Sale at Cherished Friends

I found an even better price on the adorable ballerina Tiny Kitty dolls from Cherished Friends, who also have excellent customer service. (I know, because I called and spoke to them yesterday--they answered right away and were super helpful and friendly. Shipping is fast and very reasonable, too.) 

Both the Dew Drop and Rose Petal ballerinas are just $25, and with shipping, mine were less than with free shipping from Tonner Direct.  Check out their other specials, too--and give them some business.

Mad About the Hat

I just received a new split, Mad About the Hat, from Dreamcastle Dolls. Carol will often all her customers to split a doll from its outfit. I pre-ordered the basic Joan Crawford doll, Ready for Wardrobe, which should ship at the end of the month, to wear this outfit.

I was impressed with the quality of this suit. I don't own many casual outfits by Tonner, and this is the first item I own from the Joan Crawford collection. I'm hooked. It's very 50s in style--from it's large hat and ruffled gloves, to the long, high-waisted pencil skirt and jacket. The shoes are just adorable.

My model is Crimson on the Park Tyler, a gorgeous brunette, also a split from Dreamcastle. (Have I mentioned what great prices and service you get from Dreamcastle? One of my favorite places to shop--I wish I lived in Austin!)

Holiday Display

I have started changing my displays with the seasons.  Here are my Christmas dolls.  (I've become rather attached to some of my dolls, and they stay up year-round.)  I took several photos.  My theme is red or winter.

New sales at Tonner Direct!

In my regular browsing, I discovered a couple of great deals on some exclusive sales from Tonner direct. The Dew Drop Fairy Ballerina (an en-pointe Tiny Kitty doll, which I thought was an FAO exclusive) is available for just $29.99. She's blonde and is wearing a lavender ballet tutu.

Also, the Rose Petal Fairy Ballerina is also on sale. She's a brunette Tiny Kitty doll, also en-pointe. She's wearing a fuchsia tutu.

These dolls are usually priced at $50, so you're getting almost a 50% markdown--and they really are cute! I haven't seen them posted on Tonner Direct before; only on FAO's website.

Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

Twilight Tonner Character Figures sneak preview

Check out the new Tonner Character Figures, based on the Twilight series, shipping Spring 2009. Pre-order information can be found here. Pricing information and edition size will be announced at a later date.

Bella Swan has 15 points of articulation, and is based on the likeness of Kristen Stewart. She has a hand-painted face-up and rooted saran hair. She also sports the new Tonner 15" teen body sculpt, and is dressed in cords, tank top, peasant top, hooded jacket, shoes with working laces and socks.

Edward Cullen's facial sculpt is based on actor Robert Pattinson. He is 17" tall and has 14 points of articulation. He also has a hand-painted face-up and rooted (yey!) saran hair. He comes dressed in a t-shirt, jeans, tailored coat, shoes with working laces and socks.

Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

Angelic Dreamz sale

Save 20% on all in-stock Tonner dolls at Angelic Dreamz today only, plus get free shipping on all orders over $100 (continental US only).  

Some items are excluded from the sale.

FAO Free Shipping through Ebates

Get 6% cash back when you shop through Ebates.com and FAO Schwarz.  You can get their exclusive Tonner or Wilde Imagination dolls, like Rapunzel, Scarlett O'Hara, Snow Whyte, Dorothy or the new ballet Tiny Kitty dolls.  

Plus, use the promo code BFSHIP and get free shipping on any order over $90.  Valid today (December 1) only.

Also, if this is your first purchase through Ebates, you'll get a $5 bonus when you sign up!

15% off everything at Tonner Direct on Cyber Monday

On Monday, December 1, take 15% off your entire order at Tonner Direct, plus get free shipping on your order as well.  Use the code CYBER08 at checkout to get your discount.  (The latest Tonner email states the discount is 0815FS.)

They will also be offering a couple of great deals, including the Joker for $75, and Amazonian Warrior Wonder Woman for $74.99.

Save $20 at Wilde Imagination

Save $20 off any order of $100 or more at Wilde Imagination with the promo code SMILE (enter it at checkout).  This offer expires on December 7 at midnight, so don't wait!

Cynders Re-Imagination in real life

Cynders' Face-up, originally uploaded by tac_stamper.

Check out my real life photos of Cynders, one of my latest additions. She's gorgeous and kind of gothic, even in her pink outfit. She's covered in ostrich feathers, iridescent tinsel and chiffon. I love her. She even has a little tiny mouse in her tiara. Enjoy!

Speaking of Beauty... a new Sydney!

Exclusive to Tonner Direct, this limited edition of 75 dolls, Auld Lang Syne Sydney is a raven-haired beauty ready to ring in the new year. She's wearing a red chiffon gown, rhinestone jewelry, and faux leather heels with silver buckles, according to Tonner's website.

She's in stock now for $175. Plus, use the promo code 081575 and save $15 any purchase of $75 or more.

Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

Surrounding yourself with beauty

My husband sent me a link to an interesting article on Boing Boing this morning, which discusses the art of living simply, balanced with green living, materialism and art.  It got me thinking about the relationship I have with clutter and my doll habit.

Twelve years ago, I could move all my personal belongings (minus a bed, futon and desk) in my Mazda RX7.  True, at the time, I was only 23 years old and a new college graduate.  I hadn't started crafting at that time--not scrapbooking, not quilting or sewing, and certainly not doll collecting.  I had books, papers, my Mac, my clothes and shoes.  I didn't hang onto possessions because I didn't particularly value who I was at that point in my life.  I didn't have much self-confidence or a sense of self-worth, which is not to say that the only reason we hang onto possessions is because we value ourselves.  I threw things away so I didn't have to remember the past.

If I compare that person to who I am today, the owner of many expensive, hard-to-find and beautiful dolls, whose sole purpose is to be beautiful and add pleasure to the beholder, I see a sharp contrast.  I still go through my clothes twice per year and get rid of everything that doesn't fit or that I don't wear.  I still try to live simply.  But I now have the confidence to believe that I can and ought to adorn my house--my life and my family's lives--with some beauty and art, just for the sake of beauty.  Seeing my dolls, rearranging them, redressing them or letting my daughters play with them, gives me a sense of freedom and pleasure.  My dolls add a dimension to my life that can't be counted as clutter or "stuff."  

Though my goals over the past years may have been to pare down--as our culture seems to advise--to cut the clutter, to live simply--I also want to pursue art for the sake of beauty.  And dolls--collecting these three dimensional sculptures--give me a small taste of this in my daily life.  I have three main collections: a historical line of dolls, fashion dolls with an avant-garde theme, and a fairy tale line of dolls.  I hope to pass the joy of art and daily appreciation of beauty along to my family, as well.

Dreamcastle Dolls specials!

New doll sales from Dreamcastle Dolls -- these are some great deals, and this store has fantastic customer service.  Check out their list online: the have lots of great new releases, too!

Chief Shine Exclusive - Wild Inspiration

Orders for this doll will be accepted starting November 30. English is spoken at Chief Shine, or you can order online, and only two dolls are available per customer.

This is a Daphne sculpt, and a limited edition of 100. I heard the price will be $189.99 with $25 international shipping. (This is the company who offered us Far East Stella some time ago.) She is absolutely lovely. Look at her shoes. I just love her hair!

Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

Two more reasons to buy a doll

1. To make a nice even number in your doll collection.
2. Your spouse or significant other makes a crack about not needing to have life insurance on you, since he can just sell your dolls in the event of your untimely demise.

My first inventory of dolls...

I did my first personal inventory of my private doll collection today.  I figured it might be a good idea, seeing that it is fire season here in Southern California.  It was a little scary, and I might want to up my current renter's insurance to make sure my dolls are covered in my policy.  I did get some interesting information from my list:

1. My most popular sculpt is Tyler (1.), followed closely by Sydney, then Shauna and Daphne are tied for third place.
2. My most popular hair color is brunette, followed by blonde, then raven.
3. Blue is my most popular eye color by far, followed by brown, then green.
4. I save an average of about 35% off retail prices (on average) on my purchases over time, counting brand new, collector's, rare and used items.

Project Dollway

Don't miss Project Dollway At Home. I found this link today, and I'm following this blog myself. I would be remiss if I didn't pass it along to you, dear reader!

Shimmering Rose Jane

Shimmering Rose Jane was a limited edition of 250 dolls, produced for the Tonner Doll Collector Club Expo East in 2003 in 2003.  She has rose hair, blue eyes on a tan BA body.  I found her used from another collector.

I'm really excited about this fun doll.  She's very unique--her face-up is very natural--even her nails are natural.  

You can see her original promotional shot on Tonner's website here.

Mistletoe Mishap

Mistletoe Mishap, a Sister Dreary sculpt, has also arrived.  She's another lovely holiday doll. Very pale, with mink brown hair in a partial up-do, and green eyes, she's lovely in her burgundy gown with silk chiffon train.

I haven't decided if I will keep this doll out year-round yet--but she certainly does make for great holiday decor!

You can compare her promotional shots on Tonner's website.

The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen (Tess sculpt) has made her appearance.  She's a brand new release from Tonner Doll.  

Lovely in her re-imagined gown, she's got platinum hair and blue eyes, and an icy face-up with soft pink lips.  Her gown is puffy and just above the ankle. I think she's just fabulous, and just in time for the holiday season.

Compare her promotional shots at the Tonner website.

NEW Tonner BJD Shauna Exclusive from Angelic Dreamz

I think I've finally found the ball-jointed Tonner doll I'd like to add to my collection--she's a limited edition of just 75 pieces from Angelic Dreamz, and is available and in stock now. She's a Shauna sculpt, but from the actual photos, she appears a bit younger than her usual older face. I think she's gorgeous. I love her hair styles, though I do wish she included a short wig (I'm sure I could add that later).

The basic doll is a mere $550. She includes a white stretch teddy with lace trim and silver shoes, her three wigs, and interchangeable brown eyes. She is crafted from hand-finished resin and has hand-applied eye lashes and full surprisingly natural face-up.

Check out Angelic Dreamz' website for some fabulous photos of this amazing doll. Let me know what you think: Do you own a ball-jointed doll? What do you think of this sculpt?
Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

Exclusive Devereaux Sisters dolls from Modern Doll Collectors Convention

I'm not sure how I missed these two lovely ladies before!  Cat's Meow, LE 225, is a brunette Renée Devereaux, and retails for $175. Bee's Knees, LE 225, is redhead Louise Devereaux, and retails for $180. Some of these dolls may still be in stock at the Modern Doll Collectors' website, but I've also seen listings for these dolls at the Doll Peddlar, Ebay and on Prego.

Update:  There are limited quantities of these dolls for sale on Tonner's website for just $155 each.

Dale Rae pantyhose

I have a high recommendation for Tyler-sized pantyhose by Dale Rae Designs. A one-person shop, this store manufactures its own high-quality hose and stockings for dolls: Tyler, Tiny Kitty, BJDs, American Models and more. The prices are very reasonable, and you'll be amazed at the fast delivery times. But more than anything--the quality is fantastic. The weave of the stockings is closer to scale, and they are easy to put on, and the fit is right on.

Two thumbs up for this store!

Photos courtesy Dale Rae Designs.

Great deal for those seamstresses out there!

If you've been looking for a hard-to-find limited edition Raven Jane (a limited edition Club Jane doll) for a while, and you happen to sew your own doll clothes, check out this great deal from Fletcher Pattern Company.  For just $59.46, you get the doll (same size as Tyler), plus several patterns, including:

• Evening dress
• Day wear ensemble
• Knit dress
• Bath robe
• Undergarment set

Cinderella Masquerade

This limited edition of 300 was a Tonner convention exclusive.  A blue-eyed beauty with a gorgeous ribbon-adorned up-do, this doll was until recently my Kathryn Howard, the youngest of Henry VIII's wives.  Her gown is a gorgeous purple velvet with gold trim, with a matching removable cape.  She even includes a mask.

Marvelously Morose Sister Dreary in real life

Limited edition 150, this was one of the centerpiece dolls from the Halloween convention from 2008, and is my first Sister Dreary sculpt.  I love her freaky fuchsia eyes and gorgeous long black hair.  Her lampshade hat works well in my gothic collection as well--and she is, well, marvelously morose.

La Mode 1920s Bordeaux Tyler in real life

From the 2002 Paris Fashion Doll Festival, this is a limited edition doll of 250.  She's an original straight-arm Tyler, which makes her harder to pose than some of my other dolls.  I know I could update her body to a bendy-wrist style, but I don't know if I have the heart to do it.  

She's got gorgeous blue eyes and rooted, short curly hair. Original face-up, just like Tyler.  Her short flapper-style gown is perfect for my historical collection.  I just love the iridescent silk and beading.  This doll actually looks a lot like a friend of mine, Susan Drain, that I met when I lived in Pennsylvania.  (She's just as gorgeous.)

You can see her original promo shots here.



 

Surprise Engagement Daphne

Surprise Engagment is a limited edition of 210 dolls.  She was Pat Rooney's creation and submission and winner for the United Federation of Doll Club's submission for the annual convention this year.  You can read about it in Tonner's September newsletter.

Daphne is gorgeous with her blue eyes and complex mink updo.  She wears an elegant taupe gown with an oversized mint sash with a bow in the back, with mint shoes and mint crystal earrings and necklace.  I just love Daphne as a brunette!

Noel in real life

A Daphne sculpt, Noel is even more gorgeous in real life than in her promotional photographs.  She's very warm--the only cool color on this doll is blue, and only her eyes.  She has a very muted face-up, with lips that nearly blend in with the rest of her makeup.  She's very soft.  Her hair is a warm blonde, long and soft curls.

Her wings are made from feathers and are removable.  Her gown hangs beautifully and is very well made.  Her sandals are gold and are tie-lace style.  She did not include earrings, but her halo was included.

This doll was available as a premier dealer exclusive, LE 250.  I found her on sale from Still Plays with Dolls.  They may have sold out by now, but keep them bookmarked--they have great customer service and excellent prices--especially as a club member!

Check out her promo shots here.

Halloween Convention Items at Tonner Direct!

Quick! Get them while you can--Tonner Direct has posted a few left-over convention items, including the Dreary centerpiece dolls, Elvira, the American Model Wicked Witch, Wicked and other items, for sale at their online store. Only while supplies last, but the prices are better than what you'll see on Ebay and from convention attendees.

Also, they've listed a Kingston Hospital Vintage Nurse, from the Kingston Hospital fundraiser as well--a blue-eyed brunette Lana Lang sculpt for $125.

Photo courtesy Tonner Doll Company.

A response to my last blog entry...

I asked my husband to become my first "follower" of my blog (which is a new Blogger feature), and he sent me an email yesterday. I think it deserves its own post!

Top Ten Reasons you should not buy a doll.

1. You already have that one.
2. It gives your husband the willies to see more dolls in the dark of the night.
3. Your mailman asks your husband how he likes his new doll.
4. Your kids keep asking, when you die, can they have your dolls?
5. Your kids keep asking for food.
6. Your don't have any more space in the closet for another 16" x 6" x 4" box. [He must have measured, or taken a good look, I guess.]
7. Your friends refer to you as "that doll lady."
8. Your family refers to you as "that doll lady."
9. Your husband starts to refer to your collect as "the mutant fashion army" and mumbling about a preemtive strike.
10. Your husband comes up with what he thinks are ten good reasons why you don't need another doll.

When to buy a new doll...

Top ten reasons to add a doll to your collection:

1. A long-awaited release you've been waiting for finally arrives at your local doll shop
   
2. You find a great deal on Ebay
   
3. You find a great deal on a message board, online forum or doll club
   
4. You come across a grail at a great price
   
5. You discover a small inheritance
   
6. You get into an argument with a loved one and get really angry
7. You're in a shopping mood
8. You gain ten pounds unexpectedly
   
9. You lose ten pounds unexpectedly
   
10. Who needs a reason to add a new doll to your collection?  That's why it's called a collection, isn't it?

Tonner convention summary

For those of you who haven't been keepin up with the Tonner Halloween Convention, check out all the great promotional dolls. They had some great centerpieces, limited edition dolls, and debuts. I'll post a few of my favorites here. You can see the rest on the Tonner Doll blog.

• The souvenir doll, Ultra Basic Goth Tyler, complete with coffin bag and mini skull lapel pin. She'd actually be a fantastic Anne Boleyn!
• Surprising sweet-faced 22" Wicked Witch 22" American Model, LE 100 centerpiece. She was a purchase. Notice her new articulation!
• Wicked, a gorgeous Lana sculpt, LE 200 convention exclusive purchase
• Just another Year, Ellowyne Wilde with Sybil, LE 350 (convention debut)
• Evangeline Ghastly in Blue Moon (LE 300)
• From a Dreary Lunch: Agnes in Wretched Whimsy (LE 100), Viktor in Despondent Dandy (LE 50) and Sister Dreary in Marvelously Morose (LE 150)
• DeeAnna Denton debut--the first issue--Hostess with the Mostess, LE 50
• Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, special edition LE 300

Photos courtesy Tonner Doll Company.