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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Making Russian Dolls


Many people often ask me how Russian matryoshka dolls are made. With their fascinating artwork and construction the dolls have intrigued many of my customers. So, I thought it was time to share how the matryoshka are produced. And, you may be surprised at just how much work goes into each set!

The first preparations actually start years before the dolls are to be made. The tree from which the dolls are produced (usually lime, birch, aspen or larch) needs to be straight, without any knots and cut down in early autumn or winter, so it holds as little sap as possible. The trunk is then stored to allow it to dry which usually takes 2-3 years. During this drying the Russian dolls are carved to ensure that, once dry, the top and bottom half of each doll fit together perfectly.

When the drying process has been completed the Russian dolls are ready to be grained and primed. After this, all the fun creative things can happen! The artist will first draw with pencil the eyes, face and clothing on each doll. When the drawing has been completed the artist will check their work to ensure it meets their quality standards. If not, the doll is then redrawn until the artist is satisfied. After the drawings are finished the artist will then use acrylic paint to complete the doll and give it its individual character. Occasionally, a pattern is burned into the doll before it is painted.

An artist at work painting her dolls A lacquer is then applied to each Russian doll to protect it from discolouration. This ensures that the doll will age well and the quality will not deteriorate over time. The lacquer also protects the dolls from dust and gives them a fine sheen.

When buying a Russian doll the quality of its craftsmanship should be examined. Each doll should fit into one another easily and each half of the doll should require a little force to separate them. If the dolls do this then they have been well made.

There are thousands of different Russian dolls available around the world. Each with its own unique artist, character and feel.




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You may reproduce the content of this article onto your own website. However, to do so you must include a link back to HandcraftedUK. Thank you.

Gary Mullen from Russian Dolls




Monday, October 24, 2011

Alzheimer Patients and Reborn Dolls


Placing a reborn doll in the arms of an Alzheimer's patient can calm them to the point of being able to communicate and take instruction. It is a really positive niche for the reborn artist.

At Ashcroft Care Home based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK, they have reported that reborn doll therapy has cut the number of patients using psychotropic drugs from 92 per cent at the start of 2008 to 28 percent.

Reborn dolls in particular seem to have the best effect with these patients, as they are so much more lifelike than traditional dolls. The dementia area is a large market that is reasonably untapped for reborn doll artists. In my research I visited a website that showed the most touching photographs of Alzheimer's patients holding their dolls. They appeared happy and calm.

Many dementia patients suffer from agitation and distress, doll therapy can alleviate this. Dementia patients can be withdrawn and communication between patients and carers difficult, reborn dolls have been shown to vastly help in these areas. The British Psychological Society Conference presented this research into reborn doll therapy.

Reborn doll therapy seems to work extremely well with female patients as it takes them back to a time when they were housewives and highly productive. Due to effects of dementia many of these patients still believe they are young, so when they adopt a reborn doll, it brings back happy memories of parenthood. Having a doll can reawaken positive memories of being useful and needed; being loved and of loving.

Doll Therapy is best introduced in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's. In the early stages the patient may know the reborn doll is not real but will enjoy the pleasures of naming it and constantly changing it's clothes. Women in the middle stages of the disease are likely to communicate with the doll; The Alzheimer patient may communicate with the doll through singing, talking and cuddling. They start to become extremely attached to their doll and keep it with them for many hours of the day.

Introducing a doll in the late stages of Alzheimer's is not quite as effective as in the early stages. Introducing a doll in the early stages will allow the owner to become used to it and as the disease progresses the bond is set and the patient will be able to get comfort from the doll well into the later stages.

Reborn dolls however, are not a cure and the sufferer will not suddenly transform back to their former self because of a reborn doll but it is the comfort the patient feels that is the real benefit of reborn doll therapy.

"I have worked with people with Alzheimer's disease for 12 years and if you ever witnessed one of my residents singing, cooing, interacting with the life-like doll, you would know that it does work. Many of our ladies were homemakers and their number one priorities were family. It was a time in their life when they were useful and had a sense of purpose. A reborn doll can bring a patient back to a time in their life where they felt secure and in control. We must join them on their journey, not ours!" (A quote from a discussion forum for Alzheimer's patients).

If you are touched by the above story and feel this may be your niche for making reborn dolls, we suggest you first visit your local nursing homes to get a better idea of what is needed. Nursing homes do not always have the finances to buy full priced reborn dolls so you may need to get in touch with the family members of patients. The positive effects of dolls needs to be demonstrated to the nursing home for them to get behind doll therapy.

Take some evidence to the homes with you about the positive effects of reborn dolls on Alzheimer's and Dementia patients.

This is a very rewarding market to be in. To help the elderly live out their years feeling more comfortable and in control is a great gift that your reborn dolls can give to society.

We wish you luck. Fran and Nicola




Fran and Nicola share all their tips and techniques to get your reborn dolls to the market place in Reborn Dolls Web Business - http://www.reborndollsforfunandprofit.com




The Spirit of True Doll Making, "Little People of the Secret Power"


Creating a Menehune doll transfers me into a miniature life of my own. I start with a clear image of the doll I want to create: its gender, the clothes, accessories, and sometimes even its name and part of its story. The flow of possibilities and creative ideas is endless. Sewing the body, stuffing it, embroidering the face, every step of the way, the Menehune grows and takes on a life of its own. It is almost as if the doll is dictating who he or she wants to become. My previous plans of the design don't seem to apply at all anymore. But I follow these inspirations because now I have entered the place of true doll making, where a deeper part of me takes over communicating with the developing spirit of the doll. I have reached my inner place of stillness, inspiration, and guidance where I find and lose myself at the same time. It enhances my ability to communicate ideas and feelings in ways where words fail. At this point I know that my new Menehune has a soul and a personality. The spirit of true doll making is enlightening.

The intricate art of crafting 3.5" miniature cloth dolls is something I would have never thought I had the patience to do. But it has become my most cherished and gratifying creation. It is a thrilling experience to look at a finished doll and see that it has come alive.

Through my Menehunes I always try to capture the ancient, magical spirit of Hawaii where I have lived for the past 30 years. Hawaiians are deeply in touch with their creative and intuitive nature. They live in harmony with creation. Hawaiian tradition emphasizes mana or spiritual energy which is expressed in philosophies, symbolism, and culture. In Hawaiian mythology Menehunes often are referred to as "the little people of the secret power". The Menehune dolls' mana connects to Hawaii's spiritual wisdom which is conveyed through their personalities and inspirational messages. I commit a lot of creativity, detailing, inspiration, and love to each individual doll. Every tiny configuration is treated with extreme care. Each stitch has to be in exactly the right position. The pattern and design of the clothing and accessories must be in harmony with the doll, enhance its personality and connect it with the wisdom found in Hawaiian symbols and stories. The work is never finished until the Menehune shows its spirit. Only then will I name it and write a story to reflect its personality which conveys messages of guidance, protection, and inspiration following concepts of Hawaiian spirituality and culture.

The creation of Nai'a, the little Menehune sailor boy, became an expression of love. Looking at him humbly offering his gift of precious seashells, I feel like he is nurturing my spirit and taking care of me which in turn makes me want to take care of him. Nai'a radiates the Hawaiian Aloha (love) spirit. Here is part of Nai'a's story:

Nai'a is named after his Aumakua (ancestral spirit) the Hawaiian Dolphin. Dolphins are often called the "Angels of the Sea". Nai'a also is an angelic little Menehune Keiki Kane (boy). His Mana (spiritual energy) is Aloha (love) and compassion. Nai'a is the most generous little Menehune. Sharing his treasures with his Menehune Ohana (family) brings him the greatest joy. Nai'a's treasures are the precious sea shells he scoops up with his fishing net when he sails his canoe through the beautiful bays of Punaluu Black Sands Beach.

Nothing makes Nai'a happier than passing out the most treasurable shell gifts to his Menehune Ohana and seeing their joy and appreciation which in turn is the greatest gift to him.

Nai's knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive. Nai's teaches us to see with the heart and act with compassion.

Nai'a's Tutu (grandmother) made the Ti Leaf Lei he wears around his neck and tied 4 more Ti leaves to the sail of his canoe. It was Tutu's sacred gift of Aloha (Love) to her grandson. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs, Ti Leaves provide protection from all harm. Surrounded by Ti leaves, Nai'a feels save and secure.

Nai'a and his Kuku (grandfather) made his canoe together. Walking through the forest they started following the native forest bird who selected the tree they would use to build the canoe. After Nai'a and his Kuku finished carving the Wa'akaukahi, they built the sail which has a design of 2 dolphins holding "fins". The dolphins on his sail give Nai'a the greatest comfort. They remind him that, if he should ever get lost at sea, he can call on his Aumakua, the dolphin, who always, without fail, comes to guide Nai'a safely back to shore.




www.hawaiianmenehunes.blogspot.com/2011/06/spirit-of-true-doll-making.html




Sunday, October 23, 2011

Reborn Baby Dolls - The Rise Of Their Popularity


Not everybody know what reborn baby doll is. When I ask people if they have heard of reborn babies, I receive various reactions: "What? Reborn Babies?", "How can I baby be reborn?" and when I explain to them what it is and show them some photos, the more I get astonishing responses. Most find it freaky, while others become more curious and learn more about it.

So what is a "reborn baby"? Reborn babies are basically dolls which are made to look and feel like a real human baby. Similar to a regular doll, they are generally made of up vinyl; however, each doll is carefully crafted to become as life-like as possible. The art of making reborn doll requires a number of detailed procedures and starts with disassembling the parts of a doll, removing its factory paint, stuffing each part to make it heavier, and putting back together again. The doll is coated with several layers of paint in different shades to create an authentic human flesh tone; then the hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes, are painstakingly rooted individually to the doll's head and face for a natural finish. To make it more realistic, some dolls are built with mechanisms to emulate the feel of heart beat. Each doll can cause a hundred to a thousand dollars depending on its workmanship. This art of making reborn doll is called "reborning" while the doll artist is called "reborner".

The process of making reborn dolls started in early 1990s in the United States, when doll aficionados wanted a more authentic human doll. Slowly it gained popularity and in 2002, the first reborn doll was sold through the internet. Since them, more and more doll enthusiasts, artists and hobbyists are engaging in reborn dolls making it popular in the different parts of the world. In 2005, the International Reborn Doll Artists was founded in Orlando, USA and currently, there are hundreds of reborn forums and guilds found in the internet.

One of the famous reborner is Deborah King, who has been in the business for more than 5 years. She said she had seen the art of making reborn dolls grows and develops and she had enjoyed specializing her skills. She had made and sold reborn dolls to collectors in the different parts of the globe. She had also been invited and interviewed by different tv shows and magazines.

One featured doll collector is Fran Sullivan, she is 62 years old and has never had a baby. She own more than 600 dolls including reborn babies. Depending on her mood, she chooses which doll to take care for the day and she talks to them just like human.

Because of the rising popularity of reborn dolls, BBC America aired a documentary on the subject in October 2008 entitled "My Fake Baby". The documentary focused on women who spent money, time and effort in rearing life-like dolls.




Visit Reborn Baby Dolls to find out which are the best selling reborn baby dolls. Get the best quality Reborn Baby Boys now.




Reborn Baby Dolls - Make Money From An Exceptional Hobby


One of the very fulfilling collector's stuff is lifelike dolls. Collectible dolls could vary from classic dolls to contemporary like dolls. When you are attracted in collecting dolls, it could be a great idea to pay attention to a special type of unique doll such as reborn baby dolls.

Reborn dolls began as a creative hobby in the 1990s and swiftly has become well-known when people needed more realistic dolls. Numerous doll companies spawned to meet the needs of this rising interest for real baby dolls. These types of dolls are mainly created with vinyl components, and only a couple of names are acknowledged to be "perfect" for reborning. Amongst these vinyl doll manufacturers, Berenguer baby dolls are mostly preferred by professional reborn creators, as all these dolls have high quality and life like facial expressions.

If you are considering selling the reborn dolls you personally designed, essentially the most vital judgments you can make shall be what amount to charge for your finished products. If you don't appropriately price your products, you can expect to possibly have no sales if perhaps an item will be priced way too high, or else you will lose business if items are listed very low for you to get some earnings. Though there are numerous methods to decide pricing, each of them use specified normal elements, amount of money invested in and general expenditures.

Next, recognize your target market. When the things you generate are charged more than what people usually purchase in a favorite public sale site, often you'll want a cheaper price., or sell within the specific market that may support your price ranges. Marketing high-priced classic reborns with a neighborhood public bazaar is not going to work, however picking up a specialized store or doll displays could. Once you have made a decision who your target market is and what they are able to pay, you'll then start working your numbers.

Third, pick out your distribution points. Deciding on best places to market your reborn baby dolls will be less difficult if you have already picked your target market. When the quality of your dolls will support the inspiration and desire of affluent doll hobbyists, then you have a market. You may either set up your own crafts boutique, or market on-line. There are already numerous reborners that are generating several revenue online by way of auction sites like eBay.

It would also be best when you can show your works of art in a shopping mall or business partner shops. By doing this you will have different options of make money from this incredible craft.




The team at Front Porch Babies is very excited to be able to now give you the newest information on the world of reborn dolls!




Saturday, October 22, 2011

How to Make Miniature Dolls


All girls have one or two miniature dolls in their toy box and some of them have a collection of these dolls, complete with dollhouse and its furniture of the same size. There are many miniature dolls sold in the market and most of them are expensive because they are collector's items. Why not consider handmade dolls for your daughter? They are cheaper, easy to make and more importantly, made of love.

The materials for the handmade dolls depend on the size of the dolls. Most miniature dolls being sold in the market are not bigger than a finger. In making dolls that are small, you will use bits of materials and few supplies, and you will probably finish the dolls in no time. For the materials and supplies, you will need a mold, porcelain or filling material of your choice, brushes, paints, wig, clothing and a scalpel. If your daughter has a favorite old dress, this project gives you the chance to use it.

Instructions:

1. First, you have to determine the size of the miniature dolls. You can create them to the scale of your daughter's dollhouse, the same size of her collection or a miniature copy of the bigger dolls.

2. Consider the mold technique you will use. Molds are available for miniature handmade dolls in different sizes. A lot of miniature dolls are representations of a specific period in the history.

3. Pick out the materials for your handmade dolls. They are typically formed using porcelain, polymer clay or epoxy resin.

4. Design the hair, face and other features of your dolls. Little wigs, earrings, necklace, clothing and other accessories are oftentimes included in a complete kit for making little dolls. However, you have the option to buy those separately for a more unique set of little handmade dolls.

5. You can browse through the internet for online tutorials, or you can also enroll yourself for craft class to have background in this craft. Utilizing a mold for the dolls appears somewhat simple, but you can amend the proficiency with supervision from the experts.

6. Consider making use of other techniques in making your tiny dolls like sewing and stuffing, carving from clay, wood or other sculpting materials.

7. Finish the dolls by painting the face feature and adding miniature accessories.

Miniature dolls come in many shapes, styles and sizes and making those beautiful handmade dolls will be an adventurous way to let out the artistic side in you. You can also create a complete set with matching miniature doll house, furniture and other decorations. So start gathering the materials for your handmade dolls and begin making miniature dolls that your daughter will surely love.




MadeItMyself is a rapidly growing, unique and fun artisan online marketplace that lets you post your handmade creations and share them with the rest of the world.

MadeItMyself provides endless possibilities for the people who love art and originality and want to make a good living from their respective trades.

http://www.madeitmyself.com

(c) Article Copyright - MadeItMyself.com.




Friday, October 21, 2011

Making Corn Husk Dolls


The history of corn husk doll making goes backs thousands of years ago to the Native American Indians. The dolls were used for amusement and some were used in sacred healing ceremonies. The Iroquois Indians have a legend that there were three sisters, the "sustainers of life". These sister were called corn, beans and squash. One of the sisters, the Corn Sister, was so thrilled to be one of the sustainers of life that she asked her creator what more she could do for her people. The Creator made a doll from corn husks and gave it a beautiful face. The Corn Sister took the doll from village to village for the children to play with, and everyone admired her beauty. After a while she became vain.

The Creator told her this was not the right behavior, and if it continued he would punish her. The Corn Sister agreed, but one afternoon she saw her reflection in a lake. She couldn't help admiring how beautiful she was. The Creator was disappointed in this and sent down an owl to snatch her reflection from the waters. When she looked again she had no reflection. This was her punishment and she could not converse with the birds or animals again. She'd roam the earth forever, looking for something to do to gain her face back. This is one reason why corn husk dolls do not have a face. Most dolls were made by children and designed after people in their village.

My introduction to corn husk dolls began about 30 years ago when I went on vacation to the east coast and visited the colonial site of Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia. In touring the historic sites I was amazed at the quilts and with their history. Many were designed as messages to soldiers and runaway slaves advising them where to find a safe haven. The dolls from that era interested me too. Some of which were made from corn husks. I'm sure the settlers leaned that craft from the Indians in the area. I love the idea of them gathering the materials needed direct from nature, unlike most of us who would now shop at Michael's or Hobby Lobby for our supplies.

I love Mexican art. On my visit there this past winter, I met a woman who I will refer to as Senora Linda. Senora Linda lives in a very tiny home in the town of San Cristabal on Lake Chapala. I first saw her corn husk dolls at the market in Ajicic and found out from friends where she lives and called her to see if I could watch her work on the dolls. I went with my American friend who speaks fluent Spanish and was kind enough to translate for me. Senora Linda welcomed us with a big smile. She had invited another crafter, Senora Laura to help her demonstrate to us the art of corn husk doll making.

Senora Linda told us the story of how she and the other village ladies began their art. About 20 years ago a teacher with two other ladies came to the village and wanted to pass on their knowledge of corn husk dolls. They wanted to make sure it would be carried on from generation to generation, so she began teaching the ladies. They started with baskets and went on to dolls and flowers. Each lady developed and expressed herself in the details of their dolls as they continued to learn. They began to add their own ideas of what their doll should look like.

Some change the color of the corn silk using the natural brown or dyeing it black. They've added tiny bouquets of flowers folded in their arms or carrying them on their shoulders or backs. They added babies wrapped in blankets in the arms of their mother and designed beautiful uplifting dresses to dancing dolls. They also create beautiful stemmed flowers, nativity sets, bride and groom sets (could be used as a wedding cake topper), firemen, dancers, catrinas, horses, rooster and parrots and more. If you had a specific request they could make it.

Today the original 22 ladies are down to only 8. They work out of their homes and coordinate their items to sell. The materials are expensive and most of the ladies dropped out because they found it difficult to afford them. Senora Linda told us the corn husks are expensive, as they have to be treated so they are pliable and don't mold. They have to purchase powdered dyes and ribbons, glue sticks and wire. The ladies that are continuing to run the organization sell their items at the local markets, but also ship to shops in Mexico City, Chapala and Los Cabos. Each lady has her own personality in her dolls. The quality of their dolls is the best I've seen, and now that I've watched how they are made I can only hope I can follow their lead.




Mari Guckenberger is a co-founder of Something and More Crafts and Gifts, http://www.somethingandmore.com. At the age of 10 she learned how to knit from one of her seven sisters. Since then she has worked on pottery, stain glass, creating novelty items, knitting and her #1 passion of sewing. Mari's first love is sewing and creating specialty items like the Kindle and Nook electronic book covers, aprons and purses that you see on her web site. Mari retired in February 2010 from her full time job and envisioned selling her craft items. Although she enjoys going to craft shows, she wanted these items available year round and decided to try internet selling. She soon found other crafters who felt the same way and thus started Something and More Crafts and Gifts




Gorgeous Tonner Company Twilight Dolls Make Fangtastic Holiday Gifts For Your Special Twilighter!


With the holidays fast approaching, you may be wondering what, if anything, can you possibly get the Twilighter in your life that will make their holiday one to remember. T-shirts and posters are nice but is there anything really special and one of a kind that none of their friends have? The answer is a resounding yes. In my opinion, the ultimate Twilight collectible is a Tonner Doll Company Twilight series doll.

The Tonner Doll Company is known around the world for their award-winning dolls and character figures. Their philosophy is to make exquisitely detailed dolls that are both for collecting and playing. The details of their dolls are amazing and the Twilight series is no exception. If you or your Twilight fanatic are a serious collector of highly sought after dolls or if you just want to have the absolute, must own Twilight Collectible, you have to check out these dolls.

Pretty much every character from the movies is available. Some of the best I have seen and most highly reviewed by owners are Victoria, Edward and Bella. The Edward doll is a full 17 inches tall. Fans of the series will just love this doll. It is sculpted from vinyl and hard plastic and has rooted hair and hand-painted facial features. Decked out in a stylish black suit, he is ready for display and posing with multiple points of articulation. S. Blakely simply states; "this is one of the best male sculpts he (Tonner) has done! A very beautiful face! Love this doll!" Noreen M also has high praise for Edward stating; "Highest quality collector's character-perfect likeness-wow!" This is a beautiful collectible and anyone would feel honored to receive it.

What would Edward be without Bella? Well probably very lonely. So Tonner made a wonderful Bella doll as well. At 15 inches, she stands up perfectly to the Edward doll. She has hand-painted features as well and wears a gorgeous blue dress, a white sweater and black leggings. The details incorporated into the doll extend all the way down to working shoe laces and are truly amazing. Mermaid Girl gushes; "I couldn't be more pleased with the beautiful Tonner Bella Swan doll I received. The detailing is amazing; her hair is thick and lush. The doll is very high value." Rated at 5/5 by most all reviewers, she is felt to be beautiful and stylish and perfect for being displayed with Edward.

My favorite of the bunch is a bad girl and that is Victoria. I don't think I have seen many dolls with more detail than the Tonner version. She is fully authorized and limited to a total run of only 1000 dolls. She is unbelievable! Callie from Ohio agrees. She loves the painted face which she claims resembles Rachelle Lefevre, the actress who portrayed Victoria in the movie. She loves her eyes and slight blush on her cheeks. She feels that the hair is also a fantastic feature with wild blond curls just like in the movie. She also goes on to detail the intricate detail in the clothing. She comes wearing a tank top with a near exact replica of the design in the movie. She also wears black denim jeans and the best feature of all, her plush faux fur jacket. Accessories include a gold necklace, peacock feather charm as well as several others. She sums it all up stating; "I think that this would make and amazing holiday gift."




Of course Jacob, Alice and all the other main characters are available also, so no Twilighter need be left out. Team Jacob or Team Edward; Victoria or Bella; good or evil; every Twilight fan can find the doll of their dreams in the Tonner collection. Please join me at http://twilightclothing.net where I have compiled the best of the collection for your viewing. As I write this, Breaking Dawn is 363 days away from opening to huge audiences worldwide. Help the Twilight fans in your life have the happiest of holidays as they count down to opening night!




Thursday, October 20, 2011

How To Measure Your Doll For Clothing


Do you like the idea of making a doll's dress for your own doll or a friends? Or how about some other articles of clothing like a trouser suit, pyjamas or a night shirt?

If you have never done it before, it is not that hard to create a decent job of making dolls' clothing, but you will have to take measurements, just as in real life.

It is a good idea to know the full length of the doll, but there are no garments that actually cover from head to toe unless you are designing a ghost's fancy dress costume for the doll. Be careful with the chest measurement too.

You cannot estimate it because dolls, both male and female, tend to have larger chests than proportion would suggest that they ought to be. Just look at Barbie and Ken, they could probably hold their breath for ten minutes!

Similarly, the inside leg measurements tend to be exaggerated and the waist way undersized. This is why it is so essential to measure the doll or if the dolls' clothing is to be a surprise, measure one like it. From waist to the hem is enough for a skirt or from neck to the hemline for a dress.

If you are manufacturing trousers, you will require the inside leg and the outside leg to the waist band or hips, depending on the fashion. Then you will also require the waist or the hip measurement and the combined thigh measurement for skirts and dresses or individual thigh measurements for trousers or slacks.

If you are measuring for a top or the top of a dress, you will require the measurements from the sternum to the centre of the armpit and from there to the centre of the other armpit.

In numerous ways, measuring a doll for clothing is similar to measuring humans, but on the other hand, the dimensions can have a great deal more tolerance because seams do not come under stress from movement with dolls. It is fairly easy to just use common sense while measuring dolls for clothing, but practice will make perfect.

One of the best habits that you can get into is making notes and making sketches. When you have become proficient enough at making dolls' clothing, you might be able to sell your produce and perhaps even sell your pattern book as well, if they are all your original ideas.

Tailoring or dressmaking for dolls can be immense fun and children will certainly appreciate a new, unique costume for their doll, but then you will see that for yourself the first time you present your little niece, nephew or friend with one of your latest designs.




Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on a number of subjects, but is now concerned with Silver Cross Dolls Prams. If you want to know more, please visit our website at Doll Prams.




Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Baby Reborn Dolls - Do You Know You Can Have Them Custom Made?


Toys continue to evolve these days, and in fact, there are even toys that are now created for grown-ups such as the Baby Reborn Dolls. These types of dolls have become more and more popular nowadays, because of the fact that many people are simply amazed about their designs, and how they are made.

With these dolls lifelike features, a lot of people simply could not resist in acquiring one, especially if they want to commemorate and remember the birth of their child.

Dolls are being manufactured by certain companies, with the help of highly skilled artists, which are responsible in designing the dolls. These toys are carefully molded by their producers in order to achieve that lifelike looks, which is being sought after by a lot of doll collectors all around the world.

In general though, you can choose between having a generic reborn doll, which would of course look pretty much the same as the other ones in the stands, or one that has been customized.

There are certain manufacturers today that are already equipped with the technology and expertise in providing customizable Dolls. With these types of dolls, you can actually let them mold the dolls into something similar as your own children when they were still babies. You should know that many parents are doing this today, as a way for them to commemorate and remember how their children look like, when they were still weeks or months after birth. There are also people who would give them as gifts, especially to parents whose kids are going away for college.

If you have a baby, it is also a good time for you to purchase a custom Reborn Doll, which would be designed similarly as your child, so that when your child has already grown up, he or she would be able to see a replica of how he or she looked like, at that time. You can even request the manufacturer to make the doll weigh the same as your child, so that it would be as realistic as possible.

You can search companies that make Baby Reborn Dolls in many ways. If you want to locate them faster though, make use of the internet, since websites about them are uploaded all over the web.




When looking for Baby Reborn Dolls, So Truly Real Baby Dolls or Reborn Dolls in General? Visit The Reborn Dolls Store at: RebornDollsStore.com




Waldorf Dolls - The Most Cuddly Doll Your Child Will Ever Love


Making special toys for your children is a wonderful way to say, "I love you." Waldorf dolls are soft and huggable, ideal for children to carry around as a special lovey doll. If you make them yourself, Waldorf-style dolls can be easily customized to look like your child. Because the facial features typically are only very minimally indicated (just dots for eyes, and a simple little curve for a mouth), all you need to do to create a twin playmate for your child is to match the eye color and hair color and style.

What distinguishes Waldorf dolls from any other toys? There are really only a few basic requirements:


Like all Waldorf toys, the dolls should be hand crafted, of all natural materials.
Ideally, the creator of the doll should craft it with love, as the doll will be imbued with the maker's spiritual state.
Materials for Waldorf dolls include 100% cotton fabric, and pure wool stuffing.
Using natural wool stuffing makes the doll feel warm and slightly heavy, for a cuddly, life-like feel.

Making Waldorf dolls is not at all difficult. Really!

Clean, carded wool is actually easier to work with and stuffs more smoothly than polyester fluff (and because of the natural lanolin in the wool, handling it will soften your hands!). The soft cotton knits used for Waldorf doll skins are very forgiving and easy to sew, as they readily conform to the contours of the head and body without forming unwanted pleats and puckers. What's more, the simple designs of Waldorf dolls are readily achieved with modest sewing skills.

There are many different types of Waldorf-inspired dolls, from the simplest bunting babies to fully articulated dolls with button joints. The simplest Waldorf dolls, suitable for infants and very young children, don't even need to be dressed, as the body is made from colored fabric which does double duty as the doll's clothing.

The most basic Waldorf design is the bunting baby, which can be made very quickly. This doll consists of a round, stuffed head, attached to a floppy, nearly shapeless bunting body of colored fabric.

More advanced, but still very simple Waldorf dolls can be made with a round, stuffed head attached to a rag-doll type body with arms and legs, but no joints.

The traditional construction method for the head starts with wool batting wound into a ball and covered with tubular cotton gauze. Strong thread tied around the center of the head creates the eye line. This is then covered with the doll skin fabric, with just a few embroidery stitches indicating eyes and mouth.

Wigs in many styles can be made from wool or mohair yarn, attached to a fabric or crochet skull cap.

When the head is attached to a rag doll body sewn from colorful cotton fleece, you have a doll all ready-dressed in pajamas.

Whatever doll type you choose, you're sure to fall in love with these charming dolls.




Margaret Lunn is an award-winning quilter, doll artist, and puppeteer. Her Waldorf doll patterns make beautiful dolls easy for even novice dollmakers. For more detailed instructions and shortcut tips for making Waldorf dolls, be sure to visit http://www.WaldorfDollMaking.com.




Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Make Your Own Rag Doll - Doll Making Supplies


Dolls are a child's first best friend. They serve a purpose as friends, they teach nurturing and they are really a child's first step to becoming social. Dolls can be found in almost any household in toy boxes, on shelves full of collectible dolls, on top of wedding cakes, movie star dolls in a teenagers room and sports dolls that reside in a manly sports room. You can even make your own doll.

Rag dolls were the special friend that rode with a child in the back of a covered wagon. Mothers, back then, had never heard of the words "thrift" or "recycle", but that is exactly what they did to provide their children with a friend. They used scrap rags for the body and the clothes and weeds and straw for the stuffing. In today's world, if you would like to make your own doll, your choices of supplies are not quite so limited. The basics for a rag doll would be a pattern, fabric and stuffing. Even those basics could be whittled down, somewhat, by using old linens and textiles from your closets and making your own pattern.

For a pattern, start by drawing a rectangle on paper for the body. Draw a circle sitting on one short end of the rectangle for the head. Round the outer corners of the body and the inner corners where the head meets the body in order to shape the pattern. Place the pattern on a doubled piece of chosen body fabric, with the right sides facing. Draw around the pattern. Sew on the drawn lines, leaving the bottom of the body unstitched. Cut the body out a 1/4 inch from the stitched lines. Clip the corners and turn right side out. Stuff the head and body firmly and close the open end.

Make your own doll as whimsical as you would like. The normal size for a leg pattern would be the measurement from the bottom of the body to almost the top of the head and slightly narrower than half the body width. The whimsy size could be quite a bit longer. Use fabric that will mimic stockings and cut two for each leg. Sew the legs the same as the body, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn and stuff the legs and close the ends. Attach the legs to the bottom seam on the doll's body. Make the arms as long as the doll's body and slightly narrower than the doll's legs. Repeat the sewing used for the legs. Turn and stuff the arms and close the ends. Attach the arms to the shoulder seams of the body.

Make your own doll clothes using the shape of the body as a guide. Add hair using craft doll hair, yarn or fabric. Finally, sew or paint a face on your doll and add ribbons, buttons and trims to give personality.

You could, of course, use most any materials to make a wide range of doll styles. Try this basic doll as inspiration for others.




Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about make your own doll [http://collectabledollssite.info/make-your-own-rag-doll-doll-making-supplies], please visit Collectible Doll Site [http://collectabledollssite.info] for current articles and discussions.




Monday, October 17, 2011

Getting Hooked On Reborn Baby Dolls


What is a reborn baby doll? It is an extremely life like doll, made of vinyl that have only been around since 1990. Reborn baby dolls are artistically created to represent a newborn baby. They are fun to collect and, as a hobby, are fun and quite gratifying to make. The artist who creates reborn baby dolls are called "reborners".

Have you seen a reborn doll up close? If you have, it is easy to understand how easily it is to become emotionally attached to them. They really do look like a living baby!

"Reborners" will tell you that creating a reborn baby doll is a labor of love. Combine that love with the level of craftsmanship exhibited by these talented reborn doll artists and you have thing of beauty. The skin coloring, the life-like expressions, the tiny veins and wrinkles all reflect the artistry and skill of the creator.

If you are new to reborning, there are options to choose from when deciding which reborn baby doll is right for you. There are starter kits that come complete with a training DVD and is a great way to make your first doll. You can choose between a boy or girl and they are available in a range of sizes:

Minis are a tiny 6 inches long
Newborns are 14" long
Preemies (or premature babies) come in 15" to 17" long
Baby dolls range from 14" to 20" in length
Toddlers which are generally 20" to 22" long

Not unlike "book clubs" you will find "reborner clubs" where once a week you can get together and create your dolls. This can be especially nice for those new to reborning as you can learn many techniques from others within the group.

There are specialized techniques for making reborns which you can learn from a class or from a DVD that you can watch in your home. The baby doll's hair can be a wig or "rooted" with mohair. The baby's limbs, hands and feet have wrinkles. There is a technique for creating the veins, and skin tones, fingernails and toenails. You can create skin tones for all ethnic backgrounds. All in all, it is a hobby that you can share with your friends and family. You will see many mother and daughter reborn doll making teams!

Dolls by Sherry (http://www.dollsbysherry.com) is a website from two very talented Reborners; Sherry Polokoff and Barbara Newman. Barbara created her first reborn doll for her granddaughter and has been "hooked" ever since. Sherry has been a porcelain doll maker for over 30 years and fell in love with reborns several years ago. Are you are interested in the art of Reborning? Get yourself a starter kit and see what it is all about. Dolls by Sherry offers completed Secrist reborn dolls for "adoption", as well as, reborn doll kits and accessories.




Genie Ladd is a website designer and blogger. http://www.thewebsitegal.com




Collectible Barbie Dolls - Make Money With Your Collection


Barbie will be 50 years old in 2009. Wow I wish we all looked that good at 50. Of course she has had plastic surgery over the decades. She has even had a complete body replacement.

Barbie was first made in 1959 by Mattel and millions have been sold all over the globe since then. On March 9th 1959 Barbie was exhibited at the New York Toy Fair and that date is her official birthday. She wore a one piece black and white zebra striped swimsuit,high heel open toe shoes,hoop earrings and had white sunglasses with blue lenses. She has blonde or brunette hair pulled back in a ponytail and she has strongly arched eyebrows and white irises. She was made from a type of plastic which has faded to white over the years. She has copper tubing in her legs and holes in the feet for mounting on a pedestal. She is marked JAPAN on the bottom of the right foot and on the body she is marked Barbie TM Pats. Pend. Copyright MCMVIII.

If you find one of these dolls in good condition you have a collectors delight which is worth quite a bit of money. The exact value depends on the condition and completeness of the doll. Any missing parts or damage will lower the value substantially. This doll is known as the #1 Ponytail Barbie.

The #2 Ponytail Barbie is the same as #1 except that there is no copper tubing in the legs or holes in the feet. The pedestal was changed and made with extensions to support the doll.

The #3 Ponytail Barbie is the same as #2 but has different eyebrows and blue irises. She may have blue or brown eyeliner makeup.

The #4 Ponytail Barbie is made from a non fading plastic which retains it's flesh color. She has blue eyeliner makeup.

The #5 Ponytail Barbie was made with a hollow plastic body rather than the solid type found in earlier editions. The markings are similar with the difference that she is marked R Pats. Pend. rather than TM Pats. Pend. A new hair color was added to the line,known as titian,and dolls with this hair color are scarcer and therefore worth more than the brunette or blonde dolls. The plastic in some dolls had a problem which caused a greasy appearance with age. The regular matte faced doll,if you find one,is more valuable than a greasy faced doll.

The #6 Ponytail Barbie was made from a new vinyl which does not develop a greasy appearance as it ages. Her lips and fingernails are a pinkish red rather than the previous bright red. She is clad in a red swimsuit and has open toe,red,shoes.

The #7 Ponytail Barbie was made in various different hair colors including brunette, titian,lemon blonde and ash blonde. Her lips and nails are coral red. This new edition was brought out in the 1962-1963 period and the markings became Midge TM copyright 1962/Barbie copyright 1958 by Mattel. Dolls with this new marking are often called the #7 Ponytail Barbie but many people still call them #6. Dolls made before the changeover in 1962 are scarcer and more valuable than the new edition.

Condition is undoubtedly the most important factor in putting a value on early Barbie dolls. Collectors want a doll which is clean,completely original and not damaged.Such a doll fetches top price. If the doll is in its original packaging,and in mint condition, it is a highly desirable collectors doll and will fetch a premium price. Dolls which have in any way been repaired,restored or repainted are worth less than those left in the faded original condition.

Where can you expect to find early collectible Barbie dolls? The answer is almost anywhere,if you know what you are looking for. The vast majority of people do not know what an old Barbie doll looks like or that it is valuable. You can find old Barbie dolls sometimes by looking in thrift or second hand stores, fleamarkets and garage sales. Be sure to carry a magnifier to read the markings on the Barbie dolls when you are out there searching. Best of Luck.




Like to find out a lot more about collectible Barbie dolls and their prices?
Go to this site where there are listings of hundreds of Barbie's and Barbie accessories price at less than $1 and up http://www.bestsearchinfo.info




Sunday, October 16, 2011

A Little History On Dolls


The doll is perhaps the oldest type of toy in human history. Evidence of doll making can be traced back to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including ancient Egypt and Rome. In modern times, baby dolls continue to hold a great deal of fascination, for both children and adults. They are still one of the most popular toys for children today and millions are sold each year around the world.

Over the centuries, baby dolls have been made from a variety of materials. Throughout most of history, the vast majority of these toys were made from either wood or some variation of pottery. They were often made by hand, by either a parent or relative of the child, and many of these dolls would be passed down from one child to the next. Paper dolls have also been very popular for many centuries, but due to the nature of paper, they generally did not last as long. During the 18th century, porcelain dolls became quite popular and were largely preferred to the older wooden or clay designs.

Shortly after World War II, the introduction of plastics would have a significant impact on the doll industry. Plastic was much less expensive than porcelain, and could be easily molded into nearly any shape imaginable. These characteristics allowed manufacturers to create plastic dolls on a mass-scale, and allowed them to do so for a fraction of the cost of the more traditional materials. Today, most of the toy dolls that are sold through local toy stores are almost always made from plastic, regardless of their design.

Modern baby dolls are available in a seemingly endless variety. Sizes can range from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, all the way up to life-size models. They can be found in both male and female designs, as well as with any number of ethnic or cultural identities. Many of today's doll manufacturers also create entire accessory lines that are intended to enhance the appeal of their products. Clothing and jewelry are commonly sold as accessories for dolls, as are strollers, changing stations, and even furniture.

Most local toy stores are literally stocked full of dolls, of all shapes and sizes. However, if for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for through a local source, there are many online resources as well. These Internet retailers are often the best place to find something truly unique.




Jennifer R. Scott has been writing for over ten years on a broad range of topics. She has a background that includes such diverse areas as environmentalism, cooking, animal care, and technology. If you would like more information on baby dolls, please visit this site.




Saturday, October 15, 2011

Half Penny Dolls


Half Penny Dolls have been around for many generations. They probably were named for the inexpensive nature of the materials used to make them--bits of wire, wool, and string.

Half Penny Dolls should not be confused with Penny Dolls, which are dolls carved from wood, also known as Peg Dolls or Dutch Dolls.

Half Penny Dolls are made by bending wire into a body shape, then wrapping the limbs with string. The body is wrapped with wool or fabric. A head is formed from a ball of wool or a wooden bead.

It is possible that the Half Penny Doll originated when a mother busy with her spinning or weaving, and needing a distraction for a demanding child, grabbed a few bits of wool and formed it into a little toy. The dolls became very popular with young girls because they were simple enough for children to make themselves, and provided hours of entertainment just in the process of making and dressing the dolls.

In 2003, Salley Mayvor re-introduced the world to Half Penny Dolls with her book Felt Wee Folk (C&T Publishing). In her book, Salley demonstrates making dolls with pipe cleaners, and dressing them with silk flower petals, wool felt, and acorn hats.

Recently, at a family gathering, we had a doll making workshop. Several nieces, sisters, cousins and aunts, ages seven to fifty, spent the day making half penny dolls. With a few pipe cleaners, scraps of fabric, wooden beads, and crochet cotton, we had a complete doll making factory in the dining room. Imagination blossomed as little girls drew out designs for their dolls and the adults helped them make those design come to life. As well as tiny dolls for keepsakes, memories were created that day.




I have been making Half Penny Dolls for my daughter to play with for years. They have been some of her favorite playthings. Recently, I have begun marketing my Half Penny Doll designs in kit form. The kits are inexpensive and contain all the materials for making a four inch Half Penny Doll, including the hand-painted face. You can take a look at my doll kits, which I call Pixie Dixie Dolls, at smalldollworld.com [http://www.smalldollworld.com]

copyright © 2008 Small Doll World.




Making Your Own Dolls and Stuffed Animals


People have been making dolls for thousands of years. In fact, archeologists have found dolls in Egypt dating back to 2000 BC. Thousands of years later and dolls are still very popular. This popularity can be seen in the variety of dolls and stuffed animals that are available to purchase at stores. Even with all this variety to choose from, doll making is a popular activity. Keep reading to discover why doll making is so popular and more importantly, how to make a doll or a stuffed animal.

Why is Doll Making So Popular?

People have many reasons for making their own dolls or stuffed animals. These vary from person to person, along with the benefits. The reasons and benefits for making your own dolls include:


They are great to give as gifts,
You can customize the doll to create a very unique look,
It is very satisfying when you make something yourself,
People appreciate the work that went into a homemade gift,
Smaller projects don't require large amounts of fabric, so it's a perfect way to use up fabric scraps, and
It's a great way to introduce children to crafts.

How To Make Your Own Doll

Dolls or stuffed animals can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them. They are made from patterns that can contain 1-3 pieces that are sewn together or from many pieces. No matter how simple or complex the pattern is, the process is the same. First, trace the pattern pieces onto fabric and cut them out. Next, place the pieces together, with the right side of the fabric turned in. Sew the edges together, leaving a small opening. Turn the fabric inside out, fill with stuffing and sew the small opening shut.

Options

When it comes to doll making, you have a couple of options.


You could buy a pattern. The pattern will indicate what supplies are needed, the pattern and complete instructions for assembling the doll. The advantage of buying a pattern is that it is generally cheaper to buy the pattern and all the supplies yourself than to buy a kit, especially if you already have some of the required supplies.
Another option is to buy a kit. The advantage of buying a kit is that it will contain both the pattern and all the supplies that you need to make the doll. That means you'll save time in gathering all the necessary supplies.
A third option is to design your own stuffed animal pattern. You can start by drawing the shape on paper. Then cut the material and sew it together. As you gain more experience, you can make more complex patterns with several pieces. The main advantage of this option is that your doll or stuffed animal will truly be one of a kind.

Final Considerations

Most fabric will work wonderful. Material such as fake fur or any type of material that has long, fuzzy strands is better suited for medium to large sized projects. Just keep in mind that the thicker the material, the harder it is to sew together when it is in small pieces.

As well, take a look at the pattern itself. Does it have a lot of pieces to be sewn together? Does it have many curves or tight curves to sew? If you answered yes to these two questions, then just keep in mind that these are more advanced patterns that may not be suitable for children or beginner sewers. Once you have a little experience with sewing and are feeling up to the challenge, then these more complex patterns will allow you to make detailed dolls that are absolutely gorgeous.




Are you now inspired to make your own doll or stuffed animal? If so, please visit Beautiful Creations at [http://www.beautifulcreations.ca/ProjectIdeas/FreeProjectsForChildren.htm] for free doll projects, perfect for children and beginner sewers alike! Each project has pictures and step-by-step instructions to guide you along.




Friday, October 14, 2011

Making Waldorf Dolls - The Big 3 Myths That Can Hold You Back


No doubt about it, there's a certain mystique about Waldorf dolls, and with good reason. Every Waldorf doll is individually made by hand. That fact alone sets them apart from the mass of commercially produced toys. These irresistible dolls achieve their distinctive appearance by means of a unique construction method, and their uncommonly huggable feel is the result of only all natural materials.

But don't be fooled! Uncommon though they are, they deserve to be far less rare. There's no good reason why the pleasure of making Waldorf dolls should be reserved for only a handful of highly skilled artisans.

If you've ever wanted to try making a Waldorf doll, but hesitated, maybe one of these Waldorf doll making myths is holding you back:

Myth Number 1: The materials are too hard to find.

This may have been true twenty years ago, before the internet became a ubiquitous presence, but it's certainly not true now!

Waldorf dolls are indeed fussy about what goes into them. Only all natural materials may be used, like 100% cotton fabrics and soft sheep's wool stuffing. These are not commonly available at fabric shops or crafts outlets, but there are numerous online merchants who have them in many color choices, along with all sorts of useful tools and notions for the doll maker. In Australia and the U.S. there are domestic sources. Elsewhere, supplies may need to be shipped, but they are certainly not hard to find. Type "Waldorf doll supplies" into your favorite search engine to get an extensive list of vendors.

Myth Number 2: The materials are too expensive.

I'll admit, there's at least a kernel of truth in this one. Compared to polyester fiberfill, carded wool batting does seem quite costly. On the other hand, if you've worked with the poly fluff, then worked with wool, I think you'll agree that the difference in quality is far greater than the difference in price.

A one-pound package of wool batting will make a large doll, or several smaller ones. If you are making a small doll, you might consider purchasing material with a friend and sharing the cost. The cotton interlock fabric that makes the best doll skin is sold in generous widths. A ½-yard cut will definitely make several dolls, so is good for sharing.

You may also be able to recycle some materials as a thrifty alternative. A cotton tee-shirt that has been washed to a wonderful softness can be dyed and used for doll skin. Worn-out clothing often yields pieces of fabric in good condition. These can make fabulous doll clothes. Yarn unraveled from an old wool sweater makes some of the very best curly doll hair.

Myth Number 3: Waldorf Dolls are too difficult to make.

Utter nonsense! Waldorf-style dolls are among the very easiest of all dolls to make! Their body shapes are quite simple, with mitten-shaped hands (no finicky little fingers to turn) and minimal articulation of the limbs. The distinctively-shaped Waldorf head is achieved by tying two strings around a ball of wool. Presto! An adorable child's head appears as if by magic.

That marvelous wool stuffing will seem worth every penny when you see how smoothly it fills out a shape. No lumpy limbs! Plus, you can pull it all out and re-stuff with the same wool, and it's good as new.

So what are you waiting for? That special child in your life deserves an extraordinary doll, hand made with love by you.




Margaret Lunn is an award-winning quilter, doll artist, and puppeteer. Her Waldorf doll patterns make beautiful dolls easy for even novice dollmakers. For more detailed instructions and shortcut tips for making Waldorf dolls, be sure to visit http://www.WaldorfDollMaking.com.




Thursday, October 13, 2011

Discover a Niche for Reborn Dolls With These 5 Tips


Finding a niche in the reborn doll market is the easiest and fastest way to become well known for creating reborn dolls. Learning to market your dolls in a niche is easier than trying to take on the whole reborn industry from the start.

A niche is a smaller part of a larger market. Dominating a niche is where your traffic and therefore your profit come from.

Before you try to dominate the whole reborn doll market, choose a niche, become the expert in that niche and move on.

Below are the 5 top niches we believe are great for reborn artists.

1. With over 700 reborn dolls being sold at any one time on eBay it makes it a difficult site to dominate. If you can learn the rules and techniques needed to get yourself onto the first pages of eBay, you stand a good chance of becoming the reborn artists who is followed by a bidding war of interested customers every time you put up an auction.

2. A Website. Getting to a large market in your niche is made possible by using your own dedicated website or some one else's. It is important to try to get your reborn dolls where the buyers will see them, so if you sell on other people's sites checkout where they land on Google and the other search engines. Your buyers have limited time so will be attracted to the most professional websites.

3. The Aging. Another local untapped market is the senior citizen market and in particular the dementia patients. Dolls have been used for Alzheimer's patients for some time with differing degrees of success. Reborn dolls that resemble real babies have been used with great success to calm and give a purpose to Alzheimer's patients. To tap into this growing market, start with your local nursing homes and talk to the administrators and staff. Most nursing homes and Alzheimer's associations will not have the budget to buy reborn dolls for the patients but caring families may.

4. Grieving mothers, no matter what age, have found great comfort from holding a reborn doll. To reach this market, use the resources around you from the local churches, hospitals and counselors for grief. Have a look in your community to see what is available for grieving mothers and make an appointment with the centre. Take a sample of your reborn dolls along with as much evidence that you can gather on the beneficial effects these wonderful dolls have for the grieving.

5. Consignment. Selling on consignment is yet another option for the reborn artist. There are specialist doll stores that may not be able to pay upfront for your dolls but would be happy to take them on consignment. When the doll is sold you will receive your payment. Do not stop with only doll stores. Look around your area or city to find other stores that could take your reborn dolls on consignment.

Marketing is a task that needs to be done to sell anything. Even Coca Cola has to continually update their advertising to stay in the forefront of the minds of thirsty consumers!

We wish you all the best with your reborn doll business and hope that these tips will see you develop your passion into a reality.




http://www.reborndollsforfunandprofit.com/




Bobble Head Dolls Make Great Gifts


Have you ever seen a bobble head before? It is a one of the most popular collectible items and it is characterized mainly as a toy which has a head that bobbles or moves with the slightest tap or movement. So how does it work and what is it made of? This is a kind of toy wherein the head is connected to a spring. This spring is then coupled to the toy's body. Moreover, the torso of the doll is smaller compared to the size of the head. This creates more emphasis to the wobbling head. This collectible is also known for its other names such as nodder, bobbing head doll or wobbler.

For sure you have seen one in cars and in stores. Bobble head dolls are very popular among sports fans because most sporting events sell or give out these nodders as a souvenir or as a collectible item. These bobble head toys first made its popular appearance during the 1950's during the release of the Beatles bobble head collection. Since then, these collectible toys have seemed to be crazed by sports and music fans all over the world. However, its popularity has died down for quite some time after the 1980's. But it slowly became fashionable again when bobble head manufacturers found economical ways to produce it. These makers have already created nodders that were made of inexpensive materials such as plastic so the production of various bobble head dolls became alive once more.

Collectibles and bobble head toy series have been released for promotional and advertising purposes while some are produced for wobbler buffs to add to their collection. Aside from that, these bobble head toys and dolls are great gift ideas for men and for guy friends. Most nodder collectors look for these dolls depicting cartoon and movie characters, popular soccer players and even those in other sporting events. Some popular food chains even have their own bobble head toys of their mascots as a souvenir item for their customers. Aside from that, more and more wobbler manufacturers are into making customized nodders. If you want to have an actual toy figure of your own, you can simply give your photo and voila, in a matter of days you will a bobbing head doll version of yourself.

Most wobbler manufacturers are already accepting customized requests from clients so you can definitely have a nodder doll of your favorite star or your cherished dog. Want to know where to look for the best bobble head manufacturer? There are tons of sites on the internet where you will have a wide variety of choices. Custom bobbing head items may differ from one manufacturer to another so it is best if you do some canvassing first. The price also varies depending on the size, the intricacy, the design and the material to be used. Some plastics are much more durable than others and some are made of high-grade material. But for sure, custom bobble heads make a nice gift or souvenir suited for different occasions and events.




Bobbleheads are NO LONGER exclusive to celebrities. Now you may order your Custom Bobblehead.




Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Reasons Why People Make Voodoo Dolls


Traditionally, Voodoo dolls were created to symbolize a deity. Researchers say they were brought over by West African slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are tools of an old and spiritual religion. Because of a universal misconception, they hold a dark place in our cultural imagination and most people see them as agents of evil. In contrast, they have in fact many positive uses, both in the past and present time. Presently, they are constructed to serve a practical purpose in the real world.

It is easy to see how in a time of slavery voodoo dolls became associated with vengeful magic. Within their cruel world, slaves sought protection against brutality, salvation from slavery and revenge for the suffering experienced at the hands of masters and drivers. The dolls became tools for hope and cleansing.

In time, media showed voodoo-doll-making to the public as a bad form of magic. Modern-day practitioners, however, disagree with the latter and presents that a large percent of these dolls are in fact used for healing and meditation.

People are driven to make voodoo dolls for two basic reasons: to gain power over someone or an element ( the disinterested love object, safe travels) and to help a community (good weather for the crops). They are also most commonly used in meditation, a process that involves placing the doll on an altar and focusing on it as one concentrates on a particular desire. They may also be used to connect to a particular deity, by lighting a candle to it and making offerings.

However a voodoo doll is used, whether it be to achieve success, find true love or even more rarely, to inflict pain on another, its overall function is to place the individual in a give-and-take relationship with the spiritual and the divine.




See more Voodoo articles at the How To Do Voodoo site. Click here to know more about voodoo dolls.




Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Collecting Antique Dolls Makes a Wonderful Hobby


The great period for doll making was from 1840 through 1830.

In this era doll makers took great pride in their work and turned out dolls of great fine tuned detail, from the hand painted eyes in the smooth porcelain heads to the steel riveted leather or cloth bodies and porcelain limbs. The clothing on these antique dolls were hand made by accomplished seamstresses who took the same pride in their work as the doll makers did.

Today we can see this pride reflected in the dolls that have survived the past hundred or more years and they are truly a joy to look at. The fine porcelain heads with human hair set in the pates with the fine detailed faces reflect the countenance of the time period in which they were made. The wonder and innocence that seems to emulate from those faces can bring us back in time in our imaginations.

The wonderfully refined and cultured dress of the antique dolls that were made to represent the women of the time are exquisite. From the long underclothing to the many layers above, finished off with the high topped shoes and the sun shading hat. Armand Marseille, Heinrich Handwerck, Ernst Heubach, JD Kestner, Ernst Kammer, Franz Reinhardt, Pierre Jumeau and Leon Casimir Bru were each in the top of the top doll makers in the time period in which they lived and worked their doll magic.

Today any of their dolls are the ones collectors keep an eye open for.

Marceille, Handwerck, Heubach, Kestner, Kammer and Reinhardt were all of German descent, Jumeau and Bru of French descent.

When collecting antique dolls, everyone wishes for the best, of course, a doll with no cracks or crazing, which is a "weathering" of the doll shown by lines on the surface, and certainly no missing limbs. However, even those dolls are worthy of having in your collection. They show a loved and well played with history and are valuable just as they are, not all cleaned up and repainted and redressed and given new wigs.

More often than not, a " redoing " will diminish the value of a collectible doll.

If you are a doll lover of any kind, beware. Once you begin to really look at these old antique dolls, you will be smitten. They are hard to resist, but.. know that any one of them that makes its way into your home and your heart will never let you down. Their value can only go up as time goes by... and there will always be doll lovers around.




Mandy has a broad knowledge of all aspects of antique dolls...having collected dolls for more years than she cares to say.. and you can get a wonderful look at their history on her blog... The Doll Maker Of Old [http://thedollmakerofold.blogspot.com/]




4 Tips on Doll Making Every Doll Enthusiast Should Know


Who says dolls are only for small girls? They can be for grown ups too! The idea of doll making roots from different likes, preferences, and purposes. There are those who like dolls because it gives them a youthful vibrancy, some prefer to have dolls for sheer enjoyment and there are those who love dolls for the purpose of collecting them. Whatever reasons you may have, know that it's easier to make one especially if you're aiming to make cloth dolls.

Cloth doll making is considered one of the most inexpensive ways of making a doll. It doesn't require a big sum of money nor costly materials and fabrics. So if you want to know more on how you'll make your very first cloth doll, the following steps will teach you how to:

1. Select a preferred doll pattern - You can find them at craft outlets, quilt shops and even on online stores. Choosing an easy pattern at the outset will allow you to learn the ropes first before delving into more complex patterns. Doll patterns come in different forms, styles and sizes, so make it a point to decide which kind of pattern you'd like your first doll to be like.

2. Look for the material list - You cannot just go on with your doll making activity without the right materials in hand. Some of the materials include needles of different sizes, threads of different colors, pieces of fabrics, and some embellishments and accessories. You can easily find all of these materials on many craft and art stores off and online.

3. Carefully study guidelines and instructions - The success of making your very first doll activity will greatly rely on how well you study and understand instructions provided along with the pattern. If this is your first sewing activity, always refer to the directions provided for you. There are those instructions that only teach you what to do and not how to do it. If this is the case, then try looking for a pattern that will provide step by step ways of making a doll.

4. Make way for some research - Do not just depend on what you've got in hand. Oftentimes, patterns and guidelines bought from craft stores include very little information. If this is encountered, it is best to widen your research. You can look for further instructions on books or you can Google it. Remember, the activity would be so much easier if you have loads of how-to's and information to back you up.







Monday, October 10, 2011

Why Russian Nesting Dolls Make Such Popular Gifts All Year Round


Russian nesting dolls are also known as Matryoshka dolls or Babushka Dolls. The name Matryoshka is a diminutive form of a popular Russian female name "Matryona" and "Babushka" is the Russian for grandmother. These dolls are brightly hand painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another.

The first set of Matryoshka dolls was produced in Russia in 1890, in a colorful Russian market town called Serviev Posad about 50 miles from Moscow, inspired by a set of souvenir dolls from Japan. In 1900, the dolls were presented at the World Exhibition in Paris earning a bronze medal and within no time their popularity spread, and craftsmen all over Russia began creating these dolls. Soon many other places in Russia started making nesting dolls of various styles. There are usually between five to thirty or more figures in a set, but there can be many more. A set of 72 nesting dolls, the largest being one meter high was created to celebrate the birthday of Lenin in 1970.

The traditional theme is peasant girls in traditional dress, but they can be found on almost any theme these days - you are just as likely to find nesting dolls devoted to Russian political leaders as you are to find them on animals, sports, fairy tales, cartoon and film themes or even the Beatles. Basically if you can think of a design you are most likely to find it with some on-line stores having over 1000 different styles in stock.

Nesting dolls are so popular that artists outside Russia have now started to produce their own versions. Popular Israeli artist, Yair Emanuel, produces one with exquisite Jerusalem panoramas, and another that is decorated with wedding and floral scenes inspired by the paintings of Mark Chagall.

Nesting dolls make such a good gift since there are so many different themes that you are bound to find one to suit the interests of the person receiving it. Traditionally nesting dolls were given as gifts to wish prosperity and happiness to loved ones. They make marvelous housewarming gifts, children's birthday gifts, Christmas, Mother's Day and New Baby Gifts and are also great as Collectibles. Both beautiful and entertaining a set of Nesting Dolls will become a talking point in any home or office, and will be a treasured gift for years to come.




Janice Kaye is the operator of http://www.holyroses.co, an online shop that specializes in Christian gifts and souvenirs made in the Holy Land. holyroses.com welcomes both retail and wholesale customers.




Hobbies that make money


Do you have a hobby? Is there something that you enjoy so much that is what you would rather be doing? If so, your hobby your next job would be. There are hobbies that earn money without feeling as if you are doing work. If you are want to write or do Genealogy or doll making, this all money makers if you have it the right way.

There are many people who have the talent you would like to have when it comes to your hobbies. But everyone has something that they are better than anything else. So maybe your talent not them but something that they do may seem impossible to you.

When you find something that's interesting to you such as Genealogy, there are many others who are interested in knowing about their family history as well. It may be that they don't know how to look into everything that they can either register the products. Or they may not have time. It sometimes takes hours to search 2000 census records and all the history of the different families who came from different backgrounds.

The hobbies that money will not even ones that you would consider. There is a call for everything that you can think of that you are doing well. Do you love to sew? There are people who pay large amounts of money for handmade articles. If you know how to make quilts, is this another item that people actually travel to different areas of the country to buy. They are also available online since the internet is such a popular medium for shopping.

The hobby that you have done for years can pay off. Are you a traveller? Do you want to visit out of the way places and see things you don't normally see on the regular routes that most people travel? If so, you can write about these sites and publish them on the web. This is becoming a popular way of travelling of today. The same hotels and attractions that every time someone goes on holiday are seen everyday. The articles that you write that people see that there are other attractions let as a holiday can become very popular. Everything out of the ordinary is a thing that people want to know about.

If you're having trouble thinking of a hobby that you convert to a company can experience, think about all the things you have done in the years and that you enjoyed the most. There are many things that you just do not think that they do and a hobby. Don't start something only for turning a hobby into a business. The hobby should be something what you love to do and do have experience.

A website is a good idea to advertise your expertise. Marketing is very important to let people know that the service that you perform is available. This is absolutely necessary to people who don't know you have an idea of the services you can offer. They can't hire you if they don't know what you're doing.




If you are looking hobbies that make money more click on the highlighted link. Here is a list of hobbies that make money.




Sunday, October 9, 2011

Making Waldorf Dolls - Are Your Dolls Tough Enough?


"Rugged" is probably not the first word you'd use to describe a Waldorf doll. Those adorable chubby-cheeked faces look innocent, angelic even... certainly not tough.

Think again.

Waldorf dolls are meant to be play dolls. Children love their dolls enthusiastically, but not necessarily gently. They embrace them as best friends, and drag them around everywhere as constant companions. If you give a child a Waldorf doll, expect it to be in the thick of the action, not sitting on a shelf. These dolls might look sweet and innocent, but they need to be sturdy, durable, and yes, even rugged.

In my years of doll making, I've discovered that there are certain techniques that produce more durable dolls, while actually making the construction process easier! For example, one of my favorite doll making mantras is, "Double up."

The first place where I like to "double up" is in making the head. For all but the quite small, unsculpted heads, I cut double the length of tubular gauze for the initial head shaping. (If you've never made a Waldorf doll, this might not make a lot of sense to you. You can find a photo tutorial on my website that will make it all crystal clear.) Then, instead of sewing across the end of the gauze to close it off, I sew across the middle. Turn one half inside-out over the other and, presto! Instant double-layer gauze sock.

If you've ever had your gauze tube pop open as you stuff it with wool, you'll appreciate what a time saver the double-gauze technique can be. The double layer also helps control any tendency for bulges to occur, making a more smoothly rounded head shape.

Continuing with shaping the head, I use the "double up" principle for tying the eye and chin lines. I fold a length of strong craft thread to double it, and knot the ends together. This gives me a loop at each end for a much more secure grip when pulling the threads tight. A double ply of craft thread is stronger than many thicker strings you could use, but much less bulky.

For nearly all hand-sewing steps, I also double my thread and knot the ends together. This serves two purposes: not only does it enhance the strength of my stitches, but the loop at the end allows me to anchor the thread to itself. It's a quick solution to that annoying tendency of a single-thread knot to pull through the weave of the gauze or the doll skin knit.

"Doubling up" is valuable for machine-sewing tasks, too. Inside curves need to be clipped very close to the stitching in order to turn without puckering. A double row of stitches allows the seam to turn smoothly without risk of bursting.

Finally, my favorite way to "double up" is to sew with a friend. It's a great way to share tool, supplies, inspiration, and friendship. If your sewing buddy is a child, making Waldorf dolls is a great, fun way to pass handwork traditions on to another generation.




Margaret Lunn is an award-winning quilter, doll artist, and puppeteer. Her Waldorf doll patterns make beautiful dolls easy for even novice dollmakers. For more detailed instructions and shortcut tips for making Waldorf dolls, be sure to visit http://www.WaldorfDollMaking.com.




Saturday, October 1, 2011

Where can you find cheap doll's clothing


There are many places that you can looking for free dolls clothes. First, you must check out your local Freecycle group and see what is on offer there. It is possible to place ads also so you ask you things after. Freecycle is full of people who are desperate to have a clear outside so that you might inspire someone to clear out some clothes and happy dolls.

You need for baby size dolls charity shops try as when the pop baby clothes can wear it's so cheap to buy real baby if it is to detect dolls clothes. Charity shops will also have some great bargains too and you'll be able to pick up an entire wardrobe full of baby items.

Family members who work can often be inclined in knitting that a jacket for a pop-and this is a great birthday or Christmas present at relatively low cost can make for them, too.

It is possible to dolls clothing scraps of cloth at home. It is easier with a sewing machine and you don't have to be a real expert. Using existing items of clothing as pattern ideas and cut clothes off a bit bigger than the items so that you have enough seam room. Small pants turning inside out can be tricky but a crochet hook makes an excellent helper for this difficult task. You will find it easy to make basic stuff such as pants-usually those they were created with separate pieces of material for each leg-turn them inside out to see how they have composed.

Dresses are simple and can be created without much zips and more time consuming things. It's a good way to promote a child interested in sewing if they are encouraged to assist and even some clothes for their own dolls.

Once you get the hang of patterns of work items, you will find it easy to make them more detailed and special. Children will often suggest colors and designs for you as well which is great for creative play. Clothing for dolls make only small pieces of cloth so it is possible to re-use old shirts or tops to cut material from. This means that there is very little input on these clothes.

If you are not very good at making the clothes ask around to see if someone you know well in the use of a sewing machine as they will be able to offer you much useful advice.




If you want to buy check http://www.top10toysfor.co.uk/ for numerous online clothes dolls out of large toy stores.