Here's how it all began. There was once a little girlie named Shirley who loved to draw, paint, and make fanciful things. Often times, friends and family would be the recipients of handmade gifts of cards, poems, and other labor intensive objects d'art. Though primitive, they were constructed with love. As the years went by, Shirley improved her skills, continuing the tradition of creating imaginative items which would be special to each recipient.

"Shirley's Girlies" were born long before a cute name was ever attached to them. These old fashioned wooden clothespin dolls perched on Christmas trees for many years. Many people comment that they made clothespin dolls or animals in their childhood. With the launch of my art shows in 2011, I tried to think of a small "happy" to sell in the booth. The time was right for the formal debut of "Shirley's Girlies!" With their hand painted faces and blingy attire, they reached a new level of sophistication, modeling fur coats, feather boas, sequined wraps, lacy dresses, stiletto pumps with designer handbags, and hats that would make any lady envious! A sentimental touch is added when I use special vintage fabrics supplied by the customer. Ballerinas, brides, fairies, angels, princesses, Golfing Girlies, Bikini Babes, Blue Jean Babes, Gardening Girlies, cheerleaders, and "Shirley's Burlies" joined the collection. Many custom caricatures have now been created, bringing giggles from the adoptee. At shows, I have been rewarded and gratified to see the look of amazement and delight on the faces of those trying to select their own Girlie. Whether it is a small girlie, a grandparent, or someone choosing a "happy" to cheer up a friend, the selection process always includes laughter, and THAT is the true purpose of "Shirley's Girlies"! They have progressed far beyond Christmas ornaments to gift toppers, cake toppers, corsages, wreath inserts, name holders for ladies luncheons, hostess gifts, party favors, and now they are inserted in my whimsical and fabulous fascinators! Lovingly handmade, painted, and clothed, "Shirley's Girlies" are tiny, but packed full of Southern attitude!

In recent years, fascinators, boot bracelets, corsages, and lovely heirloom fabric crowns have joined the assortment, all geared to ladies of every age.