 |
| Unknown 1990s Geoffrey, Inc. (possible Toys R Us-Exclusive) Doll |
This 11-1/2 inch, pretty Barbie clone with twist-and-turn waist and bendable legs is otherwise non-articulated. I found her at a thrift store for $2.99. Her clothing appears to be original.
 |
| Close-up of Geoffrey Inc.-marked fashion doll |
Her head is marked: ©1998 Geoffrey, Inc.
Her back is marked: Made in China
Geoffrey, Inc. is a Toys R Us (TRU) trademark. I assume she was sold there exclusively. Other than that, I do not know her ID. Recently, a white version was offered on eBay by a seller from the United Kingdom, described as Geoffrey Inc. Barbie.
Below are photos taken after she was bathed, hair restyled, ears pierced; earrings, bracelet, and shoes added.
 |
| Ears were pierced with pink quilting needles which serve as stud earrings. The stem of the needles is quite long. It could have been shortened, but I decided to insert each one in an upward angle to allow enough room inside her head and prevent the tip of the needle from piercing the vinyl on the opposite side of the doll's head. The pink color of the "stud" was changed to purple using a purple metallic marker (see next image). |
 |
| Metallic markers and quilting needles -- quilting needles are perfect earrings for most vinyl dolls. |
 |
| After the marker color dried, a coat of clear fingernail polish sealed the marker ink to prevent staining of the doll's ears. Mod Podge or other sealant could have be used. I left the "earrings" extended away from the ears until both the marker color and nail polish dried. |
 |
| She strikes a final pose, wearing her original or found-in fashion, with silver bracelet and clear purple high-heel shoes added; hair restyled, and earrings added. |
Does anyone know her manufacture-given name?
dbg
Follow my Dolls for Sale blog
Please visit and "Like" The Doll Blogs: When Dolls Speak I Listen
She cleans up nicely. I do remember see her somewhere. I guess it was TRU. I do think her outfit looks right too. I really miss having a TRU close. Her hair looks full so she isn't one of those dolls that is bald in the middle. I need a box of those pins! I would'nt have thought about the treatment you gave the pins but I will from now on. Did you have to use hot water on the hair?
ReplyDeleteI looked through my odd doll box and sure enough I had a doll by Geoffrey in it. I guess it is time she is gets some attention now. I feel inspired!
I am so glad you feel inspired, Ms. Leo.
DeleteThe hair was in pretty good shape and it is pretty full. In order to comb through it with ease, I used warm water, then applied some conditioner and combed through it before rinsing the conditioner out. Any hair conditioner will do. It helps soften the fibers and release any tangles.
I began using those quilting pins during the 1990s when I was heavily into life-size baby dolls, toddlers, and child dolls. They always needed their ears pierced (in my opinion) and these made the perfect studs. They are a little large on playscale dolls, but not distractingly so. Another thing that works well for playscale earrings is self adhesive lash art crystals. Just peel off the back and apply them to the earlobe. If you want a more permanent look (since the adhesive tends to weaken), you can glue the crystals to the earlobe with Aleene's Tacky glue. I did this for one of my Janay dolls which can be seen here.
dbg
dbg
DBG, you and Ms. Leo are right about this being a Toys R Us doll. I don't have any at hand to confirm that statement, but here is a link showing a White version of your doll. Or at least, possibly a White version of your doll. The series is/was called "Real Friends." Sometimes the Real Friends dolls had specific names, other times, they were just "fashion doll."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this information, D7ana. Now I can properly document my doll as being part of the TRU-exclusive Real Friends line. I found another white version here. It may just be me, but my doll seems prettier. :-)
Deletedbg
My pleasure, DBG! Your doll does look prettier. One factor in her favor is that your doll has brown eyeshadow. The other doll has white eyeshadow. I don't think that is a good look on ANY doll, lol.
DeleteThat's a good buy for a pretty doll! I like what you did with her earrings.
ReplyDeleteAt $2.99, I couldn't leave her there, Roxanne. I think she has a very pretty face. The fact that she does not have very much makeup is probably what drew me to her.
Deletedbg
She actually reminds me of Scary Spice. If she had permed hair she would look just like her to me.
ReplyDeleteNow that you have mentioned it, I can definitely see Mel B. in this doll, Muff, particularly the smile.
Deletedbg
She's very pretty. Great find. I kind of got a Nicole Ari Parker vibe. She doesn't look exactly like her, but there's a resemblance to me. I've been using pins for earrings, but never thought to paint them. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteHmmm.. Nicole Ari Parker looking maybe about the forehead and Mel B. about the mouth -- what an interesting combination. I wouldn't have seen either in her had you and Muff not mentioned the resemblance.
Deletedbg
Her name might be Tanisha.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Real-Friends-Jessie-12-doll-Toys-R-Us-Exclusive-1999-Geoffrey-Inc-NRFB-/221513721229?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33933f258d
Thank you Skippercollector for taking the time to share the link. I think she is Tanisha!
ReplyDeleteThanks, again!
dbg
Great that you take these dolls and turn them into little treasures. They look BETTER than new when you are finished. Thanks for keeping the planet a bit greener by refurbishing old toys.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. It is my pleasure to keep our planet a bit greener in this fashion.
Deletedbg