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.

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.

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.

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.

RnD Susie Joins the Integrity Dynamite Girls

You can read the news here under the March 2, 2009 entry - I first learned of it from a post on the All About Susie Yahoo Group:

R&D Dolls News

Susie by R & D Dolls will join the Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls Electro Pop Collection later this year. I assume that this is a one-time collaboration since Susie will be exclusive to R & D Collectibles. Other information gleaned from the Yahoo Group posts is that this Susie will have the Dynamite Girls' body and rooted eyelashes.

Ah ... so many dolls, so little space, so few my funds!

Time to purge and sell.

Close-up Tutorial by K6yardotcom on YouTube

There is a helpful video by k6yardotcom on YouTube

A Tutorial - Using Magnifying Glass For Closeup Videos

I think this tip can also be used with photos. Hmmm ... more help reducing and/or eliminating the photo fuzz factor.

Photo Revision - Close-ups of DID Wiz

I've been informed - kindly - that my close-ups are fuzzy. In my haste to upload, I hadn't noticed the fuzz factor. I don't see a way to adjust my focus on the Kodak EasyShare CX7300 digital camera that I have. Checked the handbook and the online reference about fuzzy focus. Hmmm ... movement of the camera as the photo is taken could be the problem. Blat! Guilty. Guess I need a tripod. The camera does shift a little in my hands - wayward camera or wayward hands? In the meantime, I am adding some new photos of DID Wiz here.









Thanks for looking. I am going to work on my photos - if people are kind enough to visit, I need to provide clear and attractive photos.