Doll Collecting - How To Get Started

Dolls can be babies or high fashion models, sweet little girls or vampish sirens. There are almost as many kind of dolls as there are collectors, so whether you find yourself lingering amongst the pink boxes of the Toys 'R' Us doll department or gazing at the magazine photos of lifelike Ashton-Drake baby dolls, if you're reading this article you're probably thinking you'd like to start a doll collection.

Where to start?

First of all, collecting dolls can be an expensive hobby, so be sure you know where your "dolly dollars" are going to come from. Many doll collectors support their hobby by sewing, knitting, or crocheting doll clothes to sell, either on ebay, a Website, or at craft fairs. Dolls can be like potato chips -- it's impossible to just have one -- so be aware of your budget and space restrictions. You might not want dolls taking over your home!

Second, think about what kind of dolls you're attracted to. Some collectors are eclectic and like to own many different types of dolls. Others prefer to specialize in one main type, such as baby dolls or fashion dolls, while still other choose to concentrate on one brand or line. So while one collector may own several Barbies, a Ginny, a Madame Alexander doll, a few antique porcelain dolls, and a reborn baby doll, another may own Barbies, Genes, Kitty Colliers, and even a few Bratz, and yet another collector may choose to own only Sasha dolls. In short, no two doll collectors -- or collections -- are alike, and each doll collection is a unique expression of its owner's tastes.

If you're not familiar with all the different types and lines of dolls out there, the best thing to do is a lot of research. The Internet has really revolutionized doll collecting and is a seemingly endless source of information on the hobby. Many brick-and-mortar doll shops are also online, but many shops are Internet-only. Read, read, read -- pore over the doll magazines and thumb through collectors guidebooks. Look at lots of photos and read lots of descriptions to see what interests you. It's important, if you can, to attend a doll show or visit a doll shop to see dolls in person -- seeing dolls "in the flesh" is very different from seeing them in photos, and you may find yourself surprised to be pulled toward a doll at a show that you hadn't looked at twice online.

A doll show will expose you to a wide variety of dolls. You'll see, of course, the popular vinyl fashion dolls like Robert Tonner's Kitty Collier, Tyler Wentworth, and Betsy McCall, but you'll also see vintage Barbie and Ken dolls, as well as dolls by the venerable older companies like Effanbee and Madame Alexander. You'll see antique French and German dolls, play dolls, American Girl dolls, Bleuette, and even paper dolls. Take it all in -- this is your education.

Once you're ready to start purchasing dolls, the doll show and the brick-and-mortar doll shop are great places to begin, but the Internet has taken hold as a wonderful resource for doll collectors. Browse eBay for deals, but depending upon the dolls you want to own, you may want to gravitate toward online shops. Building a relationship with a doll dealer can work well for a collector, as once the dealer gets to know you and your collecting interests, she can let you know when something comes in that she knows you want.

If you've done your homework, you'll have a sense of what to pay for your dolls. New dolls' prices are often fixed, and it can be hard to get a bargain, but if you're buying dolls on eBay or elsewhere on the secondary market, you may be able to get some good deals.

It's exciting to bring your first doll home, and you may find that you want to share the fun with other collectors. Look for doll clubs in your area -- the United Federation of Doll Clubs http://www.ufdc.org can help steer you toward a local club. Also check Yahoo Groups http://groups.yahoo.com to see if there is a doll collecting group that appeals to you. These online discussion groups can be excellent sources of information and friendship.

As a doll collector, you can learn about fashion, history, and culture, but above all, you should just have fun!

Florence Bassett is a writer and doll collector, specializing mainly in Sasha dolls, Heidi Ott dolls, and Bleuette reproduction dolls.

Kokeshi Dolls: A Toy or a Japanese Tradition?

At first sight, kokeshi dolls may seem like simple toys or decorations for your living room, but in fact they are an essential art form in Japan. These dolls are generally characterized by their lack of legs and arms (some modern designs have simplified arms), along with their colored kimono with floral patterns and geometric shapes.

These Japanese dolls usually symbolize young girls and they rapidly became well-known for their representation of feminine beauty. These Japanese dolls are usually female, although male versions are currently becoming more common. These wonderfully manufactured dolls are viewed as tokens of good wishes and love.

The History Behind Kokeshi dolls

In the early nineteenth century within the northern villages of the Tohoku region, kokeshi dolls were manufactured as toys for children, and they were produced from remaining bits of discarded wood. These early Japanese dolls were created by craftsmen who made their living by making other forms of woodcraft, but at some point they began creating kokeshi dolls to be marketed as souvenirs. There were many local hot spring resorts in the area, so it was a good business to sell these dolls to the visitors; it is a Japanese tradition to take back home an omiyage (a gift that is brought back home when a person travels). Over the years, this art has been enhanced and a wide variety of technical and artistic variations appeared. Today, there are many schools of kokeshi designs guided by master craftsmen who pass their legacy to other family members, maintaining this tradition throughout the generations.

Kokeshi Doll Types

Regardless of their common characteristics, kokeshi dolls are separated into two standard types: traditional kokeshi and creative kokeshi

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional kokeshi dolls were initially manufactured by Kijiya artisans in the Tohoku region. They were known as "dento" dolls and they had slim and long bodies without arms or legs, and wider rounded heads. Initially, these Japanese dolls took a very simple shape with long cylindrical bodies painted with a limited variety of colors.

Modern Kokeshi

Shingata or creative kokeshi, is a more contemporary doll style which gives flexibility to the artist to shape the doll as he chooses; they can possess any style or color. Also, the body and head can be very diverse in form. Creative kokeshi dolls don't adhere to the traditional styles originated in the Tohoku region; their creation is totally free regarding the artwork. A creative doll is generally a unique piece, and it might be more costly compared to other type of dolls due to its originality. The craftsmen who produce the creative kokeshi dolls are not from a particular region of Japan, and typically they are located in the cities.

These dolls have been an important part of the Japanese traditions and nowadays they are an icon of Japanese culture. The beauty behind these dolls lies in their ever changing design that reflects the current Japanese society. Simple and stylish, these dolls are not just toys or decorations; they are an expression of dedication and love to an art form that has been present for hundreds of years in Japan.

Kenichi loves Japanese dolls. Learn how to make a cute Japanese paper doll for free and fill your life with health and happiness. Get your free guide at his website: The Complete Japanese Dolls Guide. You can also learn about Japanese gifts, Momiji dolls and more of this Japanese art form.

Collecting Lifelike Baby Dolls Is an Ever-Growing Trend

Once upon a time, dolls used to be simple, plastic, and unrealistic in appearance. However, nowadays the concept of a lifelike doll is rapidly catching on with children and doll collectors alike. Many people are buying realistic babies and this trend is not about to slow down any time soon. In fact, it is probably a trend that is here to stay.

A realistic baby doll really is a great idea. Tiny intricate details are a major part of the appeal of this item and can make for an enjoyable experience for anyone who purchases these realistic dolls. Children will marvel at the special connection they can make with the baby doll while playing with it because it truly does look like a real baby. Doll collection enthusiasts will appreciate their complexity and craftsmanship.

There are many types of dolls to choose from, including both genders and all different types of races and nationalities. They come dressed in various lifelike baby clothing, too, just like one would see on a real baby. Some of these realistic dolls even have additional realistic features about them such as sounds, movements, and even a flesh-like feeling under the clothes. The design gets better all the time and the resemblance to an actual baby is simply amazing.

If you have any interest in owning a realistic baby doll to add to your collection or to give to a child as a special gift, there are several places you can go for this. There are also many information sites packed with helpful info about which types are available and where to find them online and offline.

Online lifelike doll vendors are usually very affordable and offer a wide selection of dolls for all tastes. Offline vendors offer the opportunity to see and touch the realistic dolls before purchasing. The type of vendor you choose to patronize is purely a matter of preference.

Giving the gift of a realistic baby doll to a child or someone you know who loves dolls makes for a thoughtful gift that is more likely than not to be cherished for a long time to come. For those who appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this type of doll, it is sure to be a nice addition to their personal mementos. Collectors will keep the dolls in mint condition and children will keep them as a pleasant reminder of their childhood.

Wayne Hemrick writes about-- lifelike doll s

Asian Dolls

If you are a doll collector or know someone that collects dolls, there is something unique about adding an Asian doll to their collection. Many parents enjoy buying their child an Asian doll to show the different sort of races in the world or they are Asian themselves and want their doll to resemble them. An Asian doll is a doll that depicts Asian features such as the black hair and beautiful almond shaped eyes. There is a variety of Asian dolls you can choose from when adding them to a collection. Here is a guide on what to expect when you shop for yours.

Asian dolls can be made out of many different types of material. One of the most common type is the porcelain Asian doll. This type of doll generally has a porcelain face, hands and feet. It usually has on clothes that have an Asian flare and the hair of the doll can be either painted on or soft hair like material. Porcelain Asian dolls are usually given to those who collect dolls and are not played with too much or too roughly.

For smaller girls you can opt for an doll that is made out of cloth. These are similar to the timeless style of the "rag" doll. The whole body and head is made out of soft cloth materials with special costumes that you can take off if they need washing. This type of Asian doll is great because they are friendly looking, colorful dolls that your child can really play with. They also clean up well and can last for many years. Your child will love snuggling up to their own cloth for their doll.

Another type of Asian doll that is popular is one that is made out of plastic. These vary in size with some looking like fashion dolls or larger sizes that look likes small toddlers or babies. These can be made completely out of plastic or just feature a plastic head, arms and legs and have a cloth body. This type of Asian doll is also good for children. Many of them have long hair your child will enjoy styling. Some also come with different outfits your child can change the doll in and out of.

With so many different varieties of Asian dolls there are to choose from it is no wonder why they are becoming a popular addition to anyone's doll collection and why more and more little girls are asking for them!

Frank Catamon is an expert on writing about Asian dolls and everything around it. He loves how Asian dolls are made and their Eastern appearance. He has a big Asian doll collection at his home.

A Brief History of Dolls' Houses

These days we tend to see doll's houses as nothing more than a child's play thing. I am sure that there are many of you out there who can remember playing with doll's houses as a child. Yet the concept of a dolls' house has not always been thus. A couple of hundred years ago, the idea of letting a small child play with a precious dolls' house would have been unspeakable. With this article I aim to give a brief history of the dolls houses and maybe change a few of your rigid perception about dolls' houses.

My interest in dolls' houses was ignited a few months ago when I heard a report on the radio about the people who make them. These were fully grown men speaking with a passion for their pursuit - dolls' houses. Never before had I heard such enthusiasm and zeal, and all for something I had always perceived as nothing more than an outdated child's pastime.

The Beginning

The earliest evidence of dolls' house like memorabilia can be found in Egypt - 5000 year old wooden models of boats, animals and people were found on various archaeological expeditions. Though it is quite likely that their use and purpose was quite different to that of their modern counterparts. It goes to show us that throughout history, people have found a use for or had a fascination with small models of everyday objects. More then a miniature model, these objects represent encapsulations of a real life object; a type of time capsule better than any history book.

Going Big

Although they had been around for a long time before, dolls' houses became big in northern Europe; especially in Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands. They took the form of large closet style pieces with lots of small rooms adorned with miniature furniture and people. Such a thing would not come cheap of course, only the most noble could boast such a show of opulence. These types of dolls' houses also served to record the layout and decoration of a house. Indeed, on a visit to a stately home in Britain, one often comes across a well kept dolls' house which shows us exactly how people used to live, from the their dress sense to their sense of taste in household furniture.

A Child's Play Thing

With the start of the industrial revolution in Britain, came an exponential increase in the manufacture of goods. Suddenly, dolls' houses and dolls' house accessories could be produced in massive numbers and at a fraction of the price. No longer were dolls' houses the play things of the rich and famous, suddenly the market had opened up to millions more people. Cheaper prices made them viable toys for children. While it is fair to say that dolls' houses enjoyed large popularity in Victorian times, they are still massive today. Not only do they appeal to children however, both children and adults alike find please in building and furnishing homes on a miniature scale.

Getting Started

Nowadays it is possible to create a doll's house on budget. The biggest expense is the actual house which when bought in effect is just an empty shell. These come in all different shapes and sizes; from modern to Victorian dolls' houses. If feeling more adventurous, one can make the house from scratch. The next expense comes from furnishing the house; buying tables, sofas, wardrobes etc. It does not all have to be bought at once however, let it be a hobby that lasts a year, two years or even a life time. A dolls' house can give hours of creative fun for the whole family.

Richard Merry

Victorian Dolls' Houses

I am a computer studies graduate now studying Spanish and Italian. My interests cover a broad range of subjects; from computing to archery, languages to model making. I love the idea of writing to a potential audience of thousands!

Victorian Dolls' Houses [http://www.victoriandollshouses.co.uk/]

How to Relocate Your Doll Collection

Moving home is always stressful - if you have a valuable doll collection it is just ten times worse. If you find yourself in the position where you have to move your entire doll collection to a new location there are certain precautionary measures to take that will reduce the chances of damaging your doll collection.

1. Do not let the movers pack your dolls.

Nobody else will take the same care as you when packing your dolls. Movers may be very experienced in packing other items but collectible dolls need extra special care when being moved. If possible do not place your packed dolls with the rest of your move in the removal van. If you have no choice then supervise the packing of the boxes so that boxes are not damaged and heavier dolls are packed under the lighter dolls and not vice versa.

2. Make sure that you use sufficient packaging materials:

You are going to need lots and lots of bubble wrap, tape, packing paper and boxes. Just how much packaging material you will require will be determined by the types of dolls in your doll collection. Porcelain, china and composition dolls will need the most bubble wrap as each of their limbs will need to be wrapped separately. Hair and outfits will be of greater concern with vinyl dolls and newsprint-free packing paper is ideal for this purpose. If you have NRFB (never remove from box) dolls, you need sturdy outer boxes to help keep the doll boxes dent-free. Pack heaviest dolls on the bottom; lighter dolls and doll clothes on top. If you have dolls that you are considering selling - do so before the move. It will save on packaging material and you can always use the money for all the packaging materials you are going to need.

3. Mark the Boxes Well:

Marking the boxes well will not only make for easier unpacking, it will also reduce the chances of someone accidentally throwing your box of porcelain dolls around. When packing the removal vehicle this will assist in ensuring that the heavier dolls are packed underneath the lighter dolls.

4. Beware of Storage Facilities:

Heat, humidity and insects are enemies to most types of dolls. If you must store your dolls for any length of time, make sure our dolls are in a climate-controlled facility and that your insurance policy will cover the dolls whilst in storage.

5. Make Sure the Dolls are properly Insured:

Your homeowner's policy may cover some portions of the insurance for your move. Most do not cover breakage, however, and you will need to purchase breakage insurance from the moving company.

Doll shows and auctions

When next you plan to visit a doll auction with the intention of buying a doll/s plan ahead and take sufficient suitable packaging material with you to ensure a safe journey home for your newly found dolls. If you have to travel home by plane it may be a better option to ship your dolls home and avoid the risk of damaging your dolls in transit.

Happy doll collecting.

Laura du Toit

[http://www.buyashtondrakedolls.com/]

For more important tips on doll storage visit: http://hubpages.com/hub/Storing-Doll-Collections

Read more about insuring your doll collection at: buyashtondrakedolls.com/doll-collecting-advice/insuring-your-doll-collection

Hidden Beauty of Handmade Dolls of the Russian Kind

Dolls symbolize the beautiful artworks which are designed in a unique way to provide an appealing aspect. There are several types of dolls available in the market nowadays that are very attractive and fascinating. Dolls are manufactured in two ways namely handmade dolls and machine made dolls. Most of the machine-made dolls have the same design with slight modifications, but the handmade ones are unique. Moreover, traditional method is followed in the manufacturing handmade dolls which provides additional vigor to the handmade dolls. Machine made ones are expensive and would not last longer. The beauty of them mainly relies on the style of painting because the art of coloring brings out the hidden beauty of the dolls. Painting in the machine made ones would fade within a short span of time. If the painting fades, then the beauty of it would not be revealed. So, handmade dolls would be a better choice because it worth's more than the money you invest in buying it.

A few important benefits of handmade dolls are listed below:


Unique
Long lasting
Less expensive
Collectible

Nowadays, we can find different types of handmade dolls in the markets, which are unique, stylish and attractive. They portray the culture of a community. Nesting dolls are one of the popular handmade dolls, in which traditional methods are used for its production. Usually one block of wood is used for the construction of these and the type of wood varies according to different artists and manufacturing requirements. However, there are some common types of wood such as balsa, birch or aspen are used. During the production of nesting dolls, at first the smallest doll is crafted and then the others are created according to the shape of the smallest doll. Most often, the smallest doll is represented as a baby, while the outermost doll is represented as a woman. The beautiful artworks are done by experienced artists. After painting, protective coating is provided to retain the color of the paintings for a longer period.

Russian nesting dolls which are also known as Matryoshka dolls are traditionally manufactured in sets. A set consists of five dolls, but now several dozens are manufactured as well. There is an increasing demand for them in today's market because of its unique design and style. These are not just a decorative product, but can also be used as a gift. Due to the never ending demand for these dolls, most artist design dolls that depict famous personalities. Russian dolls most often use common themes such as peasant girls in traditional dress, animal collections and flowers. In the recent times, artists have duly incorporated newer ideas into the designs of these immaculate-looking handmade dolls which say a million messages in its creative portrayal. So, get ready to explore the hidden beauty of the handmade dolls.

Russian nesting dolls portray the Russian culture in a beautiful way. The author is an expert and has written several articles on handmade dolls and nesting dolls in the past.