Tonner Doll fans: Check out Dreamcastle Dolls' consignment corner!

Consignment Corner at Dreamcastle Dolls

Looking for older, hard to find Tonner Dolls? Check out Carol's Consignment Corner at Dreamcastle Dolls. She has many new items--and will often offer splits, too. She also has several Genes, Barbies and Fashion Royalty dolls listed.
Plus, Carol shows actual photos of the doll you will receive in addition to reasonable shipping charges.

Did you miss the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie?

I did--and man, am I bummed. You can see her original listing from Mattel at the Barbiecollector.com website. Her original retail was $200, and she was made in a tiny (for Mattel) edition size of 999 (Platinum Label).

She has a new face sculpt with a rooted platinum ponytail, and is wearing a darn cool Lagerfeld style black jacket, white men's shirt with French cuffs, black cravat, and black fitted jeans. She also includes fingerless gloves, a bag, glasses and ankle boots.

If you're sad you missed her--since she sold out in under an hour--you can still pick her up from collectors who apparently changed their minds and would rather be swimming in cash. On eBay, she is going for about $1000 (only five times her original price), and Marl & B has one available for even more, $1999, ten times her original cost. 

I try not to say this on my blog, but in this case, I just can't help it: holy shit.

The photos are property of Mattel.

Secondary market items--prices lowered, shipping included, Poppy Parker, IFDC exclusives, Barbie Convention and more

I have posted several items for sale on the Dollpage Show and Sell--feel free to check out my listings. Prices include US shipping, but I also ship overseas. You can contact me for further information via email. My address is in each listing.

Above, it's Evening Ingenue Poppy Parker. I have two of these for sale. This one is the second listing here. She was the IT Direct exclusive, LE300, available for sale to attendees. She is $260, including shipping and insurance in the US.

Next, it's the African American version of Midnight Celebration. She is available for $350 including US shipping and insurance. I brought this doll home from the convention in Nashville, and her box isn't quite minty--I have photos showing the dings in the box. I'll ship her in an outer box, as she doesn't include a shipper. She is designed by Artist Creations.

Another gorgeous Poppy Parker from IFDC is Glamorous Darling. She was also limited to 300 dolls, and I'm asking $325 for her, including US shipping and insurance. I think she's just gorgeous (I kept mine)--one of the prettiest souvenir dolls from IFDC yet!

I have a fun 16" Gene repaint for sale, as well, for $75 or best. I don't know anything about this doll (or the artist), I'm afraid, as no paperwork was included with her. She was a win at IFDC.

Also NRFB, I'm offering the caucasian version of Midnight Celebration for sale as well. She uses the Lara sculpt and is designed by Artist Creations. She is priced at $325, including US shipping and insurance.

Phyliss Pizazz Gabor was a surprise box win at the Premiere IT convention last year. I thought I might start collecting this size, but I just don't have room. She didn't include a box, paperwork, or shoes, extra hands, or her accessories (or instrument). She's priced at $60 as she is, including shipping.

I'm finding myself a tad overwhelmed with dolls, as you can see. Mahem in Monte Carlo Poppy Parker is so pretty, but I just have too many dolls. I'm offering her for sale at a price of $165 including shipping and insurance.

Last but not least, it's Code: Arm Candy Chip Farnsworth III. He comes dressed in a fantastic suit, with all his original accessories, including a really cute little briefcase. I should mention both he and Poppy are NRFB--all of the dolls are, in fact, except Gene and Pizazz. I'm asking $150 for Chip, including shipping and insurance.

If you live internationally, contact me for a fair price quote. I often ship first class, as well, as InsurePost offers good prices on insurance for first class shipments now. Thanks for looking!

Souvenir dolls for sale - and more!

So, I've finally gotten around to listing some of my recent acquisitions for sale. Check them out on the Dollpage Show & Sell. Here's what I've got listed--all are NRFB:

• IFDC exclusive Evening Ingenue Poppy Parker - $275 including US shipping (I have two of these)
• IFDC souvenir doll Glamorous Darling Poppy Parker - $375 including US shipping
• Gene repaint - $99 OBO, including shipping
• Midnight Celebration AA, NBCC 2014 souvenir doll - $300 including US shipping
• Midnight Celebration, NBCC 2014 souvenir doll, Lara sculpt - $300 including US shipping
• Agent Lotta Danger, 2014 Poppy Parker - $225 including shipping

If you check out my page, you can see my sales policies as well as my current trade wish list. Thanks for looking!

Lots of great new additions from Dreamcastle Dolls - on consignment!

Love Daphne? Carol at Dreamcastle Dolls has a bunch of fantastic and hard to find items on consignment! Check them out while they are still available!

Goldie Grail

Goldie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

On days like today, I can see when doing the dolly shuffle is all worthwhile. I'm in the middle of like-it-or-love-it frenzy, as I recently discovered two older dolls on the marketplace which I have been longing to add to my collection for years.

The first has arrived, and she does not disappoint! You can see her deboxing photos on Flickr. She is one of the first suntan Goldie BJDs produced by Peak's Woods in 2008, and she is indeed gorgeous.

Her resin is a much lighter shade than later tan dolls by the same company, and she has yellowed only slightly over the past years. She's in excellent condition--she only needs to be sueded.

I'm surprised by how much I love her face-up. I was thinking I might prefer a more dramatic or smokey eye--but I'm delighted by this lighter face-up style, which was painted by Lilikoi.

Taking the first few photos of this doll has really encouraged me to continue in the endeavor. I think you'll be seeing more for-sale posts from me shortly!

Spring cleaning part 1

At the risk of jinxing it, I've been feeling much better lately, and started the grueling process of spring cleaning. I've just finished posting my first batch of for-sale dolls on the DollPage, including (above) Midnight Star Elise Jolie and (below) Quick Curl Cara.

Some of the dolls I'll be posting are very difficult for me to sell, I find, but my collection has just been moving into another direction.

I have posted Fashion Royalty dolls and quite a few Barbies, including several Steffie dolls that appeared in my book. I hope they can find a new home!

More items for sale

The Parakeet

I've posted four more listings on the DollPage Show & Sell this morning in preparation for my new book. These listings will be great for my Tonner Doll fans out there. My goal is to rotate the dolls in my collection to get the ones I need for my newest projects. I'll keep you posted on how it's going, but so far, it's going well!

Above, you can see FAO Schwarz exclusive The Parakeet. She uses the Cami sculpt with raven hair in a braided updo. She is gorgeous! If you loved the Flights of Fancy dolls from the 2012 convention, this limited edition 100 girl would fit right in. 

Chantilly Charmant

Chantilly Charmant is an Effanbee doll from the 2006 Paris Fashion Doll, limited to 150. She was only available in Paris. She is a lovely Daphne Dimples doll from the Brenda Starr collection with gorgeous green eyes and platinum curls. She has a pink satin trumpet style gown with antique lace overlay. Simply gorgeous!

Celebration in Paris

Tyler Wentworth makes a red carpet appearance in Celebration in Paris. This doll was a grail of mine for years, but isn't fitting in my collection anymore. Another Paris Fashion Doll LE100 from 2009, this platinum Tyler 2.0 wears a dramatic black gown with lots of tulle.

Morning Mist

Last but not least, it's Morning Mist. Daphne made a long-awaited appearance to Tonner's main line this year with this Tonner Ballet dressed doll, and she includes an additional pair of heel feet. She includes a gorgeous purple and lavender sequined costume and ballet shoes.

I have a lengthy trade list on my DollPage, and here are some of the items I'm looking to add to my collection:

• 2004 Effanbee's Midnight Enchantment Daphne
• 2004 Platinum Panache outfit
• 2004 Weekend in St. Moritz Daphne
• 2005 Brazilian Bombshell Daphne
• 2005 Crystal Celebration outfit
• 2005 Resort Daphne
• 2005 Star of the Red Carpet Daphne
• 2006 Moonlight Mystery Daphne
• 2006 Smoldering Seduction Daphne
• 2007 Diversion at Dinner Daphne
• 2007 High Seas Basic Daphne
• 2007 Noel Angel Tonner Doll
• 2007 Touch of Teal Daphne
• 2008 Wild Inspiration outfit
• 2009 Evening With Simon Daphne
• 2010 Garden Party Iris Raven (Daphne)
• 2010 Ultra Basic Daphne
• 2011 Wilhelmina Wonka

You can contact me by leaving me a comment, on Flickr messages, or on the email I have listed on the DollPage.

It's that time again!

The Young Sophisticate Poppy Parker

It's that time again. The kids are back in school, and I'm getting back into the swing of things. Also, I'm going through a major crisis in my doll collection, and working on several books at the same time. Finding my doll budget wanting, I've found it necessary to list a few lovely dolls for sale on the DollPage Show & Sell page again. I hope it's OK to bug you, dear readers, with my first batch of listings.

Above, you'll see I've listed the latest W Club Poppy Parker exclusive. She's never been removed from her box and includes a cute little dog as well.

Irresistible Dania Zarr

Perhaps the tan skin, platinum haired beauty Dania Zarr is more to your taste? She is also NRFB.

Royal Amelie, pink hair version - FR Nippon

A rare find and one I'm not 100% sure I want to part with, I've listed pink hair variation Royal Amelie as well. She's been carefully displayed behind glass, but is complete and has never been redressed.

Captivating Anja - Fashion Royalty

 If fancy jewels and gowns are your style, check out Captivating Anja. She's a steal at $130.

Promenade Amelie - FR Nippon

Another Japanese exclusive and new arrival for me, Promenade Amelie. She's limited to just 300, and she has the same body as Poppy Parker.

Several other items I have listed include Lady in Waiting Dania Zarr, La Reine de la Nuit and Masquerade Magic (Dressmaker Details), both from the NBCC in New Orleans. Check out all my listings here.

Thanks for looking!

More Steffies for sale at the DollPage!

Come check out my latest listings on the DollPage! I've posted several hard-to-find dolls this morning, and they are just waiting to come to your home.

Some bargains:

• Heart Family Mom Birthday Surprise
• Sunset Malibu PJ
• Sunsational Malibu PJ
• Top Model Summer Resort
• Style Magic Whitney

Some foreign dolls:

• Ultra Hair Whitney (Europe)
• Canadian issue Miss America
• Cispa Steffie (Mexico)
• Super Linna Steffie clone (the Netherlands)

Other fun stuff:

• Native American Convention Doll 1983
• Bent-Arm variation of Sun Lovin' Malibu PJ

Got Steffie?

It's time for the great dolly shuffle again--so check out the DollPage when you have a moment. I've got some dolls for sale and will be listing more over the next few days, now that Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II has been published. Yes, I take offers!

Currently, I've got the following Steffie-faced dolls for sale:

• Hard-to-find Career Whitney - Richwell Philippines only
• City Shopper Steffie
• Nude Miss Topaz - AA Birthstone Beauty
• Nude Miss Garnet - AA Birthstone Beauty
• Nude Miss Peridot - AA Birthstone Beauty
• 2007 Hair Wear Top Model Summer
• Ebony Christie - European exclusive
• Billy Boy's Feelin' Groovy NRFB
• Viky Passeio by Estrela - Brazilian exclusive
• Modern Circle Simone Movie Premier
• Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast P.J.

I thought I had a Style Magic Whitney for sale--but I must have sold her recently. Thanks for looking--and happy shopping!

When a grail isn't all you'd hoped...

Celebration in Paris Tyler Wentworth

Every once in a while, I think I just wait too long to obtain a grail doll. My anticipation builds too much, and then when she arrives, she just can't meet my expectations. This has happened to me recently with the arrival of Celebration in Paris, a Paris Fashion Doll Festival Tyler Wentworth from 2009.

I have to say, she is a lovely Tyler 2.0 sculpt. She's got beautiful platinum blonde hair, styled in short curls. She has amazing red lips and blue eyes. Her black dress is dramatic satin and tulle, with a ribbon belt and a rhinestone buckle. Her jewelry is fantastic, too: two bracelets, a necklace and earrings--all dripping rhinestones. Even her peep-toe shoes are cute and trimmed with sparkles.

I wish she had more dramatic facial screening. I may have waited too long to add her to my collection. She's just not for me. I find she's taking up too much space in my cabinet, and I have to let her go.

I have her listed in on the DollPage Show & Sell for what I paid. I'm hoping someone else will be able to give her a good home and appreciate her, and her limited edition (only 100 were made!), for what she is.

Check out my ads on the Doll Show & Sell

I've got lots of goodies listed on the Doll Show & Sell page. And while you're there, be sure to click on the paid ads that look interesting to you. Steve and Rae run this site for us for free.

So what's new for me? Well, beside the same old stuff, I've got a few more items of interest:

• High Point Vanessa - complete and displayed, near mint, from the Tropicalia convention $150
• City Shopper Steffie, NRFB $25
• NRFB Little Miss Matched Fashion Pack $10
• Rose of Versailles partial Tonner outfit $100
• Court Gown partial outfit (missing jewelry) $60
• Nude/bald Fierce Precarious $60
• Nude Scandal Precarious $60
• OOAK handmade tall ballet shoes for Tonner high heel feet $20
• NFRB Skull Shores Frankie Stein $10
• AA Miss Topaz, Miss Garnet and Miss Peridot Birthstone Beauties, all nude, $15 each
• Kissing Barbie needs TLC $10
• 2007 Top Model Hair Wear $15
• 1979 Ebony Barbie - hard to find European version of Black Barbie $80
• 1986 Billy Boy Feelin' Groovy, NRFB $40
• 1981 DOTW India variation $20
• 1997 Madame du Barbie, displayed with original box $150
• NRFB 2007 Titanic Barbie $30
• NRFB Kitty Corner Silkstone Francie $60
• MIB 1988 Viky Passeio Estrela $350
• Modern Circle Simone Movie Premier $15
• 1975 Gold Medal Gymnast PJ $50
• 2012 Barbie is Eternal by Magia convention AA version $200

Don't like my prices? Make me an offer! See my trade list here.

I may not be THAT bad of a collector.

Iplehouse nYID Rexy, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Patience is a virtue--especially when you're a doll collector! If you've recently joined the doll collecting community, or the ball-jointed doll community, you will have discovered the wonderful pre-order period that many companies have for their dolls.

The wonderful thing about pre-ordering dolls is that there is often a fun unveiling event that surrounds this release. Integrity Toys, for example, does a live presentation for W Club members online. It's fun to gather fellow W Club members (and fellow doll collectors) for these releases, and discuss your excitement for each new release.

On the other hand, there is the waiting period after you order your doll. While I can understand that this makes it a lot easier for dealers to know guess many of each doll they need to order, it doesn't usually determine edition size in the world of vinyl and plastic. Very few items these days (with perhaps the exception of Mattel's playline dolls) are produced as open editions.

The wait time can be as short as a week, or as long as a year (or more, depending on licensing issues), with the average about three to six months, I find. Many companies have tried to reduce the wait time for their dolls by scheduling several unveilings throughout the year, closer to production time, which helps reduce the waiting. I understand that it takes time to design, produce, and approve a quality product.

In the BJD world, most dolls aren't even cast before you order them and pay for them in full. Casting and pouring the doll can be affected by weather conditions, which can affect the delivery time of your doll. While most companies strive diligently for a 30 to 45 day delivery time, most take about three to six months to ship a doll.

Considering that each doll is hand poured and cast and sanded, and each doll is strung and painted by hand, and you may also be waiting for another manufacturer's wig or outfit--waiting can be lengthy.

If you are an impatient collector, and you don't mind putting a little work into a doll, you can risk the secondary market for both vinyl and resin. Above, one of my recent secondary market purchases was nothing short of miraculous. It's Iplehouse nYID Rexy, large bust, face-up option C, in special real skin, exactly what my heart desired.

I posted a WTB listing on Den of Angels, and within the hour (or possibly two), I got a response. The seller sent photos the same day, and after receiving my payment (also the same day), she mailed the doll unstrung (to save me shipping) the following day.

Rexy is perfect. Plus, I didn't have to wait for three months. And I feel like my money has stayed within the US economy, and I feel like I've given a new home to a doll--it's like recycling--kind of.

I adore the secondary market. When Steve and Rae decided to keep the DollPage open, I was thrilled beyond belief. So be sure to visit your favorite sites and click on those ads. Don't cause problems or gripe. Be a good customer! Collectors like me really need the secondary market!

If you like, you can see more photos of lovely Rexy on Flickr.

More Sales!

I know, I know...

I am absolutely bat-poop out of my mind with the sales.

My doll collection is in constant flux, and this time one of my beautiful Soom Monthlies is on the chopping block.

If you are interested in obtaining this rare gem, she is listed at a ridiculous price over on Ebay.

She originally cost over $1000 - the auction has NO RESERVE and a low Buy-It-Now!

If you are interested in adopting Cuprit, please take a look at her auction!

Dolls for sale!

Miss Amethyst, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I've cycled through some more Steffies, as my book is rapidly progressing. Check them out today at the DollPage Show & Sell site. I've also listed a few tiny dolls, Mattel's Family Corners Lacey and Melody, just in case any of your dolls need dolls of their own.

You can feel good about supporting an author--as well as supporting a fellow doll collector.

Have you always wanted to write a book? Check out my latest blog and subscribe to it to discover the latest publishing endeavors at the Fashion Doll Review, over at Out of the Box Publishing. I'm always looking for new authors for collaborative projects!

It's the dollroom shuffle!

Madame du Barbie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

With painting and new carpet happening, I'm emptying a doll cabinet. I'm also paring down a few of my beloved--well, we'll call them be-liked--dolls in exchange for more space and room for dolls that I really love.

Among those leaving is the gorgeous Madame du Barbie. She's a lovely deboxed Mackie girl with a fabulous Rococ sequined outfit. I still even have her original box.

See more photos on Flickr. Plus, check out some real bargains and fabulous find on the DollPage.

Thanks for looking!

New Year's resolutions in progress

Day tripper, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I have started my new year's resolutions with a bang, and have listed quite a few dolls for sale on the Doll Page Show & Sell.

No, I haven't yet crossed the Steffie line, but I will soon. But check out my new listings just the same. Thanks!

Gorgeous Peak's Woods dolls available from a great seller!

Peak's Woods Shaia

My friend and fellow BJD enthusiast Stephen has a few wonderful Peak's Woods dolls listed for sale. Pick them up--at fantastic prices--while you can. These girls are large BJDs (58 cm), and are usually hard to find.

Created for a limited time for last year's New Year's event is Suntan Shaia. Stephen is offering this lovely girl with her limited edition face-up (including the gold glitter eye liner) for just $600. He is including a long auburn wig and fashion with this price as well.

Peak's Woods Goldie

Goldie is a hugely popular sculpt by Peak's Woods, and I'm sure you can see why. Stephen has her listed for sale for just $600. (She is also a 58cm large BJD.) She will include a long blonde wig and a DollHeart fashion.

Peak's Woods Briana - Sweet Dark

Sweet Dark Briana is listed for sale for $650. She includes her default raven wig and eyes, and gorgeous face-up by Peak's Woods. Stephen is also including a DollHeart fashion with this auction as well. (She might be my favorite, and I only have a tan Briana. Someone buy her, quick, so I am not tempted!)

Not only is Stephen a great and reliable seller, he's a fantastic guy and sings great karaoke!

All gorgeous photography is by Stephen Parker.

New items for sale on the DollPage

Truly Madly Deeply Agnes von Weiss gift set

I've listed a few more items for sale on the DollPage Show & Sell site this week--swing by and check them out and see if there's anything you need to add to your collection!

I'll be adding a few more this week--I've just got too many dolls in too small of a space. Ack!

High End Envy Erin S.

Peak Season Kyori Sato

Hot Dots Poppy Parker gift set