No comments about Barbie (Memoirs).

1 comments about The Mini Rubber Duckie Kit (Mega Mini Kits).

1. Not what I ordered! I did not receive what was pictured! When asked for a refund they didn't respond.

No comments about Loch Desk Monster: The Office Terror (Mega Mini Kit).

1 comments about Kewpie for Collectors (Kewpie).

1. This book is filled with lovely color photos of early Kewpie paperdolls, post cards & other paper products that bear Kewpie pictures. Rather than contenting himself with only the very early products that were overseen by Rose O'Neil, John Axe continues with the production of later Kewpies. The most recent are not included, but Kewpie dolls as recent as 2001 are pictured. This is great for a collector such as myself who cannot afford to buy the early Kewpies, but must be satisfied with later reproductions. All photographs are in full color. A MUST for collectors' of the more modern Kewpies.

No comments about The Official Hake's Price Guide to Character Toys, Edition #5 (Official Hake's Price Guide to Character Toys).

3 comments about Toys A to Z : A Guide and Dictionary for Collectors, Antique Dealers and Enthusiasts.

1. Perfect for the novice to the collector. Alot of rich history and terminology of soft toys and collector toys.
   But that is what this is a Pure Dictionary!



2. One quality shared by all really good reference books is that the reader who goes to look something up finds himself twenty minutes later unable to remember his original question.

   TOYS A-Z is handy sized and beautifully designed, with a thumb index and hundreds of illustrations of toys, ads, logos. The author is a real presence. Mark Rich has clear interests and an individual point of view. He shows us the story of an industry devoted to providing playthings and is strongest on U.S. toys. The book, in fact is a study of Americana. And an original piece of Americana as well.

   If it was twice as long, it would be ten times as good. Ten times as long and nobody who dipped into it would ever be heard from again!




3. This is a brand new (2001) 480 page handy 6 x 9" book that toy collectors will want to keep with them when antiquing. It contains more than 350 black and white photos and covers the gamut of toys from A to Z. It's called a guide and dictionary for toy enthusiasts, and includes every type of toy imaginable. Items are listed by brand names, manufacturers and type of toys, cross-referenced for easy item location and identification. There's also much information regarding toy making companies. The book has a handy thumb-index like a dictionary for speed of use. It's a useful addition to your collectibles library.

No comments about Collecting Toys: Identification and Value Guide (O'Brien's Collecting Toys).

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 American Teddy Bear Encyclopedia.

1. This book allows you to have a trip to "the world of Teddy Bear". The book is filled with many different styles, design and personalities of teddy bear, a lot of ideas will come out after reading it(as I like to make teddy bear by myself). Although there is no step in making the teddy bears, you will be impressed by the arts of teddy bear! This is really a good encyclopedia for you to have a look on the teddy bear world, just like to have a look on all kinds of people over the world.

5 comments about Toys & Prices 2005 (Toys and Prices).

1. This was a complete disappointment. They reduced the size of the book from 8 ½" by 11" to 7" by 10". This in itself is not so bad, but they reduced all the information in this book as well. They no longer cover any antique toys at best they only deal in vintage / classic toys. If your ideas of antique toy cars are Red Line Hotwheels you will like this book. If you are looking for Aircraft, American Paper Toys, Animal Drawn, Banks, Dollhouses and Miniature Furniture, Erector Sets, Farm Toys, Lionel Trains, Movie, Radio & Television Toys, Ramp Walkers, Schoenhut, Ships, Soldiers, Sparklers and Plunger Toys, Steam Toys, Wooden Toys, Cast Iron Vehicles and anything else before the 60's forget it! This has been reduced to nothing more than a baby boomer's toy guide. If you enjoy Antique Toy World, this book is not for you! If you like Toy Shop Magazine, well that is all this is. If you own the 11th Edition of Collecting Toys, hold on to it and get a second copy before you waste your money on this dreadful price guide.



2. I really thought this book would have been better updated from the previous year. It said it was...but not for the items I really wanted. And alot of the pricing was the exact same price as last year. I must say I was disapointed! :-(



3. Has the best variety of Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars as well as other diecast toy vehicles. Easy to use and understand. I highly recommend this book.



4. The Krause book of Toys and Prices has long been a favorite of mine. It is comprehensive, layed out well in its format and sections, as well as providing informative information on the hobby or business of toy collecting. Each year Krause does a better job of including more modern day toys as there are so many companies now producing toys specifically for a collectors market. Like any good book the Krause guide provides manufacturer, year and of course condition based prices.
   
   While No one guide can ever be totally comprehensive, Krause is one I buy every two years or so along with the Schroeder toy price guide. Those two I think provide the best wealth of information and accuracy of any toy price guides.



5. Browse through favorite childhood toys and learn just how much they're worth now in the new twelth edition offering the latest updates in what is justifiably considered to be the toy bible for serious collectors and antique dealers -- Toys & Prices 2005. While small black and white photos and a sampling of color photos are included, the meat of Toys & Prices 2005 lie in alphabetically arranged listings organized into 23 main categories, from games and lunch boxes to space toys and more. Three price ranges reflect different condition ratings: especially valuable considering it's a medium which typically is difficult to preserve from young players.