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Articles by Doll Accessories
An Eye for Design: Shelley Thornton Shapes Works of Art From Unexpected Fabric Combinations
By Hannah Kelley Photos by Shelley Thornton, except where indicated From as far back as she can remember, Shelley Thornton knew she was destined to be an artist, and with the support of family, she has continuously nurtured her imaginative mind. As most creatives do, she works in multiple mediums, but she has a particular affinity for making bold cloth art dolls. The unexpected but cohesive mixing of patterns, colors, and shapes forms the basis of her signature style.
Rare and Unusual Fashions for Ideal’s Toni Doll
By A. Glenn Mandeville The Ideal Toy Company was ready for another hit when it released the Toni doll. In the 1930s, the company manufactured not only the mega-hit Shirley Temple doll, but also the popular Deanna Durbin dolls and Judy Garland dolls in both child- and teen-star versions. Ideal was at the forefront of licensing, which today is the way to do business. It also advertised on television and sponsored many children’s shows, mainly in the New York viewing area.
Playful Nostalgia: Hilary Wagstaff Designs and Sews Delightful Doll Outfits
By Hannah Kelley Nestled in West Penwith — the far west side of Cornwall, England — is a cozy “shed” filled with crafting supplies. Hilary Wagstaff spends her days here dreaming up doll clothing designs and sewing away at the machine she has affectionately named Bertha. A collection of dolls keeps her company while also providing modeling services. “My shed is really a summerhouse in the garden that has been converted into a workroom,” Wagstaff said.
A Designer’s Dream: Barbie Models Outfits From Top Names in Fashion
By A. Glenn Mandeville; Photos by Jacqueline Owen, except where indicated When Barbie was introduced at Toy Fair in 1959, Ruth and Elliot Handler, the creators of Barbie, already knew the direction they wanted to go with the doll. One of the first Barbie commercials made this statement: “Someday, I’m going to be exactly like you. Until then, I know just what I’ll do. I’ll make believe that I am you!” However, fate had other ideas.
Spreading Joy Through Retail
Terry Lambert Creates and Sells Custom Dolls and Clothing Dolls: What is available at your shop? Terry Lambert: My Etsy shop, BJDWardrobe, sells custom OOAK repainted/upgraded dolls and doll clothing made by me. Dolls: How do you ensure the dolls you sell are authentic? Lambert: I purchase new dolls to customize from companies that offer premium-quality dolls, such as Ruby Red Global, Gotz, and Schildkröt. My new and vintage custom dolls always come with their own identification documents.
Felted Fantasies: Phillipa Lawrence Works Her Magic With a Needle and Fiber
Pembrokeshire, a county situated on the western edge of Wales, is home to artist Phillipa Lawrence, who describes the area as quiet and rural. There is a beach located not far from Lawrence’s doorstep, and she said it is her favorite place because she can sit there and think. While taking in the view, she lets her mind wander, dreaming up new ideas to take home for further development.
Born to Sew: Jeffrey Cook Creates Couture for Antique Reproduction Dolls
By Karen B. Burts Photos Courtesy of Maison Jeffrey Snugged within a large home in a suburb outside of Columbus, Ohio, is a peaceful, sunny studio where Jeffrey Cook sews his heart out for clients. The doll couturier behind Maison Jeffrey is a fashion designer who makes and sells miniature clothing tailored to a client’s specific requirements. Couturiers must be creative, have an eye for detail, and work accurately at a high-quality standard. Jeffrey Cook is an ascending star in the field.
Collector Dal Rosario Lowenbein Designs Elegant Doll Fashions
“Forbidden Love was an auction donation collaboration with my friend Seth Hanson for the 2019 Grant-A-Wish ‘A Knight To Remember’ Doll Convention this year,” Lowenbein said. “Parisienne Pretty Silkstone Barbie wears a Medieval inspired pearl beaded and floral lace gifted to me from Paris, France. Her delicate gown made with a soft blue-gray tulle is finished with ivory satin mid-length gloves with pearl bows. Hair created and adorned by my friend Seth Hanson.
How Vogue’s Ginny Got Her Big Sister Jill
By A. Glenn Mandeville Jenny Graves embarked on a life-changing journey in 1922 when she joined a small number of other creative women in opening the Vogue Doll Shoppe. Born Jenny Adler in 1890, she was accustomed to designing outfits both for family members and their dolls. She’d already faced more than one challenge in her life — her father died when she was 15, and she put her dreams on hold to help support her family. She married William H. Graves in 1913 and gave birth to three children.
STEAM-Themed Clothing Brand Adds Matching Doll Line
Svaha’s Science Mosaic dress is available in both doll and children’s sizes. Svaha, an online seller of STEAM- (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) themed clothing for adults and children, is expanding its line even further to include designs for dolls. Svaha’s new doll dresses, sized to fit 18-inch dolls like American Girl, are available in several designs matching the fashions offered for kids, as well. World Down Syndrome Day doll dress.
Collector Corner: Independence Day
As collectors observe the holidays each year, many enjoy including their dolls in the celebration, as well. We invited you to share photos from your collection on these special occasions, and now we present collectors’ dolls celebrating Independence Day! More holidays are coming up! You can participate by sharing your festive doll photos using our online form.
Crowning Glory: Tamika Spencer creates amazing doll wigs from paper
These were the first paper wigs Spencer created for her challenge, modeled by Iplehouse BJDs Stella (left) and Isabel. “I created two because I couldn’t pick a muse,” she added with a laugh. Doll collector Tamika Spencer started creating her own doll wigs about 2.5 years ago. What makes her creations stand out is the medium she chose for her elaborate hairstyles — paper! Iplehouse’s Stella models a flapper look.
Curious Collector: Ken’s Airplane
By A. Glenn Mandeville Q: I found this exciting airplane by Irwin at a recent doll show. It is mint in the box and fabulous! I was wondering what you could tell me about it? A: Your airplane was indeed made by the Irwin company, which made many licensed products for Mattel in the early 1960s. They also made boats, cars, etc. The packages said that the items were available for Barbie, Ken, Midge, and Skipper. The airplane is the rarest and hardest to find, followed by the boat.
25 Years of Magic: Zwergnase dolls, bears share our lives
Zwergnase dolls and bears are perfect together! Shown here are Lotte-Christel, Mila-Rose, and Mila-Maria. One of the brightest parts of social media is the fact that friends check in occasionally with news of their “fur babies.” Over the last decade, the term “pet owner” has become obsolete. Today, advertising agencies use the term “pet parent” to peddle treats, vitamins, veterinarian visits, and even pet insurance. Cats and dogs are no longer four-legged visitors in our lives.
Birthday Bliss: Corolle turns 40 in 2019
Happy 40th, Corolle! Bebe Calin Madeleine enjoys her birthday treat. The 4th of July is either America’s birthday or its anniversary. It all depends upon how you view it. The notion of an independent nation was birthed on July 4, 1776. So, the birthday idea makes a whole lot of sense. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. There has been plenty of turmoil — the Civil War ring a bell — so an anniversary, implying achievement, is sensible, too. Birthdays? Anniversaries? The language is up to you.
Reality Check: American Girl ensures your child doesn't check out in summer
After weeks of blissfully blogging about Meghan Markle and her ascension to royalty, it’s nice to shift gears and write about another American girl. In fact, in many ways, Meghan Markle embodies the traits that American Girl tries to instill in their fans and collectors. American Girl is all about unleashing the power that resides inside all girls: a desire to be seen, to be heard, to be valued, and to be validated.
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