made from antique silk taffeta. Bows, ribbons, and pleats all found their proper place in this outfit.
What young lady of the early twentieth century would go out in public without a hat? Certainly not this doll. She comes from a respectable family.
So, please meet her: our little azure beauty is ready to begin the next century of her life.
She is ready for her next century.
You are welcome to visit my YouTube channel DollsStoriesHospital, where I occasionally publish new videos about doll restorations and transformations.