Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Video: Charli-Doll's from Start to Finish
Here is a video I made last Friday of the whole Charli-Doll process. Let me preface this by saying that Charli-Dolls don't really make sense to me. I have never really understood the Life-Savers in the middle - the only way to get at them is to destroy the doll. What is the point of that? I do know that little kids really like the dolls, but I have never seen the point once the Jelly-Belly's are harvested from the head (rather gruesome - what does THAT teach children?). I can't argue with the fact that the dolls never fail to delight their recipients. Maybe this is my way of justifying the fact that I am posting video of myself making DOLLS.
I resurrected the assembly of the Charli-Doll mainly as a means to entertain Grandpa, and it has worked. He will sit for hours and talk about when he used to make them (he has made thousands) and all the different people who received them. He hasn't made any for several years, mostly because the effects of his stroke make it difficult. He constantly tells me about when he used to sell them to the "Nut Tree", which was some sort of store in California. I only have vague memories of it. There is something humorous about the way Grandpa says "The Nut Tree."
Anyhow, this video was originally about 2 -1/2 hours long (careful observers will notice the break in the middle for dinner), but I sped it up to make it watchable. It fairly accurately shows the whole process, from face drawing to final tie offs. I am not really a craft-type person, but Grandpa is tickled with the results. He has already given away about 20 of them to kids around the neighborhood and at church.
Now I need to take up some manly hobby like spelunking or chainsaw carving. That would make good video.
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13 comments:
Hey brad
How do place videos on your blog?
And what is lisa's blog.
I like the music! And, you sure are a speedy worker.
The "Charli-Doll" still lives!!!
Ol' 'Lanche just ain't too impressed but then---he's just a hoss... ...he sez he'd go fer them Jelly Belly thingys... 8~)
I love the music, too, and that's a lot of dedication to Grandpa, Charli-dolls, and videography. Most impressive!
That was one of the funnier things I've seen in a while. Thanks for posting it!
--DJ
That brings back so many memories. How well I remember the discarded carcasses in the toy box, as well as the delight when the girls got a new one. I also remember making a delivery to the Nut Tree warehouse for him. Many, many happy memories. Thanks for doing this, Brad. What a way to honor your grandfather.
It looks like you are cursing and muttering under your breath near the beginning...ha! Ethan was entranced.
Lexie was entranced too! And oh for the space of an American house like I saw in the video...I CRAVE it...
fascinating! As for your idea about taking up a manly sport, I heartily suggest skydiving! What better way to make up for playing with dolls :)
So coool! I remember those from my childhood in CA as well.
This was fascinating! So many thoughts running through my head...
"Hm! Who knew Brad was such a marker artist?"
"Wow - drilling into dolls' heads with a DeWalt. Cool. And weird."
"He looks like one of those 19th C mill workers at a loom, what with all the dexterity with yarn."
But predominately: "That is quite a heroic thing to do. Good job, Brad!"
A real man wouldn't have any qualms about doing that.
So I suggest you start those chainsawing lessons right quick :-).
Nice post. and cool video, lol...
I'm so impressed! So many mysteries were introduced and subsequently solved by this video... especially the crazy loom contraption.
...I have to confess -- charli-dolls freak me out a little bit. I think it's the heavy black lashes and unkempt hair. I'm sure the video just doesn't do them justice.
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