Thursday, July 8, 2010

A Little Nostalgia

Inspired by a discussion about nursery decor in the 1970's and 1980's I decided to do a little digging and found someone I had forgotten all about! I'm sure that I am dating myself by sharing with you this little girl, but if you're eh um.....young? like me then you'll remember her too!

Holly Hobby was actually born in 1944 and is a REAL person! She is an American writer and illustrator who wrote the Toot And Puddle books that are now a popular children's show and also the creator of the fictional character that bears her own name. Born Denise Holly Ulinskas, she married Douglas Hobbie in 1964.

In the early 1970s, Hobbie sold distinctive artwork of a cat-loving, rag dress-wearing little girl in a giant bonnet to American Greetings. This series of illustrations became immensely popular and her originally nameless character became known as "Holly Hobbie".

I honestly have to say that I haven't heard even one mention of Holly Hobbie in YEARS! What a wonderful theme to build a girl's bedroom or nursery around! Classic, soft and uber girly Holly would make any little girl happy regardless of what era she's born in.

Once again I turned to Etsy first for my search in Holly Hobbie items as it is a great source for vintage items. Sure enough I was not left disappointed!

This vintage twin sized sheet from My Vintage Whimsy could be made to fit a crib or toddler bed! You could also use it as fabric to create throw pillows or wall art!
Love this pitcher! How gorgeous would it be sitting on the dresser atop a dainty lace doily?
Pitcher courtesy of Cales Van Vintage Finds

Of course, the room wouldn't be complete without Miss Holly herself sitting on a shelf or cabinet somewhere!
Holly Hobby Doll found at REdesignkc

With so many colors in her dress it's easy to pick a favorite and make the room any one you wish! Tea sets, kittens, bonnets and patchwork! A great theme to be able to add your own twist to. So if you're looking for ideas for a girl's room or nursery and you'd like to stay away from the main stream - why not go vintage and think about things from your own childhood that hold a place in your heart?

Next up? Raggedy Ann, of course!

7 comments:

  1. I had a Holly Hobby Crib when I was growing up and my baby book was Raggedy Ann and Andy :)

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  2. I was looking for some of the old Holly Hobby dolls and house stuff on eBay not long ago. I have raggedy Ann in my room and my MIL made one for my daughter, too bad the fabric was rotten and her black shoes split open. No nusery for me or my brother or sister, our crib was in the master with my parents.

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  3. my room theme was Holly Hobbie when I was a little girl ... thanks for the post and bringing back fond memories :)

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  4. Funny how an image can invoke such vivid memories - I had that same sheet pattern when I was a girl! Some great ideas, as usual!

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  5. I know that I didn't have a Holly Hobbie, but I'm pretty sure my sister did....wonder what happened to it?

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  6. Hi there! Thanks so much for posting my holly hobbie pitcher in your blog! Cute idea, love your blog.

    calesvan.etsy.com

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  7. Wow I love Holly Hobbie too, I am 44 and adopted a beautiful little girl 3 yrs. ago, we are now redoing her room in Holly Hobbie. I ordered quilt pieces on line and am having a quilt made and am using some of my vintage pieces to add to it. She is timeless and so precious.

    Robin D

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