Miniature books - an easy & inexpensive project

These little books are so easy, quick & inexpensive that you’ll probably end up with stacks of them all around your house after this! I like making them as table gifts at doll conventions because you can customize them with each of your tablemates’ favorite book titles!

The size & shape of the wood pieces will determine the type of book (novel, textbook, coffee-table book) and scale (12” doll, 16” doll, etc.).

Materials:

• Pre-cut wooden rectangles or squares (about $3 for a bag of 130)
• Tacky glue or hot glue gun
• White acrylic craft paint (often on sale for less than $1)
• Scraps of leather or vinyl (about $6 for a package that will make several books – or cut up an old purse!)
• Ultra fine-tip Sharpie (about $1-2)

Classic Elegance

Classic Elegance, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Classic Elegance Sydney is in stock and on sale at Toni's Collectibles, brand new in her box with free shipping (everything over $100 has free shipping!). She's from 2007.

I know this doll got a little grief for being a little warmer (pewter and antique gold) than her icy promo photo. But I think these warmer colors give her a more antique feel. She is perfect.

Her rhinestone jewelry and and lace gloves add the finishing touches to her multi-tiered 1920s inspired, lace, embroidered organza and metallic chiffon gown. (Whew!)

[Hey, did I just see this girl in one of your recent blog posts? you may be asking yourself. In fact, you did!]

See more photos on Flickr.

Bring a lovely Peak's Woods girl home for the holidays!

If you frequent The Fashion Doll Review, you have undoubtedly seen some lovely Peak's Woods girls. In order to help with funding of further dolly / holiday purchases, I am parting with one of my own Peak's Woods girls - a Fairy of Colors Yeru.

Yeru is a charming little lady! She is an older Peak's Woods girl with the S-hook loop in her headcap and she has also yellowed a bit. In spite of her yellowing, she is very lovely. I worked a lot on buffing some of the yellow out of Yeru, and I think she is just fine as she is! She is very tightly strung, but as a result, she stands like a rock! Yeru has a beautiful custom face-up, and would love to come home with you for the holidays!



Since she isn't quite as pristine as a brand new dolly, I am only asking $400 + shipping for her. This is nearly $200 off the original price! If you might be interested in bringing Yeru home, send me an email at melissa.metheney@gmail.com

Holiday wish list?

Bayer Alice - photo property of Lati Doll.

Which dolls are on your holiday wish list this year? I have to confess, I have a Christmas doll and a birthday doll on their way to me already, so I can't complain.

Which dolls or outfits are on the top of your wish list this year? Are you giving any dolls as gifts? I am, but I can't post about them, due to some of the readers of this blog.

I also have to confess, as usual, I have to plan my ball-jointed doll gifts very early, so they will arrive in time for Christmas. And if you can believe it, both are Alice-themed.

The first is Lati Doll's Alice (it's the Grown-Up Bayer sculpt) shown above. She's a limited edition full-set tiny (only 16 cm tall), and she includes the little resin Cheshire kitty.

The second, from Peak's Woods, is the Lady Alice full-set. She is a YoSD size and adorable. I cannot wait. Of course, when the dolls arrive, I'll have to peek to make sure they have made it in one piece.

Lady Alice - photo property of Peak's Woods.

Maybe I should call them "Peek's Woods." Tee hee.

More biggies and smallies by Tonner Doll

On the topic of Biggies and Smallies - here are two more of my favorite "twins" from Tonner:

Winter Solstice American Model from 2008, a platinum blonde babe with a fur-trimmed embroidered peplum jacket, mermaid skirt, gloves, parasol and oversized hat - she's a winter dream.

In contrast, a similar outfit in black, the jacket embroidered in silver, on Tyler 2.0 - this lady is so classy and elegant, and is one of the most dramatic dolls Tonner has produced. I adore them both.

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Large and Largess?

I love playing with scale in my doll collection, and I'm always struck when similar dolls and styles come out with from prior collections from doll manufacturers. 

Two fabulous examples were released in Tonner's latest release.

Above, the gorgeous 1920s styled Platinum Luxury American Model. She is the large(ss) version.

Below, the amazing grail, Classic Elegance Sydney. People, I will trade my brand new, mint condition Blue Alice for this Syndey. Why, you may ask? I have, what the laywomen refer to, a keeper. 

I was having a difficult day yesterday. Jokingly (and in a rather bitchy manner, if I admit it), I forwarded a photo  of the new American Model to my husband via email, when he asked what he could do to make my day better. "Buy me this doll." And to my utter surprise, he did! (From Dreamcastle!) With the caveat that I not complain about various Christmas parties or do anything embarrassing there. (People who know me, please--no comments about work parties.) I am delighted!

Now, I'd like to add the smaller version to my collection as well. (I'd hate to press my luck by having another bad day--so a trade perhaps?) Wouldn't they look wonderful together?

The other set can be seen below:

From the Gowns by Anne Harper collection, Anna Karenina is close to selling out. It's still available from Toni's Collectibles. The outfit is designed for wigged 16" dolls such as Tyler Wentworth.

For a larger scale, there is the beautiful Anna Karenina American Model, still available for purchase. The two displayed together would be simply stunning in your collection!

Holiday gift ideas for doll collectors - Billy shelving from IKEA

Photo property of IKEA.

Affordable doll cabinets are hard to find. My fellow doll collector and friend, Kathie, introduced me to the Billy line of shelving from IKEA. These fantastically versatile shelves will fit in any decor and are versatile, easy to install and customizable for most doll sizes.

You choose the color (birch, black/brown or medium brown, and in some stores, the less expensive white and black are on clearance right now) and the shelf size. Height extensions are also available. You choose from a variety of doors, which is great to keep the dust off your collection.

The unit shown retails for $239.99, and measures 31.5" wide, 11" deep, and 93.25" tall. It's composed of a bookcase, a height extension unit, and glass doors.

Some things to consider first: these shelves are designed to be mounted to the wall for stability, and the center shelf in the tall units is not adjustable.

Lots of options, including a corner units, slimmer units for DVD storage, different door styles, glass shelves, and storage boxes are also available. Check out the entire line here. I can't imagine a better gift for a doll collector with open shelving!