1 comments about Simon & Halbig Dolls: The Artful Aspect.

1. I was disappointed that more head mold numbers were not available. I will need to look elsewhere to continue my research.

1 comments about Effanbee's Dy-Dee: The Complete Collector's Book.

1. This is a great volume for anyone who had ,has, and loves Dy-Dee Baby. I was amazed at the attention paid to details like clothing and 'baby stuff'. I had a lot of baby stuff for my Dy-Dee and her cousins, but there was a whole lot more available than I ever dreamed. That so many of these dolls have survived, is a testement to Dy-Dee's ability to inspire maternal love and nurturing. It's not only a book for collectors, but also an interesting look at marketing techniques and our culture.
   Robert Tonner's motto, 'Believe in the power of play' is illustrated profoundly in this volume, and his reproduction of the Mold 1 Dy-Dee Baby, to be relaeased this fall, is a most fitting tribute to the baby doll that has captured so many hearts over the years.

2 comments about Ginny America's Sweetheart: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Few dolls speak of childhood like the Ginny doll. As a young toddler in the 1950s, Ginny the character, was a spokesperson for her generation. In the days when children played in the present with dolls that represented themselves, Ginny doll was always a favorite. Her wardrobe, accessories and study construction has made her a living legend that still continues today. The Ginny doll is a part of the American heritage of dolls. I hope you enjoy this book as it is a chapter of Americana that we never want to forget. A. Glenn Mandeville



2. PRESENTS A THOROUGH HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE EVOLUTION OF VOGUE DOLL COMPANY AND GINNY THROUGH HER MANY CHANGES. LOTS OF ILLUSTRATIONS. GREAT REFERENCE SECTION IN BACK TO IDENTIFY AND PRICE DOLLS AND CLOTHING QUICKLY. THERE ARE A FEW TYPOS IN THE BOOK--COULD HAVE BEEN EDITED A LITTLE BETTER. NEVERTHELESS, IT'S EASY AND FUN TO READ. THERE IS A NEW SECTION ON 1998 GINNY WITH CLEAR ILLUSTRATIONS OF HER WEARING HER LATEST DESIGNS. I THINK YOU'LL ENJOY THIS BOOK ON AMERICA'S SWEETHEART.

No comments about Teddy Bears: A Complete Guide to History, Collecting, and Care.

2 comments about Art Of Patti Playpal.

1. I went through this book the very minute I received it, front to back cover. The numerous large color photographs were impressive and the information the book contained on the artist, the dolls, the variations, the clothes, and the other Playpal Family dolls gave me a well-rounded education, along with the other Patti Playpal book, called Patti Playpal Family. I am not disappointed that I splurged on them both. There was much information in the Art of... that was not in the other and yet the other contained some information that the Art of... didn't. A must for Patti Playpal lovers - both books.



2. This a gorgeous book with wonderful photographs and everything you ever wanted to know about Ideal's Patti Playpal. If you love these dolls this is a must have!

1 comments about Doll Collecting with Tina: Classic Dolls From 1860 to 1960.

1. I have collected dolls for many years, but always shyed away from antique dolls. I don't know much about them and felt I wouldn't know if I was recieving a fair price. This book has helped me see some of the antique dolls I find appealing are not so out of my price range. Although I cannot afford to buy a single doll at $1000.00 I can still find great looking antique dolls from $200-$500. Magazine listings, books, websites, clubs and doll doctors are included and I feel these are references I can trust. This book has sparked a fire in me to aquire some new antique doll for my collection. It was a great start to a learning process.

No comments about Kitty Dale 1959: A Collectible Vintage Fashion Paper Doll.

5 comments about Fashion Doll Makeovers Learn from 35 Artists Step-by-Step Guide by Jim Faraone.

1. This is a really inspirational book, but it's not for those who think learning is doing exactly what teacher tells you. Jim Faraone shows his readers what can be achieved, and gives a run-down of tips and techniques, but mostly he allows the work of artists of all ages, nationalities and styles to inspire dreams and ambitions. Jim treasures the individuality and daring of the doll artist and his books help those who dream to dare. How do you "learn from the artists"? By looking at their work and by letting your own curiosity and talent take over, not by following step-by-step directions to a 'creative project' that looks just like everyone else's. The books are treasure troves of inspiration, and worth a place on any doll-lover's bookshelf. Thanks, Jim!



2. That is what you will find in the latest edition of Jim Faraone's 4th Fashion Doll makeovers. The book is filled with beautiful shots of fashion doll makeovers, bios of the artists and best of all, in the back, tips and tricks on how to do some of the things pictured. Enhancing molded hair creations, beaded hair, create a molded mohawk style, the making of fairy wings, fabric wings, appliques and gloves are all explained with clear, step by step pictures. This book is a fine addition to the series. With each book you can learn more and more about creating your own makeovers. The information is also helpful if you just want to make presentable all those poor dolls that your daughter decided to give a hair cut to.

   If you aren't into making over your own dolls you can still enjoy the pictures of the beautiful dolls created by some truly talented artists.




3. Great if you need inspiration but it's short on how tos. Some of the artists featured here have created true masterpieces. I just wish there was more on how to create your own.



4. I wasn't sure what to think of this book; I'd seen good reviews and bad ones. Ultimately this purchase was a leap of faith, and I'm glad I jumped. While this is not primarily a how-to volume, there is a good, basic starter section in the back which shows how to re-root and style hair, do basic face paints, construct accessories such as hats, purses and jewelry.

   If you're looking for a project-based book, this sure isn't it, and you'll be bitterly disappointed by the fact that the bulk of the book is made up of photos of and information about the work of other doll customizers. However, if you're looking for inspiration along with enough information to get started on your own, then this is absolutely the book for you. It's a book to set you dreaming about what that $2.99 sale Barbie could look like with a little (or a lot) of work. It's a book that can provoke you to have fun as well as take on a lot of hard work.

   Most of all, it's not going to lead you through cookie-cutter projects. If you want a doll that looks just like dozens of other dolls, stick with what's in the box. But if you want to think, to create something truly one-of-a-kind, then give this book a shot.




5. This book has great pictures, but is it seriously lacking in the how-to department. There is one small chapter on how-tos, however, the rest of the book showcases the creations of various fashion doll customizers. If you are not looking for much on the how-tos of fashion doll customizing and you want to look at pretty pictures and get some ideas, this book is for you. If you are looking for a book heavy on the how-to of fashion doll customizing, this is not the book for you. What little information that is in the book and more, can be found on the internet if you are willing to do the research. Trust me, I found it.

1 comments about Selected Writings of John Darcy Noble: Favorite Articles from Dolls.

1. A lovely collection of "Doll Magazine" articles written by one of the worlds most knowledgable doll experts. A very interesting and informative read. You'll find the pages brimming with fabulous rare doll photo's as well.

1 comments about Cher Doll & Her Celebrity Friends: With Fashions by Bob Mackie (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I love that this book exists! I've always had a CHER doll but I never owned any of her fashions, but I definitely remember looking at them at Toys 'R' Us when I was a kid. I even remember her wearing many of them on her own show back in the 1970's. The photos are fun and entertaining! This is a great addition to any Cher collection!