Sindy Doll Magazine ISSUE 28 | December 2023 | £7.95
Merry Christmas Dolls
COVER PHOTO @DOLLSABOUTTOWN
Hello Dolls! Welcome to the December issue of Mam'selle! A mini magazine for Sindy doll lovers, fans and collectors. How are we on the December issue already? Time is going so fast - so don’t delay catching up on the latest The Sindy Set Meets report, take a peek at Candy’s Christmas pop-up store, and don’t start your Christmas countdown before reading our bumper 40page festive special. Have a wonderful holiday dolls and see you in 2024!
editor x
Mam'selle I S S U E
28 Sindy Doll Magazine: Contents 04 The Sindy Set Meets 13 Christmas Countdown 37 New 60th Sindy
BTS: Our September cover model with the VID guests, including Mam’selle columnist Veronique, who was sporting some new extensions specially for the event. Please do contact us with any submissions, ad's, or to be featured dresslikeasindy@gmail.com
57 Living with Sindy 58 Christmas Photo Story 65 Candy’s Pop-up Shop
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 3
THE SINDY SET
"Celebrating 60 iconic years of Sindy."
in pictures Saturday 21st October 2023
THE SINDY SET MEETS... ... was meant to take place on Saturday 30th September, but a national train strike put a stop to that. So we quickly rescheduled the meet-up for Saturday 21st October. Not quite in Sindy’s 60th anniversary month, but close enough. The venue was the same as the June meet-up - The Phoenix Pub in Victoria, London - and again hosted from 11am-5pm. This gave ample time for everyone to arrive, have a coffee and settle in. We had some returning guests who had attended the previous ‘The Sindy Set Meets’ - and a lot of new faces. It’s a great opportunity to meet IRL and make some new Sindy friends. Although unfortunately, due to floods and illness, a few guests arrived late, or not at all. They were greatly missed. This autumn event was very wet, so we didn’t sit in the terrace area all day - we used this for the sales tables and photo area. The photo area was designed and made again by Matthew @dollsabouttown. He went all out with a stunning felt red carpet set complete with camera crew, paparazzi, bodyguards, lighting and stanchions. The VIDs (very important dolls) area was busy all day and proved very popular. We did however sit in the terrace area for the morning session, which was a talk by our special guest speaker, author Colette Mansell (more on that later). We then had some lunch and played some Sindy games, did some shopping and held a raffle in the afternoon. Fancy a peek?
Image: @sharingsindy Images: @dollsabouttown
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 5
Setting the Scene
To continue the 60th birthday celebrations our lovely friend Matthew @dollsabouttown was again in charge of the Sindy photo area. This time Matthew had created a special red carpet scene with Mam’selle backdrop. Ted was dressed to impress as head security - to ensure only those on the guest list walked the red carpet! Our cover model from the September 60th birthday issue of Mam’selle was in attendance - and looking even more fabulous in her bespoke gown made by @dollsabouttown.
Image: @sharingsindy
Images: @dollsabouttown
Image: @stylemysindy
S I N D Y
Image: @stylemysindy
Image: @dinky_dolls
T H E
Image: @dollsabouttown
Image: @the_minimalist_sindy
Image: @dollsabouttown
Image: @dollsabouttown
L O N D O N
S E T
Image: @dollsabouttown
A DAY FOR SINDY FANS Before lunch our special guest speaker was centre stage... and it was none other than Colette Mansell, the author of The History of Sindy - a.k.a. the ‘Sindy Bible’. We were so pleased to welcome Colette and her husband Andy, who both joined us at ‘The Sindy Set Meets’ for the first time. They spent the day with us all and Colette also brought along some of her personal collection to show us. It was a pleasure to hear her speak so passionately about Sindy and how she got the book published. She also shared how she worked writing the book around having a small child; how she did her research pre websites, blogs and the internet; details about the launch event; and so much more!
Image: @dinky_dolls
We also had a small Q & A session afterwards - we could have listened to her all day! A few of us may have got our well thumbed copies of The History of Sindy signed too!
Image: @sindyfrolics
Image: Andy Gray
Image: @dollsabouttown
I had a wonderful day on Saturday! It was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic Sindy fans. Everyone was so nice and kind and I enjoyed talking to everyone. A special thank you to Matthew for the lovely handmade cards and the super miniature Sindy book! Everyone deserves a very well done for the amazing paper dresses - every one a different design, and the other accessories. It had been so hard to choose the winners. Thank you so much Bonita for all your hard work in organising such a wonderful day for us all.
Colette Mansell
Image: @dollsabouttown
Image: @sharingsindy
Image: @stylemysindy
Image: @dollsabouttown
T H E
S I N D Y
S E T
L O N D O N
Images: @dinky_dolls
Image: @dinky_dolls
Image: @sindyfrolics
Image: @gloveaknitter
Image: @thesmallpretender
SERVIETTES WITH STYLE - & SHOPPING TIME After lunch we played our Sindy game, which was the ‘Napkin Dress’ game, a twist on the toilet roll game often played at bridal showers. Each guest was given a few different napkins, some tape and scissors, in order to create a unique paper dress design for Sindy. It was a lot of fun - and caused a hush to descend on the room as everyone concentrated on their bespoke creations.
Image: @gloveaknitter
We asked Colette to judge. The three winners, in no particular order, were (from L-R): Charlotte @every_day_is_like_sindy Emma @delvesdolls Erika @sindy_re_imagined
Image: @delvesdolls
Image: @thesmallpretender
We also had time for some Sindy retail therapy - thanks to all the sellers who brought along some fashions, accessories, interiors and miniatures. We also held a raffle - well done to all the winners. And before we all said our final goodbyes each guest received a Sindy Set goodie bag. Until the next time, dolls... *The mini Sindy Set tote bag was kindly made by @sewist53 for each guest. Image: @thesmallpretender
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 11
S E T T H E
S I N D Y
Image: @dollsabouttown
Image: @dollsabouttown
Image: @sharingsindy
Images: @dollsabouttown
L O N D O N
Image: @stylemysindy
GET READY FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
| DECEMBER 2023
A Christmas countdown with Sindy CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
IMAGE @dresslikeasindy
Celebrate Christmas - and the busy weeks that run up to the big day with our guide. We will cover the preparations, celebrations, and all the magical days that lead up to a very Merry Christmas.
getting organised... The secret to a happy and stressfree festive period is being organised. So dolls, get your notepads, pens and post-it notes ready and start as you mean to go on...
Pencils, £4.94, www.ebay.com; Notepads, 72p each, from a selection at www.aliexpress.com
IMAGES: Top, @sindy_doll_collector; Above, @dresslikeasindy; and Right, @jollydollyshop 14 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
1. advent
Advent, £8.75, MoniCraftsShop at Etsy
The anticipation of Christmas begins the first day of Advent (which is four Sundays before Christmas, this year this falls on 3rd December). This can be marked with an Advent calendar with windows to open (some with a small treat), or by lighting candles, which we tend to start on 1st December.
Vintage Car Advent calendar, £2.50, www.closetandbotts.com Winter Walk Advent, £1.95 www.rexlondon.com
IMAGES: Top Left, @sindylife2021; Top Right, @sindyandme Above, @x.jac.c.x
Tree, £10, www.amazon.co.uk
IMAGE @sindy_dreaming
Tree, £2.22, www.partyrama.co.uk
IMAGE @dresslikeasindy
Whether you go real or fake, buying the Christmas tree is an event in itself. Once you have chosen the perfect tree it’s time to get the decorations and lights out from storage...
Tree £7.99, www.ebay.co.uk
IMAGE: @gogo_sindy
2. tree shopping
IMAGE: @its_a_sindy_story
Mini Table Top Tree, from selection at B&Q at www.diy.com
3. decorating the home
IMAGE: @dresslikeasindy
Time to dust off those decorations. The tree needs trimming and the halls need decking. Untangle those lights and unbox those baubles... it’s time to add some sparkle!
String decoration £1.99, www.ebay.co.uk
IMAGE:@pedigree.sindy
IMAGE: @x.jac.c.x
TWINKLE TWINKLE
Baubles £5.45 for 20, www.ebay.co.uk
IMAGE: @sindy_the_traveler
IMAGE: @sindys_fun_times
IMAGE: @dresslikeasindy MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE |19
pretty miniatures shop www. etsy. com/uk/shop/PrettyMiniaturesShop
500+ minis in our shop
IMAGES: Below, @sindy_dreaming; Bottom right, @dresslikeasindy
Stag head decoration, from a selection at www.hobbycraft.co.uk. Box of baubles, £3.59, HelloMinis at Etsy. Mini Elf on the Shelf, £7.99 www.amazon.co.uk
IMAGE: @sharingsindy
Keychain bag, £10, from a selection at www.harrods.com
Sindy’s Christmas shopping tips: > Set a budget and stick to it. > Make a list and check it twice. > Create a Christmas shopping list. > Start your Christmas shopping early. > Don't wait until the last minute. > Don't feel obligated to buy for everyone. > Use cash, not credit.
4. shopping time
IMAGES: Top, @dresslikeasindy; Above, @sindy_dreaming; Right, @stylemysindy
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!
IMAGES: @dollsabouttown
Pencil pot, £2.16, www.minimumworld.com Cards, £5.46, MiniaturesByPuy at Etsy
GET ORGANISED
5. write those cards
IMAGES: Above, @sindyrediscovered; Above right, @dresslikeasindy; Right, @sindy_from_england
IMAGES: Left, @sindylife2021; Right, @sindy_doll_collector; Below, @stylemysindy
6. send snail mail
Post box, £3.50, www.ebay.co.uk Mail set, £2.50, www.amazon.co.uk
Elf doll jumpers, from £15.99 for 6, www.amazon.co.uk
7. xmas jumper day IMAGES: Above, @lindy_logan2022; Left, @sindylife2021
Christmas Jumper Day is an annual event from Save the Children. Every December, millions of people across the United Kingdom (and beyond!) put on a festive knit at their workplace, school or with friends and make a donation to help give children the magical future they deserve.
THURSDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2023
Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £35 million for children in the UK and around the world since it began in 2012!
Jumper, £9.95, ReensHandmadeShop at Etsy. Jumper (above), £2.46 from a selection at www.aliexpress.com
IMAGES: Above, @sindydollcollection; Right, @stylemysindy
IMAGES: Left, @sindy_dreaming; Below, @sewist53; Bottom, @dresslikeasindy
Mini gift bows, £3.99 for 20, www.amazon.co.uk Wrapping paper, £3.59, SnowdropTreasureShop at Etsy
Scissors, £3.05, www.ebay.co.uk Cellotape dispenser, £2.36, MforMiniatures at Etsy
Receiving a wrapped gift is associated with happy events in a person's life, such as birthdays, holidays and weddings. So, spend some time wrapping those Christmas gifts - it can make even the most inexpensive gift feel special.
8. wrapping those gifts Gift bags, from £5.22, BnBKreationz at Etsy
IMAGE: @sindy_dreaming
9. the food shop The Christmas food shop can be stressful. Avoid overbuying and overspending by writing a shopping list. Christmas is always a time to buy in those little treats that can turn any meal or leftovers into a festive feast.
IMAGE: @dresslikeasindy
Christmas cookie tin, £11.80, LittleMasonStar at Etsy. Cereal, from £4 and chocolates, from £3, both MiniatureMakesUK at Etsy; Tonic water, £3.72, www.minimumworld.com
IMAGES: Above, @dresslikeasindy; Below, @dollsabouttown
THE BIG SHOP!
Jars, from £4.99, HelloMinis at Etsy. Wine £2.75 for 5 bottles, www.ebay.co.uk
MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI DINER HOLIDAY COLLECTION
THE ENTERTAINER NEW
£10
NEW
WWW.THETOYSHOP.COM
IMAGES: @dollsabouttown
10. get baking Have you heard of Stir-up Sunday? It’s a tradition that dates back to the Victorian era, when families would gather around and 'stir' their homemade Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas, the last Sunday before Advent begins. This year that date is November 26th... Bakeware, from £5.75, MagicMiniHouse at Etsy
IMAGE: Above, @sindy_doll_collector; Below, @sewist53; Bottom right, @jollydollyshop
Mixer, £38.80, MiniatureByLila at Etsy. Flour sacks, £4.99, www.amazon.co.uk
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Mixing bowl, £6.92 and wooden spoons, £2.88, both www.minimumworld.com
IMAGES: Top, @dresslikeasindy; Above, @sewist53
Hamper (Christmas decoration), £25.95, Fortnum & Mason
11. special delivery
IMAGES: Top and Above, @dresslikeasindy; Right, @debs_sindydollscollector
If you can drop off Christmas gifts, cards and treats personally then it will make for a very special delivery. You can use sacks, special bags and hampers to transport them.
60 ICONIC YEARS
Pedigree presents...
SINDY
Pedigree Toys & Dolls Ltd. announce a Limited Edition 60th Anniversary Sindy Doll. Only 1,963 dolls will be produced don't miss this special collector’s doll. Pre-order TODAY. A special Sindy card will be sent to acknowledge your pre-order for despatch in 2024. IDEAL FOR CHRISTMAS!
PRE-ORDER AT: WWW.PEDIGREETOYSANDBRANDS.CO.UK *Pre-order period of 60 days only. The card will only be available on pre-orders.
BOOK UP EARLY!
A festive day out, a Father Christmas visit, or a special meal are all wonderful days to extend the season and means you can see different friends and family members for each event.
12. day out, Santa visit...
IMAGES: @sewist53
13. & meets with friends or family
IMAGES: Above and Top Right, @dresslikeasindy; Below, @sewist53
Even arranging a coffee date, house visit or shopping trip with a friend means you can spend time together at this busy time. Also, pop a note in your diary or on your calendar so you don’t double book yourself.
Coffee cups, from a selection at Etsy.
IMAGES: Above, @sharingsindy; Left, @vonniesdollies
40 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
Christmas tree toppers gift boxes, £8.50 for 72, www.amazon.co.uk
IMAGES: @dollsabouttown
Mugs, from a selection at Etsy; Teapots, from £60, SallyanneCeramicsUK at Etsy; Plate of Mince Pies, £9, HalfPintMiniatures at Etsy
Lantern, £19.99, MelodyJaneDollHouse at Etsy; Saxophone, £15 for a set, www.thechord.co.uk and Christmas carols books, from £2, www.minimumworld.com.
14. christmas carols
IMAGES: Top, @thelittlesindymuseum; Above, @sindy_doll_collector
The traditional period to sing carols is from St. Thomas's Day (21st December) until the morning of Christmas Day. Many people go from house to house singing carols and collecting money for charity.
Musical instruments, £9.99 for set, www.amazon.co.uk
IMAGES: Above, @jollydollyshop; Below, @sindy_doll_collector
Monopoly game, £9, Urban Outfitters; Jigsaw, £3.95, Rex London Chess board, £6.77, www.amazon.co.uk
IMAGES: Above, @dresslikeasindy; Below, @dollsabouttown
15. christmas games & crafts
FAMILY TIME
16. theatre visit or movie night
TV and DVD set, from £11.95, BijouDollsHouseShop at Etsy. Popcorn, £6 MiNiMeByJessica at Etsy. Hot chocolate, £10, Mini Verse at The Entertainer.
A night out or a night in? Both will get you all in the Christmas spirit. Visit the theatre to watch The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, or stay at home, make some popcorn and watch Elf, Home Alone, The Holiday, or It’s a Wonderful Life.
IMAGES: @dresslikeasindy
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 45
Above, Plates, £8.49 for 10, Hobbymini at Etsy. Table decoration, £9.99, AlwaysHobbies at Etsy.
17. table settings Setting the dinner table the night before any big gathering will help eliminate any last-minute stress. Sticking to a colour theme will help you plan the table - and yes, it’s time to use the best china and linens.
IMAGE: @dresslikeasindy
IMAGE: @sindylife2021
The night before Christmas has become an event in itself, with Christmas Eve boxes and crates to open and enjoy. But once it’s time for bed, don’t forget to set out some milk and cookies for Father Christmas, a carrot for Rudolph and hang those stockings on the mantle (or place at the bottom of your bed).
IMAGES: Above, @jollydollyshop; Below and Below Right, @dresslikeasindy
Christmas crates, from £7.95, PinxiStudio at Etsy
18. the night before
HANDMADE LOVELIES FOR YOUR SINDYS!!
PollyDollyDay Dreams £8
including UK postage
Handmade personalised Christmas sacks especially made for Sindy...What doll wouldn't want to find one of these under her tree?
WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/POLLYDOLLYDAYDREAMS @POLLY.DOLLYDAYDREAMS
THE BIG DAY
Sack, £3.50 LadybirdAndPenguin at Etsy
19. christmas morning Pop on the coffee - the big day starts now. Whether you unwrap those presents before or after breakfast, keeping your PJs on makes for the best family photos.
IMAGES: Top, @jollydollyshop; Above, @gibbspaulus; Right, @dresslikeasindy
20. cooking lunch Trimmed the turkey, peeled the vegetables and warmed the plates? Then it’s time to get the big dinner ‘show on the road’. Sindy’s tip is to prepare as much as you can in the days leading up to the big day.
IMAGES: Right, @sindyrediscovered; Below, @sindy_dreaming
Top right, Turkey platter, £8, Hobbymini at Etsy. Above, Nut roast, from £6, MichelesMiniatures at Etsy.
IMAGES: Left and Below, @dresslikeasindy; Below, @sindy_doll_collector
21. the big meal Keep the roast (meat or nut) warm alongside all those trimmings with your trusty hostess trolley. And, have your desserts chilling or baking while you tuck into lunch.
Top left, Vegetable platter from £8, TheWeeDeli at Etsy. Above, Trifle, £11, MichelesMiniatures at Etsy.
Below, Christmas puddings, from £5.50, OrlaithsBoutique at Etsy.
IMAGES: Above, @sindy_the_traveler; Left, @polly.dollydaydreams; Below, @sindyrediscovered
Cheese plate, from £10, JuliasTinyWeeKitchen at Etsy
22. unwrap those gifts Yule log, from selection by MichelesMiniatures at Etsy
IMAGES: Above, @sindylife2021; Below, @dollsabouttown
If you have managed to wait until after lunch to open those gifts then enjoy some music and maybe some festive tea and Christmas cakes or chocolate log. Sindy says remember to have a notepad handy so you can write down who your gifts were from (for those thank you cards!)
Records, from £12.39, AmethystVillage at Etsy
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 53
23. the afternoon nap... After all that food, drink and cake you may well need a sneaky afternoon nap! We won’t tell if you don't...”I’m just resting my eyes!”
IMAGES: Above, @polly.dollydaydreams; Right, @jollydollyshop
Top right, TV, £2.92, TEMU. Above, Cushions, £7.84 each, MiniHomeCoAU at Etsy.
54 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
24. or an afternoon stroll Or, maybe you feel a lot better after a little afternoon walk to clear out those Christmas cobwebs. Plus, it may help you build up an appetite for some turkey sandwiches and mince pies for supper!
IMAGES: Above and below, @dresslikeasindy; Right, @sindyandme
25. a nightcap z z z
A little tipple before bed? It’s been a long day and a small glass of Sherry, an iced Baileys, or creamy Eggnog may be just what you need to help you fall asleep. Or, maybe you’re more of a warming hot chocolate type - don’t forget the marshmallows.
Above, Decanter set, £14.50, MiniaturebyLila at Etsy. Below, Festive mugs, £16.57, WoodlandTrailWhimsy at Etsy.
IMAGES: Above, @sindyandme; Right, @dresslikeasindy
MERRY CHRISTMAS DOLLS!
LIVING WITH.
SINDY.
IMAGE @DRESSLIKEASINDY
THE DOLL YOU LOVE TO DRESS
FASHION. INTERIORS. BEAUTY. SHOPPING. TRAVEL.
The love story of Doris & Buddy Part nine
Have yourself a Merry little Christmas...
Once again Doris and Buddy shared Christmas with her sister, Dana, at her Highland Cottage in Scotland.
Doris darling, are you sure you are ok? You look very pale.
Oh, Dana is sure to notice I'm avoiding my favourite caramel lattes!
Of course, sweet Dana. I just feel a little under the weather. Sorry I couldn't face your wonderful Christmas spread.
Christmas Eve
Buddy man, what's with the 'dad' cardigans and slippers?
Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Highland Cottage was always such a special time. Dana always made the most wonderful Christmas dinner and made everyone feel so welcome and at home.
I'm not going to be able to hide under these cosy blankets much longer!
Boxing Day
I just wish this 'morning' sickness would subside a little.
We have some news! We're expecting a baby Doris is 3 months pregnant, everyone! Baby is due in June...
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 61
Oh Doris, dear! I just knew. When you wouldn't touch my cooking, or those lattes at breakfast. Congratulations - I'm just thrilled. This is the perfect Christmas.
... to be continued
n o i t i d E l Specia
Sindy 60th Souvenir Issue
dresslikeasindy@gmail.com @dresslikeasindy
The love story of Doris & Buddy Part ten
The Winning Team
Doris Day starred in ‘The Winning Team' in 1952.
Doris was glowing with her perfect little baby bump! Buddy was so proud and the doting husband - he had been making her lots of cooked breakfasts!
.
er
o
te
rs
Th
d
ste
sis
, si
ters
.
Sisters
Doris, no arguments! We're here to help you get ready for this baby. There's washing to do, nappies to buy, and a cot to build. Anyway, what are sisters for?
ew
ere never such
v de
... to be continued
@JOLLYDOLLYSHOP
JOLLYDOLLYSHOP
JDS Interiors Collection
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JollyDollyShop
Christmas cheer
Retro prints
Welcome to
Candy’s
s a tm s i r h C p u p o P sh op
Festive fun
All other props and accessories, stylist’s own collection.
love from,
Candy x All fashions, interiors and homewares available from www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JollyDollyShop @jollydollyshop from 6th November 2023
MERRY Christmas Dolls ORIGINAL SINDY ILLUSTRATION BY RACHEL GODFR0Y- SCOTT
