Winter 2024 issue A Little Creative Together - vol 1

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Doll Community Members Featured in This Issue

@ourplasticmuses

@lifeinboston101

@kira_dolls_store

@bostonblythe

@murielsminiobsession

@hollyrainbow

@shazdolls

@veryimportantbarbiestuff 2

@kickthetires

Letter from the Editor Hello and welcome to the Winter 2024 issue of A Little Creative Together

@plasticplot

@mittenstatebarbie

You are unique in your DIY and collecting capabilities.

Trying different markets, crafts, and photography In this issue we are pleased to techniques will let you know bring you profiles of these what they are. And they may amazing doll community take a while to develop. The members in their own words. best things do! Find out more about the Over and over while laying #alittlecreativetogether2024 out these articles, I was impressed with the breadth of hashtag on page 9 and join in knowledge and creativity, big the fun! hearts, and willingness to Enjoy these pages of doll share. community members doing The doll community is a place just that. Each is unique and of inspiration and good vibes. adds a little something extra to the doll community.

It is not uncommon to send and receive dolly happy mail As @shazdolls shares about (gifts delivered to you in the the doll hot air balloon on post), be inspired by page 23: “ A friend lent someone’s great DIY ideas, or me this balloon saying “It come across something special would be perfect for your doll photos!” It makes me happy to purchase whether it is a collectible doll being rehomed when people get enthusiastic or a custom outfit or doll for about my hobby with me!” sale.

I want to thank everyone for Just like in our non-doll social participating. I’m inspired and media accounts, the best way I know you will be too. If you to avoid unhealthy have ideas for future issues email me at comparisons with your everydaywritingcoach aspirational accounts is to @gmail.com I look forward engage. Leaving comments, likes, and encouragement for to hearing your feedback. one another is what keeps the You can also visit me on IG at community going and everyone enjoying the journey. @minisincanada

Michelle

@minisincanada 3

Michelle Vandepol, Editor

@kickthetires Christie. USA. I work in the museum field as a Registrar. I collect a lot of dolls, including Monster High (I have a lot of Gen 1 and I mostly collect Gen 3 Draculaura), Rainbow High, Shadow High, Integrity Toys, OMG, Barbie, Pullip, Azone, Momoko, Ruruko, Jenny, Licca, Popovy, Dollshe…. Basically, any doll that I love.

My name is Christie and I’m from all the dolls in Japan made me love such as dresses, leg warmers, the U.S. I work in the museum dolls and not just Barbie, but socks, tights, scarves, and other field as a Registrar. As a registrar, I Azone, Monster High, Pullip, etc. things for my dolls. I don’t pull out take care of paintings, prints, my sewing machine a lot, but I do sculptures, mixed media, videos I collect a lot of dolls, including think I want to make some more etc. by cataloging (researching, Monster High (I have a lot of Gen leg warmers for my dolls. photographing, measuring, etc) 1 and I mostly collect Gen 3 them into the collection, taking Draculaura), Rainbow High, I LOVE dioramas! I originally them to conservators, and other Shadow High, Integrity Toys, made one diorama, a bedroom for duties. I also handle shipping of OMG, Barbie, Pullip, Azone, my doll named Chrissie. No, she is exhibitions, updating the website, Momoko, Ruruko, Jenny, Licca, not named after me and/or my mini and a bunch of other stuff.

Popovy, Dollshe…. Basically, any me. The name just seemed to fit doll that I love. Nowadays, I try to her and one of my friends agreed.

I played with Barbie dolls when I collect dolls that “speak to me.”

Then in 2020, I met a group of was little, but I stopped playing What I mean are dolls that stay in people online, who make amazing with them when I was in 7th or 8th my mind. Sometimes I will think miniatures. They inspired me to grade or so. Eventually, I began to about the doll for over a year like make my next diorama, which was collect, mostly Barbies, when I was my Popovy ball jointed doll. a convenience store, which I call in college, but I stopped in 2003.

Unlike my Popovy doll, most of My Konbini. A konbini is a Around 2014 or 2015, I began the time I will just think about the Japanese convenience store. If collecting Monster High. I not only doll for over a week. you've ever been to Japan, you collected Monster High and Barbie, already know that a konbini in I became interested in all types of As I mentioned, I try to purchase Japan is AMAZING. Unlike my dolls after I came back from Japan dolls that “speak to me” Instead of local convenience store, they have the first time. purchasing a whole doll line. I amazing food and you can find even try to wait for the doll(s) to go things such as real Sailor Moon In college, my mom got me into on sale or clearance, unless it’s a merchandise there. After the collecting dolls after she showed high demand doll(s) like the Konbini, I have made 6 permanent me the Barbie Gone with the Wind Monster High Skullector series. I dioramas and several temporary dolls. I thought they were think waiting for sales helps me ones. Making dioramas led to me gorgeous! Eventually I stopped with fomo (fear of missing out) and focusing more on collecting and collecting dolls and got heavily saving money. Besides collecting making miniatures. into the Japanese fashion style dolls, I also have other hobbies I love seeing how people style and/ Lolita. If you don’t know what it is, including collecting K-pop photo I totally suggest you look the style cards and miniatures. All together, or customize their dolls including redressing, rerooting hair, face-up. up. these hobbies can become pretty I also love meeting and talking to pricey, so I have to pace myself.

The 2nd time was after I got back people.

Continued on page 24 from Japan, the first time. Seeing Yes, I sometimes make clothes 4

@KICKTHETIRES

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@ourplasticmuses I’m Beatriz, 28 years old, and an avid doll collector, writer, and WWII geek. I enjoy styling dolls and creating dioramas for them while attempting to balance my dream of publishing my writing and the historical research that comes with it.

In kindergarten, I won a small interested in Bratzillaz after seeing our dolls, so at times we feel stuffed lion for good grades and a commercial on the television and inclined to buy a doll just because behavior. Shortly after, I acquired convinced our parents to buy one they’re a good fit for a particular her “family” at the thrift store. for each of us. I picked Meygana family we’ve created! But mostly, These lions were about 1:12 scale Broomstix and my sister chose I stick to buying my favorites first. and mostly from McDonald’s Jade J’adore. By that point, I was I’ve tried crafting items for my happy meals before being donated, hooked once more! Of course, I dolls and dioramas, but I’m just and they became the heart of play- didn’t want anyone from school to not apt enough. Getting motivated time for most of my childhood. know about my obsession, but to learn the skills is also a huge My family lived in a mobile home during the second semester of my hassle for me. I like to say that I when we immigrated to the United sophomore year, I left the prefer dioramas, but the truth is States from Mexico, so we didn’t traditional school setting and no that if I had a dollhouse, I’d never have much room, but my parents longer interacted with my peers (I look back! I can make do with my didn’t seem to mind when I set up was diagnosed with schizophrenia bookcase dioramas, but I’ll a diorama of sorts in the living and could no longer function in always pine after the perfect room area. This diorama had no public). I eventually realized I dollhouse. walls—it was instead lined with didn’t have to tell anyone about I adore connecting with people pencils that served as borders— my love for dolls, but because I who share my love for dolls. and it was made up of random, wasn’t explicitly showing anyFinding someone who has similar everyday items. I’d use a folded body, I was still technically hiding. interests is such an amazing beret as a sofa, a book as a dinner experience and interacting with table, pieces of erasers as meat — Several years after I graduated them is definitely my favorite part anything I could find that from high school, I started buying of the doll community. I mainly do resembled the intended piece, I’d dolls on my own and dove into the so on Instagram and Facebook use in the setup. world of collecting. I started with groups, but I’d love to meet with Barbie, and my interest briefly fellow doll lovers in person!

When my family moved to another shifted to Calico Critters before city, I exchanged the old house finally reaching the point of no My main goal for 2024 is to scene for a classroom, where all return, which was my introduction connect with more people in the my similar sized animal figures to Rainbow High. And slowly, my community and finally meet the gathered when I was on summer love for miniatures began. friends I’ve already made. vacation. This small tradition I collect Barbie, Rainbow/Shadow .Definitely Instagram, but I’m also lasted through middle school, at High, Ever After High, Bratzillaz, active on TikTok and a few which point I stopped playing. I’d My Scene, LOL OMG, LOL Rainbow High Facebook groups. still dress my sister’s dolls Tweens, and Monster High.

Always have fun! Doll collecting occasionally, but I felt too growndoesn’t have to become a chore. up to still be dabbling in such I’m definitely still figuring out the Don’t feel pressured to collect eveactivities. right approach for me, but I like to ry doll in a line or series, and don’t collect the dolls I love most first put your financial stability at risk Toward the end of high school, I and eventually buy the others from just to keep up with the aesthetic was once more drawn to the allure the line/series. My sister and I of perfectly filled shelves. of dolls. My sister and I became have an entire storyline involving 6

@OURPLASTICMUSES

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@hollyrainbow Holly. Collector in a creative community. Animator.

Favors 80s toys. actively collecting Blythe, Rainbow Brite (the newest re-releases are so cute!), sometimes vintage dolls at thrift shops that catch my eye. I also have about 12 Pullips, 4 ball-jointed dolls (Yo-SD size), various other little dolls and toys.

I grew up in a small town in I like fashion dolls, having clothes though.

Manitoba, an only child with a that fit other doll brands is always Find me on instagram! love for all my toys. It was always a plus, but differently sized dolls @hollyrainbow or my crafting a struggle to put toys in garage hasn’t really stopped me. In 2007- page @hollyrainbowcrafts sales, but I thought I would “grow 2010 I was single and collecting a out of them” eventually! Nope! I few dolls every month. But getting Don’t let anyone tell you “you’re came to Vancouver for animation married, financial responsibilities, too old for that”. You will find your people, I’ve met some great school, and met a lot of other and having a son 6 years ago has creative people who also never slowed me down and changed my friends through dolls! grew up! I began my career in priorities. animation in PEI (one coast to the I used to knit doll hats and sell other, with my parents still living them on Etsy, I’ve tried making in between), but moved eventually other clothes too, and have back to Vancouver. I met my customized a few Blythe dolls! My husband at a studio, we got favourite custom was re-rooting in married and lived in Australia (his rainbow colours. home country) for a year, but came back to Vancouver again and now I’d love to have a dollhouse someday, but dioramas are fun and have a son & cat. easy. I don’t have anything set up I have always been collecting at the moment, all dolls are just something, mostly 80’s toys, for a standing around looking pretty. small while I collected cool My son likes to find my old teapots, and now it’s anything cute re-ment sets and have a mini tea or retro that catches my eye. In party.

2006 I discovered Pullips, and they started my love for Japanese I used to have a lot of time to be on dolly forums, and I miss the old fashion dolls. I had over 30 Pullips, but have slimmed it down Flickr community! It was so much nicer to organize photos and to 12. Pullips led me into BallJointed dolls (I had over 10, but 4 favourites. Instagram is my main remain), and Blythes (I have 11). hangout now, and I love connecting in real life with the I am actively collecting Blythe, friends I made online.

Rainbow Brite (the newest I’d like to get into photographing re-releases are so cute!), sometimes vintage dolls at thrift shops my dolls again, I got a bit more shy to take them out, and even to that catch my eye. I also have post, but I really still like that about 12 Pullips, 4 ball-jointed dolls (Yo-SD size), various other aspect of collecting. I’d like to go to a Blythe convention again little dolls and toys. someday, maybe not this year 8

@HOLLYRAINBOW

THINKING ABOUT ADDING DIY TO THE HOBBY FOR 2024?

There are so many approaches you can take. Have you considered…

MAKING MINI FOOD WITH AIR DRY CLAY MAKING YOUR OWN VASES WITH THE MAKE IT MINI POTTERY WHEEL BUILD ING A DOLL CLOSET OUT OF FOAM BOARD, MINI DOWELING, AND HOT GLUE (check out My Froggy Stuff on YouTube) MAKING AN ARMCHAIR OUT OF FOAM BOARD, CARDBOARD, QUILTING BATTING, FABRIC, CRAFT GLUE, HOT GLUE, AND CHOPSTICKS (check out Bentley House Minis on Youtube) MAKING A DOLLHOUSE OUT OF A BOOKCASE GIVING YOUR DOLLS TATTOOS & PIERCINGS ALTERING DOLL CLOTHES OR RESIZING LARGER DOLL CLOTHES TO MAKE THEM FIT A SMALLER DOLL MAKING A LIBRARY OF BOOKS (book cover printables on Pinterest and at My Froggy Stuff’s blog) RECOVERING PLASTIC DOLL FURNITURE WITH FABRIC (you can either use hot glue or stitch the two sides underneath to hold it in place) SHARE THE RESULTS WITH US #alittlecreativetogether2024 9

@kira_dolls_store Alejandra Acuña, I live in Santiago de Chile, I am 40 years old and I am the mother of a 19-year-old son. I work in a commercial store, I am a housewife and I love watching series of all kinds, although my favorites are the Vikings

Approximately 3 years ago I had up to the choice of each doll or my first doll, although my thing is figure.

Editor’s Note: The cover model not so much about collecting dolls doll is the first custom Blythe doll I (I only have 6 Blythe and 1 I connect with the doll community collected and is the talented work Barbie). I love creating, giving a on Instagram, online forums, doll of Alejandra’s. Her name is different expression to each custom meetups, regional clubs, big doll Isabella and her back plate has I make. I came to this beautiful events I like the diversity of dolls Halloween iconography on it along world through a friend, who there are, each one with a different with her name and colourful pull collected Blythes and he insisted cords. She came dressed as a witch. appearance, I usually upload that I also have one. I listened to content very often on my social him, bought it and he customized networks (Facebook, Instagram and She is so fun to dress, photograph, it, and then I bought some more and hand stitch new clothes for. In tik tok) and recently I was at an and I wanted to try to work on her time with me, she has travelled event called kekakon in Buenos them, and it was wonderful . I was Aires Argentina. from Santiago de Chile to British completely captured by the power Columbia, Canada to New York, with my hands to make a beautiful I have many projects in mind for NY to visit doll community doll. member @amberblythelife and her this year, pending ideas that dolls (watch for her feature in the sometimes due to lack of time I I collect Blythe and a Trolls Spring issue of “A Little Creative cannot complete. Also this year I Barbie (my hobby was collecting Together”) and to enjoy a little spa will travel to Buenos Aires to vintage trolls). Personally, time as well before returning home another kekakon and the idea is collecting takes me back to a part that my dolls reach a large part of to Canada. of my childhood, having those little the world . treasures that take you back to the I highly recommend engaging with past and bring back beautiful a doll customizer throughout your You can find me on Instagram as memories. #Kira_dolls_store, on Facebook as doll collecting journey if the Alejandra Acuña Miranda and on opportunity arises. Alejandra was Sometimes I make some helpful in her advising when I went tik tok @kiradollsstore. accessories or some knitting for about searching for my first special dolls, for example recently I I want to just tell you that all customized doll and helped me find made a Viking costume since there dreams can be achieved, the most a doll that matched my aesthetic is no such type of clothing on the and fit my budget. important thing is to have market, and I knitted a Christmas Since Isabella arrived (in a confidence in what you do. Set sweater for the season. goals and always think positively, beautiful gold box with fun fur and if you can help someone else, lining), Alejandra has followed In my case I prefer dioramas to do it. I am so excited to be featured along with her journey on dollhouses since you let your Instagram and inspired the you in this issue of “A Little imagination flow to do it, they are Creative Together.” community with many more dolls.

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@KIRASDOLLSTORE

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@lifeinboston101 Jan. I am a research scientist working in women’s health. My husband and I have two beautiful children. I am about to publish my third children’s book! We have hedgehogs and dwarf hamsters as pets. We collect Sylvanian, Rainbow High, Blythe, and Pullip.

Photo left: Me and my daughter at Blythecon 2023.

I am a research scientist working in animal family would cost about they make great bath toys. women’s health. I spent 8 years in S$50 which was equivalent to 10 pregnancy research developing hours of my father’s wage. It was I have my first Pullip being clinical tests to predict when a an unattainable childhood toy for customized right now. pregnant woman will deliver her me. Using my daughter as an baby. Then I transitioned into excuse, I very quickly expanded I am very selective about Rainbow breast cancer research— our Calico Critters and miniature High dolls. I only buy dolls with understanding breast cancer risk collection. Of course, it was about faceup and fashion that both my factors, breast tumor biology, and my desire to buy what I did not daughter and I like. I would like a factors that affect survivorship. have. It is so fun to hunt for cheap monochrome Shadow High doll.

More recently, I study breast vintage critter families and playsets My husband thinks those are cool. cancer in transgender patients as on Facebook marketplace. My we are seeing more transgender husband and I would spend hours For Blythes, I first wanted to cancer patients in our oncology playing critters with our daughter. collected the 9 types of face molds clinic.

It was a great way to keep her created under Cross World occupied during the pandemic. I Connections (CWC). After I My husband collects sports and started posting our Calico Critter accomplished that, I started buying Magic The Gathering cards. We set ups on Instagram. That was dolls because of their hair color or have two beautiful children. We how I met my first group of hair style. When I was attracted to have hedgehogs and dwarf Instagram-Calico Crittersa doll, I would spend days hamsters as pets. Watching my miniature pals. wondering what it was about the daughter interact with our I was gifted my first Rainbow High doll that I liked. If it was their hedgehog led me to self-published doll, Minnie Choi, by an Instagram stock, I would purchase just that. I my first children’s book, “Who pal (@murielsminiobsession) for am currently feeling overwhelmed Has A Pet Hedgehog?” I am about the birth of my son in February by my 20 Blythes, and the to publish my third book! I am 2023. We now have a total of 4 mom-guilt that comes along with fortunate that my mother-in-law, a Rainbow High dolls. My daughter it. I joke that I am jeopardizing my Professor of Speech Language and I share the dolls. son’s daycare funds.

Pathology, helps with editing to Remember those hand-me-down ensure the book can be used for My second obsession is Blythe Furbanks squirrel family? I could speech language pathology clinics. dolls. As of December 31st 2023, not bear the two naked child My husband works in digital we have 15 stock Blythes, 2 cuscritters so I picked up crochet publishing so he prepares the book tomized stock Blythes, and 3 again. I do not have talent in files.

AliExpress Blythes. I do not have sewing in 1/12th scale so crochet My first serious obsession was Kenners or Aston Drake Galleries was a safer bet. I now have a tub Calico Critters/Sylvanian Families. Blythes, and do not have a strong full of Calico Critters crochet/ It started in Christmas 2019 when urge to collect them yet. knitted outfits. my daughter inherited my sister-inlaw’s Furbanks squirrel family.

We also have a collection of LOL Sylvanian Families were expensive Surprise dolls. I tend to buy the Continued on page 14 in Singapore in the 1990s. Each ones that change color because 12

@LIFEINBOSTON101

Top left: My Alice In Wonderland creation for Blythe

Top right: Polymer clay food that I made with my daughter.

Bottom left: Cat princesses. My daughter gave each of them a pet.

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Bottom right: The Furbanks squirrels dressed and no longer naked.

Continued from page 12 LIFEINBOSTON101

My proudest handiwork is a set of Disney princess outfits that I designed and created. Setting up Calico Critter scenes also spurred us to create polymer clay miniature foods. I crochet/knit outfits for Rainbow High and Blythes. I also love creating headpieces for Blythes’ 1/3rd scale heads. Most recently, my daughter and I started making our own Blythe eye chips!

I like dollhouses and dioramas both equally. I can also tell you I do not have talent in setting up Instagramperfect dollhouse scenes or creating dioramas. I am mostly on Instagram.

With the Calico Critters/miniature community, @murielsminiobsession and I organized some themed events.

For example, we organized #sfccprincessparty in honor of both of our same-age daughters’ birthdays.

Those events allowed a group of us to get to know each other really well.

We now gift each other miniatures and Calico Critters. I think the reputation of Blythe collectors being welcoming and super nice made me want to be part of the community.

The reputation is true! Every Blythe collector I have met on Instagram, or in-person at Blythecon 2023, has been incredibly kind, helpful, generous, and welcoming. I attended my first Blythecon in 2023 with my daughter. Riding on the Blythecon high, I organized two local meet ups in December. I am sad that I will not be able to attend Blythecon 2024 due to family commitments.

I am @lifeinboston101 on Instagram.

I started my Instagram account to document my new life in Boston, hence the handle name. Then my account evolved to documenting my pets, family life, travels, crafts, and collections. I already manage a second account for my books so I do not want to make more accounts.

Therefore, my account is not a dedicated doll account – sincere apologies in advance.We have not lost any Calico Critters pieces! An amazing feat by my daughter.

@LIFEINBOSTON101 2024 DOLL GOALS

The ultimate goal for 2024 is to not spend anymore money on purchasing or customizing dolls. That is clearly an unrealistic goal.

My practical goal is to only add up to 2 new dolls to the collection, or customize 1-2 existing dolls.

As for Blythe clothing and accessories, my intentions are to only purchase meaningful pieces, and not because they are a deal or on sale. I need to Marie Kondo my Blythe wardrobe to make space for incoming pieces.

Purchase a Shadow High doll.

My parents are gifiting us 2 Calico Critters sets so my Calico Critters quota is already filled.

Continued from page 16 @BOSTONBLYTHE

Some nights I'll lay in bed thinking of all the things I want to make, or I'll sketch a pattern idea on a note-card while I'm at work. I've been sewing for a decade now, and I still feel like I have so much to learn. I love learning new techniques though!

In the past year I've learnt shirring, pin tucks, and lettuce hems. My partner is amazing at making me doll props for photoshoots, so I leave that to him. I have a dollhouse in my apartment, which I painted all black. It's a haunted house. It's too small for Blythe or any dolls I have, but I use it as a backdrop all the time. I also put dried moss on it, so it smells woody, earthy, and nice.

PenDolls is a true ARTIST and it's incredible to see his work through the medium of the doll.

I connect mostly with people on instagram but have attended a few local meet-ups which are so fun. I've also gone to one Blythecon, and will be a vendor in Vegas this year!

In 2024, I'd like to downsize a bit. I've become very picky about which dolls I get. I don't want to be trigger-happy when buying.

I've also considered possibly honoring my early doll interest in getting some older dolls. They have such character. It's also cool to see how dolls from the 60s and 70s were doing things that current dolls do now - and many young collectors don't even know it. Susie Sad eyes was the blueprint for OMG dolls, Emerald Witch is occult-themed I love the positivity and kindness and had green skin (very Monster of the Blythe community.

High). These dolls have such Everyone is so nice. I also love charm. They're so special. that Blythe in particular is Connect with me on conducive to creativity. instagram. @BostonBlythe.

Customizing and sewing go hand -in-hand with this particular doll, Follow me and let's be friends! and I think it's so cool to see I want everyone in the everyone get excited over the community to know they are an things everyone creates. There's a inspiration, so thank you all for real artistry with Blythe. everything you create and post!

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@VERYIMPORTANTBARBIESTUFF

@veryimportantbarbiestuff My name is Michelle I'm 40 years young. I am a doll and toy collector and Crafter. I live in the North of England with my husband and sister in law who my husband and I care for due to her having learning disabilities. We also have a dog called Bobby and a cat called Simba. (check out Michelle’s back cover feature photo)

I loved Barbies when I was a child and vintage 80s 90s and early 00s in the 90s. My 10 year old self Barbie dolls. I also love Disney would be amazed at my collection dolls. I love Disney toys and now as I only had a couple of plushies and I have all the Toy Barbies and a few outfits as a child. Story Figures.

DIY dollies. My proudest achievement is learning to re root dolls hair which I have done a lot of.

I prefer dioramas but I don't have a I started collecting Barbie dolls Rex from Toy Story also lives with lot of space to set these up so I just properly again in 2020. Although I my dolls and joins in all their tend to do photo shoots with my already had lots of Disney and Toy adventures. (or VIBS REX as he's dolls either outside or with a plain Story Toys. We are a family of toy know on my IG because he's a background showing off the collectors and my sister-in-law totally different character and has a clothes they are wearing. loves Disney. My husband collects British accent and everything) He Transformer Robots and He -Man has his only fan club I have connected with lots of doll Figures. #vibsrexfanclub and has quite a collectors online and had the following of devoted dino fans of pleasure of meeting a few in My collecting really hit another my IG. I have some smaller toys person. I love chatting with other level when I went online like Sylvanian families but space is collectors online and sharing our connecting with other collectors in an issue so I have to limit what I passions for collecting. I love the the summer of 2020. I set up my buy now. silly childlike fun my hobby can IG @veryimportantbarbiestuff bring into my life. (my husband’s creation as he used My approach to collecting has to say I was in the zone doing always been buy everything I like, My doll goals for 2024 are to just VIBS. I asked him what does then get overwhelmed by too much continue to have fun and enjoy VIBS mean? and the rest is stuff, gift on to dolly friends and sharing my hobby with the history.) rinse and repeat. wonderful online doll and toy community.

I mostly collect modern Barbies I have done lots of crafting and Love and Dino kisses to all x 15

@bostonblythe Ryan. I am an English teacher and I live with my man and my cat in Boston. I collect Blythe, Rainbow High and Shadow High dolls. I sew for my dolls and yours and will be vending at the Vegas BlytheCon event!

My name is Ryan. I am an English had picked up a Monster High doll are regarded as highly-coveted. It teacher and I live with my man and and considered the possibility of just so happens that I enjoy them my cat in Boston. customizing her, but Monster High also! I like bringing them home, just didn't feel right for me. Blythe cleaning them up, and sometimes I've always had a creative streak was shiny and endearingly bizarre, re-rooting them. And compared to but never really figured out the and she felt elusive and special. I Blythe, they take up hardly any best avenue or medium to express was SHOCKED at the price of space at all. it until I was in my mid-20s. stock dolls but quickly learnt of the fake ones, so my first Blythe was a I also have 30 or so Rainbow and Growing up I took art classes - a fake one with acid green hair that I Shadow High dolls. I adore them. deep regret was not sticking with got on ebay. After holding her in this! I can be very impatient and My approach is very catch-andget deterred easily when trying to hand, I knew this was the doll release. I don't aim to have many avenue I'd be going down. Her big dolls. I'm not at all a completionist! make something but it doesn't head and top-heaviness - her match the image in my mind.

I buy what I like. Usually I end up substantial tangibility - felt loving dolls that I initially dislike. I I also like to create in isolation; the indulgent and fun. In my early have some dolls that I'll never ever art classes I took had a social collecting years, I thought I'd be a part with, but there've been so aspect that felt draining, so I ended doll collector who only sought out many dolls that have come and up quitting these pretty early on. older or more obscure dolls. I gone. I'd rather just keep the ones I As a pre-teen I had American Girl bought a Susie Sad Eyes early on, love and move along the ones who dolls and I would style them, make and had a few Bradley dolls and a no longer inspire. Having too them outfits, and cut and style their Love Me Linda. I like the many dolls legitimately stresses hair. I'd go to Sally Beauty Supply big-eyed, 60s doll aesthetic. me out. and buy hair extensions and sew it I have 10 or so Blythe but it's an One of the big early justifications into their wigs. I loved ever-changing number. I used to transforming them. I was obsessed have a personal rule of only having for getting dolls was to learn how with 1920s flapper style as a teen 3 Blythe at a time. I adhered to this to sew. I rationalized that learning to sew on a small scale and I would style my American rule for a few years until I simply would be more cost-efficient. Now girls as flappers. I gave up dolls in couldn't decide who to sell when I it's become a side-hustle of sorts. my mid-teens and wouldn't decided I was going to buy a Which is not to say I don't reconnect with them until a decade fourth. My favorite Blythes are legitimately love making later. I didn't really want to give up Lady Panacea and Chocolat. doll-clothing - it's my creative outmy dolls, but my dad shamed me Chocolat was a gift from my let, and I find it genuinely relaxing. for having them and I'm easily wonderful friend Amber. devastated, so in the attic they Earlier, I mentioned my impatience, but ironically I can sit went.

I also have a dozen and a half for hours straight just sewing and Barbies; I collected these by I remember seeing Blythe on my not get bored or frustrated. discover page on instagram when I accident because I like to go to thrift stores and have had Continued on page 14 was 24 or 25. Shortly before this I enormous luck finding Barbies that 16

STYLING YOUR DOLL PHOTOGRAPHY Use natural light when possible.

If you don’t have dollhouses or dioramas made yet, consider propping up white foam board as a base and back photo screen.

@BOSTONBLYTHE

Save shots from your favourite doll accounts for photo ideas. Some tried and true poses like doll in hand, doll standing on the sidewalk (both flat sturdy shoes and doll stands help keep dolls upright), or doll posed on patio, backyard, or in a park are all reliable shots.

If you have a local doll friend, think about teaming up to take photos. An extra set of hands and someone to capture you capturing your dolls is especially fun.

Poster putty works to hold doll accessories (camera, flowers, phone, pet leash, handbag) to doll hands.

Use a few hashtags to connect with the doll community. Try #dollcommunity #dollevent #dollstagram #dollrestyling #dolldiy #toycollector #dollcollector

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@murielsminiobsession I collect Calico Critters, Rainbow High, Myscene, Pullip, Monster High, Ily 4ever Fashion dolls, Bratzillaz, Blythe, and a few other odds and ends!My name is Muriel, and I live in San Francisco, California with my husband, one kid, and elderly parents. I run an online fabric shop from home, in addition to caring for my parents.

My name is Muriel, and I live in really into them! One of those I'm not sure how I would've found San Francisco, California with my people was @ourplasticmuses who myself again after PPD without the husband, one kid, and elderly introduced me to Rainbow High doll community. Being able to get parents. I run an online fabric shop Dolls, which got me into proper creative and connect with others from home, in addition to caring doll collecting! I collect Calico that enjoy the same or similar for my parents. I have a Bachelors Critters, Rainbow High, Myscene, things and appreciate each other's of Science in Apparel Design, and Pullip, Monster High, Ily 4ever work and interests has been life my previous work was in custom Fashion dolls, Bratzillaz, Blythe, changing for me. I've made some dress making and teaching sewing. and a few other odds and ends! I amazing friends through the I have been hearing impaired for tried doing an inventory of all my community on Instagram. One of most of my life and require aids for dolls a while back, but there are so those friends even inspired me to daily conversion. I also have many I'm not sure how many I seek therapy for the first time in ADHD which makes many things have. At least a hundred, not inmy life, and I could not be more extra difficult for me, but it can cluding the critters. thankful for that. I feel like people also feel like a super power at Up until this point I haven't had a in this community are some of the times when I get really into a best, most kind hearted, and real. well thought out approach to project! In addition to doll collecting. There was a trending One of my doll goals for 2024 is to collecting and crafting, I also enjoy audio a while back that said, "I see attend a convention and/or have a party planning, listening to all it, and I like it, and I want it" and dolly meet up! I also want to be types of music, being in nature, that has basically been my more intentional about my museums, and I love Harry Potter, approach thus far. purchases and do less impulse the LOTR/Hobbit series, and I wish that I had more time for doll buying. My ultimate goal is to historical fiction films/series.

DIY projects, but between all my make some changes to my fabric I've been collecting dolls since I other responsibilities I might make business that will allow me to have was a kid, and I've always loved more time and space for my doll one doll outfit a year, a couple of them but gave most of them up as a cushions, a few wall art pieces for dioramas. I can be found on Instateen because it wasn't "cool". In gram @murielsminiobsession , and my Diorama, and of course I do 2018 I had my daughter, and I was enjoy dying doll hair. It is so my YouTube channel is under the suffering from post partum satisfying! I do just about anything, same name! One of my favorite depression and feeling so isolated time is my only limit! I do love to things to build community on Inand not like myself at all without a support other artists that make stagram, since it's such a huge platcreative outlet. As she got old clothes and minis for dolls as well. form, is to have themed events enough to start playing more with which encourage participation! My I would love to have a whole small toys, we got some Calico next event is a baby shower for two Critters/Sylvanian Families, and I dollhouse big enough for my of my doll characters with a theme biggest dolls (Pullip), but due to absolutely loved setting up little of "Things that Fly". It will be held scenes with them. I posted one or space constraints I have opted to on Feb. 28th on Instagram, and we two photos on IG thinking I might have a couple of Diorama spaces will play some baby shower tucked into shelves instead. get one or two likes, and to my games, should be lots of fun! You amazement I discovered a large I love the doll community so much. can find more details on my page! community of people who were 18

@MURIELSMINIOBSESSION

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@mittenstatebarbie Julia Renkart, the human behind the doll @mittenstatebarbie. I’m a 30-something graphic and web designer who photographs, collects, and crafts for Barbie as a hobby. I live in the Mitten State, which is a nickname for the great state of Michigan, where my account gets its name!

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I’ve always loved Barbie but them myself or customizing Barbie Doll Collectors naturally drifted away during my something is usually the way I go. Conventions and plan to attend this teen years. I didn’t get back into it I do purchase some items from year as well. It is SO fun to meet until 2015, when I was 26. I had other great creators when I know I my doll friends in real life and to stumbled across a few Barbie don’t have the right skills to make spend a whole week immersed in it accounts on Instagram and got the it myself. I strive for my miniature all. idea to make my own account with world to be as realistic as possible. My intention for 2024 is to stay my favorite Midge doll as my My skills have evolved over time focused on what makes me happy “mini me”. It was perfect timing so I eventually replace items that I within this hobby and also enjoy because the Made to Move doll made previously if I can do it the collection I already own. While body was just released and I started better now. It’s a process! Aside I’m positive I’ll be purchasing new to have so much fun posing her. It from the dioramas, I also sew doll dolls this year I want to continually all snowballed from there. I started clothes! My collection of doll be picky on what I select and building dioramas, upping my clothes is slowly becoming more purposefully find new ways to use photography game, and fell down and more handmade. what I’ve already spent money on. the collecting rabbit role. Not only I prefer dioramas to dollhouses.

The doll community can find me do I love my mini-me doll, but I For me, the hobby is about creating on Instagram: @mittenstatebarbie have a pretty large Barbie a realistic miniature world through is my main account about my collection, which I’ve only photography and dollhouses are a mini-me doll and scratched the surface on lot harder to photograph. With a @mittenstatefriends is my general photographing. diorama I can move it around to doll photography page.

I collect Barbie and Poppy Parker catch the best natural lighting and Have fun with this hobby! Reach dolls. I get what I like! I don’t stick photo angle without having a out to people! Start commenting to one era or style. I really like ceiling or too many walls in the everything! That being said, I do way, plus I can carry it around my and creating a friendship with accounts you relate to. It’s so try to be very picky with what I house. worth it. Don’t get involved with buy these days as space is limited My favorite part about the doll any online drama nonsense. Only and I want to enjoy my collection community is the friendships hand around accounts that made and not feel burdened by it. I try formed! It’s so fun to have friends you happy and inspired. And one not to get swept up in the hype of a interested in the same hobby and big piece of advice: do NOT get new doll and only purchase if they who understand your world. I are right for me, not someone else's connect with friends on Instagram obsessed with the numbers. Stop analyzing. Stop worrying about collection. and I’m also a part of Barbie Club your reach, your number of likes, I build all of my dioramas and International that meets online over your number of followers. None of most of the furniture in them. I like Zoom once a month. I have it matters! Just have fun! having unique pieces so making attended two in-person National 20

@MITTENSTATEBARBIE

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@minisincanada Michelle Vandepol. Canadian collector, crafter, and community maker. I collect a variety of dolls many of whom are thrifted that I build and sew for. I love the doll community as it a perfect fit for my neurodivergent and creative self.

I came across Blythe dolls on a from a Palace Pet doll, and a third feels essential to my wellbeing and fellow writer’s Instagram account from a Fur Real lamb toy. I am it feels so good to have people in in the fall of 2021. I was drawn to also drawn to the vintage Barbies I my life who get that. (My husband them but couldn’t conceptualize loved as a child but didn’t keep. I and grown kids are also very spending that kind of money on a anticipate my collection of 80s and supportive and often buy me dolls doll so I ordered a few alie express 90s Barbies to keep growing and miniatures as gifts). fakies (which I’ve since given to especially now that I am I also belong to a regional my nieces) and got to work comfortable re-bodying dolls. miniature club based in crafting and sewing for them to I love redecorating my two large Vancouver, Canada that has participate in the amazing doll KidKraft dollhouses. They are a monthly meetings and am a photography community I found constant source of visual pleasure Western Canadian member of the online. Shortly after I ordered my and if I had a dedicated doll room I American association NAME first and only custom Blythe doll would likely have the room (National Association of Miniature from @kirasdollstore (see her perimeter lined with a Enthusiasts). While both groups profile on pages 10-11 and the doll neighbourhood of them. As I are more focused on 1:12 scale as herself on this issue’s cover), I was don’t , they sit on a sideboard in opposed to 1:6 scale, I am inspired influenced by others’ gorgeous my bedroom. by their community and skills and collections and starting expanding I enjoy building dioramas as well enjoy the local meet-ups. my doll interests. I now collect and am an avid fan of I recently attended BlytheCon in Barbie, Fail Fix dolls, Monster @myfroggystuff on youTube who New Jersey in November to meet High, OMG, LOL, LPS Blythe, is a whiz with accessible doll doll community members and Disney character dolls, and world building and is so prolific promote this magazine and loved Rainbow High. I also have that experience as well. I think miniature collections for my dolls you don’t need to wait long for next time I attend, I will do so as such as perfumes, squishmallows, another video. an attendee as I would have liked mini lalaloopsys, and of course, I have also found that I enjoy clothes. displaying my collection in groups to socialize instead of being tied to of like dolls within room boxes in my table, but it was a great My approach to collecting is exposure to the community and impulsive. Thrifting for dolls feels my walk in closet. I was recently culture of the events. like a fun adventure and is where I introduced to the foam core and stick pin building method by a My intentions for 2024 are to keep source the majority of my mentoring member at my local on enjoying the hobby. I teach collection. I even like watching miniatures club and find that I workshops at our local libraries on other collectors thrift for their much prefer it to wrestling with a sewing for dolls, action figures, collections on youTube. I also hot glue gun. and stuffies for people aged 5-95 receive dolls for my birthday and several times a year. I also want to Christmas gifts. I was inspired by My favourite aspect of the doll increase my skill in furniture @donutdollies VIP Pets hybrid community is the creative building and sewing. I’m sure a dolls to make my own. I now have inspiration and kind vibes. Doll few more dolls will join us as well. a couple of those, another I made collecting and crafting definitely 22

@MINISINCANADA

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@plasticplot Instagram: @plasticplot Facebook: Julia Somerville And the @TorontoFashionDollClub is on Instagram and Facebook Co-founder of the Toronto Fashion Doll Club Collects post-millennium Barbies, but also have Harry Potter dolls, BTS, Sindy, Rainbow High, and a couple of Monster High Skullector dolls. For Christmas a friend gave me a 1986 Lady Lovely Locks doll to replace the one I had as a child. It was a very meaningful gift.

I’m Julia, a new-ish fashion doll dolls’ I love to unbox and building and the concierge asked lover living in Toronto. I wasn’t customize my characters. For the me to move along. It’s harder to allowed to have many fashion dolls most part, this means fixing up motivate myself to trek somewhere as a child because my mom their hair and giving them made in our cold Canadian winters, so worried that they promoted to move bodies so I can photograph my goal for the coming months is unhealthy beauty standards. I and video them. I tell little stories to build a permanent diorama so I didn’t think about dolls for years with them, often venturing into can take photos in the comfort of until I came across a pile of thrift dark comedy and melodrama. I use my doll room. store Barbies at a friend’s house these characters to explore human and started dressing them up and existence – as though they’re real I’m on Instagram as @plasticplot assigning them personalities. I people. Their beauty and fashion is and have loved meeting people bought my first doll when I turned secondary. I love celebrity dolls from all over the world on that 40. because they often look more platform. I think it’s beautiful that realistic.

I have a special place in people from all walks of life can I started collecting in 2020 in the my heart for mature-looking come together through this shared middle of COVID lockdown. I was dolls…we don’t get enough of interest. At the local level, I’m actively seeking a new hobby when those from Mattel. proud to have co-founded the I came across a listing for a curvy Toronto Fashion Doll Club with Barbie. I hadn’t realized that Most of my doll photography has my friend Leah (dollinterrupted).

Barbies were so diverse-looking been outside in the real world. My We have about 65 members so far now, compared to the blue-eyed partner’s family has a cottage on and have been meeting every blondes I’d grown up with in the Georgian Bay with a beautiful month for a fun in-person event ‘80s, so I bought ‘one or two’ and sandy beach and a forest nearby. since May 2023. I’m on the then I very quickly got into rebodying and photographing them That’s my favourite place to bring waiting list to attend the Barbie Convention 2024. I attended my in real-life settings. I was inspired my dolls. Doll photography has also given me an excuse to visit first Barbie convention in Chicago by the tremendous creativity I was tourist attractions like the CN and it was the most fun I’ve ever seeing on Instagram.

Tower, the Eaton Centre mall, and had.

I collect mostly post-millennium Ripley’s Aquarium. Onlookers Barbies, but also have Harry Potter generally don’t give me a hard time My goals for 2024 are to build a dolls, BTS, Sindy, Rainbow High, — in fact people will sometimes permanent diorama so I can take and a couple of Monster High stop and compliment my doll or photos of my dolls at home, to Skullector dolls. For Christmas a simply ask what I’m doing with an re-root and repaint as many dolls as friend gave me a 1986 Lady open-minded curiosity. Only once I can, and to continue supporting Lovely Locks doll to replace the was I asked to leave a location the local doll-loving community one I had as a child. It was a very where I was taking doll photos. It through the Toronto Fashion Doll meaningful gift.With the exception was in the lobby of a condo Club. of some higher-value ‘investment 24

@PLASTICPLOT

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@shazdolls Hi, my name is Shaz (or Sally).

I’m thirty, autistic and I love all kinds of dolls and toys. When I’m not dressing and photographing dolls, I’m a university student studying Arts & Humanities. I also enjoy writing and drawing.

I’ve always loved toys and carried on playing with my childhood My Little Ponies, Barbies, Sylvanians and Beanie Babies in secret long after it was considered socially acceptable. I eventually forced myself to “grow out” of it all as a teenager, but I was always a toy lover at heart. In 2016 I was very ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and one of the few things I had the energy for was browsing online.

overwhelming and that, combined with other life events, have led me to downsize a lot to have just my main crew. I like Barbie and Sindy and have a small group of Sylvanian Families critters. The dolls also have some plushie friends and other hangers-on!

artworks for my dolls. I recently bought a pack of mini canvases (only £1!) and painted some little abstract works to decorate the dolls’ shelf.

I have played with both dollhouses and dioramas in the past and honestly both are so much fun. I have usually found that I prefer dioramas for the dolls and dolls’ houses for the Sylvanian Families.

Sylvanian houses are so flipping cute, 10/10, thoroughly recommended. My first love, though, is taking photos of dolls and toys in the human world: it’s fun to look at the world through dolls’ eyes and find places for them to explore and/or pose.

I don’t have a lot of spare money but when I do have doll money, I spend it on clothes or accessories for my collection (they’re better Somehow, I discovered Monster dressed than I am!). I’m lucky High dolls during this time, and enough to have some very amassed quite a collection over the generous Instagram friends who next few years. In 2021 I began spoil my collection with new posting my toy photos on clothes and jewellery from time to Instagram and discovered the time (I do the same for theirs). wonderful Dollstagram One of my major weaknesses is community. That was when I toys who need TLC, so if I see a discovered how awesome Barbie I am so happy that I found the doll doll or toy abandoned in the road, community on Instagram. I have and Ken are these days (so much they’re coming home with me! diversity and personality) and made so many lovely friends, and This is the story behind Andreea, acquired important doll people I’m continually wowed by my first Barbie who I rescued from everyone’s creativity. My favourite such as Andreea (a rescue Barbie who I rebodied onto a MTM body) the road back in 2020 (she had accounts are the ones that are a and Sean (my beloved BMR 1959 obviously been there a while and little bit wacky, and my dolls and I had a mouldy face. If you look Ken). have found ourselves participating closely, you can still see a ‘beauty in storylines about a shady spot’ on her lower lip).

A lot has happened to me in the two-timer (@vintagebarbieclare’s past few years as I have been on an Shady Grady), a travelling dinosaur I have made dolls’ jewellery in the (@veryimportantbarbiestuff’s epic journey with my mental past; it was fiddly but fun! A friend Rex), and a whole lot of drama at a health. A core group of toys have remained with me during that time who knows how to sew is currently crazy Irish pub (@dubz_dolls’ trying to teach me how to make and are incredibly important and Dubz Pub). dolls’ clothes, but I’m not getting precious to me because of it.

CONTINUED ON PG 24 very far with it! Since I love art, I love making tiny notebooks and I find a large collection 26

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Continued from page 22 @SHAZDOLLS

Continued from page 4 @KICKTHETIRES

A FEW ACCOUNTS YOU MAY LIKE

I love seeing cute and/or gorgeous Instagram is my main way of photography as well, but it’s the @donutdollies meeting people in the doll crazy storylines that have a special community. But I’m also part of a place in my heart. I haven’t met @impressionalmagic local doll group. any doll collectors in real life (yet!).As for my doll goals or For my doll goals or intentions for @bethstinythings intentions for 2024, really, I just 2024, I just want to do what I did want to carry on having fun! I hope last year, which is focus on the @bethramsden my dolls and toys will provide dolls I have and enjoy them. company to me as I continue my @amberblythelife mental health journey, my time at I’m on Kickthetires on Instagram university, and so on. If they and Threads. (Side note: I’m bad at @ro_doll.jo manage to be photogenic for coming up with names. When I @courtneys_dolls_ Instagram during that time, that’s had to come up with a name on good too! I’m on Instagram, Instagram, I decided to use words @lily_dolls_ @shazdolls. I think the most from one of my favorite (at least in important thing I have to say to the top 10) movies, Independence @the.little.scallywags fellow doll enthusiasts is do what Day. A conversation between makes you happy! It can be easy to Harry Connick Jr. and Will Smith @gabbiwart become caught up in before they got into their planes to perfectionism, in the quest for likes face the aliens. The line is from @cricklepickleknits and follows, or even just in Harry Connick Jr. 's character participating in hashtags because which is, “Let's kick the tires and @clintonthedoll you don’t want to let anyone light the fires big daddy.” I told down. But really, when it comes to you I was bad at coming up with @kaiju.collector it, your doll collection and hobby names. is yours, and should make YOU @malloryandmarsha happy. What you do might not be I’m having a solo exhibition! This everyone’s cup of tea, but you will is my first solo exhibit and I’m @cykcandy07 find and connect with genuine very excited!!! The exhibit is from kindred spirits, I promise you.

January 29th to June 30, 2024 and @vivisminis Often a doll collection is about it’s titled “Christie Anderson: A creating a space where you can Journey in Miniature” at DePauw @chuckylady2021 unashamedly be yourself. As an University in Greencastle, Indiana. autistic lesbian, I’ve always felt @harmonygreenfield I will have 6 of my dioramas on like a bit of an outsider. One of the display as well as photographs, things I love (and have always videos, a “human-scale” diorama @dolliesinthewoodssomewhere loved) about toys is creating etc. If you can, please stop by and unique backstories: many of my @miniaturesbyteresa see the exhibition. You can find toys are neurodivergent and/or more information about the exhibit queer, and that representation is @peculiarpullip here. important and very healing. The doll community has also been an @moderndollhouse_4604 amazing way to connect with other Here is the link from above if you @petite.panache neurodivergents. Basically, I just want everyone who loves dolls to can’t see it. find a way of collecting that brings https://www.depauw.edu/arts-and- @fuwa_pastel culture/arts/peeler/exhibits/christie them happiness, joy, connection with like-minded individuals, and -anderson/ @madaboutminiatures an escape from the stresses of the world: that, to me, is what this @doll_addict30 hobby is all about.

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@MINISINCANADA

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