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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year! (Addended)



Here's hoping that the new year finds you at peace with all endeavors and that all areas of your life are fully blessed.

Peace and blessings,

dbg

ADDENDUM:
Portions of the following text entered my email in-box on Sunday, December 27, 2009, from Catherine Pulsifer of wow4u.com. I kept it unopened as a reminder that I needed to read it.  I opened and read it fully this first day in the year 2010 and thought I'd share the Quote of the Week and the Thought for Your Week.


QUOTE of the WEEK:

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives – not looking for flaws, but for potential.”

Ellen Goodman



THOUGHT for YOUR WEEK:

Recipe for a Happy New Year
by Author Unknown

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate.  Cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts.

Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution.

Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

dbg

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Vintage Dress Me Boy

In 2008, Vogue introduced a trio of Dress Me Boys to their line of Ginny dolls -- a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead.  It was not until 2009 that I discovered the existence of these 7-1/2-inch tykes and the disappointing absence of an AA counterpart.  In August of this year, I wrote the company to inquire about the inclusion of an AA boy and was told, "Our design department is working on next year now, and the items below are set for discussion. Stay tuned to see what happens."



When it comes to dolls and what I desire, patience is usually not a virtue for me.  Using a 2006 AA Vintage Dress Me Ginny, I created an AA Dress Me Boy and named him, Jimmy.  I made a second one for a dear friend.  Currently, there are only two dolls like this (that I know of) worldwide, but that's about to change. 



On December 16, 2009, I shared the above image of my OOAK AA Dress Me Boy, "Jimmy," with Dave Smith of Vogue Dolls and again inquired about the possibility of an AA doll in 2010's line.  The following is my e-mail inquiry and Dave Smith's reply of December 21, 2009, (which he granted permission for me to share):

Hi Dave,

I wrote you earlier this year regarding an AA Dress Me Ginny Boy (using the vintage Ginny body and head sculpt). I wanted to share the attached image of the AA Dress Me Ginny Boy that I designed using an AA DM Ginny.

Do you know whether or not your company plans to include an AA Dress Me Ginny [boy] in next year's line? Thanks!
In my lifetime,


Debbie Garrett
Author, Black Dolls A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion


http://blackdollcollecting.com/
http://dollsmagazine.com/blogs/dolls-in-black.html
"Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go." —Author Unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
HI Debbie,

Yes, he is scheduled for release approx end February early March 2010. We will also have an AA Crib Crowd DM also.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Dave Smith
Vogue Dolls
~~~~~~~~~~

Woo hoo (I thought).  I could not contain this information and asked Dave if I could share it with other black-doll enthusiasts. I was given the okay to "blog away."  Collectors can look forward to an AA Dress Me Boy as well as an AA Crib Crowd DM doll during the first quarter of 2010! 

I'm keeping hope alive for curly hair!

dbg

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Happy Kwanzaa!


Festivals of the World Kwanzaa, Dolls of the World Barbie (Mattel) 2006



Kwanzaa Keeya (Mattel) 1999



Far Right, Nomsa Celebrates Kwanzaa Cissette (Madame Alexander) 1995

To those who celebrate the Principles of Kwanzaa, Happy Kwanzaa!  For additional information about the origin of Kwanzaa, visit The Official Kwanzaa Website.


Peace and blessings,

dbg

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show Recap

Despite inclement weather, the 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show held on December 5, 2009, in New York was another show success.  Show attendees' comments confirm the show was another first-class event. Viewing the video of some of the dolls and artwork exhibited, illustrates works by immensely talented individuals. 

Click image to enlarge

I know first hand of the talent possessed by one exhibitor:  Tanya Montegut - Dolls by MonTQ.  Before the show, I was given a preview of the dolls Ms. Montegut would exhibit.  The above pair of suede-cloth dolls, "We Love," were included in the preview and were on exhibit at the show along with several other Dolls by MonTQ that sold on show day.

Owning these beautiful dolls makes up for my inability to attend the show.  There's absolutely nothing better than owning a new doll or two. 

Merry Christmas, peace and blessings to all.

dbg

Thursday, December 17, 2009

True Type AA Male Figure's Photo Shoot



My preordered, in August, Hot Toys' TrueType AA Male Slim Version (a Terrence Howard look-alike) arrived earlier this week. He's been nude until this a.m. when I decided to "go green" (keep my green in my pocket) and use clothing that I have on hand for him.

A Ken fashion (Toys R Us) and shoes purchased from Old Joe Infirmary were selected. Everything fits, but I am just not feeling the graphics on the shirt -- flowers and squiggly designs. Flowers, Ken... come on now?  This confirms that I should purchase a second Rocawear Darren.  The Rocawear male fashion alone is worth TRU's former price of $12.99. (The price has inched up to $14.99 now, but it's out of stock online).  Oh well, you know what they say about hindsight.


TrueType wearing a Ken fashion and black sneakers from OJI

Next, I placed a white T-shirt over the Ken shirt to test this look. It's okay... but a bit bulky.


White T over the Ken shirt

My thinking was the T-shirt alone with the blue cords may not work either, because of the short length of the T. I tried it anyway.


TrueType with white T-shirt and blue corduroy pants

Hmmm... not so bad.  Which look do you prefer?

dbg

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Complexion Comparison

I promised to share photos of Barbie Basics Model 004 and Model of the Moment Nichelle with Cyano Dolls and Re-Roots, who wanted to know if their skin tones are the same.   I also included Princess of South Africa (redressed) in the comparison images below. 



Model of the Moment Nichelle, Barbie Basics Model 004, Princess of South Africa (Americanized)



(click images to enlarge)

I think their complexions are the same.  What do you think?

Live Pictures and Close Ups of Three Barbie Basics


Barbie Basics Models 010, 004, and 008 (click images to enlarge)

My three Barbie Basics dolls arrived from Mattel earlier this week.  I photographed them today after a thorough examination (through their boxes). I'll debox these (as well as the Rocawear dolls) after I find an area to display them.


Model 010



Model 008



Model 004 -- note the gold eye shadow

dbg

Live Pictures of Rocawear So In Style Dolls

I have not had an opportunity to deboxed them... yet, but here are photos of the entire Rocawear So In Style dolls.


Rocawear S.I.S. Grace, Kara, and Chandra (click images to enlarge)



Rocawear S.I.S. Trichelle and Darren


I went back to TRU today... the stock of these and the Barbie Basic dolls is diminishing rapidly, especially the Rocawear dolls.

dbg

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Pre-Purchase Browsing


(Image scanned from the back of Darren's box) So In Style Rocawear dolls: Grace, Kara, Trichelle, Chandra, and Darren

Before going to Toys R Us today, I decided to see if the Rocawear dolls' images were on the TRU website. They are, all except Rocawear S.I.S. Grace, that is.   My plan was to order them from TRU online if they had not been available at the local store, particularly since one online seller is offering them in a buy it now auction for a three-figure amount!

My wait for them is over:  My husband purchased the set for me while we were at TRU.

I like Trichelle's fashion the best.  I'll share photos after I've deboxed them.

dbg

Monday, December 7, 2009

Thankful Blessings

This morning I visited CollectiblesToday.com for information about a baby by Linda Murray that I briefly saw in DOLLS magazine's electronic publication Dolls Interviewed.

While at CollectiblesToday.com, I saw the following holiday themed sets by Hawthorne Village:

The Holy Family is part of the African American Nativity Collection.  At $29.99, the set appears to be made of straw and other natural-looking materials. The Holy Family is Issue One in this interesting series.

The Holy Family, The King of Peace Nativity is the first in this series and includes resin African American Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and manger. The cost is $59.99. Issue Two will follow: Angel of Joy and King Gaspar.

Ebony Elegance includes resin figurines Mary and Baby Jesus for $19.95. Joseph is issued separately.


Now back to the baby that took me to CollectiblesToday.com.



Thankful Blessings Imani is a 20-inch resin baby by artist, Linda Murray. Imani comes with a musical blanket that plays "Jesus Loves Me." Issue One in a series of three, the doll retails for $149, payable in installments. Issue Two, Jada; and Issue Three, Joshua will follow.

To see other African American items available at CollectiblesToday.com click here.

dbg

Saturday, December 5, 2009

S.I.S. Rocawear Darren ~ Free Remote Control Car and Doll



S.I.S. Darren's image is now available at the Toys R Us website. The other Rocawear dolls' images are not yet available there, but all can be ordered from ToysRUs.com. The Rocawear dolls also qualify for a special promotion at ToysRUs.com:

FREE Remote Control Corvette & Doll (44.99 value) with ANY Barbie Doll or Playset purchase of $100 or more!


Shipping charges on the free item will apply at checkout.

See the free car and doll here.
dbg

Friday, December 4, 2009

International Black Doll and Gift Show's Commerical



A "couple" of dolls made by the talented artist, Tanya Montegut will be coming to Texas, but they will be featured at the International Black Doll and Gift Show on Saturday, December 5, 2009, along with others that are for sale. I'll share an image of my dolls next week.

dbg

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Rocawear So In Style Dolls Coming to a Store Near You Soon...

... or they may already be there. 

Rocawear So in Style Chandra (the new girl in the S.I.S. line) and Rocawear Trichelle were purchased at a Maryland Toys R Us by a fellow doll enthusiast and member of my WLBD discussion group. 

The dolls are a brilliant result of a collaboration between Mattel and Rocawear (co-founded by music mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter).   The dolls' Rocawear fashions are reflective of the hip-hop culture that is appreciated within US borders and internationally.  I imagine that teens who have long forgotten the joys of doll play and some, whose interests never included dolls, will find these hip-hop clad dolls appealing enough to own.

If your plans include adding the Rocawear S.I.S. dolls to your collection, or if you would like to encourage a teen girl to revert to former doll play/appreciation, check your local stores for availability.

Rocawear Grace, Chandra, Trichelle, and Kara are already available for ordering at the Toys R Us website for $12.99 (sight unseen as images are not available at this time). 


L-R:  Rocawear S.I.S. dolls, McBride-Irby, and the original S.I.S. dolls
Photograph from Toys R Us blog

Read Dolls of Color's recent interview of S.I.S. designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, who shares more about the S.I.S. concept and how it became a reality. 

dbg

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Doll Art Event


Experience The Season of The Dolls


At

Cultural Interiors
5372 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019

December 5th, 2009

Artists Reception 3:00 - 6:00.


Dolls will be on display through December.  For more info call 323-292-1500




Dancing Debra by Mari Morris


Ingrid by Ingrid Taylor






















Sand by Sandra Marchand

Images from Cultural Interiors' Newsletter

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show


Photograph courtesy of BlackDollShows.com

BlackDollShows.com will host The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show, which will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Riverside Church, South Hall, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10027.


Admission is $6.00 for adults and children 12 years and older.

Attendees can expect to find an array of dolls of color of various media. At the time of this writing, nearly 40 exhibitors have committed their presence. As their website indicates, “Doll types anticipated at the show include: traditional, pin, pendant, pedestal, hanging, center-piece and statuette dolls… an assortment of other gift types will be available to round-out your gift-giving list.”

New York Black Doll and Craft Show, presented by BlackDollShows.com this past July, was deemed a great success. Images from that show can be viewed here.

If you are in the New York area on December 5, 2009, do make plans to attend this holiday-themed event, The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show, featuring beautiful black dolls. Your presence and support will ensure even greater success for this show.

For additional information, please visit: http://blackdollshows.com/

dbg