An Edwardian Summer - Photo Winners
- BbeautyDesigns
- Aug 13, 2025
- 4 min read
An Edwardian Summer Grand Prize Winner - Sarah Tafelsky Entry #119 @sarahtafelsky
We had so many beautiful entries for this series, it was hard to choose and it is exactly that reason that Michelle, Ava, and I went back and forth so many times looking at all the entries.
Sarah's photo was so inspiring along that line. Samantha looks as if she's in motion and waving to us for real, plus her use of props, outfit, and even scenery look in proportion to the doll. Michelle, Ava, and I thought the photo felt very alive and that it captured that Edwardian Eternal Summer vibe that we've been inspired by this entire series. Sarah will be taking home our Grand Prize which is a full set of our Edwardian Cut Out Boots in every color!
We asked Sarah to say a few words about her photo:
When I started setting up this photo, I imagined what it would have been like to be a young lady at the turn of the century upon receiving her first bicycle. The shiny black metal frame, clean white tires not yet marred by gravel, the pedals yearning to be pushed for the first time. I imagined Samantha as she took her first wobbly roll down the sidewalk, quickly gained confidence, and soon her skirts rippled and hair danced in the swift breeze of that first ride. This is the kind of photo that awakens the child within us all, restoring the kind of magic too often lost in a grown-up world.
I would also like to encourage every sewist to try out Lemon Bay Doll Co.‘s “Edwardian Girls’ Frock” pattern. Michelle is such a talented designer and seamstress! The level of detail she puts into her designs and patterns is unrivaled. Whether you make the ensemble out of a crisp cotton (like this floral frock I made for Sam) or a luxe silk, your doll is sure to be the best-dressed Edwardian anywhere!
We agree Sarah!
An Edwardian Summer Outfit Prize Winner - Jade Corona Entry #114 @dolledup1993
Lemon Bay Doll Co graciously entered a bonus prize this year for the giveaway and the vote was unanimous on the photo that would win.
There was something so simplistic and realistic about this photo. It's a perfect seaside escape and also embodies "An Edwardian Summer" theme perfectly. It caught my attention immediately as I like photos that get your mind working on the story behind the photo. Jade is taking home a one of a kind outfit made by Lemon Bay Doll Co as her prize.
We asked Jade to say a few words about her photo:
For this photo, I wanted to capture Samantha enjoying a quiet seaside afternoon, true to her Edwardian 1904 roots. Her swimsuit reflects the modest yet charming style of the era, and the beach chair and book bring the scene to life. I love doll photography because it allows me to blend history with storytelling, every photo becomes a portal into another time.
Michelle at Lemon Bay Doll Co put together this great video that includes the honorable mention submissions that we enjoyed. There were so many good ones!
What's Coming Next?
Our next historical collaboration is the Civil War / Victorian era. We originally scheduled this collaboration for 2025, but we are pushing the date forward to Spring 2026 as there are more ideas we want to incorporate with our fellow collaborators to make the series even bigger and better.
Modern AG Doll Collectors will be happy to know that a mini-collab is coming for September - October 2025 to celebrate Fairytale and Fantasy in the world of dolly dress-up. For those of you who love to participate in photo contests and are sewing your costumes for dolls, this is the perfect opportunity to win prizes for your creativity including prizes for Best Creative Photo and Best Dressed (best homemade outfit for those sewing their own clothes). More will be announced in a separate newsletter as there is an entirely different line-up of artists who will be showcased for this series. This will be the last collaboration series for the year, after which we will be preparing for the Holiday Doll Show in Santa Rosa, CA and working on our Christmas collections independently.
If you missed it you can search our website or view the individual issues from this series in our Doll Forum:
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