From Balloon to Tissue Paper Leotard

Red Ruffles Fashionista Barbie #11 wears a no-sew leotard, tutu, and ballet slippers.

In a 2016 Facebook doll group project, I created a balloon leotard for one of my Barbies (Red Ruffles Fashionista #11) using a video that had been floating around on Facebook as a guide. The rest of the group participants and I also made a tutu and ballet slippers for our dolls. My doll is shown in the first image (above) taken after completing the costume in 2016.

A recent photo of the costumed ballerina standing between two other dolls that share the Goddess head sculpt led to a recent discovery about the costume.

Recall that the costume was created some 10 years ago. Since 2022, my doll has been displayed like this in a vinyl over-the-door shoe pocket. When I retrieved the doll a few weeks ago along with other Barbies that share the Goddess head sculpt, I discovered that the top of her balloon leotard had ruptured. This was probably caused by the doll being inside the vinyl pocket, behind a bedroom door where it did not receive adequate ventilation. 

Close-up of the ruptured leotard

I decided that instead of using a balloon to create a replacement leotard, I would make one from tissue paper as illustrated in the following photos:

I had to peel and, in some areas, scratch off the balloon leotard, which was stuck to the doll's body.

I Saran-wrapped the area that the new leotard would cover, as illustrated in this photo and in the one immediately above it. For protection, her head was wrapped in plastic, too.

I used a papier-mache-like technique to create the tissue-paper leotard with both water-diluted and undiluted Mod Podged strips of pink tissue paper. The Mod Podge was applied with my finger or a wedge makeup sponge (mostly using my index finger).

The doll's body was completely covered with Mod Podged tissue paper and allowed to dry before additional layers were added.

After applying each layer of Mod Podged tissue paper, I stood the doll in a mug until the tissue paper dried, as illustrated in this picture and in the one immediately above it.

In this picture, the leotard has dried, and the excess exposed edges of Saran Wrap were trimmed with a combination of an X-Acto knife and scissors.

The previously used ribbon trim was tied around the top of the leotard, and the tutu was tied around the doll's waist.

She posed gracefully for two more photos. 

The leotard is permanently attached and will require cutting off if I ever want to redress her, but I have no plans to do that.

Even though the tissue paper leotard is more durable than the balloon, I plan to display her in an open area.

The final AI-led photo below placed this lovely doll in an elegant ballet performance scene. 

Solo performance

Related Link

Making a No-Sew Doll Leotard, Tutu, and Slippers

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©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Ruby Red Toys Amani

Ruby Red Toys Amani, a limited edition 14-1/2-inch all-vinyl doll, has 9 points of articulation.

I almost missed getting Amani by Ruby Red Toys because I wasn't feeling her matchless clothes. The white blouse, multicolored sequined vest, and three-tiered, flared gray skirt appeared thrown together and too reminiscent of McKenzie Fenella Layla's ensemble, which prevented me from purchasing the Lars doll, and I have no regrets about that decision. For this reason, I passed on preordering Amani. 

After seeing online pictures of other collectors' dolls and basking in Amani's striking beauty, I ordered one of the last six from FAO Schwarz in June. By that time, the doll was almost sold out at Ruby Red Toys and did sell out a day or so after my FAO order. 

I took 65 photos of Amani and edited down to 22. The photos are a visual depiction of this gorgeous, ebony-complexioned 14-1/2-inch doll. Some of the photos were used in the following unboxing video.

The Unboxing Video 

As the video indicates, Amani has a certificate of authenticity.  Made in a limited edition of 300 dolls, my doll is number 267. 

The Photos 

Packaged items: Certificate of authenticity, care instructions, tissue-wrapped clothes, jewelry case, socks and sandals

Three pairs of earrings were inside the jewelry case.

Amani's unpackaged items: a white blouse, a sequined vest, two skirts, black sandals, and toeless socks

Amani arrived wearing white panties.

What a lovely face! She wears the silicone wig band and still has the plastic protectors in her ear piercings.

The short curly wig is very becoming.

Amani wears the white blouse and sequined vest with the multicolored silk skirt and sandals (without socks).

The gray three-tiered, flared skirt and toeless sandals are worn with the white blouse and sequined vest.

Despite the matchless clothes, Amani is breathtaking (and she can always be redressed)!
 

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode; find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Elara #3

XianXian Toys' Elara has brown hair.

A third Elara entered the collection in June 2026. Like the other two, this Elara has a charcoal complexion, but her hair is brown.

Sold nude, Elara arrived in a XianXian Toys box, ready for dressing.

Elara wears a two-piece yellow wet-look fashion with white high-heeled shoes.

I had planned to dress her in a Mondrian color-block dress identical to the dress worn by the two Elaras that preceded her, but decided to break up that pattern with a yellow ensemble. 

All three Elaras posed for a full-view photograph and next...

...they posed for this lovely close-up.

These gorgeous dolls use the same head sculpt, but their hair color and style, and their lipstick color differs. 

Related Links

XianXian Toys Elara x2

Elara Cover Girls

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode, find, and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

My Angel Reese Barbie Arrived

My Angel Reese Barbie arrived on 07-25-2026 after ordering the doll a day earlier.

Because she will remain in the box, I took the liberty of prompting AI to create the two collages above. 

There is a beautiful picture of Angel Reese on the back of the box with a quote from her followed by a brief bio of Angel and a description of the doll.

Earn every crown you wear—put in the work, maximize your 24 hours, and show the world you are limitless.—Angel Reese

The doll's description reads:

The Angel Reese Barbie doll celebrates [her] legacy dressed in a pink basketball uniform with her signature legging, Angel Reese 1 Reebok shoes, and headband. Her Jersey honors her WNBA #5 and LSU #10, while a pink basketball symbolizes the power, confidence, and style the "Rebound Queen" brings to the game.

I'm glad maximizing my 24 hours on 07-24-2026 included not hesitating to order this doll. On the morning of 07-25-2026, it was already sold out on Amazon.com with a notation that they "do not know when or if it will be back in stock."

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode, find, and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

NC Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures Congratulates DeeGeeGee's VBDM

The above images are screenshots of the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures' congratulatory Instagram post recognizing DeeBeeGee's VBDM on July 24, 2026.

With heartfelt gratitude to NC Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures... ❤️

A sincere thank you to the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures for this beautiful congratulatory tribute recognizing DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum™ and the milestone of curating 1,000 Black dolls.

I am deeply honored by your thoughtful acknowledgment and generous words. To receive this recognition from an organization that is equally committed to preserving and celebrating doll and toy history makes this accomplishment even more meaningful.

The Virtual Black Doll Museum was founded with the vision of documenting, preserving, and sharing the rich history, artistry, and cultural significance of Black dolls for collectors, researchers, educators, and future generations. Every doll tells a story, and reaching this milestone reflects years of research, dedication, and a passion for ensuring these stories are never forgotten.

Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and support. I am grateful to stand alongside institutions like the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures that understand the importance of preserving the history of dolls and toys.

Here's to continuing our mission of celebrating the history, artistry, and legacy of dolls—one collection, one story, and one generation at a time.

With appreciation,

DeeBeeGee (dbg) Debbie Behan Garrett
Founder & Curator
DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum™
Celebrating the history and legacy of Black dolls.

#VirtualBlackDollMuseum #BlackDollHistory #BlackDollCollectors #DollMuseum #CulturalHeritage #ThankYou #NorthCarolinaMuseumofDollsToysandMiniatures #1000BlackDolls #PreservingHistory

Links of Interest

NC Doll Museum's Instagram Post

North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures (website)

NC Doll Museum on Instagram

NC Doll Museum on Facebook

Spend the Day with Kitty Black Perkins at the NC Doll Museum

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode, find, and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Barbie Signature Role Models Angel Reese Doll

The Angel Reese Barbie is seen in a prototype photo from the Internet.

The Barbie Signature Role Models Angel Reese Doll has been released. It is available at Mattel Creations, Target online and in some stores, and Amazon.

Mattel's Details:

The Barbie Role Models series pays tribute to one of basketball's biggest rising stars on and off the court: Angel Reese. An elite rebounder and double-double legend, she tears up the court with incredible athleticism and style. Outside the arena, Angel has amassed a fanbase with her fierce fashion, brand partnerships, philanthropy work, and more. Our homage to Reese wears a custom pink jersey, featuring her professional number on one side and her college number on the other. Her signature accessories complete the look, and with a basketball in hand she’s ready to sink some shots.

Barbie® Role Models™ Angel Reese Doll

Doll Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Packaging Designer: Charis Ceniseroz

Label: Black

Face Sculpt: Likeness of Angel Reese

Body Type: Tall Made to Move

Includes Certificate of Authenticity

 My doll is on the way!

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode, find, and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Mini Brands Fashion Capsules *Updated*

Two of the four Mini Brands Fashion capsules that I've purchased (thus far)

After receiving an assortment of Mini Brands Fashions (minus the capsules) as a birthday gift, I became a little obsessed and purchased four additional capsules and an assortment of loose items offered in an eBay auction. The element of surprise, but knowing that the contents of each capsule would contain something I like, and hopefully not a duplicate, fueled the obsession. The capsules are from series 3 and 4.

Each capsule in the Mini Brands Fashion series contains two surprise packages. The following images are the contents of the first two Series 3 capsules:

A gold atomizer-shaped shoulder bag, a designer-style silk scarf, pink shoes with square cutouts, and a gold charm bracelet (or necklace) were in two packages in the first Series 3 capsule.

The atomizer-shaped purse was in one package. The other items shown above were in the second package. The first two capsules were ordered from an Amazon seller who offered the two for $13.99. They retail for $9.99, so I thought that was a good price, and shipping was free because I purchased other items that qualified for free shipping. 

These items were in the two packages of capsule 2 from Series 3: a blue quilted shoulder bag, white high-top sneakers with a black-and-white side "swoosh" design, faux lipstick, and a silver necklace.

The blue shoulder bag was packaged alone. The other items shown above were in the second package in this capsule.

A red velour purse, red stacked-heel open-toe shoes, a gold-tone necklace with red faux gemstones, and matching earrings were in two packages from a Series 4 capsule.

The red purse was in one package; the other items were in the second package in my 3rd Mini Brands Fashion capsule purchase.

These items from Series 4 were in my 4th Mini Brands capsule purchase: faux lipstick and perfume, white knee-high cushiony boots, and a peach shoulder bag. (The shoulder bag was in one package; the other items were in the second package in this capsule.)

While shopping at Walmart, I checked the toy department, found the Mini Brands display, rummaged through the assorted capsules, and luckily found one fashion capsule, the contents of which are in the picture above.   

So far, I have been fortunate not to purchase any duplicate items, but my obsession did not end with these four capsule purchases.

An eBay Find

I found this assortment of Mini Brands Fashion (MF) items in an eBay auction. These items are from different Mini Brands Fashion series. The tan boots and fringe purse are from Series 3. All other items are from earlier MF series.

Grouped items from the eBay purchase were photographed:

It was the tan knee-high boots that influenced this eBay purchase. The two stylish shoulder bags were an added plus. The sunglasses were included with this purchase, along with the items in the next three pictures.

Two MF image cards and a Chihuahua

A bottle of lotion, two makeup brushes, and a compact

This is a close-up of a bottle of faux lotion with the top removed.

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These four dolls wear Mini Brands Fashion accessories that were either part of my birthday present or my purchases.

Elara holds a quilted blue shoulder bag.

Fanah copped two silver lamé items: a shoulder bag and silver ankle boots.

The tan fringe purse and tan boots pair well with Nichelle's cold-weather attire. (I didn't have trouble putting the boots on or removing them.)

Barbie Fashionistas #6 Party Glam Desireé holds a pink lamé purse and wears fashionable white knee-high boots.

I am looking forward to accessorizing other dolls with these Mini Brands Fashion accessories! 

BTW: I've ordered a 5th MF capsule that will arrive soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't duplicate what I already have.

Update: 11 p.m. 07-23-2026

My 5th Mini Brands Fashion capsule arrived crushed.

The 5th MF capsule arrived earlier today. The capsule was severely damaged in shipping due to poor packing, but since I was going to open it anyway, I decided to keep it. I'm happy I made that decision because it does not duplicate any of the MF items I already have, which are shown below.

This unnumbered Mini Brands Fashion capsule contained a red faux leather shoulder bag, a pair of red sunglasses, red ankle boots, and a container of red lip gloss. I believe this capsule is from the first MF series.

XianXian Toys' Elara models the sunglasses, shoulder bag, and ankle boots. The red lip gloss is tucked inside the shoulder bag.

__________

All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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. To contact me directly, use the About page link, which is also visible in Web View mode, find, and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com