I was not a child with snails and frogs in my pocket. Even now, when working in my garden, I jump every time a hippity-hoppity frog or toad surprises me. Only recently did I realize I would not die if I touched a small frog. (I'm not sure about a large one.) The babies are easy to catch in cupped hands. I catch them to show them to Rudy. He sniffs but is not terribly interested. I think they're adorable. But toads are disgusting. They appear under damp rocks and aren't terribly happy to be discovered. The feeling is mutual.
Frogs, on the other hand, aren't ugly. I've seen beautiful, colorful ones in aquariums.
The ones in my garden are mostly greenish gray. If this fellow showed up, he'd find a home with me. Meet Kermit the Frog from the Tonner Doll Co.
Kermit is 11" tall and is designed in scale to accompany the 16" Miss Piggy. He is considered a "semi-dressed" Tonner Character Figure. Very funny, indeed. His retail price is $44.99. If I put him in my garden would the rabbits clear out and stop eating everything?
For the last several years I have noticed collectors going Gaga over a frog called Wanda. I almost bought one but came to my senses after briefly imagining indulging my impulses. BIC sells them. They have been produced in lots of colors and are limited editions. The following 3 pictures are the property of Amélie Deveau aka Aminie who gave me permission to use them here. If you click on her name, you will go to her Flickr and can see more Wandas.
A special Wanda being sold now at BIC would cost you about $96. plus postage.
This collector, "irulethegalaxy" has a Flickr photostream showing a bowl filled with what seems like the largest assortment of Wonderfrogs ever.
They're cute but how do you tell the sexes apart?
The popularity of frogs are on the rise. Gaga wears them. Doll designer, Veik, adorns a Barbie with frogs.
I will not be collecting frogs any time soon but I do see the cuteness of the cartooon-like characters.
News, reviews and photographs of Modern Fashion Dolls including Kingdom Doll, Fashion Royalty, Sybarite, Tonner Doll, Gene Marshall, Barbie and my own experiences as a doll collector.
6/22/2010
6/18/2010
Just When You Thought Barbie Couldn't Get Worse...
...they've turned her into the housing for a video camera.
She is called "Barbie Video Girl Doll." Golly gee, what a creative title!
Here is the description from the BC.Com website:
Lights, BARBIE®, action! Barbie® doll is not just a doll, she's a video camera, too! A real video camera inside Barbie® doll features a camera lens hidden in her necklace and a video screen on her back that allows girls to record and view movies instantly. It's moviemaking from a Barbie® doll's point of view—literally! Includes USB plug-in cord. Doll is Windows/ MAC compatible. Doll cannot stand alone. For ages 5 and over.
I admit that the doll has one thing going for her, she's Mac compatible. At least someone over at Mattel has a brain. But seriously, shouldn't the doll look like a photographer or something related to movie making? I just don't get it.
Does she have to be undressed in order for her user to see the video screen? I'm intrigued now. I might have to hunt this one down just to examine it.
Anyway, the next time someone waves a freaky-looking Barbie doll at you in a bathroom,
She is called "Barbie Video Girl Doll." Golly gee, what a creative title!
Here is the description from the BC.Com website:
Lights, BARBIE®, action! Barbie® doll is not just a doll, she's a video camera, too! A real video camera inside Barbie® doll features a camera lens hidden in her necklace and a video screen on her back that allows girls to record and view movies instantly. It's moviemaking from a Barbie® doll's point of view—literally! Includes USB plug-in cord. Doll is Windows/ MAC compatible. Doll cannot stand alone. For ages 5 and over.
I admit that the doll has one thing going for her, she's Mac compatible. At least someone over at Mattel has a brain. But seriously, shouldn't the doll look like a photographer or something related to movie making? I just don't get it.
Does she have to be undressed in order for her user to see the video screen? I'm intrigued now. I might have to hunt this one down just to examine it.
Anyway, the next time someone waves a freaky-looking Barbie doll at you in a bathroom,
6/16/2010
Brides of Dracula ~ The Contessa
The Contessa arrived today, fangs and all. It's a shame I don't like fangs (on dolls, that is) because there is a lot to like about this doll!
But you can send me Eric ->
or Bill ->
with fangs, without fangs...any old, dead way.
The packaging is very nice with the window box showing the entire doll. Box has a magnetic closure.
Contessa's gown is a 4 layered affair - the lining, the underskirt, the wine-colored layer and an over-layer of black mesh. The trim is nicely applied around the edges of the skirt layers and there's a tiny trim of lacy edging at the bodice. The corset looks like a separate piece but is sewn on and has stitching that resembles boning.
Overall the quality is excellent. Her shoes are faux leather with a decorative detail and ribbon ties.
The fashion is completed with long black gloves, black stud earrings and a simple multi-strand chain choker.
The body is the surprise.
She's got a full-sized Fashion Royalty bust with a slim waist and hips.
The hip joints have more movement than do those of Fashion Royalty dolls and this doll can sit at a 45° angle. Nice.
I am impressed with the total package in spite of the high retail price of $149.99. Many dealers are discounting the doll by $20 or more.
There is a Certificate of Authenticity but no edition size. All the CoA says is that once this edition is closed, no more will be made. That means it's an open edition. No surprise there.
See you at Fangtasia?
But you can send me Eric ->


The packaging is very nice with the window box showing the entire doll. Box has a magnetic closure.

Contessa's gown is a 4 layered affair - the lining, the underskirt, the wine-colored layer and an over-layer of black mesh. The trim is nicely applied around the edges of the skirt layers and there's a tiny trim of lacy edging at the bodice. The corset looks like a separate piece but is sewn on and has stitching that resembles boning.


The body is the surprise.



There is a Certificate of Authenticity but no edition size. All the CoA says is that once this edition is closed, no more will be made. That means it's an open edition. No surprise there.
See you at Fangtasia?

6/15/2010
More New Gene Marshall Stuff
So much stuff, so little room.
Marsha Hunt's The Irene Gown
Rose Rogue in "Tornado" I pressed the skirts on this gown and the overall appearance is much improved.
Star Entrance in Madra's "Rich Girl"
Suited to a T in "Safari" an Ashton Drake fashion I picked up in a room sale for $15. It comes with a pith helmet of metal and another item. Too bad the pants are so short. The shoes aren't suitable for the fashion. She needs boots!
My new BJD Deneuve whose name has been changed to Diana (Princess Diana de Neuve) wears "Imperial She."

Finally deboxed the convention doll, "Stardust." She's OK. I don't care for her hair which is gelled into three hardened distinct clumps and there have been prettier Gene dolls. But her gown and jewelry are very lovely and high quality.

My overall impression of the convention dolls and is that they were as high quality as possible. The designs were spot on and the variety and selection were just perfection. The only flaw was the plastic shoes on two of the dolls. Compared to the rest of the collection, that seemed like an accident! The bargains offered in the salesroom were unbelievable. I have a wonderful collection of gorgeous Gene fashions to add to my stash.
I have finally gotten around to photographing some of my existing dolls in the separate baggie fashions I purchased at the convention, such as Green Eyes and Tornado. I am in awe of the quality of fabric and construction of these items. In particular The Irene and Green Eyes gowns blew me away. I had no idea that these items were so gorgeous. The models are Gene dolls that were already in my collection, "Heavenly" first and one of the debut Gene dolls with an updo by Jim Gaddis.

Rose Rogue in "Tornado" I pressed the skirts on this gown and the overall appearance is much improved.





Finally deboxed the convention doll, "Stardust." She's OK. I don't care for her hair which is gelled into three hardened distinct clumps and there have been prettier Gene dolls. But her gown and jewelry are very lovely and high quality.


My overall impression of the convention dolls and is that they were as high quality as possible. The designs were spot on and the variety and selection were just perfection. The only flaw was the plastic shoes on two of the dolls. Compared to the rest of the collection, that seemed like an accident! The bargains offered in the salesroom were unbelievable. I have a wonderful collection of gorgeous Gene fashions to add to my stash.
Gene Marshall Centerpiece Doll Sells for $1,015.05
The Thursday night centerpiece from the Stardust convention closed at auction for the unbelievable price of $1015.05. There were 34 bids placed by 12 bidders. Bidding started at only .99 and quickly went up to over $400 on the first day. The edition size is 160+ which is not a small edition. She was the prettiest Gene of the entire convention because of the adorable outfit but besides that, nothing. Sometimes one sees a similar pretty doll go for a very high price at charity auctions. That I can understand.
Shipping was only $7.55. I think the seller will add insurance to this one. Several of her other Stardust auctions barely made it to retail. The convention doll sold for only $178.50. The Trent centerpiece sold for only $184.49.
The seller is oxo.aqualung.oxo from Delaware. Some of us collectors believe that this person is a member of the Newsum family or connected to Integrity Toys in some way as they seem to have every single new doll that comes out up for auction on eBay immediately.
I would like to know who bought the doll. Maybe it was Jason.
Shipping was only $7.55. I think the seller will add insurance to this one. Several of her other Stardust auctions barely made it to retail. The convention doll sold for only $178.50. The Trent centerpiece sold for only $184.49.
The seller is oxo.aqualung.oxo from Delaware. Some of us collectors believe that this person is a member of the Newsum family or connected to Integrity Toys in some way as they seem to have every single new doll that comes out up for auction on eBay immediately.
I would like to know who bought the doll. Maybe it was Jason.
Photo property of Integrity Toys
6/13/2010
The Picture of the Week Feature is on Vacation
It was becoming more work and less fun so I'm changing things around a bit. When I find an image I'd like to feature, I will call it a "noteworthy photo" and go from there. If you have a suggestion for a different name, I'd like to hear it.
To review the POWs of the past year or so, check this link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yomama12498/sets/72157622608941471/
To review the POWs of the past year or so, check this link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yomama12498/sets/72157622608941471/
6/11/2010
Deneuve asks...
"Why on earth are you wasting your time with other dolls when you have me now?"
This lovely lady arrived in the midst of a mountain of Gene Convention goodies. The poor dear has only had a quick point & shoot session with a toy camera. She deserves so much more and when I get the time she will be introduced to the camera which resides upon a tripod in my studio.
But since you asked, here are some of her initial shots.

Deneuve comes with a different wig than the Monique Gold one she is wearing in these pictures. I can't wait to put several other size 4/5 wigs on her that I recently purchased. They fit perfectly.

Once you hold this doll in your hands, you won't be able to let go. Her resin is smooth and silky. Her articulation is superior and she can pose like a dream. Deneuve is ultra-pale with an non-standard proportion to her sculpt that turned me off at first. This sculptor marches to the beat of her own drum and I'm willing to open up to a different beauty.


She comes with 'dressing hands' that are ball shaped attachments which one removes after the doll is dressed. Her hands are graceful and her fingernails are carefully manicured as are her toenails.
She can stand without the doll stand but I didn't trust the possibility of a gust of wind out-of-doors.
As far as her outfit goes - under the dress is a lacy bodysuit. The dress itself is a sheer silk. Her corset is a warm platinum colored resin with easy to open and close metal hook-type thingies in the back. The boots are the same color as the corset and are properly made so she can stand correctly with the sole and heel of the boot in contact with the ground. Yay!
Deneuve has the new body with improved articulation and is part of the JAMIEshow line sold at Angelic Dreamz. She is a FDQ exclusive doll with a limited edition of only 50 dolls.
You know you want one.
Contact Pat Henry at FDQ for updated purchase information or call 1 (212) 961-0662.

This lovely lady arrived in the midst of a mountain of Gene Convention goodies. The poor dear has only had a quick point & shoot session with a toy camera. She deserves so much more and when I get the time she will be introduced to the camera which resides upon a tripod in my studio.
But since you asked, here are some of her initial shots.

Deneuve comes with a different wig than the Monique Gold one she is wearing in these pictures. I can't wait to put several other size 4/5 wigs on her that I recently purchased. They fit perfectly.

Once you hold this doll in your hands, you won't be able to let go. Her resin is smooth and silky. Her articulation is superior and she can pose like a dream. Deneuve is ultra-pale with an non-standard proportion to her sculpt that turned me off at first. This sculptor marches to the beat of her own drum and I'm willing to open up to a different beauty.




As far as her outfit goes - under the dress is a lacy bodysuit. The dress itself is a sheer silk. Her corset is a warm platinum colored resin with easy to open and close metal hook-type thingies in the back. The boots are the same color as the corset and are properly made so she can stand correctly with the sole and heel of the boot in contact with the ground. Yay!
Deneuve has the new body with improved articulation and is part of the JAMIEshow line sold at Angelic Dreamz. She is a FDQ exclusive doll with a limited edition of only 50 dolls.
You know you want one.
Contact Pat Henry at FDQ for updated purchase information or call 1 (212) 961-0662.
6/10/2010
Mattel's Monster High Dolls
"High school sweethearts Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon are the most popular couple at Monster High and the most fashionable! And they have some very famous scary cool parents as well! Cleo De Nile is the daughter of the Mummy and Deuce Gorgon is the son of Medusa. The Deuce Gorgon doll comes with his pet rat, Perseus, and his cool shades. The Cleo De Nile doll has her pet snake, Hissette, and golden purse. Includes 2 dolls, 2 pets, 2 accessories, 2 diaries, a brush, and 2 doll stands."
The new Monster High Dolls and related merchandise has launched and I think they're going to be very popular. Their clothes are trendy; they're affordable, quirky and adorable. The two-doll set is $34.99.
"Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein and Lagoona Blue are the coolest ghouls in school with their trendy fashions, accessories and scary cute pets! And they have some very famous scary cool parents as well! Draculaura is the daughter of Dracula, Clawdeen Wolf is the daughter of the Werewolf, Frankie Stein is the daughter of Frankenstein and Lagoona Blue is the daughter of the Sea Monster. Dolls are fully articulated so they can be posed in many different ways! Includes 1 doll, pet, accessory, diary, brush, and doll stand. "
The Monster High Doll Assortment Case of 6 individually packaged dolls sells for $109.99.

For more informaton: Entertainment Earth.

"Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein and Lagoona Blue are the coolest ghouls in school with their trendy fashions, accessories and scary cute pets! And they have some very famous scary cool parents as well! Draculaura is the daughter of Dracula, Clawdeen Wolf is the daughter of the Werewolf, Frankie Stein is the daughter of Frankenstein and Lagoona Blue is the daughter of the Sea Monster. Dolls are fully articulated so they can be posed in many different ways! Includes 1 doll, pet, accessory, diary, brush, and doll stand. "
The Monster High Doll Assortment Case of 6 individually packaged dolls sells for $109.99.

For more informaton: Entertainment Earth.
Sideshow Toys - Hot Toys True-Type 12 Inch Obama Figure
This image is wrong on so many levels. It's not that it's nude but the fact that it is a likeness of the President and he's posed in front of an American flag. It's downright disrespectful in my opinion. I don't know much about Sideshow and Hot Toys but I'm guessing it is not a country based in the US. Feel free to correct my assumption if I'm wrong. .jpg)
I actually think it's a great looking doll. The thighs are removable which makes me laugh. Seems they've already removed several other parts. And what's up with the ankles? This doll would look great in a good suit or sports clothes..jpg)
After I published the above I did a search for Obama doll. What a variety! There are actually a few that are more offensive than the Nekkid POTUS. (POTUS=President of the United States.)














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I actually think it's a great looking doll. The thighs are removable which makes me laugh. Seems they've already removed several other parts. And what's up with the ankles? This doll would look great in a good suit or sports clothes.
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Here are the specs as put forth by the manufacturer:
The True-Type Figure Body 12 inch Figure features:
* Newly sculpted head
* Newly developed body
* Two (2) neck styles
* Muscular arms and thighs with detachable thigh muscles
* Two (2) sets of bendable and interchangeable palms, including one (1) pair for holding gun and one (1) pair of relaxed palms
* Over 38 points of articulation
* Suitability for 1/6th scale fabric costume and accessories
* Figure display stand
Price at Angelic Dreamz is $49.99. Item is available for Pre-Order.
The True-Type Figure Body 12 inch Figure features:
* Newly sculpted head
* Newly developed body
* Two (2) neck styles
* Muscular arms and thighs with detachable thigh muscles
* Two (2) sets of bendable and interchangeable palms, including one (1) pair for holding gun and one (1) pair of relaxed palms
* Over 38 points of articulation
* Suitability for 1/6th scale fabric costume and accessories
* Figure display stand
Price at Angelic Dreamz is $49.99. Item is available for Pre-Order.
Are you going to order one?
______________________________After I published the above I did a search for Obama doll. What a variety! There are actually a few that are more offensive than the Nekkid POTUS. (POTUS=President of the United States.)















"Snow White" Kumi and "Rose Red" Yuri Price Drop!
I blogged about these Nu.Fantasy dolls here:
http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2010/05/integrity-announces-bic-exclusive-two.html
The W Club announced the price reduction on these dolls from Azone and BIC, Integrity dealers in Japan, supposedly due to the strength of the yen and negotiations with the factory. That doesn't sound honest to me. If these dolls were flying out the door, the yen could have been as strong as ever and the price would have stayed the same. The reception from collectors to this pair was quite cool and I think the lack of interest spurred the price drop more than the strength of the yen.
It's the economic principle of supply and demand in action. Consumers won't buy -> supply is great -> price drops.
Deceptive backpedaling.
Why couldn't they just say they priced the dolls too high for this market and have adjusted the price accordingly?
Would negotiations with the factory go like this? "We won't pay you and your children will starve?"
http://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2010/05/integrity-announces-bic-exclusive-two.html
The W Club announced the price reduction on these dolls from Azone and BIC, Integrity dealers in Japan, supposedly due to the strength of the yen and negotiations with the factory. That doesn't sound honest to me. If these dolls were flying out the door, the yen could have been as strong as ever and the price would have stayed the same. The reception from collectors to this pair was quite cool and I think the lack of interest spurred the price drop more than the strength of the yen.
It's the economic principle of supply and demand in action. Consumers won't buy -> supply is great -> price drops.
Deceptive backpedaling.
Why couldn't they just say they priced the dolls too high for this market and have adjusted the price accordingly?
Would negotiations with the factory go like this? "We won't pay you and your children will starve?"
6/09/2010
Pictures of Sandra Stillwell's Gene Display at Convention
Believe it or not, this is only a small portion of Sandra's doll collection! How she packed it all up and shipped it to Philadelphia must be an interesting story. Perhaps she drove but I don't think so as she lives in the south.
It was a large, poorly lit room so no complaining about the quality of the pictures, please.
Click here to see pictures.
It's easier to move from picture to picture if you click on the small white triangle/arrow next to each large image.
It was a large, poorly lit room so no complaining about the quality of the pictures, please.
Click here to see pictures.
It's easier to move from picture to picture if you click on the small white triangle/arrow next to each large image.
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