The Mad Hatter

As if the world has rediscovered the classic childrens' fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland, Alice mania has hit the doll world with force. At IDEX many manufacturers showed new Alice in Wonderland dolls for 2010.
You may or may not know that the movie by the same name will be opening tomorrow, March 6, with the fabulously talented, slightly crazy Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.
This post will show you some of the Mad Hatter dolls that are currently on the market, will be soon or have sold out already. They come in all sizes and prices.
Below are links to the websites at which I found them, prices (if available) along with an image.

The following items can all be found at Entertainment Earth:

Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Doll $199.99

Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat Kubricks $18.99

Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Ultra Design Action Figure $19.99
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Toys R Us and hundreds of other stores will carry Mattel's version of the Mad Hatter. Prices will vary.

Barbie Collector Pink Label Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Doll $59.99 with Free Shipping
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Tonner Doll Company "Images pending licensor and actor approval." I saw the pre-production doll and it's amazing. It's too bad it couldn't be ready for the movie opening. Those in doubt would do well to wait before buying another Hatter. Tonner's is amazing.

Tarrant - The Mad Hatter - Dressed Tonner Character Figure $224.99
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For those of you who prefer weird....I found these:

Bobble Head Mad Hatter
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Living Dead Dolls Presents: Living Dead Dolls In Wonderland Mezco Direct.Com $113.00
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Will the REAL Mad Hatter please stand up?

Walt Disney did not create the story of Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll wrote two Alice novels, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. (1872) Click here for more information on the two pieces of literature.

Will you be adding Alice in Wonderland dolls to your collection?

Integrity Toys 2010 Line to Debut March 6

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, an on-line unveiling of many of the Integrity Toys' products will take place. As far as I know, only the members of the W Club were invited to attend. We pre-registered and were given a link for entry. The event will use an internet conference format which is live with available interaction from attendees.
It should be very interesting.

I will be permitted to post the images on the following Sunday morning so stay tuned.

The concept of an exclusive club is not an original one. Mattel does it. Tonner did it. Madame Alexander has one and there are others. These other companies also promote their products at toy fairs. Non-Integrity Toys collectors I met at IDEX have questioned me as to why IT does not do so. One person who shall remain nameless and who is now a dealer told me that she was put off when she called to get some information. Her calls were never returned. I have no idea what the situation was at the time.
I think it's about money. It costs a great deal to participate in a real toy fair event: renting the exhibit space, transporting the reps and the merchandise, accomodations and food, display equipment...ALOT of $$$.
The main goal of toy fair is for dealers to see the goods and to place orders. Apparently Integrity Toys has dealers camped out on their back porch clamoring to carry their product. Excitement over the dolls is generated through a combination of marketing to W Club members and then the members themselves go wild.
Having a well-known designer helps to raise the prices and the elan.

IDEX - Day 1 - Friday, January 29, 2010

The 6 AM wake up call I had requested came in on the stroke of the hour. I had to be ready for my 8 AM face-up class with Michele Hardy and Berdine Creedy.

I managed to arrive at that ungodly hour to a well organized display of materials to which we were summarily introduced. Michele explained step by step to us what to do and then let us loose. It was lots of fun and the results were satisfying for this first timer. Included in the supplies was a resin Creedy head from a 10" doll. Purchasing the body, outfit and wig were optional but I think everyone did. I was proud of my creation. We put the eyelashes on and inserted the eyes as well! I learned much due to the simple techniques that were presented.

I plan to do her face over as I made her too old-looking but it was my first time. Michele made the outfit. I would definitely take another class with Michele as she is a good teacher and I have much to learn.

I was convinced to attend the Berdine Creedy Tea later that afternoon at 3PM. Berdine presented a lovely slide show whose theme was hair. Odd? Not really. It was about the decision she made that even though she always had thin hair, she wouldn't let any physical issue deter her from her goals or from being happy. It was an excellent message.
I didn't particularly care for the little plate of strange-tasting chocolate-laden pastries or the single cup of tea we were given and I would not attend this event again were it offered at an IDEX in the future.
Our souvenir doll was an 8" resin Daisy. She is seen below with my other doll. She came with an outfit and a wig but not the outfit she is wearing in the picture. I don't know if I'm going to keep this doll as she is not the type of doll I collect.

In between the face-up class and the Creedy tea, I had several hours to browse the showroom. I came away from that first round with approximately 140 pictures and my head was practically exploding. Who knew? I had just seen hundreds of fake babies that looked real. In fact, throughout the 3 days, many attendees wandered the halls carrying babies in blankets or carriers. These reborn infants were so real-looking that you could swear they were breathing. Scary.

End of Part I.

More is Never Enough

Sometimes I feel that I'm drowning in a sea of dolls. I look to the left of me, to the right of me, behind me and all around and all I see are dolls and doll stuff. Today it feels overwhelming.
Will I continue to collect the 16" dolls? Will I keep the Avantguard from the W Event? Why have I begun to buy Madame Alexander Cissettes? It must be cabin fever. I have never seen more snow in one winter in my adult life. Mountains of white surround my house and it's cold out there.
Moving along to good stuff and ignoring how I feel seems like a good idea right now. So far, from Tonner's new offerings, these are my favorites:

This is "Torch Song Goddess" from the Dick Tracy line.

She has the Breathless sculpt. LE 200. Price $179.99

This is "Heartthrob." Sculpt is Tess. LE 200. Retail Price $189.99

I don't need them. I don't need them. I don't need them. I don't need them. I don't need them.

Photographs courtesy of the Tonner Doll Company.