New Gene Marshall & Friends Dolls by Mel Odom and Jamieshow

The latest Jamieshow Convention was held this past weekend in Chicago and revealed a full compliment of Gene Marshall & Friends dolls.  I am sure that Gene collectors are thrilled at the resurgence of their beloved dolls, now in resin.

All photos by George Gonzalez.

From left to right: Oona, Ivy, Marsha, Trent, Gene, Zita, Madra and Violet.

Attendees could choose either a Gene line doll or a Jamieshow doll for their convention souvenir prior to the event. Marsha was the Gene line souvenir. She has a beautifully done face. I don't know what's going on with the pleats in the front of the dress. Perhaps one has to remove the jacket to see the dress design. I'm hoping to see owner photos of that.

The Jamieshow doll that was available as an option was a Cary Grant doll. He is not shown above but can be seen, along with all of the above dolls at:
http://www.jamieshow.us/GENE-CONVENTION-DOLLS_c_94.html

All the dolls are available either to pre-order or to purchase now. The prices are $495 for each except for Marsha and Cary who are $600.

My personal favorite is Oona. Her face, hair and outfit work perfectly together. She fits right in with the theme of Hollywood Canteen.

Zita is a striking doll. Her sculpt is intriguing and adorable at the same time. She looks like she's always ready to blow a kiss. Her wig cap is lovely.

Another favorite is Hollywood Canteen Gene. She is pure Gene, glamorous and beautiful. Dress and wig cap are well suited to her and the era.

Trent is dressed in a US military uniform and cuts a fine figure.

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And there's even more!!!!

INTRODUCING THE 2016 JAMIESHOW BASICS COLLECTION

Some old friends join us this year, re-sculpted and freshened up.  Cameron has a new skin tone, and both he and Lee now can wear our exclusive JAMIEshow sculpted wig caps.  Sabina rejoins the group now also able to wear the JAMIEshow exclusive rooted wig caps.  All three of the girls sculpts have been re-sculpted for a fresh look in these 2.0 version.  Available for pre-order now, the first shipment will come in the beginning of July and the remainder by August.

 

 

Here is the link to see and order the basics.

 

http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-BOHO-BASICS-Collection

 

2015 Holiday Wishes

Black Lipstick Gene Marshall is my model for Special Appearance Violet Waters' pearl and sequin covered gown.

Sending sincere wishes to all my readers for a joyous, toy-filled and memorable holiday.

"J'Adore" Gene Marshall

She's nabbed Violet's lavender ensemble, added some jewels by Facets and a hard cap wig by Cheryl Wood. There is something so innocent about this doll. I like her a lot.

A closeup of her sweet face:

And just because I like them...her hands.

Jamieshow Violet ReStyled

I bought this Madame Alexander fashion (on a doll) specifically because I knew it would be beautiful on my new Violet. The shoes do not fit but the dress fits beautifully. The Ilaria wig was made for Sybarites. I am very happy that it fits the Jamieshow head.
Violet is stunning as a blonde!

J'Adore Gene got Violet's lavender gown.

JAMIEshow Violet Waters "Satin Doll"

Hardcore Gene Marshall fans and even dabblers like me are over the moon with the release of two new resin characters added to the JAMIEshow Gene Marshall line. I purchased Violet Waters "Satin Doll" who arrived today. This doll is a limited edition of only 50 and was $525.

Someone at the factory was a little confused about the names of the dolls.

The new Madra is called "Spotted in Manhattan."  On the box is a label attributing Violet with both names. I suppose the label person had a GENINUE moment. Long term Silkstone collectors will get the joke.

First - the requisite box shots:

I am glad I didn't have to put these shoes on. What I usually do is tape the extra ribbon to the back of the doll's calf with Scotch 3M Magic Tape. It leaves no residue on the fabric or the doll.

Violet is as beautiful as all the promo pictures we've seen. Her eyes are brown. Her eye shadow is violet with a metallic gold highlight. Her lips are coral which matches her perfect manicure and pedicure. She's got the prettiest mouth of any Violet I've seen to date. All in all, she has a truly beautiful face.
The gown fabric has a quality feel and it is well constructed and fitted. The wig cap is well-suited to the era and the hair accessory (what we would call a fascinator now) has a pearl-tipped hat pin that slides right in to her hair and stays on securely. The earrings are aurora borealis crystals set in silver colored metal like the ornament on the ribbon neckpiece.

For the high price of this doll I would have liked a beautiful necklace to have been included instead of the neck ribbon. I removed it as it does nothing for her and looks a little chintzy. A purse and pantyhose are 'missing' as well.  Although I like this doll very much, if this trend continues - high prices with no accessories, I won't buy another.

 Violet comes with a JAMIEshow adjustable doll stand. They are the best stands out there.

Link to JAMIEshow Doll USA: http://www.jamieshow.us/

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A wonderful Madame Alexander fashion is on it's way to me and I think it will be perfect for Violet. 
"Festiva Paris," whose fashion has been an elusive commodity, is coming. I've been trying to find just the fashion for years to no avail. I finally broke down and ordered the NRFB doll from Matilda Dolls.  Hers was the best price around for the complete doll plus if your purchase is over $50., shipping is free. Works for me. Unfortunately, this version of Paris was released prior to the line's dolls being fully articulated. But no matter, I just want the outfit anyway.

 Madame Alexander fashions are exquisitely well made and stand the test of time...at least they were. I haven't bought anything from this line since Jason got in there and ruined Alex. Sigh.

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Introducing two new dolls to the JAMIEshow Gene Collection

They're back!

 Madra's edition is 150; Violet's is 50. 

Shipping begins at the end of April through May in two waves. 

Each doll is priced at $525. 

Ordering will begin at 6:00 PM EDT at the Jamieshow website.

http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-GENE-MARSHALL_c_43.html

 Madra Lord was accustomed to causing a scene wherever she went.  She depended on it.  So wearing a slinky, Dior-inspired gown of beige and ‘leopard’ was the logical choice for the Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League of NYC.

The impression was to be that she would be leaving the ladies of the League’s affair for a much dressier, much more entertaining function than theirs.  At five o'clock she was to be notified by her assistant’s whisper that it was time to go, followed by her gracious apology at having to leave so soon and a fast line for the door.  Madra Lord could stand only so much art.  

Madra Lord makes her comeback premiere to JAMIEshow dolls in this iconic dior look.  Dressed in a off white silk dress with faux animal print, and a belt. Her heels are also made of animal print with one strap.  Emerald green earrings, necklace and bracelet adorn her.  Her wig cap is a red updo to compliment those fiery green eyes.  Madra is lovingly sculpted from the original sculpt by Mel Odom.  

“Satin Doll” was the heading above the photo of Violet Waters on the posters announcing her nightclub appearance.  The show had been named for the hit song, with it’s brand new lyrics by Johnny Mercer, as well as the satin-smooth voice of the lady in the spotlight: Violet Waters.  Violet’s pale lavender, silk satin gown was the final claim to the title.  

Violet Waters makes her comeback premiere to JAMIEshow dolls in this iconic look.  Dressed in a satin silk dress with peplum, with an violet in her updo rooted wig cap.  She wears violet strappy high heel shoes and soft pearl earrings and necklace.  Violet is lovingly sculpted from the original sculpt by Mel Odom.  

 

Back in the Doll Room Again

I'm happy to report that today was the first full day without a horrible back spasm. I did not miss them at all.
Yesterday I kept busy by photographing an assortment of new and redressed dollies.
Two of the latest Tiny Kitty dolls arrived and they are lovely additions to my TK collection.
Besides the rise in price, I do notice a lack of detail and accessories. Tonner always impressed me with his handling of fabric in that there would be some sort of embellishment be it embroidery or beading or something. That's not included with these gals. There are no purses and the shoes are the kind that has the twisty elastic. But I do love their faces and hairstyles so I'm happy with them. First up is "Dinner Dance."

Below is "Pink Champagne." She is also seen in the third photo along with the TK from MDC.

They did come with earrings but I took the pictures before inserting them. One of these days I am going to set up all my TKs with their furniture and other props for a big photo shoot. One day.....

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Before an Integrity Toys convention there is always a flurry of great sales. Luckily I'm not particularly in the market for any of their products but when someone offered this two piece outfit from A Fashionable Life Gift Set, I snapped it up. I sold mine so long ago and I thought it would look divine on one of my Silkies. I was right. 

The quality of design and construction was so good under Jason's helm. If you didn't already know, all of the fashions made to fit the dolls prior to the "tall body" fit Silkstones perfectly-including the shoes. So if you see a gorgeous fashion from that "era" buy it if the price is right. Your Silkies can show it off to it's best advantage. They can also wear "Monogram" doll and "NuFace" doll clothes as well as shown below.

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One of the outfits I purchased at Metrodolls, "Smoking," fits the Tyler body best of all.

The pants and shoes fit the resin Gene body beautifully but the rest of the fashion (halter, bustier, jacket, skirt) fit Tyler (Sydney, etc.) best. 
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A new Cissette joined the tribe. She is The White Witch of Narnia. So cute!!!!

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The Ficon doll known as Miss G White arrived. I am very happy with her. I have her in her sister's outfit and a wig by Ilaria. 

She is posing with Toxica who is wearing part of an outfit from Every Day's a Holiday. 

Toxica's wig is by Chewin and was made to fit a JamieShow male. Unfortunately that male is not Alejandro and I have no other wigged males. Soooo, I heated this wig in a heating pad a few times to shape it and I trimmed it a little. I like it on her - for a change of pace.

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Violet was also in the doll room trying on one of Sandra Stillwell's fashions from Radio Days.

I'm not thrilled with it. The background is too busy anyway. It is a busy room!

Now you want to know who that handsome Devil is, don't you? He's Devil Damon, an Integrity Toys' doll. Yes, I do still buy some of their dolls if they are extraordinary. He is definitely not ordinary.

They say the horns are removable but I don't think I'm taking them off just yet. 

He is a dangerous character having already attacked one of my Elises.

Well that's about all I'm going to stuff into this overly long, run-on post tonight. 

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Wait.....I forgot one thing. Here is a picture of the largest sunflower head I ever grew. It  measured 14" across (not counting the petals or anything.) Do you believe this? We have the worst fricking soil and this thing grows 12' tall and 14" across. And it's not the only one. 

Violet Waters: "Heat Wave"

A new doll joins the tribe.

She was produced by Integrity Toys.

Happy Birthday to Gene Marshall's Dad

Ernesto Padro-Campos gathered Gene and friends to wish Mel Odom a Very Happy Birthday.

Photo by Ernesto Padro-Campos

"Guilded Trappings" Gift Set

I realize that I haven't shown pictures of the beautiful gift set Sandra Stillwell created for us for the Golden Age of "Doll" Couture event in Nashville this past August. We received parts of the set at each of four meal events. The set was a limited edition of 50, all of which have sold out.
This week I took some time to play with the different pieces and take some photographs of the combinations and of the individual pieces so everyone can see how fantastic this set truly is.

 The Certificate of Authenticity reads as follows:

 Gene read the invitation again. The words were every bit as exciting as the first time she read them:

 Your presence is requested as Special Guest of Guy Amie Charbonneau for a private showing of his Spring couture collection, Gilded Trappings. -Avenue Montaigne, Paris.

Below the engraved letters, in a masculine hand read "I had only you in mind when I created this collection. -G"

Gene had traveled abroad many times before, but the occasion to be guest of honor at her favorite designer's salon was a rare opportunity. Ordinarily, she would travel with a vast and luxurious wardrobe suitable for any engagement. This time Gene would board ship with only one suitcase and the bare essentials, for she knew awaiting her in Paris would be an exquisite wardrobe, custom designed just for her.

 Every single piece shows attention to fine detail. The linings are perfection. The closures are zippers, hook & eye and/or snaps. The fabrics drape beautifully. There are three complete fashions and a multitude of options for mix and match. You can tell that a tremendous amount of thought and planning went in to this set. I just love the look of the last picture of Violet wearing the vest from the suit with the formal skirt, the long faux fur wrap and the hat from the suit.
The long shawl that she is wearing in the next to the last picture has rhinestones on both ends and on both sides! I've never seen that before. 

Below are a few other pictures I haven't shown.

JamieShow Shoes

Sandra also made a tiny version of this book for us.

The china tea set I won at the Crawford House tea.

Above is the specially designed chair manufactured by Bella! for the event. The metallic gold embroidery is GAC (Golden Age of Couture or Guy Amie Charbonneau.) It was part of the centerpieces and an optional purchase. In the background is part of a 'wall' I created using the sketches of George Sarofeen. We were gifted with several full sized sketches as well as a miniature portfolio filled with many sketches. On the table, the miniature pink book is the one I mentioned above and JamieShow shoes are shown at the foot of the chair. The bridal bouquet is perched on the back of the chair.

I am having so much fun with all the goodies. I love stuff.

Look for my article covering this event with several unpublished photographs in the Winter Edition of FDQ in January, 2011.