The New Gene: Phoenix

Here is her picture courtesy of Angelic Dreamz. She comes with two rooted wig caps and a plain cap for using with your own wigs. I haven't had a minute alone with my own doll to take pictures.
It is really Gene! A dream come true for Gene collectors although the price point may be a nightmare for some. It's better to have one gorgeous, high quality doll than 4 or five who will yellow. (At least that's what I tell myself.)
Phoenix Gene will be able to wear all earlier Gene clothes.

The price pre-ordered was $525. The on-line price for May delivery was $550. I was told that the entire edition of 150 sold out shortly after the additional 50, not reserved for event attendees, were posted for sale.

IDEX Friday, April 12, 2013

Written on Saturday morning.

Friday was a fun, busy day. In the morning we toured the IDEX showroom and spent time chatting with Robert Tonner, Jack Kralik, The Angelic Dreamz Guyz and Michelle of Wilde Imagination and others.
IDEX has changed dramatically from the last one I attended. It's about 1/3 the size. Major companies such as Madame Alexander are not here. Attendance was sparse and many of the booths seemed underpopulated. However, some of the booths were fantastic and beautifully designed.

Because the hotel internet connection is crawling, I had to upload yesterday's pictures to my Facebook page. Clicking on the image below will take you there.  When I return home, I will post the images on this blog for those who cannot see Facebook. 

I have edited the pictures down to my favorites. You will see a fire engine outside the hotel. At one point an announcement came over the PA system ordering everyone to exit the building. Apparently it was a false alarm.

 

In the late afternoon, Bob and I went to see Olympus Has Fallen. It is not a movie for the faint of heart and definitely not for children. Holy Crap! It was exhausting just watching it. I do recommend it for the action and excitement and it is very timely. However I hope that it's an impossible scenario because it is very frightening.

From the hotel we walked (yes, walked) to Universal Studio's City Walk. This is their nightclub, bar, movie, restaurant, entertainment area. Talk about assaulting the senses! The lights, noise, activity and smells were Manhattan on steroids minus the buses and taxis. There is stuff going on everywhere. It was amazing. We played it safe and ate dinner at Bubba Gumps - not bad at all.

Walking back to the hotel after dark was very peaceful. The landscaping around the parks is gorgeous. The weather last night was delightful and calm compared to Thursday night when it was very windy and rainy. 

Back at the hotel we passed the bar on the way to our elevator and we spied Mel among a few others. I was happy to say hello to him and glad that he arrived safely. In a few hours we will get to see and hear him introduce the new doll. I'm excited!

IDEX Tonner Event Lizette Doll

I was not there but here is the event Lizette.

Very cute!

Blogging from Orlando

We arrived safely and that's the most important thing. But traveling is so difficult and tiring these days.
I ran into a few doll people today but nothing else is happening. The artists and dealers were busy setting up their booths and that was a closed affair.
The weather was beautiful today - sunny, warm and breezy. It felt so good after the extraordinarily long winter we had in Pennsylvania.
Since there were no dolls to photograph, I photographed a chair. Made sense to me.

Parting Shot

We're leaving for IDEX in the wee hours tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to the Mel Odom event and seeing other doll buddies without a computer between us.
The spousal unit and I will also play at Universal for a few days. It's going to be so much fun.

Here is a quick picture I took of Inro the other day. I've been trying out different wigs. I like her in the darker shades.  I did get a wonderful new wig from Ilaria yesterday and it will make it's appearance in FDQ soon.

TTYS

Watch Mel's Presentation LIVE!

George of Angelic Dreamz just announced that they will be live streaming the IDEX presentation at the Mel Odom/FDQ/Jamieshow event in Orlando on Saturday April 13, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Here is the information and the link to join.

http://new.livestream.com/accounts/3557200/LiveFromIDEX

It's my understanding that other portions of the 3 day IDEX will also be broadcast but I do not have the specifics.

George also posted on Studio Commissary that the new doll will have a different body from the Jamieshow dolls. Will she be closer to the Gene Marshall body? Will a resin Trent follow eventually? Oh my.

The Girls Are Ready to Welcome a New Sister!

Gene is ready to party down with a new sister. Even Madra can't wait - or so she says.

Tonner Convention - Age of Innocence, May 16—19, 2013

Here is the information about the upcoming Tonner convention with links to hotel, agenda, seminars and workshops, competition categories and more.

 ***************************

2013 Tonner Convention - Age of Innocence

                                                     

HOTEL AND TRANSPORTATION - CLICK HERE!

CONVENTION AGENDA - CLICK HERE!

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS - CLICK HERE!

COMPETITION CATEGORIES - CLICK HERE!

ASSIGNED SEATING FORM - CLICK HERE!

Welcome to the gilt, glamour and intrigue of The Age of Innocence—the Tonner Doll Company 2013 Collector’s Convention!  We’ll explore times past both real and imaginary and from whimsical childlike innocence to sophisticated elegance.  This magical weekend begins on May 16th and will be filled with honest-to-goodness merriment--and you just may have the time of your life!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Robert Tonner and staff have packed this whirlwind weekend full of delightful fun.  We’ll visit candy land and Dr. Seuss; we’ll time travel to the Gatsby-esque elegance of the 1920’s and the swinging sixties, and meet in the grand ballroom for the enchanting Carousel Ball for dinner, dessert, and dancing! 

And let’s not forget the Wilde side of things, where the absence of innocence prevails!  This year’s Wilde Imagination event is included with your Tonner Convention registration, and the dolls will be available for purchase.   Effanbee’s little sweetheart will be making an appearance too, resplendent in her wide-eyed glory, and she’s as innocent as a lamb!

Each attendee will receive two 16” fashion dolls, one being a splendid souvenir doll—one of the most exquisite to date!   We will also feature a tremendously stocked sales room, flourishing favors, an impressive OOAK Charity Auction, and the stupendous Raffle Room  at a new and improved time - This year, we will be holding the raffle BEFORE the Carousel Ball banquet, leaving MORE time for the banquet event!  In addition, registration includes 3 meal events and a dessert event!  

Revisit a more innocent age and join Robert Tonner and company for a timeless Tonner Convention, won’t you?  

Limited to 300 attendees, Registration cost is $399
$50 holds your seat, so sign up now!

 

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center

70 Yorktown Center

Lombard, IL 60148

Phone: (630) 719-8000

CLICK THIS LINK!

for the special rate of $141.00

*************************

Paul Pham's Numina Nimbus

The latest Numina went live last week and sold out in about a minute.  She is an edition of 50 and cost $700. Paul's dolls are gaining popularity with every new release.

Here is the description from Paul's site: 
Pale skintone, blue-grey eyes with stormy charcoal shadow and matte nude lips. Long loosely curled strawberry blonde wig by Ilaria. Sky blue silk satin trench, lined in pale silver silk habotai with metallic sequin/beading detail at shoulders and pockets, belted with a pieced "leather" obi. Underneath is a soft pink chiffon and metallic lace slip dress. Completing the look, a pair of dark grey thigh high "suede" wedge boots.

 Photos by Paul Pham.

To: Satriani from Lamongan, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

So you like my blog? Enough to copy hundreds of pages word for word? I suggest you take your blog down before you are banned from using Blogger ever again.  What is wrong with you?

Registration is now officially open for Sandra Stillwell's "Every Day's A Holiday"!

Here is the official notification from Sandra:

You are cordially invited to join us for THE gala holiday happening of the year, when friends old and new gather for Sandra Stillwell Presents: "Every Day's A Holiday", in Kansas City, Missouri, August 22-25th, 2013.

Do you remember...

The childhood anticipation of waiting for Santa -- snug in your cozy new Christmas PJ's? Those magical Christmas mornings when you unwrapped that beautifully dressed dolly or other treasures you'd been dreaming of?

The excitement of shopping for that perfectly accessorized frock to wear on Easter morning? Brightly colored flowers and the delightful pastel colors of Easter eggs? The warm feeling of a fuzzy soft Easter bunny or chick?

Do you recall...

The thrill of receiving that special heartfelt valentine from a secret friend? The tug at your heart feeling of romantic chocolate and flowers sent from someone who thinks you're special?

How about the wide eyed fun of spooky ghosts, witches, black cats and bats? Or the fun of trick or treating and eating your loot afterwards? Dressing up in Halloween costumes or kitsch, and seasonable colors of orange, purple and black?

Do you remember...

Festive fourth of July parties and picnics with family and friends, followed by larger than life fireworks displays at nightfall? The sounds of big band music with patriotic colors and stars and stripes as far as the eye can see?

Or perhaps a different type of holiday has special meaning for you -- a fantasy flight to a far away destination? An anniversary? New Year's Eve?  

"Sandra Stillwell Presents: Every Day's A Holiday" will sweep you back to a time of such happy remembrances when the magic of holidays could be witnessed everywhere from Main Street to Hollywood's Silver Screen.   

 

Limited to only 50 attendees, this intimate holiday soiree will be a celebration of friends, dolls, beloved holiday traditions, classic movies and beautiful fashions -- all rolled into a fun filled weekend that will surely bring out the child in us all!  

The Souvenir Package...

Our "Every Day's A Holiday" souvenir package will be a collection of elegant holiday fashions mixed with a twist of fun!  Created to fit your favorite 16" fashion doll these designs will be produced especially for this not to be missed Sandra Stillwell Presents event!

Also Included in your registration fee will be a docent guided tour of the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City to view fabulous examples of dolls, dollhouses, miniature room sets, teddy bears, and toys of yesteryear. Housed in a 38 room historic mansion, this delightful museum is truly a child's Christmas dream come true!

http://www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org/

Of course, no holiday would be complete without Kansas City's own Hallmark Cards, so we're also planning a tour at the Hallmark Visitor's Center, where we'll learn the rich history of this century old company.

http://www.hallmarkvisitorscenter.com/About-Us-Section/About-Us

And, if all the exciting things mentioned above weren't enough... there's still more packed into your "Every Day's A Holiday" registration -- a fun movie break, desert reception and 3 meals, including a gala Saturday night banquet! We will also have illustrious guest speakers, interesting programs and displays, raffles, room shopping, and maybe even a few holiday surprises!! 

Registration and other fees...

 As an added bonus for each convention guest who books within the Sandra Stillwell Presents group block, the hotel has once again agreed to include a complimentary breakfast for every night's stay. These breakfasts on our event days -- including our Sunday farewell breakfast -- will be group meal functions in our ballroom, with table gifts and centerpieces. There will be an additional $35 fee per breakfast for registrants not staying at the hotel to attend these meals and receive any related souvenirs.

If booked within our hotel room block and paid in full by cash, check/money order by July 5, the registration fee is $415. After July 5, the fee is $440. Payments can be made, but are non refundable.

A $15 charge will be added to payments other than cash or check/ money order.

A $50 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations prior to August 9th. After that date, no cancellations are allowed.

Companion registrations will be available if purchased with a full registration. Please email for details.

Checks or Money Orders for registration should be made payable to Sandra Stillwell, and mailed to:

Every Day's A Holiday

c/o Sandra Stillwell
8305 Blue Lick Rd
Louisville, KY 40219

Please contact me if you need to make special arrangements.

At this time, there are no absentee registrations, however, we will have a wait list for those interested. If absentee registrations become available, they will be offered to those on the list before being made available to the general public.

Hotel:

What could be a more perfect place to set the scene for our holiday celebrations than "Holiday Inn"? Yes -- that's right -- we'll be spending our "Sandra Stillwell Presents" holidays at the Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza!!

Tucked inside the legendary neighborhood known for it's beautiful fountains, Spanish architecture, upscale shopping and great restaurants and nightlife, the Plaza Holiday Inn is only a few steps away from Kansas City's renowned Country Club Plaza -- which made history as the first ever outdoor shopping center!

http://www.countryclubplaza.com/About-Us/History

We've secured the very special group rate of only $119 per night, which includes breakfast in the hotel restaurant on days that we do not have a convention breakfast function.

In order for you to experience everything Kansas City has to offer, this special rate has been extended 5 days before and 5 days after convention, based on availability. If you need to book outside these dates, please contact me directly.  

The Plaza Holiday Inn offers complimentary Wi-fi, garage parking (on availability) and neighborhood shuttle that will take guests shopping to both Country Club Plaza and Hallmark's Crown Center. For those who would like to visit restaurants, museums, and convenience stores within a 3 mile radius of the hotel. (Shuttle runs on a first request basis)

Hotel reservations may be made by calling 1-866-280-6326 and asking for the "Sandra Stillwell Presents" group rate. Please note that the cutoff date for guest bookings is 8/8/13, or until the block is sold out -- which ever comes first

Please remember that it is VERY important to book within our group block.

Our room block is extremely limited, so I highly recommend that hotel reservations be made as soon as you can. I will be monitoring the group bookings closely to make timely revisions while possible. 

If you plan to join us for Every Day's A Holiday and are not yet ready to make hotel reservations, it would help greatly to know what days you are planning to book.

I strongly encourage all attendees to stay at the Convention hotel for a complete "convention experience". Besides all the fun and camaraderie those who don't stay at the hotel will miss out on, our room and food rates are based on meeting a guaranteed minimum, and it is crucial I have your cooperation to meet that guarantee.

Also, with our many planned activities, you'll find being on site much more convenient!

Optional Offsite Tours:

Known as the "City of Fountains", Kansas City boasts more fountains than any other city outside of Rome. Our Thursday tour will feature a driving tour of some of these lovely fountains, as well as other Kansas City landmarks.

Second only to New York City in garment manufacturing during the 1960's, Kansas City earned the nickname, "Paris of the Plains". Our Thursday offsite tour will also include a visit to the Kansas City Garment District Museum, where curator and designer Ann Brownfield will treat us to a behind the scenes tour of their "Kansas City produced" archives. We will learn about Kansas City's garment manufacturing legacy and see fashions that were manufactured there -- including TWA airline hostess uniforms.  

http://www.kcgarmentmuseum.org/

Owned at one time by Howard Hughes and frequented by celebrities, TWA -- Kansas City's hometown airline -- was well known as the "Airline To The Stars". I'm excited to say that still another part of our Thursday offsite tour will take us to the TWA Museum, which was founded and is operated by former TWA employees. Housed in the original 1931 building that was built to house the TWA corporate headquarters and maintenance facility, the TWA Museum collection features both pilot and stewardess uniforms, plus many other artifacts which tell the history of the airline pioneer. Director Pam Blaschum --a longtime TWA stewardess -- will be our hostess as we travel back through the glory years of airline travel and learn all about the legacy of this important aviation giant.

http://www.twamuseumat10richardsroad.org/

The cost of the Thursday tour -- only $119 (dependant on our filling up the chartered bus) -- will include an exclusive souvenir fashion that relates back to Kansas City's heritage.  More details forthcoming soon.

The Sunday tour is not finalized yet, but if there is enough interest, we will plan do one! Our Sunday tours have traditionally been for a smaller group -- a great chance to relax and enjoy each other's company after convention, while having a fun time seeing sites we may not have been able to see otherwise. Kansas City, known as both the jazz capital and the BBQ capital of the world, offers many other interesting and fun activities that I'm currently looking into -- and, as always, I welcome suggestions of what YOU would like to see and do!

Please watch for news about this Sunday tour and any additions/changes to our other tours in the next few weeks...

Raffle Donations:

A little known fact about conventions is that registration fees never fully cover expenses! Last year's raffle was a big success -- a huge help to convention and great fun for participants, too! So, once again, we'll be having a raffle to help offset extra costs. Dolls, fashions, repaints, accessories, gift certificates... donations of all types and sizes are welcome and greatly appreciated!! If you would like to contribute to the raffle, please email me at dls6643@aol.com.

Airport Code and Transportation...

The airport code for Kansas City International Airport is KCI.

Super Shuttle is offering a special group rate of $19 each way, or $32 round trip.

Super Shuttle can also accommodate private transportation for 3 people traveling together for $39 one way, or $64 for 10 people. Reservations can be placed online or by calling 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826) and providing the code CVVWS. Please make reservations 24 hrs in advance.

An alternative to Super Shuttle is 5 Guys Shuttle (913 7485423), who offers a private van for 1-4 people for $40. Depending on the amount of luggage, this van may be able to accommodate 6.

It is extremely important that you let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in joining us for "Every Day's A Holiday" and if you plan to extend your stay either before or after convention.

Your feedback is crucial to know how many people to count on when planning souvenirs, meal functions, and offsite functions.  

A small deposit of only $50 will hold your spot for this not to be missed "Sandra Stillwell Presents" event! Last year's "Radio Days" convention sold out in record time and we expect this year to follow suit, so please don't wait too long to register!

Holidays have always been a magical time for me -- a time for little indulgences and big dreams. I truly believe that "Every Day's A Holiday" and any day spent with friends and dollies is cause for celebration.

I've been dreaming of doing this "holiday" convention for a long time, and now that the time is drawing near...like a kid waiting for Christmas...I'm getting more and more excited about spending my "holidays" with you!

So mark your calendars, pack your bags, and start making plans to experience the holidays in "Sandra Stillwell"  style!

I hope to see you all in August!

Sincerely,

Sandra

502 3775153

And Now the GOOD NEWS!

I just got this email:

Hi Terri,
We’ve decided to keep TheDollPage open indefinitely, a decision made mostly due to the amazing outpouring of sadness and support when we announced a June 1st closing last week.  We’ve received so many emails! Almost all of them are expressions of disbelief or disappointment or offers of help with money or moral support.  We haven’t had a chance to even read them all, much less respond, and we’re very sorry we’re so behind on that.  And now things are taking place at such a rapid rate, we’re afraid we won’t be able to answer everyone individually. Hopefully this public message will answer some of your questions.

Photo Albums 1 and 2 are operational and will remain open indefinitely. Current members of the albums are welcome to use the albums as they normally do.  You do not need to copy your images back to your PC anytime soon.  Our plan is to consolidate both albums into a single one and make some improvements, like setting up a system where you can copy all of your pictures back into your home computer anytime you’d like.

The Marketplace is open and operational and will also remain open indefinitely.  Unfortunately, the Marketplace was the target of a recent hacker who wiped out most of the pictures the store owners had uploaded. Improvements to that site are also planned.

The Show & Sell site is up and running pretty well and will also remain open indefinitely.  It will be the subject of many changes, including improvements to the recent new member nomination system.

The Dollchat site is up and will also remain open indefinitely.

The albums and Marketplace are not accepting new memberships for the short-term future.  New members are still being accepted at the Show & Sell site using the current new member nomination system announced a few weeks ago via newsletter and also posted on the site discussion forum.

We have a plan to bring TheDollPage up to technical standards with professional help and we hope to post more information over the next few weeks.  As always, please feel free to respond publicly or privately with any questions, comments or suggestions and we'll try our best to get back to you.

Thanks so very much to everyone for all the love and support you have given both of us recently and over the years!  It's truly appreciated!

Best,
Steve and Rae

TWO Proxy Spots Available for Tonner IDEX Events

My husband and I will be attending IDEX and will attend one or both Tonner events for you. You will get the event doll mailed to you afterward. You pay the cost of the event up front and then the cost of shipping once it is determined how much that is.

EVENT ONE:

2013 Tonner Doll Breakfast Event at IDEX 

Sunday, April 14, 2013  8-10am
Join Robert Tonner and company for a Breakfast of Champions! See the new line up close over eggs and toast, and rub elbows with fellow doll lovers and Robert Tonner himself. Your event fee will include breakfast, a presentation by Robert Tonner, and for the first time ever, get YOUR CHOICE of souvenir at the IDEX Breakfast of Champions!  You’ll use Tonner Bucks that will be provided to you to “shop” for your choice of souvenir at the event.  Choose from the following 5 amazing selections:
 Basic Houston + Cape Town Fashion Pack
Color Block Astor
Taxi! Billy
Golden Swirl Deluxe Astor
Maudlynne Macabre

Here at Tonner, we give you the freedom to choose!  Exercise your rights and come to the Tonner Breakfast of Champions - You won't want to miss it! 

$50 per person. You get your choice of listed dolls. (No bacon, no eggs, no jelly.)

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

~______________________________________~

EVENT TWO:

2013 Wilde Imagination Afternoon Tea

Friday, April 12, 1pm
You're Invited!  It's an afternoon of tea and ennui with Wilde Imagination! A light dessert, a unique program, and just a hint of boredom and woe will greet you at this always fun event. Featuring a special program by Robert Tonner and Debra DeForte of Wilde Imagination, a fun table gift, and a special Lizette for each attendee.

$159.  per person. You will get the special event Lizette. (No whipped cream or woe.)

***

Pre-payment for the event is required. There is only 1 week to go. 
Postage will be extra and determined after the event. I will need your phone number to get that information to you at the shipping desk.
Paypal will be the method of payment.

You Can't Do This But You Can Do That or Else

Earlier today I received an email ordering me to remove 5 image captures of new Poppy Parker dolls which show the SAME EXACT DOLL THAT WE ARE ALLOWED TO POST ON BLOGS, FLICKR, ETC. I was threatened with possibly not being able to attend webinars in the future. I honestly was a bit shocked at the harshness of the email.  It's also funny (weird, sad, stupid) because tmy blog post in question about the Poppy dolls was a very positive post which urged people to hurry up and shop. This will not happen again. 

I was on the road when the email came in and I responded immediately that as soon as I get home, I would delete them. That's all I wrote. Their next email told me to hurry up! I am not kidding.

Yes. W Club members who signed up to see the webinar did have to sign a non-disclosure agreement which included filming the presentation or copying photos and showing them prior to a certain date. 

I waited until several other bloggers published these new pictures from the W Club site. This was also after dealers were permitted to open sales and had published pictures. These were the same exact pictures we saw during the webinar with one difference. Some of the pictures were combined into a montage as I show below. I made this picture from the allowed images. It is the same as the image seen during the webinar - I know because I captured it on my computer. God forbid I post it here to show you but if you email me, and I am not busy, I will send it so you can compare. My angle of the insert is a slight bit different. 

I had no idea I was doing something wrong because I know they read my blog and I don't cross the lines they've drawn in the sand regarding this stuff.

Send in the FR police. My publicity isn't the right type of publicity.

IT Promotional Images combined by me.

Me thinks it's time to stop with this company that watches me like a hawk. I think they would be very happy if I stopped buying their dolls and went away.

Maybe this post is breaking a rule, too. OMG.  I'll keep you all posted.

"Blog triumphantly," said a friend a few years ago.
If you are reading this, I will never forget that.

The Barbie That's Staying

Deboxed vinyl Barbie dolls don't last long in my collection. Right now there are three. My favorite is this Tarina doll.

Besides being adorable and having a really neat pink head of hair, she now has an articulated body which is essential IMO.  She can wear Poppy Parker, Silkstone, NuFace and Misaki clothes. It doesn't get better.
She was released by Mattel on 6/1/08 at a retail price of $79.95. She did go on sale at BC.Com for $30. at one point. It's rare to find an NRFB for much less than $90.

All that aside, she's a cutie. Here she is dressed in an Integrity Toys Sabrina outfit made to fit the Poppy Parker body.

The camera has a hard time dealing with the intensity of the hair color. Or is it the photographer?

Tonner's Antoinette and Her New Gown

I was very lucky to be able to get the fashion from the doll called Sweeping Antoinette.

It is perfect for my redhead Simplicity Antoinette.

I'd like to get back to concentrating on one doll at a time. It may take the rest of my life, though.
The issue with these big manufacturer releases and pre-ordering is that one gets too many dolls at one time. That's no way to appreciate the beauty of a single doll wearing different fashions. I have dolls that have never had time in front of a good camera. I currently have 11 or 12 dolls (I'm not even sure.) on pre-order.
It's ridiculous and it keeps happening. I think the companies count on the fact that we lose track of what we're ordering because of the time gap.
I am going to do what I did 3 years ago. I'll print out a sheet with the doll pictures and all related info. When I feel the need to order more, I can look at what is coming. Maybe that will work.

I want, want, want. I'm a sad case.

I want this outfit from Fanciful Antoinette. Sigh.

Integrity Toy's March 2013 Unveiling

The newest releases have hit the dealers sites.
Itt looks like the Poppy dolls are going to be the biggest success of the lot.
They are already sold out at several sites. Of course, the dealers who sell them at MSRP sell out first like Cherished Friends and MFD. I haven't checked the rest but if you want them, you'd better move on it.
I thought they were adorable. MSRP is $89.  Each doll is edition of 750.

Note: Images were removed as per the request of Integrity Toys.

_________________________

The Fashion Royalty dolls are now called Fashion Royalty Classic. The price per doll has gone up $20., from $110. to $130.  Of the five FRC, not one spoke to me. I do not see the connection between the early FR and these dolls. Vaughan kept repeating that there was some type of connection. Possibly the only connection is that the clothes are not hideous.
None of the super-popular sculpts were used.
The first thing I thought when I saw Anja was that she is pregnant. Dania is nice. Kesenia still looks like a vampire. Korinne - meh. I would have liked a slim skirt with that lovely blouse. Jordan's outfit is lovely. I wish she wouldn't stand with her toes pointed inward. I know it's a FASHION THING but it's time for a different position.

Captivating
Anja™ Dressed Doll

Ambitious
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll

Nostalgia
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll

Splendid
Jordan™ Dressed Doll

Polished
Korinne™ Dressed Doll

Show and Sell Pages Resurrected - For How Long? Back Up Your Information

First thing this morning I checked out the S&S site and everything was back to normal. There was no more warning about closing. Could it be that the begging worked? I am sure Steve and Rae became aware of the outpouring of emotion from collectors and the tremendous offers of help.
If they have had a change of heart, I hope that they make the rules of membership stronger and I hope they do accept some assistance in dealing with the nut jobs.

I have taken some measures just in case the site is shut down permanently. I didn't have a problem with losing photographs because I save all of my pictures in a SELL folder on my computer. When the item is successfully sold, I delete the picture. The problem is the description and the price. I don't want to lost that information again to I took screen shots of every listing. On a Mac the keyboard strokes are Shift/Command/4 and then you select the part of the screen you want to save. I don't know what the keystrokes are on a PC but I'm quite sure you can do it.

This is what a general screen shot of my listing looks like:

 ___________________

 If I needed more specific information, I would click on every ad and take a picture of each individual one.

___________________

This way, if I have a detailed description, I can copy it to another site when I list it.

Hopefully I will not have to do this.

Another site that Rae and Steve operate is a picture hosting site. This has been around for years and some collectors have hundreds of their photos stored there. If those sites close, they will lose their images if they haven't backed up their files.
Just like Flickr and other (free) hosting sites, they have no responsibility to stay open if they choose to shut down. If something with their software fails or their server goes down, you will not have access. Always back up your photos so you have access to your files. External hard drives are relatively inexpensive these days. Get one and back up your stuff.
Then, every so often, fill a CD with the files and store it somewhere else safe just in case. If your files are important, protect them. Don't rely on the internet, the cloud or anyone else.

Really Bad News

The following email was sent to all registered members:


TheDollPage.com is closing up.

If you have any images on either of our albums we suggest you copy them to your computer as soon as possible.

We will attempt to keep most of the sites running until June 1st to give you time to make other arrangements.

We thank you for your support over the years and apologize for the inconvenience our closing may cause you.

Admin


On the Show & Sell pages it says that there were too many complaints. I have no idea what happened.  I am very disappointed. Steve and Rae provided an amazing service and unfortunately some rotten apples ruined it for all of us.  If there is a way to change their minds, I would love to know.

Inro

Finally, after nearly 4 months I am feeling comfortable in my new studio. I was having issues with the quality of the light and so much more that I was avoiding going down there to work.
So I take these pictures of Inro and take the memory card, insert it into the reader and NOTHING. I'm going to die, right? I keep plugging the USB cable into different ports on the hub and NOTHING. So I go down and get the camera to link it directly to the computer and NOTHING.
Is it the card, the cable, the snow? Seriously!!!

My last attempt to upload the pictures was successful when I located an empty USB slot directly into my laptop and in seconds all the shots were on the computer. The darn USB hub is messed up. It's like the 4th one I've had. They all suck.

Back to more pleasant experiences.

I decided to trim Inro's lower lashes and I'm very happy with the results. They were masking the beautiful sculpt of her cheekbones and drawing her eyes down into the rest of her face. I may give a little color to her cheeks next time I get her out to play.

After I trimmed them it was time to dress her and just for the heck of it I pulled out a Gene Marshall by Mel Odom (Ashton Drake) outfit I have never had on a doll. It is a two piece plus belt linen outfit that would be very fashionable today from the Star Wardrobe collection. It fits and looks hot! I never imagined that Gene clothes would fit Inro.

I have Jamieshow shoes on her feet. I had to warm up the shoes to get them on and they still aren't fitting perfectly. I hope I find other shoes she can wear as Inro has very wide feet.

Around her neck is a gorgeous OOAK neckpiece by Asher of New England called "Quezacotl."
She is wearing a generic size 4/5 wig previously purchased for Avantguard dolls.

What do you think about the lash job?

Inamorata Inro by Emilia Couture



Original Promo Photo

 

Boater Ensemble Silkstone and In A Dream Marilyn Monroe

Two new dolls arrived today.
First from Barbie Collector is the club exclusive Silkstone called Boater Ensemble. I haven't deboxed yet but I will as she looks next to perfect. I'm pleased. Mattel's updos and pony tails are the styles they do the best.

I like her ensemble, however it looks very much like an airline stewardess outfit. The hat is a boater styled hat and, of course, that is where the name comes from.

Click here for an interesting article about Boater hats on Wikipedia.

Marilyn Monroe "In A Dream" by Tonner

I purchased this doll mainly because I love the fashion. She looks exactly like the prototype. I removed the plastic arm protectors and had a little trouble getting the fashion back to the way it was supposed to look. No biggie.

 I can't get the headwrap on the same as in the photo because I'm afraid of ruining her hair which is in a nice updo.

The real problem with this doll is the horrible doll stand. Tonner has been providing this awful stand for the last few years. The doll can't stand with her legs together and in most cases, the saddle that goes between the doll's legs shows through the garment.

Dear Mr. Tonner: 
Bring back the old Tyler stands on adjustable poles. These stands SUCK.
Thank you very much.
Terri Gold

Show & Sell Site Important Membership Notice

Copyright © 2013 by TheDollPage.com

This notice went out to all registered users of the Doll Page Show & Sell site today. Please read it.

Effective March 8, 2013, the "Show & Sell" site suspended automatic registrations and is no longer accepting new member registrations from strangers.

Anyone wishing to become a new member of the site will have to be recommended by a current member in good standing. A member who has been with the "Show & Sell" for one year and has 20 positive reviews/feedbacks will be considered a member in good standing for the new nomination process.


We realize that this new nomination process will reduce the number of new members which were joining up at the rate of about 100 per month. This new process is being instituted due to the damage done by scammers that have, up until recently, had unbarred access to our members.


As a result of this new registration process, those of you who do not publish your private email address in your listings may want to be aware that strangers who used to register just to send you a private message will no longer be able to do so. Of course, if you do publish your email address in your listings which allows non-members to contact you, you'’re taking the chance of getting approached by a scammer, but it’s your choice.


We are hoping that with the cooperation of our current members we can build a safe doll trading community where you can feel reasonably assured that your customer is a legitimate member.


Members who have been signed up with the Show & Sell for one year and have current positive reviews/feedback are eligible to nominate new members. If you would like to nominate a new member at this time, you can email me with the nominee's name and email address and we’ll send them a short application to fill out and return to us. In the near future, we will provide a “nominate a new member” area on the member control panel of every member eligible to make nominations. This new feature will replace the interim method of contacting us to nominate a new member.


We hope you will approve of our new membership registration plan. We wish that everyone could play fair and be nice, but unfortunately a free site with an open membership just attracts trouble and I think we all have enough trouble in our lives without publicly asking for more.

If you’d care to comment we ask that you please do so on the Show & Sell Forum.

Best,
Steve and Rae
Admin

 I think this is a great idea as there have been many instances of scamming recently.

Steve and Rae do a tremendous service to the doll community by offering the Show & Sell pages for free to us. Let me not forget to also mention the Doll Pages where collectors can post their images for use on boards, eBay or anywhere. They don't ask for a penny from collectors!

Anja's Head on Flat Foot Body

When Integrity Toy's Funny Face line was released recently the doll called "A Woman Who Thinks" came with the Anja face sculpt. I like her face and I hadn't kept any prior Anja releases.
I've been saving several of the Poppy and NuFace outfits that I liked.
Yesterday I had some time to play. I put shorts, top, coat and shoes on this rebodied Anja and I am happy with the results. These fashions came with the Audrey Hepburn character, Sabrina "Most Sophisticated." The jewelry is from various other dolls.

Links to Chalk White Sybarites PFDF 2013 Photos

Here is a link to the photos of Essential Resinescence on Flickr.

CLICK HERE


Here is another set of photos. These are by Melle Nano.

CLICK HERE


These are from falconher's Flickr page. Strangely, they are the same as Essential Resinescence's so I've sent an email to try to find out who actually took these photos.

CLICK HERE