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| A January thrift store find, Cali Girl Teresa |
In January of this year, Cali Girl Teresa, 2004, was found as shown at a thrift store
She wore only her original necklace. The black cord with silver heart pendant aided in her ID. Teresa remained in her fried-hair, scarred-body, missing-thumb-state for a few weeks until I decided to bring her back to some form of doll life. The doll has a pretty face with a smile that reminds me of a younger Halle Berry's smile; so I wanted to revive her. Had I noticed the missing thumb and gouges in portions of her vinyl, I would have left her there. She's lucky.
The following are before and after photos of Cali Girl Teresa.
When found, Teresa's hair was so dry it looked like straw!
It was so dull and lifeless, I was not sure the boil perm I had in mind would give it the restoration it desperately needed, but I went in for the challenge.
After shampooing and conditioning her hair (can't remember the conditioner used, possibly some Shea Moisture Leave-In, I really don't recall), I used paper-wrapped rod rollers to create a looser-than-Afro curl, dipped her head in a cup of boiled water for a few minutes, and allowed it to air dry with the rollers in for about 24 hours. The above photo on the right was taken after the 24 hours' drying time had lapsed.
With the rollers removed, I finger combed the hair to achieve the above super curly hairdo. Prior to dressing Teresa in Barbie Basics Denim Collection Model No. 5's fashion, I gave her a new body (an older Fashionistas Barbie body). It is not articulated but it is much better than the original animal-bitten, missing-thumb body she arrived with.
Teresa posed for one final photo. She looks and "feels" so-much-better!
dbg
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The following are before and after photos of Cali Girl Teresa.
When found, Teresa's hair was so dry it looked like straw!
It was so dull and lifeless, I was not sure the boil perm I had in mind would give it the restoration it desperately needed, but I went in for the challenge.
After shampooing and conditioning her hair (can't remember the conditioner used, possibly some Shea Moisture Leave-In, I really don't recall), I used paper-wrapped rod rollers to create a looser-than-Afro curl, dipped her head in a cup of boiled water for a few minutes, and allowed it to air dry with the rollers in for about 24 hours. The above photo on the right was taken after the 24 hours' drying time had lapsed.
With the rollers removed, I finger combed the hair to achieve the above super curly hairdo. Prior to dressing Teresa in Barbie Basics Denim Collection Model No. 5's fashion, I gave her a new body (an older Fashionistas Barbie body). It is not articulated but it is much better than the original animal-bitten, missing-thumb body she arrived with.
dbg
Check out my eBay listings here.
Wow! So much better.She really is lucky. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I've rescued a doll it always crossed my mind that even objects have different fates. After many years most mass produced dolls must be in landfills yet something like this happens and one of them gets a new body and wardrobe instead:D
I shudder to think of all the dolls that do windup in landfills that could have gone to new homes had they been donated to a thrift store, women's shelter, or given to a another child. It still remains difficult for me to just toss a doll. Unless it is damaged (like this one's body was, which I did toss), I can always find a use for it. I guess only true doll lovers understand this thought pattern.
Deletedbg
What a nice transformation! She was indeed lucky to end up in your hands. Her hair is so much better, I bet she is squealing with delight. Plus getting a new body that doesn't have a chew marks or missing digits, she must be beside herself with happiness! Nice save!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phyllis. She seems quite happy about her current situation. :-) I am as well.
Deletedbg
Hello Debbie!
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job with her hair.
Thank you, Thammie! It turned out much better than even I expected.
Deletedbg
Applause! Great to see such a pretty doll revived ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, D7ana! I love this head sculpt anyway and was immediately drawn to the face when I saw her bagged up. That is probably the reason I didn't see the imperfections on her body.
Deletedbg
You did a great job! I haven't had to tame dolly hair lately, which is a good thing. The reformulated Cream of Nature shapoo has been a vexation to dolly hair and mine!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ms. Leo.
DeleteI haven't used Cream of Nature products in years. Thanks for the warning. I did recently retry to use a couple of Cantu's products for natural hair, one of which worked well for a wash, two side Bantu knots to set it overnight, and go the next day, but the sweet coconut smell was too strong and had me rewashing my hair in a couple of days. I don't like my hair to smell like anything so that was a waste of money. I wonder if the fragrance will fade if I leave the containers open. I might try that; it couldn't hurt.
dbg
She is loved ~
ReplyDeleteShe is. Thanks!
Deletedbg
That's an epic restoration! Great work! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, jSarie! Doll therapy is what this was for me.
Deletedbg
Excellent work.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletedbg
Teresa looks beautiful! Nice job on her!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roxanne!
Deletedbg
Lovely makeover. I love seeing older dolls come back to life! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Farrah Lily!
Deletedbg
Beautiful! You did a great job on her hair!! She is a lucky doll. :-) I purchased a doll with a chewed up feet once. Now I make it my business t look at hands and feet before making the thrift store purchase.
ReplyDeleteI'll begin doing that as well, GG, taking more time to examine the dolls through the thick plastic baggies. I don't like unpleasant surprises.
Deletedbg
She is ready for her closeup! The hair change makes her smile seem brighter. She is digging that look.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is much happier now than she has been in years.
Deletedbg
Oh, my! Love how her hair turned out! She looks even prettier!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shasha!
Deletedbg
Debbie she looks great. The hair is gorgeous! I can't believe how few rollers you needed for all those curls!
ReplyDeleteThanks, DeMari. I used about a dozen rod curlers, just enough to give her a head full of curls.
Deletedbg
Luv her new curls. Big hair is beautiful!
ReplyDelete