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Please place your order before December 12th for guaranteed delivery for Christmas!

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Our in-house gift wrapping service includes our Italian off-set printed patterned paper, matching Swiss double satin ribbon, foiled sticker seals instead of tape and one card for your message. Kindly note we do not gift-wrap decorative papers, wrapping materials such as ribbon, wrapping paper and greeting cards...

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Bat Boy Cotton Doll

£125.00

These Spun Cotton Dolls are faithful replicas of ornaments from a bygone era - originating in 19th and early 20th century Germany. These were made by hand with cotton wadding around wire shapes and adorned with Dresden scrap embossed papers and other hand fashioned props, often featuring mushrooms Gluckspilz, a little trinket for luck. The porcelain faces used are original antique doll parts, which are extraordinarily secured some 100 years after they were disposed of as second quality or faulty by the doll makers of the past in the local village woods somewhere in Eastern Germany. Today in one of the strangest weekend hobbies, these are dug up like treasure by locals, or porcelain-foragers as we like to think of them, for your enjoyment. Surely the fact that each face has been buried in dirt for decades, destined to be forgotten, and brought back to life, given a new body and clothes, adds to their very eery, sometimes outright frightening demeanour and kooky form.

Until 1940 the area, sometimes known as the Black Valley, some ninety kilometres north of Nuremberg around the small town of Lauscha, had a near exclusive position supplying glass ornaments worldwide. These were the early days of commercial decorations, which were made in primitive cottage industry conditions. Using glass tubing and a gas burner, fathers and sons blew the round baubles, while other family members would coat the the interior with a silvering solution (silver nitrate), so that once painted these would reflect the light like a mirror. The ornaments would dry overnight on nails fastened to boards and then be dipped in lacquer and decorated in fancy designs.

Choosing Keeping keeps to strict buying criteria when it comes too rnaments. Firstly they must be made in Europe. Our purpose is to support historical cottage industries not to undermine them, so we’re not interested in copies and cheap knock-offs, only the original will do. What we’re offering are ornaments which have been designed by what we consider to be the leaders in this Christmas field, makers with a notable and distinguishable vision as well as original designs of their own creation and imagination, who we wish to actively support and see thrive into the next century. By buying this ornament you are taking a part in the continuation of the Christmas story.

Length: 23cm
Width: 13.5cm
Depth: 6cm
Weight: 30g
Material: Porcelain, Cotton, Paper

Each doll is made by hand using traditional spun cotton techniques and is therefore exceptionally delicate. The figures are lightweight and easily marked or crushed if handled roughly. Avoid bending limbs or pressing on the surface, as the cotton may lose its shape or tear. Keep away from moisture and humidity — water will permanently damage the material and painted details. When not on display, store the dolls in tissue paper and a sturdy box, in a cool, dry place. Handle gently, by the body rather than the head or limbs. Not suitable for children; these are decorative collector’s items intended for careful adult handling.

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Bat Boy Cotton Doll

£125.00
FAQ

Do You Offer Gift Wrapping?

Yes, gift wrapping can be chosen before checkout and is a £10 flat fee, which includes a card and envelope for you to leave a message. We use premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of branded stickers.

How can I amend my order?

Once placed, orders cannot be modified and the address cannot be changed. This is to avoid errors in processing. If you have made an error, please email to request a cancellation, you can then place a new order with the correct details. Once shipped an order cannot be cancelled, it will need to be returned.

What if something is out of stock?

If an item in your order is unavailable, our team will contact you in writing to let you know and discuss your options. We’ll do our best to suggest alternatives or advise when the item is expected back in stock. During busy seasonal periods, if an item under £10 is out of stock, we’ll issue a refund for that product and send the rest of your order so you receive it without delay.

Can I buy gift vouchers?

Digital Gift Cards can be purchased through our website and are delivered by email, these are redeemable through online purchases only. In-store only gift vouchers can also be purchased by visiting us at our physical store in Covent Garden.

Can I collect my order in store?

Yes, if the items in your basket are available at our shop in Covent Garden, you will be able to select “Pick Up” at that location. Not all items will be available at this location.

Shipping

International shipping

We ship to all Worldwide destinations exclusively using DHL Express. For UK destinations DHL Express is a 24h next working day delivery service.

Dispatch Time

We aim to despatch orders within 48 hours. At busy shopping periods this can take an extra few days. Orders placed after 1pm on Fridays and at the weekend will be sent out Monday at the earliest.

Taxes

Shipping to USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means all customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are already covered at checkout—so your order arrives without any unexpected extra charges.

About Us

Choosing Keeping is an independent shop located in Covent Garden, London. We specialise in offering a wide range of stationery and miscellaneous items to cater to all your needs.

We take pride in offering products that inspire creativity and elevate the art of writing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of stationery.

We offer gift wrapping with premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of swallow branded stickers. We ship to all destinations worldwide by DHL.

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21 Tower Street,
London, WC2H 9NS (Map)

T: 020 7613 3842
E:info@choosingkeeping.com
@choosingkeeping