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Kids at Heart dolls was a project by Kent and Martha Melton (Haut Melton.) The Kids at Heart brand was produced by White Balloon. Martha also wrote the story that the dolls are based on: the Wonderful Gift. Dolls are approximately 9 inches tall (Ernestine is shorter.) The little vinyl rag doll is also part of the story. Kids at Heart produced a series of Edith the Lonely Doll, as well.
White Balloon Doll company in Spain made very lovely artist dolls by Helen Kish, Sylvia Natterer, Marie Louise Shulz, Kids at Heart, Sandra Bilotto and others. Some of their dolls were sold through Paradise Galleries in the United States. White Balloon went out of business after the economy crashed in 2009; many doll companies shut their doors after the economic crisis.