Steffie: Out of the Box is on sale!

Steffie: Out of the Box

My first book, Steffie: Out of the Box: An inside peek at a fan's eclectic collection (Volume 1), on Mattel's Steffie sculpt is currently on sale at Amazon.com. List price is $20, and Amazon has it on sale for just $16.60.

Prime members can get this book with free shipping!

Doll Observers scheduled for maintenance and upgrade

From Simon at DollObservers.com:

Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that we need to perform some simple but necessary maintenance on DollObservers.com on Saturday November 17. We’ll need to take the site down at 6am GMT for about 15 minutes, during which we’ll simply show a message asking ya'll to check back later. Thanks in advance for your patience while we tune up the site!

Nothing to panic about, as I tell myself regularly.

Heard of Storylane?

Follow us on Storylane!

Suggested reading - more doll blogs!

Love reading about dolls online? Here is a handy way to keep track, and don't forget to leave comments and add your own favorite sites as well.

Best Doll Blogs - Fashion, Collecting & Photos

View more lists from Tonner Doll Company

Suggested Reading: The Toy Box Philosopher

The Toy Box Philosopher blog

If you're interested in the latest reviews of dolls, subscribing to The Toy Box Philosopher is an absolute must! Emily's blog is an honest, down-to-earth and extremely detailed account of reviews of all sorts of dolls and collector items--ranging from Monster High dolls to Tonner Dolls to Sybarite--with a lot of detailed photos and humor thrown in as well.

I love her photography--it's really fun to look at, and she considers all sorts of things collectors consider (and things I often wouldn't even think to consider) when purchasing dolls. She purchases the items and reviews them, but I bet if we can get her some additional readers, and doll companies start discovering her site, manufacturers would be wise to start sending her free goodies to review!

You can follow Em's blog directly and also on Facebook.

Seriously, people, I know I get a lot of readers here looking for photos and reviews of Monster High dolls--you must go check out some of her reviews of these products. Here's another courtesy screen shot and a link to one of my favorite reviews--Howleen and Clawdeen Sister set:

Also--did you know she did a giveaway in May? Of Cupid?

Stop wasting your time reading my drivel and go start reading the Toy Box Philosopher. And as always--don't forget to support your local bloggers by leaving thoughtful comments, clicking on their ads and buying their previously loved items.

Plus, I have to say--if you ever do business with Em on Prego--she is just totally 100% awesome, too.

Resources for Flights of Fancy: Tonner Con 2012

The Flamingo - Tonner Convention souvenir, Cami sculpt, LE300

Resources first, as these are probably the most important:

Tonner Doll's blog is your top source for information. As I have seen, there were several very informative posts on the event, which were done practically real-time, I'm pretty sure by Joanne, who was on her feet, smiling, cheerful and in costume for every event. Kevin, Tonner's social media director, has also done a great job with updating the blog with attendee tweets and photos, too.

I really cannot believe how quickly these posts were available--I wasn't working at these events, and I was exhausted at the end of the day! Fabulous job. Here is a quick recap of what's available:

• Photo recap of day 1, part 1: Travel dolls, sneak peeks from Tonner, registration photos
• Welcome Aboard: includes registration, and salesroom photos as well
• Photo recap of day 1, part 2: Welcome Aboard event, Tonner and Wilde Imagination salesroom craziness
• Photo recap of day 2, part 1: Competition room, vendor sales room, attendee tweets, exhibit room: Fashion Doll History, Jay Barrett's shoe making workshop
• A Wilde Flight: includes competition room photos, Jay Barrett's shoe workshop, Wilde Imagination brunch, raffle room and special exhibit room
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: includes a recap of Melanie Keifer's hair workshop as well as the breakout Marilyn Monroe event
• Photo recap of day 2, part 2: Wilde Flight brunch, Hair workshop by Miss Melanie, Gentleman Prefer Blondes Marilyn Monroe event
• Let It Sew, Let It Sew, Let It Sew: Amelia Thimble and child doll Christmas event, also includes photos from Marcia's jewelry workshop
• Flights of Fancy, which includes Angry Birds PJ Party
• Bon Voyage event and charity auction
• Photo recap of day 3, part 1: including Let It Sew, Let It Sew, Let It Sew event, and Marcia Friend's jewelry workshop
• Photo recap of day 3 part 2: including Wonder Woman Amazonia, Robert Tonner's amazing seminar on the History of Fashion dolls, Flights of Fancy, Angry Birds PJ Party

Next, more photos from Tonner's Facebook page: You can see lots of photos from the various events, workshops and candids as well. You can even spot me in one or two or three or maybe four.

Dreamcastle Dolls has a fantastic photo review, including all the promotional photos of the dolls, online now. (Plus, they are great to shop from as well!)

Did you know Examiner.com reported about Tonner Con? Check out Suzanna Smith's article here.

Bloggers: 

• Collecting Fashion Dolls with Terri Gold did a great recap on the happenings at convention. I've linked to the first article, but there are others as well.
• Dolls Behaving Badly: I had the pleasure to sit with Charlie Riley at our table, and we had fun! I even got to meet Martie, the superstar! Check out her convention coverage!
• The Cami Kingdom has an article on the convention - I finally got to meet Miss Sheilah, and I have to say, it was just a pleasure!

Do you have a blog and convention coverage? Post it below!

Finally: Flickr. You can see my collection here.

MTW Award

I'm pleased to announce that the Fashion Doll Review has received one of the MTW (Mini Treasures Wiki) Awards for 2012 this year. For details of the award, and to see and visit the other award winners, check out this link.

Mini Treasures is now on Pinterest as well. This is a great venue for browsing miniatures, I think--even if you collect fashion dolls for the fashions and not diorama accessories, you will want to start miniatures after a few minutes on Pinterest.

You can find my boards on there as well.

Barbie Fantasies website

Are you a contemporary Barbie fan? Stop by Barbie Fantasies website for a creative, fun experience from the ultimate Barbie fan. This collector has her collection displayed in many different one-of-a-kind outfits, and has some lovely pencil drawings. She also offers some fun Barbie-oriented fashion tips, and lots more. Check it out!

An invitation...

While browsing the web earlier this week, and taking care of tax-related documents of my own, it occurred to me that in today's society, we expect our artists and creative people to not only create, but to also market, package and display their creative items in such a way that pleases us and is ready for us to consume and enjoy. I wonder how often that a) contributes to artist burn out and b) ignores smaller artists who aren't ever able to get that organized.

Maybe there is be a better way to display smaller, hand-crafted (or even not hand-crafted) items as they are related to the doll market. I'd like to do whatever small part I can to help promote these artists. That being said, I'd like to start a regular feature on the blog that spotlights a particular doll artist, and we can do our part.

If you have a doll-related business, and you'd like us to link to your site, please leave a comment below! We'd love to hear more from you.

Doll Duels widget...

Thanks to Tonner Doll's social media team, you can actually play Doll Duels right here on the Fashion Doll Review now:

Click here to visit the actual Doll Duels website.

While it's fun to play around with the gadgets, and for me, a great way to build my grail list of Tonner Dolls from real-life (and some photoshopped) photos, I have to say the Doll Duels site does have a pretty cool purpose. Its primary reason for creation was to feature one-of-a-kind doll artists and their websites.

When you go to the Leaderboard, Categories or Newest Pics pages, you can click on the specific photos you like best. Each photo lists the person who submitted the photo and URL, and information about hat specific photo. Additionally, you can share the photo via Twitter and many other methods.

Tonner Doll Company's website overhaul

On January 3, Tonner Doll Company's new and revived website went live. Their new look is clean, modern, and user-friendly. The company has successfully integrated its new social media component with the original website in a way that's easy to use and fun to visit. I just can't wait till the archive is complete!

On the front page of the site welcomes you with a revolving slide show of gorgeous photos--their newest photographer, Ernesto Padró-Campos, adds real life and depth to the already beautiful dolls. The cool blue background offers a relaxing atmosphere, which I find a little too easy for shopping. I also appreciate the use of a sans serif modern font for a cleaner look for the headlines. Additionally, the navigation bar at the top makes the site much easier to get around.

The Community page is the most powerful new addition to the site. It successfully links Tonner's Facebook fan page, their Twitter feed, blog, videos, and even fan photo submissions all in one page. It isn't cluttered, and it's fun to read. Plus, I love that you can get to all the social media from this page (well--except for Doll Duels, but that's really a separate space for artists).

You'll also notice that the contact page has been updated with a Google map to the company store and doll hospital, in addition to the corporate office. The contact form looks updated and clean. Plus there is new button for customer support--though I haven't had the need to try it yet.

The one thing I notice is missing (besides the Sistine Chapel ceiling) is a direct link to TonnerDirect exclusives, sales, warehouse finds, and convention specials in the Shop Collections section--not that that's my favorite section to shop, or anything! On the same page, I've noticed there are a two outdated photos: as Idyllic Antoinette, and Artemis, in the DC Stars photo. I'm sure these items will be updated soon, however, and they don't detract from the overall beauty of the site.

I'm thrilled with how the new site looks and feels, and hope the Tonner staff is proud and relieved at its release. I also hope Tonner fans are pleased with it. Change can be hard sometimes--especially technological change for doll people--though I admit I'm one of the first to embrace it. Now all we have to do is fix Blogger's comment system!

Fabrizio Vitti's private doll collection

This may be slightly old news, which I unfortunately only discovered today. Originally posted in December 2011 on the Louis Vuitton website, you must visit the actual link for an amazing stop-motion video. (If you love dolls and shoes, that is.)

"Step back in time to 1944, following World War II when due to a shortage of resources, the Haute Couture fashion houses of Paris created the Thêatre de la Mode. Imagine a spectacle of fashion in miniature, designed specifically for dolls but with all the exquisite detail and perfection of the regular collections."

"Similarly, the shoe department at Louis Vuitton is inextricably connected to the sphere of dolls. Exactly the same workshop in Fiesso d'Artico, Italy, where the Louis Vuitton shoe collections are created is entrusted with the task of fabricating the parallel miniature versions for Fabrizio Viti’s private doll collection. The attention to detail is striking and in this short stop motion animation, his dolls and shoes come to life in another inspiring spectacle."

If you liked that article and video, you should check out Part I:

"Photography, the glamour in old style movies, especially French movies from the 60s, art and fashion books, are all an inspiration to Fabrizio Viti, Louis Vuitton’s shoe style director. Nonetheless, it is the history of fashion dolls and fashion dolls today that stimulate his imagination. He has been collecting dolls since he was three years old and as a result, today he has a collection with around 500 pieces."

"The creative process works in both directions, either using his dolls as a canvas for experimentation or adapting the Louis Vuitton shoe designs for his dolls. Fabrizio will often custom make shoes for his dolls and this year he made a specific shoe with a platform for one particular doll. After it was made, he liked it so much that he made it into a larger human scale version and it incidentally became the season must have."

Tonner Doll news

According to an email update, Tonner has two news postings. Directly from the email:

First, Wednesday, October 12th , will be our next product release.  It will be followed by thelast release of the year in early November , when the balance of 2011's product will all be introduced at once!  The October 12th release is almost entirely FASHION.  The November release will be our last until January, at which time we will be making a major FASHION release for 2012!!!  For FASHION categories, we are returning to our winter and summer line introductions because many of you have stated it's what you prefer.

Second, also directly from the email:

Second, the Tonner Direct and Tonner Doll websites are being combined and redesigned-completely!!!  When the new site is launched, it will be found at www.tonnerdoll.com. In early November, you will see the system we're now beta-testing, and we can barely contain ourselves it's so much better!  For those of you attending the Halloween Convention in Burlington, Vermont this month, you can expect a top-secret preview of the site!

More Barbie videos on You Tube

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest updates in doll-related videos. (Can you tell I'm really trying to make the best use I can out of technology these days?) Here's what's up there so far:

• Sleep-eyed Sleeping Beauty Barbie from 1998
• 1964 Miss Barbie sleep-eye action
• JennyGrey's Strawberry Festival show - fashions for dolls, human and vinyl
• 1968 Talking PJ
• 1968 Talking Barbie
• 1969 Talking Julia

Leave me a comment if you like them!

Dolls to the Wall, episode 4

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Welcome to episode 4 of Dolls to the Wall, October 5, 2011. I've included the links referenced in the podcast below. Please feel free to tell a friend if you like our show. Thanks for listening! Sales:

• Free shipping from Wilde Imagination SMILE15 and SMILE 15INT on orders of $75 or more ends October 8 at midnight EST.
• One-day sale continues at TonnerDirect, save 20% and get free shipping on many dolls with code ONEDAY at checkout. Expires at noon today EDT.
• Clearance sale at Two Daydreamers.

News: Barbie news:

• 2012 Barbie Basics Swimsuits, collection 3. Black Label. 6 dolls, 2 looks. Designed by Bill Greening. Due December.
• Grace Kelly from Rear Window, $39.99. Robert Best. Pink Label. Due December.
• Hope Diamond, Gold Label, Designed by Robert Best. Out early Spring. Wearing dark navy formal, with miniature hope diamond.

Fashion Night Out with Barbie. Charity Buzz Auctions. My collection: vintage grail shelf, steffie shelf, and Summit Barbie this week. Integrity Toys: Color Infusion Rebel Spirit and Cosmic Love Amelie are arriving to dealers and shipping to customers this week. Cosmic Love is still available from Happily Ever After and Cosmic Love at Joe's Blitman Art Dolls

• Much ADO art doll magazine
• Freaky Little Dolls Blog

BJDs:

• Super Lavin in Volks
• Fukupukuro DollHeart Grab bags

Events October 8, 2011

• Fredericks VA: The Now & Then Doll Club Doll & Toy Show & Sale, Fredereicburg Elks Lodge #875 - 10-4
• Myrtlebeach, SC: Doll & Bear Show, Lakewood Conference Ctr: 9:30-3:30, www.knightshows.com
• Fletcher, NC: Fall Doll Show, WNC Agricultural Ctr: 9:30-3:30
• West Covina, CA: Dolls, Bears & Miniatures Show, West Covina Elk's Lodge: 10-3
• Anaheim, CA: Anaheim Doll Club Show & Sale, 226 N Helena St: 10-3

October 9, 2011

• Anaheim, CA: Dolls, Bears, Jewelry Show, Anaheim Plaza Hotel: 10-3
• Hershey PA: A Doll for all Seasons Show&Sale, Granada Street Gym: 10-4
• Flint, MI: Doll Show & Sale, Dom Polinski Hall: Ad $2, 10-3:30
• Mounds View, MN: 8th Annual Dolls in Fall Doll, Bear & original Artist Sale, Mermaid Event Center: 10-3:30, www.CPromotions.Plus.com

Dolls to the Wall, Episode 3

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Dolls to the Wall, Episode 3

Episode 3 is available now for your listening pleasure. Please check it out and leave me some feedback if you get a chance. Enjoy!

Lots of news this week from Tonner Doll Company and Wilde Imagination. Also, I've added some additional information about some Latidoll and Fairylandevents that are going on now. Plus, check out the new exclusive BJD from Cristy Stone at Denver Doll Emporium.

Other links referenced in this podcast:

Dreamcastle Dolls: FALL SAVINGS for 20% off in-stock Tonner and 10% off consignments or splits

Wilde Imagination: SMILE15 and SMILE15INT

BarbieCollector.com

The Doll Peddlar

Angelic Dreamz

Doll Market

October 1 Events:

Crossroads Teddy Bear Show - Dolls4All.com

Annual Southeastern Doll Show - dollsanddesigns.webs.com

Hello Dollie Club - Bobbie Clark diecastdolls@hotmail.com

UFDC Public Salesroom - www.granitestatedollclub.org

October 2 Events:

Metrodolls Luncheon

Antique & Collectible Sale

Suggested Link of the Day:

JennyGrey Designs

Thanks, and have a dolly worthy week!

Brand new art doll magazine = fabulous!

Enlarge this document in a new window
Publisher Software from YUDU

Be sure to check out this brand new online magazine, Much Ado. It's a fantastic collaborative work by a group of doll artists, filled with gorgeous dolls, photography, tips, discussions and projects. My two top articles so far are the photography tips article (it's so my style!) and the article about copying art dolls versus original art.

If you like the publication, be sure to

• visit the sponsoring advertisers and 
• give the magazine a five-star rating. You'll have to sign up for a free account to do this. But it's worth it!

Visit Yves's website, Freaky Little Dolls, as well, and subscribe.

Dolls to the Wall, Episode 2

Dolls to the Wall, Episode 2

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Check out our second podcast and get your dolly news on the go. I've listed a ton of news and sales about Barbie, Integrity Toys, Tonner Dolls, and ball-jointed dolls in under 15 minutes this week. I've included some events as well as a much-loved update on my Steffie obsession (I'm sure you just can't wait).

Thanks for listening--if you like it, feel free to leave me a comment or a rating! I love to hear from you!

Here are some links I reference in this week's podcast:

Barbie Dream Sale
Cherished Friends sale page
Fashion Doll Review eBay Store
IMPLdoll Event
JaksJewels new BJDs
Cheryl's Dolls Check, Please Francie dealer exclusive Silkstone
Francie BFC exclusive gift set, Nighty Brights™-- they've just added photos of the outfit, too!
Toki Doki Barbie from Susan's Dolls
Dreamcastle Splits and Consignment Corner

Events:
Teddy Bear Jubilee
Wisconsin Fired Arts Event
Ellowyne's Wilde about Paris - Pat Dutchman pdutchman@roadrunner.com

Dollhouse miniatures - Mini treasures wiki / 1to6

Dollhouse miniatures - Mini treasures wiki / 1to6

For those of you who are diorama enthusiasts, make sure you check out this amazing Wiki, called Mini treasures. It's really fantastic. A lot of the articles are written for smaller scale--true miniatures, but I was able to come across this page on 1/6 scale (playscale) items.

Why don't you join and add your expertise? Do you sell playscale miniatures? Even better! Add your 2 cents, and then add a link to your store!

Toy Fair photos - new Barbies!

Oh my--you simply must check out the gorgeous photos by MawPhoto.com from Toy Fair. There are real-life photos of the new Barbie collection, plus some new releases--so much for revamping my collection!

The new dolls I've noticed so far:

• Three new Metallic Barbie Basics and two Accessory Packs--to die for!
• Pillow Talk Doris Day and Rock Hudson
• Moulin Rouge (?) Barbie
• My very favorite of all of them, Tokidoki Barbie!
• Elvis Presley Barbie (I'm not so excited about this one)
• Frank Sinatra Barbie (what's up with the plastic hat? I love her suit and shoes, though.)
• A brand new photo of Farrah Fawcett
• A new Couture Angel
• New 2011 Holiday Barbies
• Klimt Barbie (amazing!)
• Mona Lisa Barbie (I just adore her smile and gown)
• Van Gogh Barbie (OMG--I'm going to die!)
• A new Francie Repro

What do you think? Any favorites? Any must-haves? I'm thinking, "Darn it, another Steffie face! And darn it again, artists!"