Beads and Leather

​We had the recent opportunity to preserve this beautiful piece of Native American History.  This doll was very old yet still had it's intricate bead work and delicate leather fringe intact.  It may even have been stuffed with horse hair.  Though in good condition, it was fragile due to old age and being open to the elements.

​We set about the delicate task of sew mounting the doll onto an acid free backing.

​Unlike regular fabric, leather is a solid material and stitches cannot slip through the grain undetected.  We were able to mount the doll through existing stitch holes in the leather to retain the integrity of the piece.

​The customer chose a nice mat to frame out the doll visually but being a piece with deep dimensions, it was decided that we should use matching shadowbox risers to give the piece an overall open feel.  In the photo above, it's almost like the doll is patiently waiting to be finished in their new home. 

Now, it is finished and resting inside a maple shadowbox frame with museum glass. This beautiful piece of history can be admired by many instead of being stowed away in the dark.