I've added a copyright notice to the bottom of this blog. Being a modest person (cough, cough), I doubt that my text or photos are snatchable. Then again, it is better to be safe and to be "protected" than to meander about like the Tarot card Fool. So I added the notice.
Deep shrug.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
New Doll Review of YNU Group Mixis Opal SE
Earlier today, I submitted a doll review on Amazon.com for Mixis Opal Sunset Edition with Curly Hair by YNU Group Inc.
I was pleased to see that there was another review for the Limited Edition Opal. The reviewer for the LE Opal is Debbie Behan Garrett, author of Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion.
Here's to the continuation of the Mixis dolls.
I was pleased to see that there was another review for the Limited Edition Opal. The reviewer for the LE Opal is Debbie Behan Garrett, author of Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion.
Here's to the continuation of the Mixis dolls.
10 Series of Barbie Doll Alternatives, Past and Present
Barbie, Barbie, Barbie.
Sigh.
The playscale fashion doll scene seems to revolve around Barbie. Shorthand: fashion doll = Barbie. Non-collectors describe dolls not produced by Mattel or under the Barbie brand as "Barbie." Collectors compare other fashion dolls to Barbie: cheap playscale dolls are called "Barbie clones." Clone in this case is a negative. But is every playscale figure a Barbie clone? Usually, clones are cheaply made, poor quality dolls like some of the dollar store offerings. What about decent quality or even better quality playscale fashion dolls? Do they exist?
Yes, they do. Here are ten playscale doll series that "correct" or "improve" on some aspect of Barbie. They are less sophisticated, more ethnically "correct" or physically realistic, more brazen in three cases, more "intelligent," or otherwise ANTI-Barbie.
1. Ideal - Tammy the Doll You Love to Dress
2. Various companies - Sindy the Doll You Love to Dress
3. Hasbro - JEM
4. Hamilton Designs - Candi Girl / Candi (later designed by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys)
5. Get Real Girls
6. Get Set Club
7. Lanard - I-Girls
8. Smartees
9. Mattel - Flavas
10. MGA Entertainment - Bratz
Sigh.
The playscale fashion doll scene seems to revolve around Barbie. Shorthand: fashion doll = Barbie. Non-collectors describe dolls not produced by Mattel or under the Barbie brand as "Barbie." Collectors compare other fashion dolls to Barbie: cheap playscale dolls are called "Barbie clones." Clone in this case is a negative. But is every playscale figure a Barbie clone? Usually, clones are cheaply made, poor quality dolls like some of the dollar store offerings. What about decent quality or even better quality playscale fashion dolls? Do they exist?
Yes, they do. Here are ten playscale doll series that "correct" or "improve" on some aspect of Barbie. They are less sophisticated, more ethnically "correct" or physically realistic, more brazen in three cases, more "intelligent," or otherwise ANTI-Barbie.
1. Ideal - Tammy the Doll You Love to Dress
2. Various companies - Sindy the Doll You Love to Dress
3. Hasbro - JEM
4. Hamilton Designs - Candi Girl / Candi (later designed by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys)
5. Get Real Girls
6. Get Set Club
7. Lanard - I-Girls
8. Smartees
9. Mattel - Flavas
10. MGA Entertainment - Bratz
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Murder Among Doll Collectors - Mystery by Deb Baker
I have read a lot of mystery and suspense novels, but I have JUST learned of a murder mystery involving doll collectors. Doll collecting is often a solitary hobby. Throw a doll collector club in though and well, read and see. Deb Baker is the author, but here is a link to Molly Weston's blog "Meritorious Mysteries" for the review of
Dolled up for Murder
I haven't read this book yet so I cannot comment on it. However, it is on my list of books to look for at the library or in the bookstores. I look forward to reading about other collectors - even fictional ones.
Dolled up for Murder
I haven't read this book yet so I cannot comment on it. However, it is on my list of books to look for at the library or in the bookstores. I look forward to reading about other collectors - even fictional ones.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Magnifying Glass and Close-up Photos
EA aka ModernWizard sparked this follow-up post.
First, I want to applaud your close-up photos of Anneka and her grandmother in the Love Has Fangs chapter, "4.8: "Gaudeamus Igitur". The clarity of the close-ups enhanced the story and drew this reader briefly into the intimate world of Anneka and her grandmother. The magnifying glass "trick" transcends trick status when it renders such detailed photos. I ought to send the author, k6yar, a second thank you message about how great his tip was. I added him as a link on StumbleIt instead.
An aside here, but your aged your grandmother figure is admirable. I would guess you used wax and paint to convey her chapped lips and weathered skin? Excellent job. Gives a genuine, aged look without making old, caricature.
But regarding the use of a magnifying glass and the macro setting on my digital camera, the Kodak EasyShare CX7300: I encountered the light/glare problem you mention in your comment. I used a dollar store magnifying glass with no specified enlargement size noted. Moved around and shifted the camera angle to find a "clear" shot without glare spots. After a few glaringly bad even to me ha, ha - ouch the pun - shots, I managed to get a few decent shots that I am including in this post.
I couldn't resist the clear plastic of the platform heels worn by Jakks Pacific's Valerie of Jose and the Pussycats.
This close-up photo of Valerie shows some of the glare problem on the left side, but I include it because the bulk of the photo shows clear.
Since I was taking Power Team photos as well, I included this one showing the incredible detail of one of the Power Team figures. I love the texture variation among the Power Team figures. Another photo I tried was to show the freckles of another Power Team figure. Only that one, I need to improve so that the freckles can be seen.
Final aside, the main site k6yard.com is down now, but the author's blog is active at Life is an Experience.
First, I want to applaud your close-up photos of Anneka and her grandmother in the Love Has Fangs chapter, "4.8: "Gaudeamus Igitur". The clarity of the close-ups enhanced the story and drew this reader briefly into the intimate world of Anneka and her grandmother. The magnifying glass "trick" transcends trick status when it renders such detailed photos. I ought to send the author, k6yar, a second thank you message about how great his tip was. I added him as a link on StumbleIt instead.
An aside here, but your aged your grandmother figure is admirable. I would guess you used wax and paint to convey her chapped lips and weathered skin? Excellent job. Gives a genuine, aged look without making old, caricature.
But regarding the use of a magnifying glass and the macro setting on my digital camera, the Kodak EasyShare CX7300: I encountered the light/glare problem you mention in your comment. I used a dollar store magnifying glass with no specified enlargement size noted. Moved around and shifted the camera angle to find a "clear" shot without glare spots. After a few glaringly bad even to me ha, ha - ouch the pun - shots, I managed to get a few decent shots that I am including in this post.
I couldn't resist the clear plastic of the platform heels worn by Jakks Pacific's Valerie of Jose and the Pussycats.
This close-up photo of Valerie shows some of the glare problem on the left side, but I include it because the bulk of the photo shows clear.
Since I was taking Power Team photos as well, I included this one showing the incredible detail of one of the Power Team figures. I love the texture variation among the Power Team figures. Another photo I tried was to show the freckles of another Power Team figure. Only that one, I need to improve so that the freckles can be seen.
Final aside, the main site k6yard.com is down now, but the author's blog is active at Life is an Experience.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mattel Barbie Celebrates Her 50th Birthday!
March 9 is Barbie's birthday. This is her fiftieth birthday so you will find posts and photos all over the Internet and on other media - radio and television, too. Everyone has a Barbie story. But what of the Birthday Girl, herself?
If I could have one wish granted by Mattel regarding Barbie, I would ask that they please God, S T O P stapling Barbie's head to the boxes. Ceasing the barbaric practice of doll head stapling - attaching a plastic strip in the doll's head and attaching the other end of that strip to the doll's box - would spare countless children, parents, and collectors gratuitous torture suffered upon attempts to remove the unwanted plastic strips. It would also reduce waste of plastic materials. Think how that plastic could be used for needed and desired items or NOT created at all. But most importantly, it would allow Barbie to retain all of her hair intact.
I think that collectors, parents, and children everywhere should take this time, Barbie's 50th birthday year, to petition Mattel to save Barbie's head. Stop the head stapling practice. Do it for Barbie.
If I could have one wish granted by Mattel regarding Barbie, I would ask that they please God, S T O P stapling Barbie's head to the boxes. Ceasing the barbaric practice of doll head stapling - attaching a plastic strip in the doll's head and attaching the other end of that strip to the doll's box - would spare countless children, parents, and collectors gratuitous torture suffered upon attempts to remove the unwanted plastic strips. It would also reduce waste of plastic materials. Think how that plastic could be used for needed and desired items or NOT created at all. But most importantly, it would allow Barbie to retain all of her hair intact.
I think that collectors, parents, and children everywhere should take this time, Barbie's 50th birthday year, to petition Mattel to save Barbie's head. Stop the head stapling practice. Do it for Barbie.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Roville Update as of March 8, 2009!
There is a new Roville Diorama post showing Bar None with Rovillians at ease. Incredible sets and fascinating slice of life
Roville update
I am eager to find out what happened with Daphne Bliss and the threatening electrician. I'm almost afraid to find out - Daphne is one of the many likable businesswomen of Roville.
Kudos to Robin for her wonderful sets, fascinating characters, and addictive stories.
Roville update
I am eager to find out what happened with Daphne Bliss and the threatening electrician. I'm almost afraid to find out - Daphne is one of the many likable businesswomen of Roville.
Kudos to Robin for her wonderful sets, fascinating characters, and addictive stories.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)