Gretchen Finkleworth
No. 48 in the Cobblestone Circle Series
Sometimes people just lose track of what’s important. Certainly there are plenty of worries in the world, but Gretchen Finkleworth knows folks would be much better off if they’d just let themselves indulge in a few moments of play every once in a while. Oh to be sure, many experts tout the same advice ~ they refer to it in more refined adult terms such as relaxation, or centering oneself. But Gretchen knows it’s just good old-fashioned playtime.
She and her husband Wendell see it all the time. People from the village will come into The Toymaker looking for a gift for a child and end up spending quite a bit of time in the store enjoying themselves by discovering new toys or getting reacquainted with old friends from their own childhood.
Her own favorites have always been the stuffed animals and dolls. She is always moved when the bits of fabric and fur turn into a new friend as soon as the eyes are set and the little soul comes to life in her hands. Each one so eager to provide years of hugs, hold the hopes of whispered dreams and of course attend endless tea parties. Is there anything more enjoyable than savoring an intimate moment and imaginary meal with your favorite doll? Who among us wouldn’t benefit from an afternoon sharing cuddles, crumpets and secrets?
Come to think of it she and Wendell could use a celebratory cup of tea and touch of whimsy right about now. After all they have a new grandchild coming soon!
Sold Februsry 2009
Gretchen is made from pink frosted sassy mini bear fabric. Her tail is white satin cording and she measures just over 2½ inches to the top of her head. Gretchen is wearing her floral print dress with puffy pink sleeve caps and apron. It is accented with beige cotton trim at the waist and hem. A tiny aqua bow adorns the back.
Many, many hours of wearing magnifying glasses, working with teeny drill bits and saws and minute paint brushes and tweezers went into creating this lovely collection of miniature toys and charming little trinkets.
Gretchen will come with her toy shelf and all the toys seen here.
Her toy shelf measures 4 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
There are 2 teddy bears ~ one flocked and one resin.
The hobby horse is entirely handmade by me ~ complete with a fluffy mane.
The six stuffed animals were handmade as well and include a duck, a giraffe, a hippo, a monkey, a bear and a lion. And of course they each have a tiny bow around their neck.
