Bookmarks and Package Art

Paper doll artist, Diana E. Vining, of prettypix4u.com held a drawing on Facebook for her newly designed Lovely Locks bookmarks.  I entered by placing a comment to the status update containing the contest information.  At the end of the contest period, the gracious Diana allowed all participants to win.  We had a choice of one of the four new designs.  I chose McKenna, "who" was waiting patiently for me at the post office this past weekend, along with three additional ones that I purchased to be used as gifts. 

"Hi Debbie!" package art by Diana E. Vining

The four McKenna's were carefully tucked inside a padded envelop which contained Diana's signature package art on the outside, as illustrated above.  I like the personal touch she adds to her mailings so much that I have saved others from past packages, which are shown below, followed by the McKenna bookmark that I won.

Saved package art from past prettypix4u.com orders

McKenna measures approximately 6-1/2 inches (not including the top of her yarn ponytail).  The ponytail is black yarn with purple highlights that match the purple dress.  A multicolored bow accents the side ponytail.  McKenna holds her very own doll -- simply adorable!

The bookmarks are $4 and are cute gifts or gift extras for readers young and old. 

Browse Diana's website for bookmarks, paper dolls, note and greeting cards, and other products that include her art.


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Texas A&M Ken Actual Images and Comparison

Actual images of the currently sold out at BarbieCollector.com Texas A&M University Ken doll were shared with me by fellow doll enthusiast, Cynthia Wilson.  Cynthia graciously allowed me to share her images here along with a comparison image of Aggie Ken with Barbie Basics Model 17.   (Click the images to enlarge.)

This image includes the back of the box which contains the lyrics of the Aggie War Hymn.  Before the dolls sold out, smart shopper, Cynthia, purchased two.

After Cynthia freed one, he immediately showed off his articulated arms.

Now his wrist action and additional elbow movement are illustrated along with a closer look at his handsome face.

He looks as good from the back as from the front.

A little knee and ankle flexion and extension took place next.

The final image is a comparison of Texas A&M Ken with Barbie Basics Model 17.  

Texas A&M Ken poses with Barbie Basics Model 17.

Cynthia and I agree that Aggie Ken appears to have a wider face with darker hair.  Cynthia also thinks the articulated doll's top lip is fuller.  (He's from Texas and we all know that things are bigger in Texas.) 

Thank you again Cynthia for sharing your images and congratulations on being among those who received quantities of the first run of this doll.  
  
The link to six additional images of Texas A&M Ken were shared by blog reader, Meg Sense.  These can be viewed here (nude doll caution).  Thanks Meg Sense for the share!

Hopefully, for those of us who “slept” on placing our online orders, stock will be replenished soon or Texas A&M Ken will show up in our local markets.  It is also my hope that Mattel acts upon the loud and clear message that articulated African American male dolls (in more than one head sculpt) are desired and will indeed sell.

For those interested, here is Texas A&M Ken's Ordering Page (to bookmark and check for replenishment of stock).  Note that the "add to bag" option is available, but once it is clicked "unavailable" appears.)


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OWN to Air Dark Girls

Dark Girls, the documentary co-directed by Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2011, is scheduled to air on the Oprah Winfrey Network Sunday, June 23, 2013, at 10p.m.EST/9 p.m. CST.

If you have access to OWN, you may be interested in watching or recording this "fascinating and controversial film that goes underneath the surface to explore the prejudices dark-skinned women face throughout the world. It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures." (This description is from the OWN website.)  It is rated PG (L).


View the trailer:


Based on the testimonies of the women in the Dark Girls trailer, many, if not all needed and probably still need some special friends, love, and validation to overcome feelings of inferiority.  Their hurt originates from constant negative remarks by others regarding something beyond their control, genetic melanin richness.

To keep this post doll-related, I used the above image of Special Friends dolls by Rainbow Classics, circa 1990 because of their complexion.  The dolls' tender age group of around 3 to 5 years is another reason they were chosen.  Within this age range children have usually become aware of their physical appearance based on the reflection they see in the mirror and statements made by others -- negative or positive.  Comments about a child's physical attributes can have a long-lasting psychological effect -- negative and positive. 

The dolls are shown in full view and described below. 

The Special Friends dolls are vinyl with rooted hair.  The taller dolls stand 5-1/2 inches and have brown inset eyes.  The smallest is 4-inches tall with painted black eyes.  All three have freckles and a beautiful melanin-rich complexion.


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