Tonner Doll Retrospective Part II

My interest in Tonner dolls began with Tiny Kitty. Here are some of my favorite photos of this adorable 10" doll.

The last three are similarly sized Simone Rouge. They were very popular.

I have hundreds of photos. I loved these gals. Once I spent an entire year collecting red outfits for them in order to do Christmas photos. That was fun.
All the furniture Tonner made for them was perfection. The Tiny Kitty Dress Shoppe was huge and made for great dioramas. This photo is from a piece I did for FDQ.

When Tiny Kitty's hiatus ended and new ones were produced, most did not have the charm of the older ones. Sometimes you just can't get it back. And so we move on.

My Tonner Doll Retrospective Part I

Of course now, that we all know that Tonner's proprietary lines are retired, our older dolls become more precious. I'll be taking look-backs at some of my favorite photos. I don't remember the names of all the dolls and I have at a few thousand Tonner doll photos. This may take time.
Hope you enjoy as I enjoy looking through my archives.

Kit wearing Ghost of Christmas Present

Angelina

Antoinette - I could do an entire page on Antoinette!

Ava Gardner

Cami

Spring Flowers Ballet

That's it for now.

Goodbye Tonner Doll Company; Hello Phyn & Aero!

A letter from Robert Tonner was sent out a few minutes ago. This is not a surprise to me. There has been so many changes made to staff and lines recently that I knew something was going to happen.  I am sure that other collectors as well and myself wish him huge success. It was Tonner's creations that set me on the path to doll collecting.

Tonner’s 25th Anniversary Year re-cap: 2016 has been, perhaps, the most momentous year of my life. Celebrating 25 years of creating dolls and accessories was really kind of humbling. Culling through photographs of past events and seeing the faces of people getting so much joy out of the dolls and events we’ve produced was truly heartwarming. It reminds me yet again of how lucky I’ve been to enjoy a hobby that turned into a career and a business.
I’ve frequently been asked what have been the greatest accomplishments of my last 25 years in this business and there are definitely some standouts:
-My first New York Toyfair, sitting at a single table in our tiny booth and selling out everything I brought in the first few hours.
-The first Tyler Wentworth dolls arriving at our warehouse and eventually shipping to retailers.
-The Betsy McCall and Mary Engelbreit licensed products that were so cherished and charming.
-Being the only company to produce Harry Potter dolls for six years.
-Ellowyne Wilde and the creation of Wilde Imagination, which allowed me to move in an entirely new direction.
-All of the employees who have supported me along the way, whether they believed in what I was doing, or not!
Currently, I’m spending a great deal of time learning (and hopefully mastering) some very new computer sculpting programs that, combined with state-of-the-art production capabilities, provide an entirely new method of creating dolls. I call it the “New Art of Doll Making™” and I’m really excited about what we’ll be doing in 2017 and beyond. It’s also awakened a pioneering spirit in me again and I’ve decided it’s time to completely re-think what we offer to collectors. Therefore, although Tonner will continue to make all of our established licensed products such as DC, Gone with the Wind, Outlander, etc., all of our proprietary lines, as well as those of Effanbee and Wilde Imagination, are being discontinued.
A new company is being launched and it’s called Phyn & Aero. We will be introducing three new lines in 2017 in collaboration with innovative (and incredibly talented) new designers. I really feel it’s time to broaden our perspectives and see what some fascinating (and younger!) designers create for our collectors. I believe the collector market needs a major shake-up and I’m quite sure this will be it!
As always, I’m so grateful for all the love and support you’ve shown to me over the years. I am also terrifically excited about the direction we’re heading in and hope you will join us along the way in this new, incredibly exciting adventure!

       To Robert: 

Thank you for all the beautiful dolls and clothes over the years. Thank you for being a kind and humble man. I wish you all good things.

 Most Sincerely,
Terri 

Superdoll: The Girls Gather for the Holidays

Wow! What a fabulous trio of GenX gals. Yes, three new dolls were released today plus a new chaise.  I want everything but alas, I cannot have it all.  Gazing upon their beautiful fashions and imagining my dolls on that chaise is as close as I'll get for now.  I still have Draig to debox.

#1 NOBLE DD_0119
The Girls Gather for the HOLIDAYS.
The Swan Coronet
Noble is as Noble does....

A vision in red and gold. Atop her head she wears her glittering beret dribbling with jewels and an organza bow. Platinum blunt bob with fringe diverted. Her face palette is that of rich tones of Ruby, with piercing Azure eyes, tip shaded cranberry brows and lids highlighted in 'gold'.
For this little 'family' get together of clones, she chose to go a little sporty. She wears a crimson zip up velvet track top and a matching crimson skirt bearing lace up front detail. Accents of gilt tulle and hip quilting give her the detail and the curves! Her waist cinched by a broad gold belt. Over her 'sweats' she wears a darling emperor yellow organza night gown with yellow hose and emperor yellow satin concealed platform court shoes.
As to her REGALIA.... she chose a short white 'ermine' plush cape lined in leopard print satin and a gorgeous bandeau of scarlet adorned with 'door knocker' lion heads.

The finishing touch, other than her leopard satin neck bow is of course... her presence.
What is her gift of advent we ask?
This holiday she is most excited to receive a shard of lightning hand mirror.

Price: £279.16
(=348.67 US Dollar)

#2 LAW DD_0117
The Girls Gather for the HOLIDAYS.
The Swan Coronet
Law is the Law.

A vision in nude and black. Atop her head she wears a veil of intricate tulle bearin double plumes in clack. Waist lenth black braided hair with off centre part with fringe diverted to form sideburns. Her face palette is that of rich tones of charcoal and lips of pale dusty rose, with piercing amber eyes,solid tip brows in bitter chocolate and lids bearing eyeliner in pure creme.
For this little 'family' get together of clones, she chose to go a little grand. She wears a nude and black tonal strapless ballgown over an elegant black ruffled lace crinolined underskirt which defines her gorgeous waistline! This grand gown has a detatchable black satin train with envelope top and tiny black bow fastner. Under her gown she wears darling nude hose and court shoes bearing concealed platform.
As to her REGALIA.... she modestly chose a nude velvet reverse tailored jacket with black satin sleeves and adornment of diamante, jett, 'monkey' fur and black satin bows..

The finishing touch, other than her presence, her presence is the ultimate finishing touch.
What is her gift of advent we ask?
This holiday she is most excited to receive a an antique book in which to practice her spelling.

Dont forget to check our other departments for the matching chaise for this collection.

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Skintone: COSMETIQUE

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
The code below is automatically enabled/disabled by js depending on RTS In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £296.32 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
(=370.17 US Dollar)

#3 REGENT DD_0118
The Girls Gather for the HOLIDAYS.
The Swan Coronet
Regent is as Regent is....

A vision in silver and purple. Atop her head she wears a giant red satin bow. Huge auburn blend 'fro' with fringe diverted. Her face palette is that of rich tones of violet and lips of pink, with piercing pale grape eyes, pencilled 2 tone brows and lids highlighted in 'silver'.
For this little 'family' get together of clones, she chose to go a little sporty. She wears a silver zip up lame track top bearing POW embroidered front and a matching silver track pants bearing elasticated waist detail. Zippers, middrif and pockets on her butt add to the fine detailing of her chosen look, and shows off her boday! Under her 'sweats' she wears darling emperor yellow and purple custom printed hose and silver foiled 'leather' buckled court shoes with red soles and concealed platform.
As to her REGALIA.... she chose a full length purple velvet 'Order' cape lined in matching purple satin, bearing hearts, bees and bows, with front fastening in gold cord. A sash of red grosgrain.

The finishing touch, other than her presence, a large ruby studded necklace bearing a diamante crown.
What is her gift of advent we ask?
This holiday she is most excited to receive a crystal ball.

Dont forget to check our other departments for the matching chaise for this collection.

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Skintone: COSMETIQUE

Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
The code below is automatically enabled/disabled by js depending on RTS In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £288.39 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
(=360.23 US Dollar)

SWANLAKE
Getting your swans in a row?
The Swan Coronet

Luxurious cubic swan chaise. Set your girls in a row on this wonderful piece. Classic, yet Modern with red velveteen punctuated uppholstery.

PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
The code below is automatically enabled/disabled by js depending on RTS In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £229.42 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
(=286.54 US Dollar)

You can have it all for $1365.61 plus postage.

My favorite face is that of Law. I love her detailed lips and tame color palette. Not a fan of the big gown, however.  The outfit I'd most like to have is Nobles.

What are your favorites?

http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/DRESSED-DOLLS.html

Final W Club Doll of 2016 - Thank Goodness!

This has been a bad year in so many ways and the final W Club doll fits right in.
She is Veronique 2.0 with a FR2013 body. Her title is "Reception A Versailles." Sadly, there is nothing Versailles about her.

Take a look for yourself.

The dress is an embarrassment with it's serged edges and cheap-looking design and fabric. There is nothing about her fashion that even hints at good design and/or quality construction. 

What's up with that hairline? It reminds me of many Silkstone dolls who have straight across, unnatural hairlines.

I don't dress my dolls in lingerie and if I did, I'd find something much sexier than the gray and black item shown above with thigh highs.

Her price is $130. and so not worth it. Very disappointing.

For $100. I'd rather get the Glam Gown Barbie Silkstone whose gown does not have serged hems and looks like a bit of work went into it. She is on a posable body. 

As a matter of fact, you can get $20 off with free shipping today through the 16th. I ordered one. 

Doll Nail Painting Guide by Kevin aka KingKevin from VA

Kevin was kind enough to permit me to share this guide with my readers.

Many of us have ordered upgrade bodies for our Integrity dolls. I just leave the nails blank.  I've upgraded so many dolls over the years, I don't care anymore.

A lot of y'all are perfectionists so this is for you!

It is possible to enlarge this by clicking on it.  You will have to scroll from side to side to see the entire image but it's worth it.

December 2016 Purse of the Month Club

I've been a fan of the Purse of the Month Club for many years and I always look forward to their December product announcement.
This month's bags pay homage to Jimmy Choo with the Holiday Tulita Bag.

There's a wonderful tote set available. It comes with a scarf.

How about this gold holiday shopper which comes with home decor accessories. $35.

For your dolls' holiday parties, here are two sequined fashions.

A party sensation! The beautifully designed bodysuit in tiny sequins features a mesh neck detail and NO sequins below the waist, for a sleek look. Also included is the black satin half-bow belt with rhinestone buckle. 
Bodysuit & belt  $45.00 
The metallic circle skirt features a drop waist and will dazzle her dance partners! $35.00 

Spectacular gown in delicate blush sequins features satin straps and flared hem for high drama. Also included is a blush satin scarf with beaded fringe! 

Gown and scarf set.  $65.00 

And that's not all! Every month they offer "Elite Ensembles" which are beautifully designed, moderately priced fashions and accessories. This month's Elites offer multiple options for mixing and matching. If you wanted all the options, you could discuss this with the ladies as the price would change. They are wonderful that way. If they have the material for the product, they're flexible.  You can specify which FR doll you wish the shoes to fit.

Option A 

Silk dupioni suit in blush features a satin lapel, trimmed with black. Bodysuit in tiny sequins and black mesh neck is set off by the black satin half-bow belt with rhinestone buckle. Stunning! Also included are earrings, Tote Set, rose gold leather shoes and your choice of handbag.

$165.00 + shipping 

Option B 

This option includes sleek silk dupioni trousers. 

Option C 

This version features a dropped waist circle skirt in a holiday print metallic. 

Accessories 

Included are the Jimmy Choo style tote set, belt with rhinestone buckle, earrings, leather rose gold shoes and your choice of handbag. 

Contact Diana at dianawieler@hotmail.com for more information and to be placed on the mailing list.

Here is the link to their Picture Trail account: http://www.picturetrail.com/mellyandgeorge