Picture of the Week ~ Lisa Irinyi aka Alex's Doll

I will write very little in this post as I want to not only feature Lisa's photograph but also her own responses to the questions I asked her earlier.
This is the new Mini Avantguard doll, Aphrodisiac:

"I had an absolutely giddy time shooting Aphro. She seems so runway/clownish – but in a cool way. So, as soon as I took her out of the box, I teased up her wig to ridiculous proportions (kinda reminds me of the villain in the movie Zoolander, Mugatu – Will Ferrell’s character). And then the rest of the outfit just came together. It’s fun, silly and cheeky. Then I remembered the carnival cage – perfect. I swear I could hear a souped –up version of calliope music running through my head during the shoot. You know, kinda scary, kinda exciting and a bit strange, but intriguing. The bright red and brilliant sunshine really made the images pop. The angle of the evening light was almost straight on, eliminating shadows and showing every tiny detail. I love that. It’s like magic."

"Sometimes I feel like the “Weird Al” of doll photos. I see a doll and start thinking about the clothes, the scene and before you know it, some strange image is produced with influences from over-the-top couture fashion or with heavy fairytale or pop culture influences. Obviously I want to take beautiful photos, but I also like to add a wildness, a quirky flair or a humorous strangeness – kind of a reimagining. I like cuteness, to be silly and the unexpected." 

"I started my blog as a New Year’s resolution to have more fun playing with my dolls and become a better photographer. I post a new photo every day (hence the name – Every Day A Dollie) and the constant picture taking has definitely helped me learn more about photography. I try a lot of different things. Weird angles (wide and tight), different lighting situations (sun, overcast, shade, flash), I experiment with exposure, flash strength and white balance – I’ve had some neat results and some that go straight to 'delete'." 

"My advice to all the photographers out there – Have fun. Take lots of photos. Try some in early morning or late day when thee sun is at a low angle – there’s magic in that lighting. Let your personality shine through your photos. And don’t be afraid to experiment."

Lisa's Flickr Photostream

Lisa's Blog

FAERIE RINGS

Now that we are deep into the Summer

the air is thick with heat

and in the coolness of the evening

under a large clear moon

Faeries often dance in circles in the grass

which are called faerie rings

This can spell danger for any human passerby

The wild enchantment of the faerie music can

lead you towards the ring

like a faerie kiss or faerie food and drink

Can lead to captivity forever in the world of

Faerie

But this is also the time of year when the Faerie Atelier

is the busiest

Faeries of all kinds, pass through my country yard

in search of the Faerie Dressmaker

with a song or a fairy story

I will gladly design a lovely dress

or necklace

and so the season of the Midnight Faerie Rings

Begins!

all these tiny faeries are original creations from

Twigs Faerie Land Studio

Mattel Loses Bratz Doll Appeals Court Ruling to MGA

Looks like the giant, scary Mattel isn't all that powerful in the courts these days.
I thought this statement by an Apellate Panel Chief Judge, Alex Kozinski, was very true and just:

“Even assuming that MGA took some ideas wrongfully, it added tremendous value by turning the ideas into products and, eventually, a popular and highly profitable brand,” the appellate panel said in an opinion written by Chief Judge Alex Kozinski. “It is not equitable to transfer this billion-dollar brand, the value of which is overwhelmingly the result of MGA’s legitimate efforts, because it may have started with two misappropriated names.” 

Read more. 

From the Flickr photostream of callme_crochet

True Blood Paper Dolls

Until we get real dolls based on the characters in True Blood, these paper ones will have to do.

Better Pictures of the New Wu Madame Alexander Dolls

If you have been hunting down images of the Wu designed Alex and Paris dolls, your search is partially over. The Matilda Company has published enlargeable images. Perhaps we can convince Matilda to take Mahogany Alex's sunglasses off.

Alex - Styled by Jason Wu

George of Angelic Dreamz was kind enough to inform me that he has posted large pictures of the dolls as well.  His pictures are excellent and less clicking is involved. I'm sure he'd take off her sunglasses but the dolls haven't shipped yet.

Alex Signature Collection Styled by Jason Wu

My Name is Talky Tina and I'm Going to Kill You.

The weirdness never ends.

Talky Tina was a character in one of the scarier Twilight Zone episodes entitled "Living Doll." She starred along with Telly Savalas. (Don't admit that you remember him if you're trying to conceal your age.) Lollipop anyone? Anyway, Telly keeps trying to get rid of his step daughter's doll but she survives his every attempt.  Apparently he didn't love this baby. This version of Tina is a bobble headed 6-1/2" resin black and white thing. She looks very innocent, doesn't she?

 Talky Tina speaks the following phrases:
"My name is Talky Tina, and I love you very much."
"My name is Talky Tina, and I don't think I like you."
"My name is Talky Tina, and you'd better be nice to me."
"My name is Talky Tina, and you'll be sorry."
"My name is Talky Tina, and I'm going to kill you."

 Listen to this:
 Rod Serling's closing narration from Living Doll

If clicking on the above link does not work, then your computer needs some type of sound software. You can Google the narration and find it on Wikipedia.

Poppy Parker Beatnik Blues

Today was a big dolly day. When it rains it pours. I am deboxing just one at a time and taking it slowly. The first doll to be let out of her box was Beatnik Blues.
 

She is exactly as she looked in promo photos. Cute, innocent and smartly dressed. The quality is excellent.
I just love the outfit.

No, I haven't gone over to the dark side. She is too young-looking for my taste but I thought it would be fun to keep one.

She has a "caught in the headlights" surprised look.  Could that be because it says "New Girl in New York by Jason Wu" on the box? She thought David Buttry was in charge of her.

DOING THE HAPPY DANCE

Art Doll Quarterly

to me, is the Holy Grail of Art Doll Magazines

The excitement I feel every time it arrives in the mail-box

curling up in my big leather chair and paging through

marveling at all the fantastic dolls

So, to see my original dolls in this magazine is "huge"

Halloween came early this year

the photography is spectacular

this Collection of Dolls was from the

Halloween Harvest Ball Blog Party 2009

so happy and excited

I'm slightly hyperventilating " LOL"

Theater Witch checking out the green mouse stew

Gwendolyn the little Gargoyle

and her Beautifully Bandaged Mummies

Group shot from the Harvest Ball

Thanks to all my blog friends for all the lovely comments and advice

I'm off to Dance!!!!

Picture of the Week ~ Rob Redden aka Uriah

This is Integrity's "The Red Queen" as photographed by Rob Redden. The lace reminded me of thin strands of white chocolate. She looks like a cupcake decoration - delicious and delicate. I love the intense color and the creamy softness of the focus.
Rob's been doing an exciting series of images of this doll. I normally post only one picture of the week but I wanted to add this one as well to show you a little of the variety he's working with.

Each photo has been highly manipulated in the computer and that is, IMO, Uriah's forte.

Today, two of the doll boards had as their featured image the first one above! You know when you're doing something right!

LONG HOT HAPPY SUMMER WEEKEND

Reading the Sunday Paper and

relaxing in the country

WIP Midnite Summer Faes

soft ball & button jointed dolls

chalk and ink faces

getting back to my cartooning roots

this collection is making me laugh a lot!

after a rainy night, the Kitties are bug patrolling

and starting to make friends

YAY

New Madame Alexander Alex & Paris Dolls Designed by Jason Wu

The pictures available at this time are of a very poor quality. They are lo res and very small. That being said, here they are anyway.
There are four dressed dolls - two Alex and two Paris. There is a set of accessories and the description is a little vague as to whether or not it comes with a basic doll or on it's own.

Here are the two new Paris dolls:
She looks a little like Cher.

Graphic Content Paris $149.95

Going Platinum Paris $149.95

 

 

 

 

When I saw Going Platinum, I immediately thought of the older Alex as "Gigi":

Here are the two new Alex dolls:

"Virtually Stunning" Alex $149.95

Virtually Stunning reminded me of the older Little Black Dress Alex:

"Mahogany" Alex $149.95

"Luxe Finishings" Accessories $99.95

We've definitely got signature Jason here with the short skirts and fabulous shoes. I wish the faces were clearer.
I always thought MA's Alex was beautiful. It was the proportions of the body that were awful. The head and hands and feet were too large. The quality was always superior and Madame Alexander always includes the best accessories with their fashions. Has the body been redesigned as well? Will older MA fashions still fit. We will find out.

Notice that these $149.95 dolls are complete ensembles and come with handbags, jewelry, hats. They are original Jason Wu's. They are limited editions. All good things.  
 So...
Why are we paying that price for smaller dolls without accessories in higher editions and not even designed by Jason?

NEW FAERIES NEW KITTY

Yesterday I finally found and adopted a kitty, from the Community No-kill Cat Shelter

a pint-size peaches and cream tiger

she is a young Mommy that had 2 little orange kittens

Kittens always get adopted first, But I just wanted her

So we came home together

and she sits on my lap and purrs

and she has been keeping me company in my studio

while I create new Midnight Summer Faeries

Sailor, my Ragdoll Siamese is not happy, she is hiding in the business office.

I hope she will come out and meet her new sister, they are the same age

hanging out and enjoying the long hot Summer!

Dealer Information and Recommendation

Recently a newer collector posted that she didn't know who the 'good' dealers were or how to find out. I can certainly understand that. When I began collecting dolls in earnest I relied on eBay at first. It was only by joining doll chat boards that I learned there was another way to buy dolls.

Always do research before buying to determine if the price you are getting is the best.

LOCATION

Location is very important but sometimes you have to make an overseas purchase when buying an exclusive doll. Shipping usually costs more when importing from abroad. European collectors often must pay import/duties tax. The criteria of location should be based on your location and you need to find out if the dealer will ship to you when you are in another country. When you must have a doll and the dealer won't ship to your location, get a shipping buddy. This should be someone you trust who will accept the shipment from your dealer and then forward it to you. Of course, your postage will increase by the additional voyage your package makes. Sometimes you just have to sacrifice. ;-)

NOTE:

This is a work in progress. More dealers will be added as time goes on.
I cannot endorse or guarantee results from any dealer and this is by no means a complete list of doll dealers. These are the ones with whom I've had transactions in the last few years. Please feel free to email me recommendations or caveats you think are important but please include relevant facts.

This list will be accessible by link in the right hand column of my blog and will be updated when appropriate.

Angelic Dreamz New York

-Huge amount of doll lines and gift items including but not limited to an extensive Barbie collection, Integrity Toys, Tonner Doll, Madame Alexander, Goodreau, Ashton Drake, Sideshow Toys, Exclusive BJD lines such as JamieShow and so much more. This is the super-shop for dolls and related goods.

George maintains a fantastic website which is a great source of information and a lot of fun to browse. His doll photography is excellent so you can actually see the dolls in real life. He answers inquiries very fast. Prices are sometimes higher for items like Fashion Royalty dolls. Shipping is lightning fast.

BarbieCollector.com

-All things Barbie.

This is the website of Mattel for it's Barbie Fan Club. From here one can access the bulletin board to chat and see sneak peeks.

Pretty much everything sold directly from this site can be purchased for less money except for club exclusives. However, when BC.com runs a sale, the prices are very good. BC.Com usually has dolls for sale before the dealers get them. Inquiries are answered within 24 hours. Shipping is reasonably priced and average speed. Does not ship outside of the USA.

Bearzabout Washington (USA)

-Tonner, Domuya, Goodreau, Iacono, Creedy, Ashton Drake, Integrity Toys, Gund, Kish and more.

Website is easy to navigate. Communication is excellent. Prices for all but sale items are MSRP. Shipping is very good.

BIC Co., Ltd. Japan

-Dollystyle, Integrity Toys, Barbie, Azone, IxTee and Japanese Exclusives.

Excellent website in English and in Japanese. Kazue, the owner, responds within 24 hours to email inquiries. She is a delightful person who attends conventions and enjoys meeting collectors. Prices for Fashion Royalty and Azone items are MSRP. Shipping is excellent via EMS.

Bella! Studios California, USA

-This company carries their own doll line, Clea Bella, Room With A View background system and props.

The website has nice pictures but can often be confusing as there are a few links that don't go anywhere. Communication is irregular. Their shipping has improved as far as packaging but can take a while to arrive even when an item is in stock. The RWV items and they are well made and very useful.

Cherished Friends Doll Shoppe(s) Pennsylvania, USA

-Integrity Toys, Doug James BJD, Joe Tai, Tonner, Barbie, Ashton Drake, Madame Alexander, Ginny, Berdine Creedy, Momoko, Effanbee and more.

There are two stores which are basically divided into fashion dolls and 'little girl' type dolls.

Website is excellent and easy to navigate. Communication is excellent. Prices are discounted off MSRP. Sales are excellent. Shipping is lightning fast.

Chelsea's Collector Cottage Australia

-Barbie Collectibles, Exclusives, Dressmaker Details, Integrity Toys, Magazines, Randall Craig and more.

Website is excellent and easy to navigate. Communication is very good. Prices are listed in Australian dollars so a currency exchange chart is necessary. Prices are often reduced below MSRP. On the two separate occasions this year that I ordered items, they were shipped within a reasonable amount of time.

Denver Doll Emporium Colorado, USA

-Large assortment of imported BJD dolls, clothes and accessories as well as Ashton Drake, Creedy, Ginny, Kish, Madame Alexander, Tonner, Plusczok, Zwergnase and more.

Excellent website. Excellent communication. Standard prices. Excellent shipping.

Dreamcastle Dolls Texas, USA
-Tonner Fashion Line, Character Line, At the Movies Line, Doll and Outfit Splits. Fantastic Tonner Reference page. Easy to navigate website. Fast and friendly communication. Prices below retail. Fast shipping.

Doll Market (The) North Carolina, USA

-Madame Alexander, Tonner, Kish, Adora, American Girl, Bears, Furniture, Clothing, Carriages, Effanbee and so much more.  This place has tons of stuff organized by category and manufacturer. Website is easy to navigate although pictures are often small. Prices on some items are good but you have to do research in order to find out if you're getting a good deal. Communication is slow and often curt. Shipping is average to slow.

Doll Peddlar (The) Arkansas, USA

-BJDs and pretty much everything else under the sun including Integrity Toys and items that no one else has from the past at higher prices. Be prepared to spend a lot of time browsing this website and bring a magnifying glass. You can find good stuff. The type is small as are most of the photos. I have never had to email them so I can't comment on their communication. Shipping is good.

etc. again Maryland, USA
-Sydney Shure is well known and recently became an authorized Integrity Toys dealer. She carries only the Integrity Toys line. I have met this fun lady but I've not had any transactions. I've been told that communication and shipping is "great."

Facets By Marcia New Jersey, USA

-Rhinestone jewelry, belts, pins; shoes; wigs

Website easy to navigate and understand. Excellent photos. You will find items here that are not available anywhere. Excellent communication. Fast shipping.

Fashion Doll Agency France

-FDA dolls and clothes

Nice website with clear photos. Excellent, friendly communication. Free, fast shipping.

Integrity Toys Direct Maryland, USA

-Limited Integrity products such as past season dolls and convention exclusives. Basically the items offered here are the overflow from events and other unsold products. Prices usually stay at retail for a year or more. When there is a sale, prices are excellent. Communication is good. Shipping charges are average. Shipping speed is irregular and unpredictable.

John Robert Collectibles (eBay Store)Will ship Internationally.
-Effanbee, Kish, Madame Alexander, Barbie, Ginny, Tonner, Ashton-Drake, Bradford Exchange, Kruse.
One of my readers recommended this dealer but in my experience his prices are usually the highest around. That could be the reason he has stuff no one else does. So, if you are desperate for something, JR will probably have it for sale.
My other problem with them is that they are in New York as I am, and they charge sales tax. Not good for me.
Neat, organized website with big pictures. Response time to queries is very good.

Maddie's Dolls & More Canada Ships Internationally
-Integrity Toys, Mattel, Ashton-Drake, Magazines
Excellent website, prompt response to query. Occasional good sales. Fair prices.


Manika  Ohio, USA

-Joe Tai, Dolly Style, Randall Craig, Masaki, Annz, Azone, Re-ment, Susie and more.

Easy to navigate website with good photography and information. Standard prices. Excellent and friendly communication. Standard shipping.

Marl and B Florida, USA

-Large vintage Barbie collection, Integrity, Tonner, Randall Craig, Dressmaker Details, Effanbee, Modern Barbie, Convention items (Secondary Market) and more.

Good website, easy to navigate, Excellent and friendly response time for inquiries, Standard prices. Standard shipping.

Marsha's Dollhouse Kansas, USA
-Barbie, Tonner, Integrity, Randall Craig, Gene. Prices appear to be retail and I did not see anything on sale.
Another collector said, "She works full time so, probably due to time constraints, her site isn't always up-to-date. She is, however, quick to answer emails."

Mary T's Doll House Pennsylvania, USA

-Fashion Royalty & other Integrity dolls; Randall Craig, Dressmaker Details .

Easy to navigate website. Owner is well known and friendly. Standard shipping.

My Favourite Doll aka MFD Canada

-Tonner, Integrity Toys, Effanbee, Ashton Drake, Elf Dolls, Kio, Gene, Wigs and more. 

Good website, easy to navigate.  Prices listed at retail or 10 to 15% off, depending on the doll line. Sales on older merchandise are often 50% off. Excellent and friendly response from Marg Matsui, well known doll collector/dealer. Good shipping.

Pat's Potpourri (eBayStore)  Pennsylvania, USA  Ships Internationally 
-Integrity Toys Dolls, Ashton-Drake, Tonner Dolls
On eBay Pat goes as kaydee3 dolls, and dolls4emma
Good prices on many items but you should do research. Lots of merchandise. If you order directly via email, you get a 7% discount on Tonner or CED dolls that are listed on eBay. Web links take you to the auctions.

Pink Ponytail  Oregon, USA  Ships Internationally 
-Barbie, Randall Craig, Dressmaker Details, Re-Ment
Great website, fast response to query, average shipping time.  Do research to determine if you are getting the best price. 


The Matilda Company Connecticut, USA

-Madame Alexander, Tonner, Kish, Marie Osmond

Easy to navigate website. Prices stay at retail. Has many discontinued items from the Gene line.

R and D Fashion Dolls Taiwan, Republic of China
-Barbie, Integrity Toys, Momoko, Susie, Annz, Jenny, Volks, Blythe, Pullip, Rune and more.
Easy to navigate website. Excellent communication and shipping. Ships worldwide.

Susan's Shop of Dolls Maryland, USA

-Barbie, Limited Tonner Lines, Fashion Royalty, Gene Marshall, Randall Craig. Many discontinued items. Prices vary with regards to discounts but tend to stay at retail. I've been informed by another collector that they do not accept foreign credit cards.

Fast shipping.

The Toy Shoppe Virginia, USA

-High quality and high priced toys, teddy bears. Many fine and limited edition dolls. Website is a joy to browse. Cissy, Riley, Kish. Limited Tonner items. Lots of other goodies.

Excellent response. Excellent shipping.

Tonner Direct Ships from Pennsylvania, USA. Company is actually located in New York.

-All Tonner Lines. Prices stay at retail for a long time. After special events and conventions, they are the source for left over dolls and souvenirs.

Excellent all around service and shipping.

Two Daydreamers California, USA

-Broad selection. Madame Alexander, Tonner, Effanbee, Kish, John Wright, Gunzel, Zawieruskynski. Always has a clearance section but rarely as low as you can get elsewhere. Robert Tonner's Ashleigh sculpt is their exclusive.

Wilde Imagination New Jersey, USA
- A branch of the Tonner Doll Company and the only place to buy Ellowyne Wilde and Evangeline. They also have three re-imagined Wizard of Oz dolls on the site.
Excellent eye-candy photographs and easy to navigate. Beware! This website makes you want everything.
Sales happen every so often along with occasional free shipping. Service is excellent. Shipping is lightning fast. 

Autumn 2010 Issue of FDQ

The Autumn 2010 issue of FDQ has hit the newsstands and subscribers are receiving their mailed issues now. My latest piece is an interview I did with the doll fashion designer, OVAZ.  You can see 8 glorious pages of stunning fashions photographed by me with lots of background information about Osvaldo. 

Ovaz has been designing and creating beautiful fashions for 12" dolls for a while but I think he truly stepped up his game with his new collection called "The Cocktail Hour." This collection contains 9 different complete outfits. You get shoes, earrings, a tiny cocktail menu and a purse or other accessory. The packaging is very attractive. This is all hand-crafted for the fantastic price of only $45. - $50.  for each ensemble! 

There are only 30 of each design and they are sure to sell out quickly.

Click on this link to go to Ovaz' website and you will see the fashions and much more:  OVAZ Designs

 You can purchase an issue of FDQ at many doll retailers and directly from FDQ Media

Go forth and read!