Tomorrow, Sunday, January 31, is the last day of my shop's New Year Sale. Click on the photo to access the shop.And Now, A Word from our Sponsor...
Posted by bayan
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 31, is the last day of my shop's New Year Sale. Click on the photo to access the shop.
New Cissy: Be Afraid; Be Very Afraid.
Posted by bayan
Here is one of the new Cissy dolls from the 2010 Madame Alexander line. What is up with the terrifying-looking dolls this year? Is it a reaction to the economy and the weather or what? The gown is gorgeous. The stockings and shoes are to-die-for. But the face and the hair. OMG. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
The names of three of them are laden with emotional overtones. Lust is one and sorry I don't remember the others but I will fill in the blanks later today.
From what I've been reading on the internet, the reaction to these dolls is very bad. It's another "What Were They Thinking?" event.
What Were They Thinking? Part II
Posted by bayan
I let this image sink in for two days before I wrote this post. When I first received the email containing the pictures of this new Avant Guard doll, Hot Trot, I thought of the Inferno Vita doll with her fire orange streaked hair and black eyes. The more I looked at this doll, the worse she gets. I've said it before, these dolls have ugly knees. The shape of this gown accentuates her knees. It's just awful. I might like it better if the hem were the length of the front of the gown and even all around. It's an awkward, unbalanced design and it's not pretty. What happened to pretty? What's going on with the ties on the shoes? What is hidden behind the front leg?
The other 2010 Avant Guard doll is called On Edge. She has the Goldmine sculpt which I like better than the closed mouth. I like the short black wig and I think she is very pretty. The feather cape is ... well I can't find the words. The bust of the dress looks like it doesn't fit properly but that could be the photo. The shoes are the same ones that came in the accessory set from last month! So it's just another AG with bright blue eyeshadow and red lips. I like the gloves if that makes a difference.
These dolls could have been called Feathers, Over and Under. Whatever. I will probably put my money somewhere else.
Both: Retail Price $220. Edition size 400.
Fuggedaboudit Poppy Parker Trio
Posted by bayan
There's nothing new here, no unique design or hair style. She's little Miss Mary Tyler Moore.
Each color will be available in a quantity of 100 as follows:
Gigi's Dolls and Sherry's Teddy Bears-Blonde/lavender:
The Doll Peddlar-Brunette/pink:
and My Favourite Doll-Redhead/turquoise:
Price for each doll in Integrity's Forget Me Not collection is $80.
What happened? Did someone let the air out of the PP balloon? Did someone get bored?
More about → Fuggedaboudit Poppy Parker Trio
Each color will be available in a quantity of 100 as follows:
Gigi's Dolls and Sherry's Teddy Bears-Blonde/lavender:
The Doll Peddlar-Brunette/pink:
and My Favourite Doll-Redhead/turquoise:
Price for each doll in Integrity's Forget Me Not collection is $80.
What happened? Did someone let the air out of the PP balloon? Did someone get bored?
Musidora-esque
Posted by bayan
This is a collage I did last year for my old web site.
1915?
Posted by bayan
I checked YouTube and Turner Classics web sites, and it looks like the film, Les Vampires, is dated 1915, not 1919. I think I based the date by what was on my DVD of this movie......whatever, I just wanted to correct the date and add a vid of the film. Enjoy!
If Barbie Dolls Were Articulated...
Posted by bayan
...would Mattel charge $150 for a doll like December Turquoise?
More about → If Barbie Dolls Were Articulated...
One year ago, Mattel introduced their Princess and the Frog doll.
Here are images from the Disney cartoon.
Integrity's interpretation of Tiana is very nice. She is a pretty doll. This version and another are going to be sold through Ashton-Drake Galleries only. The price is $149.99 and an edition size is not listed.
Here are images from the Disney cartoon.
Integrity's interpretation of Tiana is very nice. She is a pretty doll. This version and another are going to be sold through Ashton-Drake Galleries only. The price is $149.99 and an edition size is not listed.
Turning Lemons into Lemonade
Posted by bayan
The Lenci Pierrot, below, is holding a "bouquet" of lemons. Good thing the German Pierrot juicer is available.
Mini Me
Posted by bayan
As promised, here is a photo of a tagged Gerb's Pierrette and the Christmas ornament.
Les Vampires
Posted by bayan
This is a very rare bat boudoir doll. It is tagged "Doumka" and was made in France. I find this doll very fascinating because there is a French-made film, made in 1919, titled "Les Vampires." It stars Musidora who plays a leader of an Apache crime gang called Les Vampires. Her code name is Irma Vep (vampire).
Je t'aime
Posted by bayan
1917 French magazine coverFelt petite Pierrot and French boudoir doll
"What Were They Thinking?" Award - 2010 Urban Vita Dolls
Posted by bayan
Up first is "Inferno." Since when do black circles around the eyes and the fiery orange streaks in the hair qualify as design?
It looks like a child got a hold of a black Sharpie pen and traced around her eyes. The gray shredded thing around her shoulders looks like it came out of a trash bin. The gown is literally ugly. This doll should not have been let out of the gate.
The other offerings of Urban Vita dolls for 2010 aren't much better. I get the overall impression of a confused designer who doesn't know what direction in which to take these dolls.
For example, Aquabella:
This doll's face was peeled from a cartoon page. I do like her hair even though it was done with a heavy hand.Then there's Breeze. She appears to be in a trance-like state with her partially closed lids and requisite toussled white hair. The outfit and the face do not work together. One would think 'angelic' until one sees the silver hot pants and tall boots. Oy.
Finally, Terra, the best of the four but the strange face remains.
I'm hoping to be able to actually see and handle one in person at IDEX in a few days.Will you pay $160. for one?
PS
The manufacturer ought to hire a professional photographer while they're at it. The lighting is amateurish and makes the dolls look even worse.
Life Before Dolls
Posted by bayan
My son was married on Saturday to a wonderful woman. We are extremely happy. I did not have the time to choose a Picture of the Week for this week. Next Sunday I will have attended IDEX so there may not be a winner for two weeks in a row. But, there will be plenty of words and pictures. Stay tuned, dear readers!
More about → Life Before Dolls
Swirl Ponytail Barbie & My Favorite Black Barbie - Vintage Reproductions
Posted by bayan
If I collected Barbies, I'd definitely get this set. It looks so cute. I love the record player and records. The pink checked dress is adorable and the doll looks like the real thing. And, I'm guessing she will not have green ear. Priced at $40. at Marsha's Dollhouse, it seems like a pretty decent buy.
Another attractive and well-priced set is called My Favorite Black Barbie. She comes clad in a full length gown, lots of jewelry and accesories and what appears to be a gold trimmed, white tuxedo type suit. I don't like the "Do the Hustle" pose on this doll but she's a cutie with a great afro and is a good candidate for a body transplant. The blog, Black Doll Collecting, has an interesting post and pictures of the original Black Barbie.
In my opinion, the only one who can get away with wearing a white pant suit with one arm in the air is John Travolta.
My Favorite Career dolls, part of the My Favorite Barbie Doll line will see:
a Registered Nurse
a Student Teacher
a Pan American Airways Stewardess
and Miss Astronaut Barbie Dolls.
I like all of them! On BarbieCollector.com these are priced at $39.95. My Favourite Doll has them listed at $49.95. USD and CDN.
There is something wholesome about the vintage dolls (and copies thereof) lacking in the uber-sophisticated Barbies of today. But that's probably what our grandparents might have said 40 years ago about the dolls from their childhood.
More about → Swirl Ponytail Barbie & My Favorite Black Barbie - Vintage Reproductions
My Favorite Career dolls, part of the My Favorite Barbie Doll line will see:
a Registered Nurse
There is something wholesome about the vintage dolls (and copies thereof) lacking in the uber-sophisticated Barbies of today. But that's probably what our grandparents might have said 40 years ago about the dolls from their childhood.
Bird and Pink creature.
Posted by bayan
Lately I have been hooked on my new technique of creating dolls by wrapping strips of fabric scraps on top of each other.
I experimented quite a bit and created different shapes and creatures, but I wasn't really satisfied with any of them, until these two "came to life".
And here they are:
This pink creature is already one week old, and has been very patient since then,
Finally there was someone to play with, and they had a lot of fun together
Next Friday I will hold another workshop for creating this type of dolls at my home.
E-mail me if you would like to participate, or if you would like to receive updates about future workshops.
סדנה נוספת של בובות ליפוף, אצלי בבית בשישי הבא. שלחו לי מייל כדי להירשם או לקבל עוד פרטים.
אתם מוזמנים גם להירשם דרך המייל לרשימת תפוצה כדי לקבל עדכונים שוטפים על הסדנאות שלי, כולל כאלו שלא מתפרסמות בבלוג.
Jason Wu Puts On Another Hat
Posted by bayan
According to a W Club Update email sent out yesterday, Jason Wu has "taken on a consulting position for the coming year with Madame Alexander, to help guide and update the direction of a few of their doll lines, including Cissy."
Does this mean that Cissy will get a waist, thin legs and turquoise eye shadow?
Noooooooooo.
Will we get a Mini Cissy?
Wait a minute...there already is a Mini Cissy. She's called Cissette.
So what's he going to do?
Cissy the Vampire? Couture Noir already looks a little like a vampire.
The best thing that MA could do with Cissy would be to lower the price. And that dorky-looking male Cissy, aka Distinguished Gentleman. OMG. What were they thinking? A hot-looking Homme would have been better suited to the $449. price tag on this girly-boy.
Maybe Jason will work on the Alex line.....smaller heads...nicer hands. I hope the clothing designer remains, though, because MA clothes are fabulous.
Here's a rumor you can start:
Madame Alexander will pick up the Gene line.
Don't forget, I made that up...if you spread it, it's not my fault.
More about → Jason Wu Puts On Another Hat
Does this mean that Cissy will get a waist, thin legs and turquoise eye shadow?
Noooooooooo.
Will we get a Mini Cissy?
Wait a minute...there already is a Mini Cissy. She's called Cissette.
So what's he going to do?
Cissy the Vampire? Couture Noir already looks a little like a vampire.
The best thing that MA could do with Cissy would be to lower the price. And that dorky-looking male Cissy, aka Distinguished Gentleman. OMG. What were they thinking? A hot-looking Homme would have been better suited to the $449. price tag on this girly-boy.
Maybe Jason will work on the Alex line.....smaller heads...nicer hands. I hope the clothing designer remains, though, because MA clothes are fabulous.Here's a rumor you can start:
Madame Alexander will pick up the Gene line.
Don't forget, I made that up...if you spread it, it's not my fault.
Paper Dolls: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Family
Posted by bayan
Today the United States celebrates the birthday of slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Here are the results of a Google search for related dolls:
Martin Luther King, Jr., and His Family: Paper Dolls (in Full Color) (Paperback) ~ Tom Tierney (Author) Price - New $20., Used $12. [A used paper doll book?]
Limberjack Jig Doll Martin Luther King Jr
There is a doll on eBay described as a wooden dancing black man in suit and tie. I don't know if it should be a lumberjack - perhaps made by a lumberjack? I can't post the image as it is not mine and I don't know the seller but here is the auction # 230419295411 It's a very interesting item.
Here is a really stupid item found on Amazon but not sold by Amazon. It's titled Plush Stuffed Duck (Sprinkles) toy with great Martin Luther King day T-Shirt
Most of the other search items that came up were craft projects for children to participate in on this day. When I did a search for a figurine instead of a doll, I came up with a jumble of stuff. Judge for yourself.
Martin Luther King Jr. Bust Statue (20" fiberglass)
Lladro´ - Retired - Estimated value more than $800.
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum figure. I'm guessing there is a copy of this figure. $195.
More about → Paper Dolls: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Family
Martin Luther King, Jr., and His Family: Paper Dolls (in Full Color) (Paperback) ~ Tom Tierney (Author) Price - New $20., Used $12. [A used paper doll book?]
Limberjack Jig Doll Martin Luther King Jr
There is a doll on eBay described as a wooden dancing black man in suit and tie. I don't know if it should be a lumberjack - perhaps made by a lumberjack? I can't post the image as it is not mine and I don't know the seller but here is the auction # 230419295411 It's a very interesting item.
Here is a really stupid item found on Amazon but not sold by Amazon. It's titled Plush Stuffed Duck (Sprinkles) toy with great Martin Luther King day T-Shirt
Most of the other search items that came up were craft projects for children to participate in on this day. When I did a search for a figurine instead of a doll, I came up with a jumble of stuff. Judge for yourself.Martin Luther King Jr. Bust Statue (20" fiberglass)
Lladro´ - Retired - Estimated value more than $800.Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum figure. I'm guessing there is a copy of this figure. $195.
I don't have information about this one.
Amazon $14.98
This was a disappointing search. However, you can always get an Edward Cullen doll, the Godfather, an Elvis or a Frank Sinatra doll. Goes to show you what's important.
Picture of the Week Award ~ January 17, 2010
Posted by bayan
A classic beauty for this week's Picture of the Week Award is a repainted Scarlett "Return to Tara" doll from the Tonner Doll Co. Her hair has been restyled and the gown is a OOAK creation by Alana Bennett of dollfashionsbyalana.com. The photographer/repainter is Boots Villavecer from the Philippines.
When I find a candidate for the Picture of the Week I always send several questions for the artist to answer. Boots was very generous with his time and response so I am going to paste his response here.
More about → Picture of the Week Award ~ January 17, 2010
When I find a candidate for the Picture of the Week I always send several questions for the artist to answer. Boots was very generous with his time and response so I am going to paste his response here.
I am no professional so I don't have much equipment. The doll here is a repainted Tonner Scarlett "Return to Tara" doll. The hair has been adjusted. The gown is an OOAK creation by Alana Bennett of dollfashionsbyalana.com. It is inspired by a gown worn in Scarlett the TV series in 1994. It is originally in "blue" but via special effects has been made green -- Margaret Mitchell's favorite color. All factory paint has been removed and I used what I call my special brush from Noel Cruz himself who encouraged me to pursue repainting. Just a Canon Digital Camera IXUS B515 10 Megapixel Camera. I don't use flash, because that creates shadows at the back of the doll. I always use the "portrait" function on the camera and from there, control the exposure because the lights can often be strong. I have 2 table lamps that can be angled as lighting sources. For the backdrop I use large clamps to hold a cloth on the photo. The cloth must slope down have no wrinkles or folds (depending on how the kind of effect you want). If you want some draping soft cloth is preferrable. I don't have a tripod so I have to have a really steady hold on the camera, but that's actually easy with the camera I use.
Thanks to technology, one can fix the photo using Photoshop CS3. I use "dodge" tool to highlight dark shadows; "burn" tool to darken the areas in the background; the "clone" tool to add details, and various tools under the "Filter" tools to create the brush strokes, the additional lighting. The magic is in a Filter tool known as "Liquify". Here you can fix the hair and the gown if there are unwanted or desired things you want to enhance.
My real name is Boots Villavecer, from the Philippines. 44 years old, working as a Creative in an advertising agency. I spent 5 years in Publishing and during free time would practice photo-editing for 13 magazines. Among them being fashion and beauty. My website is: http://www.soultalk777.
Congratulations, Boots, on the Picture of the Week Award!
Disaster of Biblical Proportions
Posted by bayan
As I lay in bed last night surrounded by showcases filled with dolls, it felt wrong.