made by rENs - kopje kopje

Most people agree that one of the last hurdles in learning a new language is understanding the sense of humor. So you can imagine my sense of accomplishment when I 'got' my very first Dutch play on words - and it was all thanks to Kopje Kopje. For you other nederlandse neophytes, you know (as I now do) that 'kop' means both 'head' and 'cup' in Dutch, and the diminutive (not derogative) -je ending signifies both the small size and big beauty these cups contain.

So whether your eye for beauty runs to traditional dolls or you're someone like salacious Salome and just like heads (that one's for all you Bible readers out there), we've got just your cup of tea...... what, too much? Handcast by Renee Mennen & Stefanie van Keijsteren (collectively know as Made by rENs).

Available in matte black, glazed white porcelain or a combination thereof. You can choose either the crowned princess or the bonnet wearing red riding hood. Come by and check them out, or see them in the webshop.

House of Animals - Heather Louise

The Houses of Plantagenet, Orange-Nassau and Windsor have all had a major hand in shaping the socio-political landscape of Europe. But a new house is now rising and threatens to eclipse the radiance of them all; Heather Louise's House of Animals! With sensational stylings calling to mind the glories of both the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this collection of avian, amphibian and other forest dwellers are now taking the city and sea (or canal) by storm in fashionable frocks and classy coats that would put the dandiest dandy to shame!


Heather's felt figures are always show stoppers, and this collection will be no exception! Each doll is entirely handmade using Dutch felt, vintage fabrics and beads, and often real snail shells (although Heather assures us no snails were harmed in the process). It's no surprise that these one-of-a-kind creations have personalities all their own that speak volumes without saying a single word, each one crying out for attention and a place in your home.


But how does one choose a favorite when faced with the Swan Sea Captain in his tricorner hat or the Elegant Uncle Platypus with Monocle? And what of the Dapper Squirrel whose coat accents his baby blues perfectly, or the Country Frog Gentleman whispering (sordid?) secrets to his diminutuve Snail Friend?


Unless you have the shop to yourself, it's best to choose quickly. From the safety of the counter we've seen it all, from customers bargaining with each other to the ol' Bait-n-Switch that leaves a disconsolate someone staring at the empty place their doll used to occupy. Fur will fly and feathers fall when it's all said and done, but when finally the melee calms and the air clears, who will you be left holding? See available dolls as we update them in our webshop.

Under the Stump, 1st installment

Of course any package from Heather Louise does not disappoint. This latest box was no different - packed with so much Heather Louise Style Goodness that it bowled us over! Under the Stump (1st installment) is now taking up much of the egg mercantile window and the front of our shop! It's great! Bunny Girls, Mushroom Princesses, great big Cursing Bears, Dutch Boys, and more! We've only gotten a few of them up in the webshop thanks to some of Heather's own photos -- we'll try to put more up in the webshop in the coming week, just waiting on a little sunshine to help with the pics.

Preview: Under the Stump - Heather Louise

We received a small advance of mushrooms and one odd fellow named Uncle Gilbert from Heather's upcoming collection "Under the Stump" which is due to be fully available at egg mercantile towards the end of February. These dolls are inspired by woodland creatures and odd things you may find when looking under rocks & old logs in the forest.


If you are not yet familiar with Heather Louise's work, she makes everything 100% by hand -- everything is hand cut and sewn -- nary a machine is involved in the process! And each doll comes with a hand drawn card specific to the individual doll and most of the large dolls can stand on their own. They are amazing!


Uncle Gilbert is hilarious, we just can't get enough of that guy!

Heather Louise: Bears, Bunnies, & Baroque

The forces that govern customs and delivery services were on our side today, as we got a nice chubby box of Heather Louise goodies... Poison Bears, Sneaky Bunnies, Baroque dolls and more. Check out the goodness!



These little Top Hat Men have little embroidered tattoos... both of them have anchor tattoos - but one also has a little embroidered skull & crossbones tattoo and the other a red heart tattoo with the word "Ma" in it.

Stuck in Customs

We, and everyone else, are eagerly waiting for the arrival of more Heather Louise dolls... unfortunately the Netherlands Douane seems intent on keep these amazing dolls all for themselves. We are hoping they arrive very soon... please stay tuned for more updates.

*Update: Dolls should be available in the shop on 30th August* :)

De Loods: Nerdy Friends

We have a small family of new dolls that made their premier here this week. De Loods Nerdy Friends. Designed and handmade by local doll maker Anna Hegeman, each Nerdy Friend is unique.

heather louise at egg mercantile

We are thrilled to play host to Heather Louise's mob of dolls. Each one, handmade and unique, is completely special ... they are a challenge to keep in stock! Styles range from all manner of Marie Antoinette dolls to Ninja Sheep and Pocket Kitteez.