5 comments about Ultimate Fashion Doll Makeovers: Tips from the Experts.

1. The purchaser should be aware that this isn't really a 'how to' book. It's comprised of postings by members of Jim Faraone's Yahoo group of fashion doll makeover artists, and has a format much like a website bulletin board. It is ABSOLUTELY packed with tips and suggestions and techniques - many with really excellent photos. Its contributors are generous with their time and experience. However, I'm afraid the beginner will find this book overwhelming, since it doesn't present a simple step-by-step approach. It should also be pointed out that the techniques have not necessarily all been 'tested and approved' by the author or any collective group of artists, so it would be unwise to consider this text to be the definitive guide for handling vinyl or hard plastics. I find it to be a worthwhile addition to a larger library, but not a 'handy reference guide' - if that's what you're looking for.



2. I wouldn't consider this book the 'be all and end all' of it... in other words it's a great supplement to other books available. If it were to be the 'be all and end all' of it, I would expect the title to be "Encyclopedia of Fashion Doll Makeovers" but it's not... it's "Utimate Fashion Doll Makeovers...Tips from the Experts"... those from novice to professional who are doing great work! Jim does say in his intro he wanted the feel of the book to be like that of his Yahoogroup™, Fashion Doll Makeovers, he has achieved that. It makes for feeling right at home with these talented artists and with internet access you can meet them too. There are some very useful tips in here that to me make it a very worth while publication in it's own right. There are 4 other books in his series. I haven't gotten any of them yet.. but it seems that one doesn't replace the others... they are supplemental to one another. And as an artist you have to take bits and pieces of advice and combine it with your own ideas and creativity. Thanks Jim and all the featured artists, your an inspiration to this novice!



3. This one has more tips in it than any of the others but it really doesnt TEACH anything! I feel as though I am eavesdropping on artists' conversations with this format and sometimes personal ones at that!(Catty!) Nor do I want to look at pictures! I bought this book because I wanted to learn! Sorry but if another fashion doll makeover book comes out I wont be buying.



4. This is the best of his books! I love it, I'll be using it as a reference for a long time! there's more tips in it than I can remember in one reading. Its set up like a chat with him and other doll artists, easy to read, easy to understand. I have his 3rd and 4th books, which have tips not included in this book but this one is a MUST HAVE.



5. A MUST HAVE for any customizer!!! Mr. Faraone's Book keep getting better and BETTER!!

No comments about A Celebration of American Dolls: From the Collections of Strong Museum.

3 comments about All-Bisque and Half-Bisque Dolls.

1. Pauline's daughter here. Forgot to give you contact info. I can be reached at: pauline@angione.com



2. Bisque and half-bisque dolls are attractive collectibles, but the market, especially for the smaller sizes, is full of confusion and dealers who don't know bisque from china. Angione had the topic covered. Even if she hadn't been an authoritative and experienced collector, her personal memories of the social context of many of the dolls would be worth the price. I personally think her views on Japanese bisques are overly harsh; but I wouldn't give two pins for an authority who isn't openly opinionated about something. Carry your ax where everybody can see it, instead of pretending you don't have one to grind, and you won't mislead anyone. If you have this book and Nippon Dolls and Playthings: Identification and Values by Joan F. Van Patten and Linda Lau (Collector Books, 2001), you are better equipped to start collecting bisque dolls than most dealers are to sell them.



3. Interested in making contact with those who remember the author Genevieve, and/or photographer, Charles. Signed: Pauline Angione

3 comments about Bing Bears and Other Toys.

1. For the advanced collector, there has been a shortage of information on Bing Bears in regards to identification, charm and market value until Ken Yenke wrote and complied wonderful photos of Bing Bears in this comprehensive book. As always, I am impressed and learn more than I had hoped when selecting one of Ken's books to add to my Teddy Bear Book reference library. A wonderful book for all who seek more knowledge about our loved...Teddy Bears.



2. This book is much more than a report of a company's products. It is an honest and direct account of what happened to a creative and productive enterprise under Hitler's oppression, and after that it is a beautiful description of the many fantastic items the company developed. Ken Yenke has made a fine contribution to the history of the German toy industry by describing the happenings that led to the demise of the Bing company. The pictures are terrific, and the dialogue is strong and exciting. You'll want to read every word and study every picture. I strongly recommend this book to all toy collectors.



3. We, collectors have waited a long time for someone to write a comprehensive book on the wonderful world of Bing Bears & Toys. Ken Yenke has developed a book designed to educated the reader on the history of Bing, as well as, give remarkable early sketches and photos of Bings that most collectors never get an opportunity to actually see. I was quite impressed with the energy and apparent love that Ken Yenke has demonstrated throughout the book. The descriptions are concise yet informative; and the price guidelines help the novice collector and the advanced collector gauge their buying and selling scales. I looked forward to reading this book from the earliest whispers of its development and have not been disappointed in any way. I hope Ken Yenke continues to write books that are educational to collectors and also beautiful to the eye.

No comments about Raggedy Ann and Johnny Gruelle: A Bibliography of Published Works.

No comments about Bear Memorabilia: A Reference and Price Guide.

No comments about German Porcelain Dolls, 1836-2002.

No comments about Sculpting Dolls in Cernit.

No comments about Collecting Toy Soldiers (Pincushion Press Collectibles Series).

No comments about Dolls, Teddy Bears and Accessories of the Twenties and Thirties: from Sears, Roebuck and Co. Catalogs.