3/28/2012

2012 BFMC Gala Gown Barbie Doll:

 On 3/22 these images were posted of a new Silkstone called Gala Gown Barbie Doll.  Today Sandi Holder's Doll Attic and Angelic Dreamz posted her on their website without definite prices. Update: price at those sites is $149.99.



The gown looks gorgeous but I am gun shy since Afternoon Suit arrived looking so different from the promotional photo. She was pretty much one of the most disappointing Silkstones I've ever purchased.

I do like the look of Gala Gown as I love red-haired dolls and her heart shaped lips are so pretty. But I just know that mine would arrive with freaky-looking hair. Actually, I don't like the hair on the promo either.

Some places have prices listed in the $130.-$145. range. The doll is scheduled to arrive in the fall of 2012.

3/25/2012

CDCC Challenge Three Results

Congratulations to the winners of Challenge Three:
Beginner Dmitry Puzanov

 Intermediate Cholo Ayuyao

Advanced Anita Stoklosa


Three of the four advanced contestants were given 0 points by some of the judges for reproducing obvious designs in their work. In two cases, the reproductions were fairly literal. In the third case, I didn't see it. The "Baby Doll" dress has a very different affect than that created by the contestant. Not only that, it is a coat over a dress.

It's adorable and IMO filled the requirements quite nicely. One of the judges said that he consulted with the other judges regarding that entry. I found that fact surprising as I thought all the judging was done independently.



3/24/2012

First Ever Jamieshow Convention

The staff at Angelic Dreamz has just announced the debut convention for a JAMIEshow doll! The event will take place on September 28th-30th, 2012 in Canandaigua, New York.






Click on the image above for more information.

Clearance Sale at NJ Cherished Friends

If these Jason Wu designed 21" Cissy dolls get any cheaper, they will be paying us to take them away. Cherished Friends, NJ has Envy, Vice and Lust on sale for $139.99. I have never seen anything like this before. Apparently very few wanted these dolls. I bought Vice more than a year ago and I think she is spectacular. Of the three, I recommend her but that's just my taste. I would get Envy if I had extra bucks to throw around right now.  
Lust

Envy
Vice

Marwencol

Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu, director of social media at Tonner Doll, suggested a documentary movie called Marwencol to me yesterday.  It features a man who survived a severe beating who has created an alternate world using 1/6 scale dolls. It is not about dolls, but it moved both myself and my husband who watched it along with me last night.

Click on the image below to get more information.




On this page, LINK, there are several short clips. But..I recommend watching the entire film.

I'm adding some of the comments I sent to Kevin after seeing the film.
My husband, Bob, and I watched Marwencol last night. OMG!
...
I experienced many feelings while watching. First of all I was near tears a few times. Next I was in awe of Mark's innate artistic vision. I also realized that he's not in reality all the time. He goes back and forth between being himself to being a figure in his town. It's tragic that he was cut off from therapy but amazing that he continues to create.
It's an amazing story and I loved it on so many levels.
This was definitely not about dolls nor do I see him as a doll photographer. He is capturing moments of his own life and making them 'concrete.' It keeps him anchored in whatever world he is inhabiting at the moment.
I felt pain during the segments of the art show in NY when he was talking to people who weren't at all connecting with him. When he talks about 'arming' himself before going out of his house I felt terrible. He has so much fear.
This movie is a treasure and should be marketed to therapists and rehabs. It's a perfect movie for recovering alcoholics to view...not that it's about alcoholism, but it's one of the tragic results of drinking...inappropriate talk under the influence. He knew exactly why those guys beat him up.
The funniest part of the movie was his perception of Greenwich Village and what he thought he'd see there.
I was a little shocked with the revelation of his cross-dressing penchant but it tied in when he talked about what he said in the bar that caused the beating.
I feel like I want to give him things and I may put together a package of art materials and doll stuff and bring it over to that hobby shop so they can give it to him. I have tons of stuff he might be able to use.
I was happy to see that half way through the movie he got a digital camera. I actually have that same film Pentax he was using in the beginning! It's a great camera. 
___________________
I agree that although it's not about dolls specifically, the part in which he talks about forgetting everything else and just being involved with the dolls is very relevant and I identified with that.
I've heard many collectors say that their cares and worries disappear when they're playing with their dolls.
I sometimes feel like that myself but on the dark side of that concept is that so many treat their dolls better than they treat themselves and their families and they also spend money that should be used otherwise.
______________________

If you have seen this film, please add your comments below.

3/22/2012

Sybarite Swallow

This was the first time I put a Tyler gown on a Sybarite and I was thrilled that it fit.



Then I messed around in Photoshop with layers and digital backgrounds.  I still have to teach myself to create a "floor" so the doll doesn't look as if she's floating as she appears above.