The Strange Dolls of Alla Bears

The artist who makes these one of a kind dolls advertises them as Halloween items, and they do have a Halloween feel to them, so I wanted to share them.

I think this dollmaker has a great imagination. These creations are so amiable and creepy at once. It's a bit confusing. They are more than a little endearing. But there's also just a soupcon of menace or possible danger about them. One wonders if the cuteness might be a veneer and nothing more. What lurks beneath in the doll psyches of these strange, sometimes anime-reminiscent hybrids?

There are some surreal effects for sure. That sheep, for example, gives me the strange idea that its head might be upside-down. Maybe it's just that low placement of the eyes. Also, that doll seems to have tarantula fur on it. Such effects can work on one in subliminal ways. The dolls have a certain cuteness and pathos about them, but each of them has offputting features as well. I could easily imagine these dolls as the villains pulling the strings in a dark fantasy tale, working in concert to achieve their nefarious goals, and using that "cuteness" to their advantage.

I think it's sort of funny that the artist mentions these dolls are "not suitable for small children." Of course, she's talking about safety concerns, but one could easily imagine she's talking about the capacity these dolls might possess to give their owner nightmares.

More Halloween Collectibles (Reference by Pamela Aparkian-Russell, 1998)

More Halloween Collectibles by: Pamela Apkarian-Russell
ISBN: 0764306588
Book Title: More Halloween Collectibles: Anthropomorphic Vegetables and Fruits of Halloween, With Price Guide
Author: Pamela E. Apkarian-Russell
Binding: Soft Cover
Copyright: 1998
Pages: 160
Size: 8.5 x 11 in.

Table of Contents

Turning these pages, the reader plunges deep into a fantastic and spooky world inhabited by all manner of lively, animated vegetables and fruit folk that caper and dance under the Halloween moon. These figures, led by the ever-popular jack o' lanterns, are shown in over 580 color photographs in their many collectible forms, including Halloween figural candy containers, lanterns, and postcards. Assorted noisemakers, wall decorations, hats, masks, and party decorations are also included in this thorough presentation. These collectibles span quite a range from the very old to the modern. Also included is sound advice about how to collect your favorite Halloween characters and prices for all of the items displayed. This wonderful romp through the woody underbrush of Halloween will bring back childhood memories of trick or treats past to all who read it!

This looks wonderful.

I love that the subtitle lets you know what I only recently discovered: that in the early 20th century (and possibly ealier?) there was a vogue for not just anthropomorphic pumpkins (the beloved Jack-o'-Lantern) but other vegetables and fruits which had come alive as well to celebrate Halloween!

Antique Cast Iron Black Cat Andirons with Glass Eyes (Howes)

"This set of antique andirons were recently purchased from a Nashville family who said the came from Marty Robbins Home. Their father had done work for Marty Robbins and they had no reason to make this up. I regretted not getting a letter from the family, but there was much grieving and seemed inappropriate at the time.

"These spooky, but handsome, Cats stand 17" tall. Howes #3007. Old Black paint with light surface rust. Green round glass eyes. Complete and fully functional. Easy to imagine viewing fire's flames through these eyes."