Jenifer Rutherford bio picture

Welcome to my blog!

I hope you enjoy my photography posts. I have been photographing portraits, weddings, events, and fine art for over fifteen years now.

I am based in central New Jersey though travel everywhere. Please contact me to find out more. I'd love to hear from you. Check back often for new posts!

Thank you for stopping by!  ~Jenifer

732.948.1296

jenrutherford@optonline.net  

Handmade Doll Furniture by my mother ~ NJ Photographer

My mother, JoAnne, has an eye for painting, collages, pressed arrangements and wood working. Her father and grandfather were boat builders in New Jersey, so she was inspired and influenced by their wood-working skills. She and my father created and sold wood projects together in their earlier years of marriage. And Mom handcrafted doll furniture for my sister and me in the 1970’s (pictured here). 🙂

Currently my mother is at home with us struggling with cancer. We have been working hard to help her with a regimen of alternative treatments for over 5 years. She has been very strong and motivated during this time, but, very sadly, things have changed now. It seems that one of the few things that has been lighting up her eyes and smile most these past months, has been showing off her doll furniture to anyone that visits her. She really enjoys watching their cool reaction. So, we decided to properly document and share this, to help her realize what a special, imaginative, creative person she has been for over 60 years…

Mom made the vase, and all of the dishes and lamps while she was in high school in the 70’s. She made everything in these photographs, except the carpet, flooring and cardboard backgrounds. She wanted me to be sure that I showed how the drawers and doors all opened well 🙂 The master bed has a double-sided quilt, and she even made sheets, pillows and the mattress!! To give you an idea of scale, the largest pieces in the photos (table, hutch, refrigerator, bed) average around 5-8 inches.

We love you very much, Mom, and we’re so excited to show you your first blog post featuring your adorable doll furniture!  🙂 Thank you for sharing your gifts with us…

JR1_5528JR1_5512 JR1_5529JR1_5532JR1_5442JR1_5499JR1_5458JR1_5460 JR1_5500JR1_5502JR1_5542JR1_5556JR1_5568 JR1_5580JR1_5792 JR1_5773JR1_5693JR1_5688 JR1_5687JR1_5645 JR1_5631JR1_5589 JR1_5617JR1_5615 JR1_5604JR1_5700JR1_5721 JR1_5716JR1_5746JR1_5749

Follow Jenifer Rutherford Photography on FacebookInstagram and Twitter 🙂

August 9, 2017 - 6:25 am AnnaLisa Pastore - I am in evermore awe of you, JoAnne! And of the family you created who honors you so! JoAnne, you have a delicate mindfulness which is so much in evidence in these works of your beautiful hands. Thank you for sharing with me. Blessings to you on your continued journey.

August 9, 2017 - 1:50 pm Kim Leatherdale - What cool artwork! I can see where you got your talent, Jen. Your mom definitely had an eye for detail and the ability to craft artful treasures. I was taken by the blue patterns on the plates - I know what plates those are based off of. :) Thanks so much to you and your mom for sharing!

August 9, 2017 - 2:10 pm Laidlaw - Holy Moly these are incredible! The details are simply amazing. This must have been one of those gifts where she was like "I made this for you! Now DON'T TOUCH IT!!" haha Your Mom would have made a fortune on Etsy if there was Etsy in the 70's.

August 9, 2017 - 2:25 pm Brandi Johnson - I absolutely love this post. You truly get a sense of the love that was put into each piece. Absolutely amazing!

August 9, 2017 - 3:59 pm jeri - AMAZING! I would buy the furniture if it was life-size....so unbelievably great

August 9, 2017 - 4:36 pm Joan Kingdon - Magnificent.

August 9, 2017 - 5:36 pm Christine A Glace - This is absolutely amazing! I think it speaks to a simpler time when crafts like quilring, knitting and crocheting were common skills passed down from generation to generation. Your mitgers work is incredible and should be in a museum as it is art! She is truly gifted and I thank you for sharing!

August 9, 2017 - 5:37 pm Christine A Glace - This is absolutely amazing! I think it speaks to a simpler time when crafts like quilting, knitting and crocheting were common skills passed down from generation to generation. Your mother's work is incredible and should be in a museum as it is art! She is truly gifted and I thank you for sharing!

August 9, 2017 - 6:39 pm Harold - Looks amazing! If i didnt know better, might have thought itbwas real furniture

August 9, 2017 - 7:34 pm Mary Ann Roupe - Please share with Joanne that I have always thought she was incredibly talented . I remember all those years ago the beautiful Christmas Garden that she made all by herself. Exact replicas of your home and your grandparents homes. I don't remember seeing the doll furniture but I would've been in aw of it as I am now. I cannot imagine the time and patience it must have taken to create such a beautiful crafts. Love you guys you're in my thoughts and prayers always. Mary Ann

August 9, 2017 - 10:45 pm Melissa Lomax - Let me first say, I love miniatures! These lovely pieces and amazing 'set ups' are totally magical. Your mother is extremely talented and must be a very special person! I love that she shared her talents with your whole family... such a fun way to grow up. Seeing these creations, took me back to my childhood and I feel extremely inspired! You and your family are in my thoughts and my heart, I'm sending my very best wishes to all of you. Thank you for sharing her beautiful-creativity with me!

August 10, 2017 - 8:46 am Jessica - Wow! Your mom is amazing! The furniture us soo cute! My daughter would love that! The photos are soo beautiful too! Love! Xoxo

August 10, 2017 - 9:25 am Pippa and Ray Ryan - Jenn~ I LOVE this!!! I am totally enchanted by this wonderful doll furniture - mini everything, even the roast to go in the oven. So incredibly loving to handmake everything for you and your sister. Are those lovely ladies sitting on the loveseat replicas of both of you? WOW!! Dishes, cups, etc. all of it. Please pass along to your Mom that she has a fan in me. I would love to do something like this for my granddaughter, Ina. Fabulous, just fabulous - and kind of you to post this for her. I will keep you all in my prayers. Pippa and Ray Ryan

August 10, 2017 - 9:25 am Marcello Pedalino - WOW!! That's a super-talented MOM, Jen! The detail is incredible. The turkey, the blue leaf design on the ceramics, the mop head... everything! Very impressive and beautiful work. Cheers, -m

August 10, 2017 - 9:33 am Patti Baxter - This is absolutely amazing! The detail in all these pieces - the woodworking, to the quilt and bedskirt, the paintings on the wall and painted pottery, to name just a few - is absolutely gorgeous. What a wonderful gift and legacy your Mom has given you! And of course, wonderful photography to show it off. Love & blessing for goods days & peace <3 <3 <3

August 10, 2017 - 10:20 am Jessica - This is amazing. Your mom is so talented. Thank you for sharing!

August 10, 2017 - 10:24 am Traci Starleper - These are absolutely adorable. I have a dollhouse that my parents had made for me for Christmas when I was 12. I still have this Victorian dollhouse and I absolutely loved getting different furniture for it. The detail in this furniture is exquisite. I can really see the time and effort it took to make each piece and how it showcased the individuality of the pieces. Great work!!! You should be very proud of this!!!

August 10, 2017 - 11:05 am Melissa - That is truly a labor of love! What a blessing to cherish. Your mom is very talented. God bless her!

August 10, 2017 - 11:07 am Diane Mellott - Thank you for sharing, this furniture is absolutely incredible!! Any little girl would have been ecstatic to have furniture like this in their doll house. You mom has an amazing, creative talent. I am so sorry to hear of her illness. Cherish your memories forever. Sending thoughts and prayers for you, your mom and the rest of your family.

August 10, 2017 - 6:48 pm Kristene Beidler Baldwin - May I have permission to share this blog with my photography students? They are learning how to photograph toys. This would be most amazing to share: your mom's work through your photography. Please let me know. Respectfully, Kristene

August 10, 2017 - 9:47 pm Mary Walsh - Miniatures have stolen a ‘little’ place in my heart over the years-and these are especially charming! Your mom must have been very interested in your happiness as children to devote so much time to your ‘play’ and making you smile. I especially LOVE the little refrigerator! ….And the tiny ‘doll’ furniture in the last photo-what an imagination! Your mom’s first blog post made me smile! God bless you, your mom and family during these difficult days! Mary

August 11, 2017 - 8:04 am Patricia DeMarco - What a talent. I do remember your grandfather's boats, especially the one he was building in the basement of his home. If I could have one tenth of her talent I would be honored. I had a doll house as a child, but the furniture and details were not anywhere close to what you have. Treasure it always. Love, Pat

August 11, 2017 - 8:22 am Sarah Van Keuren - I am charmed by these dollhouse creations! Also by Jenifer's documentation of them. My very best to former student Jenifer and her mother.

August 11, 2017 - 5:28 pm Meg Anderson - Your mother did a wonderful job with creating the furniture for a minature doll house 🏡 - which would appeal to every child and also any person that has an appreciation of a talented person. Your Mom was incredible!

August 12, 2017 - 1:51 pm Pat Farnelli - I love these pieces of furniture! Especially the bunk bed, the turquoise credenza with drawers, the sofa, and the kitchen things. I love the two dolls on the sofa. Could I use the pic of the blonde one for my profile pic sometime? Your mother is such a gem. I always wanted to make dollhouse furniture.

August 14, 2017 - 5:48 am Ann Wilson - This is absolutely magical. I can't believe how sweet every little detail is. The craftsmanship is incredible. The burners on the stove actually "glow," and even the miniature child has miniature doll furniture. I love the quilts, sheets and pillows, and those bunk beds! And the blue floral motif on the dishware. I feel like these pieces would be a wonderful setting for a children's book. Jen, the way you photographed them is so lovely, like you're in the world of these little people. What a special tribute to your very talented Mom. I can see where you get your creativity and your sweetness. Sending big love. xoxo, Ann

August 14, 2017 - 8:58 am Donna Beriont - I loved reading and viewing this blog. My mother would have loved this too! We had doll houses and doll furniture and my father would make the doll houses...so much in common. Go MOM! Proud of your talented mom!

August 14, 2017 - 9:27 am Gina Navon - These pieces are extraordinary! How lucky you and your sister are to have such a talented mom! Sending love your way.

August 15, 2017 - 9:01 pm Cindy Pacis - Mom's creativity is truly unique and her talents are beautifully displayed here!! Seeing this also reminds me of how she always turned little items she found around the house into cook pots and such. That is how mom taught us to see things differently. Jen it's as if we're children again playing side by side-by-side making up stories to go along with our dolls and their furnishings. How is it that we played so many hundreds of hours and this furniture is still perfect, that's quality craftsmanship! You're ability to capture mom's work amazes me. Just when I think you couldn't be any more amazing you do this!

August 18, 2017 - 5:01 pm jantregoe - the doll house furniture is so wonderful. even the mattress ticking is like it used to be. the details in the chairs and in the kitchen are perfect. It all is from the same time period. What an eye . thank you so much for sharing your mom"s work. Best wishes to all of you jan t

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*