These customizable wall hangings are by Iwyatt Imagist. Size: 15” x 13” Composition: Birch plywood, super sculpy, wire, and feathers Customization: Your name, your feather color Cost: $85 ($75 if more than one is purchased at a time) plus $22 S&H
If interested in having the artist create one for you, send an email and include your desired feather color and the name for the necklace.
These will make excellent gifts, too.
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The artist was inspired to create Hallelujah! Ester, Vesta, and Rose after viewing an Alvin Ailey dance performance.
In addition to Ester, Vesta, and Rose seen above, more of the artist's doll art can be seen here.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
The Madam C. J. Walker Barbie arrived from Amazon inside the Mattel shipping box.
I received an email from Amazon at 6:47 a.m. today that the order I placed yesterday was delivered. I jumped out of bed and checked the front porch, and there it was, the package that contained my Madam C. J. Walker Barbie! The doll's tissue-paper-wrapped box was still in the Mattel shipper that was inside the Amazon shipping box
I took the following quick photos and took more to include in the DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum installation that I have already written and scheduled to publish Saturday, August 27, 2022. After the installation publishes, view it here.
She's gorgeous.
Designed by Carlyle Nuera, Madam C. J. Walker Barbie uses the Nichelle head sculpt and the Curvy Barbie articulated body. Nuera and Mattel worked closely with Madam C. J. Walker's family to create this lovely doll's features including skin tone, hairstyle and color, and the colors of her early twentieth-century fashion.
In the doll's hands is a replica of Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower tin with the original graphics, including a Black woman with long straight hair.
Madam's signature is below a circa 1914 silhouette portrait of her by Addison N. Scurlock.
A biography of Madam C. J. Walker is located at the bottom of the box.
The backdrop is a circa 1924 photograph taken by R. E. Mercer at Madam's mansion where a convention was held for her hair culturists (the women who sold her products door-to-door).
This lovely doll is sold out at Mattel Creations. Ordering is still available on Amazon with free shipping but at this time, a delivery timeframe is between September 13 - October 5, 2022.
Currently, Walmart has this doll in stock, and because the price equals their $35 minimum shipping requirements for free US shipping, US shipping is free.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
Madam C. J. Walker Barbie uses the Nichelle head sculpt.
Description of the current Barbie from the Inspiring Women series.
Ordering is open to the public at Mattel Creations for the Madam C. J. Walker doll (see two buy links below). As a Barbie Signature member, I was able to preorder the doll early (sight unseen) since Mattel only provided a silhouette image and the following description:
The Inspiring Women doll honors an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist who also became the nation's first self-made female millionaire. Who is she?
Anyone who has been taught inclusive American history and who also knew of Mattel's previously announced plans to create a Madam C. J. Walker doll could readily answer the question.
Although not a dedicated head sculpt, the Nichelle head sculpt suits her well.
The Madam C. J. Walker doll can now be ordered by anyone from Amazon with free shipping or from the Mattel creations site using the following linkable URL.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________
Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
Screengrab of Claudie Wells' reveal on CBS Mornings
Claudie Wells, the newest 18-inch American Girl doll, was unveiled today on CBS Mornings. This doll represents a 9-year-old girl from the 1920s Harlem Renaissance era.
Watch the CBS Mornings reveal below.
According to a Toy Insider article, "Mattel says that its American Girl designers were inspired by a host of authentic, 1920s archival materials and other resources like The Brownies’ Book, a magazine for Black children published by W.E.B. Du Bois, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance."
African American author Brit Bennett penned Claudie's story.
American Girl Claudie Wells and Makena Williams
Claudie appears to have a new-ish head sculpt which is very similar to Makena Williams' sculpt as illustrated above.
Read more about Claudie and purchase the doll, her book, and accessories (including Harlem Row Fashions designed for the doll) here.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________
Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
Classic Susi On the Swing of the Track, is a reproduction of Estrela's 1974 Susi. The many ways Susi No Balanco Da Pista can be posed are illustrated on the back of the box.
Made and sold only in Brazil, the Estrela company has relaunched the 1974 version of their 12-inch Tammy look-a-like, Susi On the Swing of the Track (No Balanco Da Pista). I purchased my doll from an eBay seller at probably three times the doll's retail in Brazil. I know I was price-gouged, but I wanted to add Susi to my collection. So, I bit the bullet. To ease the pain of the gouge, shipping was free (that alone would have cost an extra $38). So, I don't feel so bad about the price I paid.
My Introduction to Susi
A 1970s Susi by Estrela is seen in a photo shared by Rossano Gomes.
I was first introduced to Susi by Rossano Gomes in September 2009, who shared the above photo of his redressed 1970s Susi by Estrela. About his Susi, Rossano wrote:
Estrela first produced SUSI in the 60's as a reproduction of Ideal Tammy and there were only white Susi dolls. In the 70's Estrela changed the doll face and put glass eyes in it and produced the black Susi(s) dolls. They are very rare (I only knew about 4 of them in all my life-) and I bought 1 of them ([see my] first picture).
Informed of the Susi Relaunch
In late July 2022, Facebook doll-friend, Denise Tortorici Farinsky, informed me that Estrela was going to reproduce Black Susi. I waited with bated breath for further information and joined a Facebook Susi group to obtain additional information about the doll's relaunch.
My Susi
My doll was packed with care and shipped promptly.
Susi traveled from Brazil secured inside her original box that was nested inside a cardboard manufacturer's box with an extra layer of thicker cardboard wrapped around it and bubble-wrap-lined plastic as the outer layer.
"Susi Classica" is on the front of the manufacturer's box (as seen in this picture after the extra cardboard for shipping protection and the top layer of bubble wrap were removed).
The back of this box lists three versions of Susi with stock numbers and the dolls' names. No Balanco Da Pista, which means On the Swing of the Track, is checked.
Zoomed-in view of the back of the box
This is one of Susi's first photos out of the shipper.
Susi's box does not have a cellophane pane, which makes it easy to photograph the doll in the box.
A close-up of her lovely face while still attached to the box liner was taken.
Susi wears a stylish replica of her original 1974 fashion.
A doll stand is included.
A child-size silver bracelet with a pearl embellishment is also included with Susi.
Her curly Afro, her heavy blue eyeshadow, her amber-colored stationary eyes, and Susi's coral lip color were all en vogue in 1974.
Classic Susi poses for a height comparison with a 1960s Tammy that I dyed and painted brown several years ago.
As illustrated in the photo above of Classic Susi, she is taller than Ideal's Tammy from the 1960s by about half an inch or more. Susi's curly hair adds to her height.
Like Ideal's Tammy, Classic Susi has flat feet and a teen body. She was not designed to be a mature-bodied doll like Mattel's Barbie.
I am thoroughly pleased that Susi is almost an exact replica of the 1974 Susi On the Swing of the Track. From her soft curly well-rooted 'fro, her heavy blue eye-shadow, and '70s fashion, I love Susi from head to toe.
Read Susi's curated installation in DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum here where a full description of the doll and additional information about the Susi brand is documented.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
I am thrilled to share registration information and a sneak peek at dolls that will be available at the Virtual Doll Convention (VDC) "Better Together" Pop-up event (an online event). Registration for the convention begins on August 15, 2022, and the convention runs from August 26 - August 28, 2022.
Four versions of Robert Tonner's new doll, Neema, and the reintroduction of Ellowyne Wilde, as illustrated in photographs and detailed descriptions shared by VDC organizer and host, Rachel Hoffman, will be available for participants to purchase.
Neema
"Life's a Beach" Neema
“Life’s a Beach” Neema
Behold the utterly fabulous “Life’s a Beach” basic Neema! Basic, you say? We are not sure of that! Neema’s long, luxuriously soft, wavy hair looks windblown and is perfect for creative styling. Neema’s short and ever-so-sassy sky-blue and white striped romper boasts three to-scale decorative buttons down the front, a cotton canvas belt with gold tone buckle, and white high-heeled sandals. Long, flirty eyelashes add even more depth to Neema’s sable-colored eyes.
"Shining Example" Neema
“Shining Example” Neema
Evocative of Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring-Summer 1967 African Collection, “Shining Example” Neema is a sight to behold and a must in any fashion doll collection! A silk little black dress peeks from underneath a sensationally luxurious black net overdress embroidered with abandon in copper and honey-colored sequins and beads. Statement-making beaded necklaces and bracelets augment the glow, while sexy black faux patent leather boots play foil to this fashion extravaganza. Marcel waves and soft curls create a hairstyle sophisticated yet playful. Black eyelashes emphasize the serenity of Neema’s gaze.
"Straight and Narrow" Neema
“Straight and Narrow” Neema
Cause a girl has every right to rock the block, “Straight and Narrow” Neema arrives in a coral soft-as-silk cotton-knit jumper that’s hugging her every curve. An ultra-versatile light pink long sleeved turtleneck lets Neema keep her cool in case it turns chilly, while her fire-engine red, high heeled, lace-up boots communicate that Neema is going places. Big gold tone hoops add restrained bling. “Straight and Narrow” Neema debuts a rooted plaited hairstyle boasting wires in each braid, an open invitation for hair play! Eyelashes, long and dark, finish the urban vibe look.
"Charmed I'm Sure" Neema
“Charmed, I’m Sure” Neema
Unadulterated and undiluted glamour is what “Charmed, I’m Sure” Neema is all about. And to be frank, we were not expecting anything but from the creative mind of Robert Tonner for his very first Neema doll in a formal gown. The one-shoulder bodice of silk shantung is appliquéd with embroidered and beaded lace. A billowing skirt of cut-to-look-like-feathers yarn adds textural balance and is made for dancing the evening away! Pink net gauntlet gloves receive the same embroidered and beaded appliqued treatment as the bodice. Pendant earrings of pink-champagne faceted beads drop elegantly from Neema’s ears. Two braided buns crown the side-gathered, long haired rooted hairstyle. Velvety-black eyelashes, of course!
Ellowyne Wilde
"Earning Her Stripes" Ellowyne Wilde
“Earning Her Stripes” Ellowyne Wilde
Warm weather versatility is what “Earning Her Stripes” Ellowyne Wilde is all about. The three main pieces of this mini-wardrobe VDC exclusive dressed doll allow Ellowyne to enjoy a morning of sightseeing in a linen-textured striped shorts and blouse combo. As the sun sets, Ello adds a matching wide skirt and she’s ready to welcome friends by the pool. Accessories include a brown leatherette belt with cooper engraved buckle and matching high-heeled sandals. A magnificent trio (it’s a recurring theme here!) of necklaces made with a glorious diversity of faceted stones as well as gold beads makes “Earning Her Stripes” a veritable treat for all fans of Ellowyne Wilde. Ellowyne’s gorgeous cognac hair punctuates the desert color palette while her copious eyelashes adorn her deep amethyst eyes.
"Earning her Stripes Ellowyne" is one of two Ellowynes that participants can purchase.
After viewing Robert Tonner's video preview of counter samples of Neema this past February, adding at least one of these lovely dolls to my collection has been at the top of my doll wish list and now the time is almost here!
I know I am not alone in my excitement over the dolls (based on the over 6000 video views) and the Facebook chatter in doll groups where heightened anticipation for the dolls has been expressed.
View the VDC programs and activities and register on August 15, 2022, at the VDC website here. Don't miss this!
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
The Museum of Cornish Life, a folk museum in Helston, Cornwall in the far southwest of Britain, is currently exhibiting dolls from its extensive doll collection. The exhibition explores the histories of some of the more interesting dolls in the collection some of which are Black dolls.
Dr. Tehmina Goskar, Art Fund Headley Fellow (Curatorial), notified me of the exhibition and shared photos of exhibition panels and actual dolls on display.
Exhibition panels (stretch to enlarge)
In this larger view of one of the panels above, Dr. Goskar thanks me for providing doll information.
These dolls are part of the exhibition.
A 1950s African Walking Girl was made by Pedigree of England. I have a doll like this one in my collection. See my doll here.
The Pedigree African Walking Girl is seen in profile with a circa 1930s celluloid/plastic baby made in Germany. The doll in front is a wooden farthing* doll. According to Dr. Goskar, "these were very inexpensive dolls with simple jointed limbs sold to be dressed by their owner as they pleased." *A farthing is a former monetary unit and coin of the UK, withdrawn in 1961, equal to a quarter of an old penny.
The exhibition was launched on July 30, 2022. It ends on September 10, 2022. If you are in the Helston, Cornwall area of Britain during this time, schedule a visit to the Museum of Cornish Life.
The exhibition was supported by the Art Fund as part of the museum's Headley Fellowship Programme to research and support their collections.
I want to personally thank Dr. Tehmina Goskar for acknowledging me, this blog, and DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum as resourceful tools of information on Black dolls.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
In this picture, Maru and Friends Mini Pal Halle wears her original fashion.
Maru and Friends Mini Pal Halle arrived in November 2017. She was redressed sometime afterward in a red and white candy cane striped dress and red bolero jacket. She remained in that dress until recently.
Halle had worn this handmade dress and the socks and shoes since October 2020.
I've been wanting to redress Halle for quite some time, but my 14-inch doll clothing stock is limited.
Glitter Girls fashion "What a Surprise" fits Halle well.
I tried the "What a Surprise" Glitter Girls fashion on Halle that I received for my birthday. I was happy to learn she can wear it and other Glitter Girls fashions, too. The shoes are a tad too big for Halle, but they don't fall off.
Glitter Girls fashions, Sparkling with Style (the smaller boxed fashion), and Sweet Dazzle (the top, larger boxed fashion)
I ordered two more Glitter Girls fashions (Sweet Dazzle and Sparking with Style) for Keltie (my Glitter Girls doll) and Halle to share. After the fashions arrived, both girls modeled them as illustrated below.
Keltie models the Sparking With Style fashion. Halle wears the Sweet Dazzle ensemble. The jellies (sandals) are too big for Halle, but as indicated, they do not fall off.
I stopped mid-redressing to apply a coat of Mod Podge to the Sweet Dazzle boots and the shoes that came with Keltie's original clothes.
I believe the Sweet Dazzle fashion is an older Glitter Girls fashion because it appears to have more glitter than their smaller boxed fashions. I had to stop and apply Mod Podge to the Sweet Dazzle boots to keep the glitter from flaking off. I did the same thing to the glittery shoes that came with Keltie's original fashion. The Mod Podge dries clear, which allows the glitter to shine through, but it is permanently in place now. I allowed the Mod Podge to dry overnight before the redressing resumed.
Keltie and Halle swapped fashions.
The Sweet Dazzle ensemble also fits Halle, but the length of the skirt is a little longer than I desire and again, the boots are big on her.
Halle shows off the cute backpack that comes with the Sweet Dazzle fashion. It has a functional opening.
Keltie models the handmade dress Halle had been wearing.
I wanted to know if the handmade candy cane striped dress made for 14-inch Paola Reina dolls would fit Keltie as well as it fits Halle, and it does. She had to wear her own shoes (the ones that I Mod Podged that came with her original fashion) because she cannot wear Maru and Friends Mini Pal shoes.
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________
Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published.
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