Love doll photography? Check out Topaz!

All Glamour Sydney Chase Deluxe Basic by Tonner Doll, click to enlarge.

My favorite little plug-in on the market is Topaz Adjust. I love this software! It helps pop my photos' contrast in a way that's smart and fun. I'm seriously a dummy photographer: if it's not easy to do, I won't do it. If it's not fast, I won't use it. Topaz solves these problems!

Through the end of September, when you use the code septadjust, you can get Adjust 5 for $24.99 instead of the $49.99 retail price. You can also try it for free for up to 30 days to see if you like it.

I use it as a plug-in to Adobe Elements (both Mac and Windows compatible), but it also works with the following programs:

• Photoshop
• Lightroom
• Aperture
• iPhoto (hmm--I should probably also install it here!)
• PaintShop Pro
• Serif Photo Plus
• Irfanview

I can even install it myself, without the assistance of my personal (computer) administrator. I'd also recommend you try out Star Effects and some of the other plug-ins. They are very fun, and dare I say, addicting!

I've taken a sample of how I personally use Topaz Adjust. Click on the photo for a larger version. On the left, you can see the original version of Sydney. It's not an awful photo; it simply feels a little drab.

The center photo is a result of a single click on the "I feel lucky" button. It's such a cool feature, and it gives you a finished artsy photo with a single click--perfect for those really lazy days. And come on, I must not be the only one to have days like this!

The last photo is one where I actually spent three minutes editing contrast, detail, and color. Plus I added a frame and vignette. Doesn't that one look absolutely spectacular when compared with the original? If I can spend three minutes and get that kind of result, why wouldn't I? I have no excuse. I think I'll go install Topaz in iPhoto now as well!

Go download a free trial--there's no reason not to try it out. I'd love to hear what you think!

Confessions of a Doll-shop-a-holic

Talking Julia, from my favorite vintage Barbie dealer,
Kathie. And yes, she talks--her voice is TDF!

Are you looking for good deals on dolls? Let me share my tips with you.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll open with my biggest secret: I’m probably the worst bargain shopper in the world when it comes to dolls.

My main problem is loyalty. I have a couple of favorite dealers, even when I come across a better price elsewhere (which rarely happens these days, I have to admit). However, there are benefits to frequenting a favorite dealer:

• Customer loyalty programs. Repeat customers often get the best prices from dealers, especially on newly released dolls.
• Dealer insider specials. If my dealer goes to a convention or show, often she can pick up a special doll or outfit she knows I'm looking for.
• Patronizing the smaller shop. I feel good that my dolly dollars are supporting small business.

A part of my collection is unusual and narrow in focus, and I have commissioned several unique outfits from artists. While this may not be the best way to get a bargain, I am sure to find exactly what I need this way. I’ve found a few people whose work I admire, and I have returned for more pieces later. The benefits are:

• The artist is familiar with my taste.
• I’m familiar with the artist’s needs and work habits.
• The second commission will most likely fit in with my collection, since the artist’s former work is similar in style.

In my collection, I’ve found I really enjoy one-of-a-kind creations. And I really like supporting individuals--be they seamstress, doll artists or repainters, or doll shop owners. To me, this is definitely worth the small additional cost!

Negotiating the secondary market

Claudine Beaumont, a Val Zeitler/Peak's Woods Haute Doll
BJD exclusive, and a successful secondary market purchase.

Wondering where to start in the secondary market? Let me show you the ropes!

Many doll collectors have braved secondary markets, such as Ebay, the Dollpage Show & Sell, message boards, and Amazon for hard-to-find dolls. Those people have generally either experienced an amazing deal or a horrendous disappointment.

Here’s some advice I’ve learned over the years:

• Accurate description. Even an honest seller won’t know everything important to you about a doll. Ask important questions about a doll--stains, yellowing, odors--before taking the plunge.
• Accurate photos. Do not rely on manufacturer’s photos, even for never-removed-from-box dolls. You never know what you’re going to get--ask for and insist on photos of the actual doll.
• Return policy. If the doll is not as described, you should be allowed to return it. Ebay requires sellers state their return policy--ask about it before you buy from other sources.
• Buyer protection. Be aware that if you send funds as a “personal” transaction, you lose any fraud protection from Paypal. It’s worth covering the cost of those transaction fees (which your seller should be paying, anyway--it’s the cost of doing business)! I prefer Paypal for the extra protection in disputes.
• Insure your items. If you’re spending $50-$1000 on a doll, why wouldn’t you spend the extra money to insure your purchase? Don’t upgrade to priority shipping, if you’re looking to save money--but don’t scrimp on insurance! Ebay says it is the seller’s responsibility to insure the item makes it into buyer's hands, and the seller may no longer require a buyer to purchase insurance. But in other markets, don’t take the chance!

Your ever-growing wish list and what to do about it

Madame et le Citron Sydney, currently
being "upgraded" on eBay for a BJD

Is your wish list is growing faster than your budget? Here are some tips on managing that list.

If you’re a doll addict, and you subscribe to magazines and frequent message forums regularly, you’re probably bombarded with gorgeous photos of dolls that aren’t currently in your collection. At our house, we’ve recently migrated to a cash-based system. While wise, I miss the instant gratification of credit, quite frankly.

Here are some techniques that have helped me managed my wish list.

• Layaway. This is a concept many dealers offer to customers to pay for higher ticket items over time. Also, it’s easy to budget for layaways.
• Buying nude or used dolls. You can often find these on the secondary market, like the DollPage Marketplace or Ebay (if you dare). Be sure to read the auction listings carefully, or you may end up with a doll with “features” you aren’t expecting.
• Upgrading your collection. I’m not talking about selling your entire collection--but it’s often possible to sell a few of the dolls which no longer captivate you in order to buy dolls you’d rather have. Think of it of selling dolls you like in lieu of dolls you love.

A couple of things that can kill your wish list:

• Pre-orders. I can’t tell you how many times I have placed many pre-orders that have all been released in the same month! If possible, try to wait until after the doll as been released to order it, unless you’re sure you love it and it's a limited edition doll.
• Impulse buys. I’ve been guilty of this. I’ll see a pretty doll (who isn’t on my list) on sale at a reasonable price (or not), and I buy her on impulse. It’s what addicts do, and it kills my budget!

If you can budget carefully, and watch your impulse spending, this will really help focus your collection and avoid ordering dolls you don't really love.

So you think you can't sew?

Sewing anything, from a pillow case to a ball gown, can seem intimidating. When your dolls need a new look, why not keep the money in your doll savings account for the next beautiful body on your wish list? Sew a brand new outfit for that vinyl beauty on your shelf and you’ll feel like the UPS truck already delivered a brand new one! There are many reasons to embark on the adventure of stitching up a great new outfit!