“The BEST doll site on the web” – Mark, USA

DollObservers.com is the social network site for Fashion Doll Lovers. Whether your passion is Barbie, Tonner, Sybarite, Fashion Royalty or all of the above! Or whether you prefer your dolls Vintage or New, then this is the site for you. This is a true community of doll lovers and together we can discover a whole world of Fashion Dolls!

Once you sign up you will be able to enjoy and join in with the following activities and features:

• Have your own ‘My Page’ which you can customise, rearrange and choose from a range of cool apps to add right there on your page
• See a member you like? Add them as a friend! The more you engage with other members the more friends you will make. Invite your non-member friends to join you too!
• Active members stand the chance of being nominated as a Superstar Member!
• Connect DollObservers.com to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post to all 3!
• Add your Doll Photos and arrange them into albums. Other members can comment and socially engage with them
• Upload Doll Videos or embed YouTube movies. Other members can comment and socially engage with them
• Read member Fashion Doll Articles (blogs) and add your own
• Join in and engage with the fashion doll discussions in the Forum
• Join a specific Doll Groups such as ‘Barbie”, “Buy & Sell’, ‘Tonner Dolls‘, ‘Moxie Teenz‘ and more. Don’t see a group for you? Then create and maintain your own!
• Do you run or know of Fashion Doll events? Then add them to our events page and invite your friends too!
• Follow all the action in the Activity Feed on the front page in order to keep up with members’ posts. Add Photos, Videos, Articles, Discussions and Events as well as Status Updates right there in the feed
• Every month we have a different Doll Theme. Previous themes have included ‘Science Fiction’, ‘In The Sun’, ‘Love’ and lots more. Members can enter a theme pic for a chance to win a $20 cash prize! It lots of fun and a very popular feature
• Look out for occasional offers and competitions to win cool Fashion Doll prizes!
• Our site is ever evolving and new features are added all the time.

Phew, as if that wasn’t enough, DollObservers.com is absolutely FREE to join. All we ask is that you consider donating an amount of your choice in order to help with upkeep and running costs. The suggested donation is just $11.95 for 12 months of membership. That amounts to less than $1 per month!

Regardless of whether you donate or not, everyone who joins or signs up for our newsletter will receive a FREE Barbie eBook. Cool!

Still not convinced? Then check out some Member Testimonials:

“When you join DollObservers, as I did one year ago, you find those people, you got those friends all over the globe, and you share the passion, the friendship, the fun” – Lilly, Superstar Member, Spain

“I want to share my joy over dolls with others, and in real life I just can’t. And right here it works in two directions; I can post photos of my dolls that I’m proud of and receive comments, and I can enjoy other people’s beautiful dolls and be inspired ” – Evelien, Netherlands

“Users can enjoy the camaraderie of doll collecting with a multi-faceted group rather than just one certain doll being in the spotlight. You can be exposed to dolly joys you wouldn’t otherwise notice through the eyes of their admirers and maybe even fall in love with a new doll yourself… And of course, my favorite: “Theme of the Month Group” allows you to fully participate with other collectors in a healthy and friendly competition in which you can show off not only your favorite dolls & collections but their wardrobes, accessories, props and dioramas that go hand in hand with doll collecting!” – Mark, USA

“It’s really great to meet doll lovers from all over the world. As for me, the atmosphere is very important. Of course there are people who collect fashion dolls, BJD, reborn dolls and antiques at the same time but generally I see the collectors with strong preferences for one type of dolls over the others. My own collection is 95% fashion dolls, so I love being among people with the same doll preferences. Thank you Simon, for giving the fashion doll lovers from all over the world the chance to unite on such a website!” – Katie, Russian Federation

Doll Observers member Lilly is our first Superstar Member

In this, the first of a new regular feature, we take a closer look at Doll Observers member Lilly, July 2011′s “Superstar Member”.

Lilly has been with us since the very beginning and has been winner of the monthly theme photo competition no less than four times! Little wonder with her creative know how and a knack for dioramas.

Lilly is always quick to share her tips and support others. She recently won the accolade of “Official Greeter” here on Doll Observers and recently started her own group Sew Much Fun.

I hope you enjoy the interview and that it inspires you to be our next “Superstar”!

What made you join Doll Observers?

I discovered “Fashion Doll Amigos” while browsing the web for new information about the latest dolls and registered in August 2009. Then when (Simon) started “Doll Observers” it was the logical move for me. I had found a warm welcoming group of friends I did not want to loose.

When did you start collecting/playing dolls?

In 1989, Hubby and I arrived in Edmonton (Canada) in the University student housing. I found an old Barbie doll in the laundry sharing bin (place were people left items they did not want/use anymore to be freely shared with other students). She was a beautiful black lady and looked like Dance Club Devon Barbie. I brought her home and started hand sewing a dress (with fabric from the same laundry bin). After this, I looked for more and brought home all the Barbie’s I could find and dressed them. When a charity event occurred I was asked for help and I presented some of my dolls. I was very pleased with the response.

I started buying new Barbies (basic ones) dressed them OOAK and sold them at doll events and craft shows. Later on I did the same in Mexico City and Quebec. Then, in Alberta, the leader of the Barbie Club of Alberta asked me to join and I gladly complied. In 2000, following a design from my good friend Glenn Mielke (himself member of the Barbie Club of Alberta), I created the Doll Club outfit.

After being part of the Barbie club for a number of years, some friends and I started gathering on a regular basis, and when one of them brought Gene (from Mel Odom) I fell totally in love. The face did not seduce me at first, I should admit, but the size, proportions, the elegance! How wonderful she was! After that I bought Tyler from Robert Tonner. I was and still am totally hooked!

Tell us about the dolls in your collection.

I have about 30 dolls in “My Gang”. The first was a Basic brunette Gene Marshal. Gene not being a name that suits her (from my point of view) she became Marie (Lilly’s mom). However Tyler is my favorite. She’s Lilly and she is my muse and inspiration.

Later on, I bought other male/female Mel Odom dolls and other Tonner dolls. Then Mme Alexander dolls caught my heart with their articulated bodies! I bought two Sandra Bilotto dolls because their faces inspired me, and more recently a Horseman Vita doll arrived in my Gang and became Lizbeth Smith-Evans.

More and more my Gang took life and as I needed a little “world”, it became natural to look for different ethnicity and body shape. Olga (Elle Jakks doll) with articulated legs, Davina (Emme by Tonner) with her full body. Then blonde, brunette, red haired, male, female, African, Asian and all I could think of was a new doll with a new history, a new background. So thanks to my friends and Hubby “My Gang” kept on growing.

Of course nowadays the body of the doll is definitely more articulated, but My Gang members have whatever (few) articulations dolls had in the time of their arrival. Now indeed I would love them all to be articulated, but I love them as is, even if they are not perfect.

Your dolls have a life of their own with the names and stories you give them. Where do you get your inspiration?

I know what doll I need, I do not know why. Right now I need Russell Williams (Tonner) because I don’t have any African guy in “my Gang” I do not know his name, neither his story nor profession. I will know this when he arrives. It’s like he came with it, he tells me when I open the box. I did try before to imagine a name/job/story about a doll before she/he comes home but when I opened the box… it didn’t “go with it”. I cannot explain why.

My dolls have their own taste/favorite colors/pet/profession/address/hobby etc and I just “listen to them” (and no, I do not hear voices!!). I do keep an ID journal though.

We know you love to craft and sew for your dolls. What got you started?

My mom being a dressmaker I had to learn to sew (not really my choice but…) so I have a French sewing certificate of aptitude (after 3 years of study). Even if I didn’t like this too much when I was younger, today it comes naturally to me to sew for my Gang. I still need patterns though.

As for the craft, I try, I make mistakes, insult myself, then try again until I am satisfied. But I rarely do the same thing twice as I get bored quickly.

Any diorama tips for our members?

Scale is a must.  Choose small patterns for the furniture, add little tiny objects as they will bring life to the décor.  Look around everywhere when shopping and you will find tooth picks, shampoo caps, pill boxes… they will become BBQ picks, bowls, light fixtures…etc You do not have to spend a dime, but as you are going to spend time doing it, have fun, and it will do.

What do your family make of your love of dolls?

My Hubby, was and still is the most supportive of all. He knows my dolls by their names; he knows their origin and profession as well as their character traits. He is well informed about their value. Some times this is quite important as he is often the one buying them on E-Bay

For the rest of my family my Mom, being the most interested, asks for pictures of my latest diorama but being a dressmaker herself she is more interested by the outfits. My two children were always very supportive and now my five grand children are in on the “secret”. We have fun creating stories of princesses saved by glorious knights at the dusk of a dull day!

Other than playing with dolls what else do you do to relax?

• Reading: mystery, murders investigation, fantasy, (right now, Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke)
• Scrap-booking; basically card making as me and my Canadian/Chinese best friend challenge ourselves.
• Photography. I am a “photoholic” really. I take hundreds of pics anywhere, of everything. I am just hooked. Thanks digital!
• Sewing/knitting/cross-stitching/painting/sculpting (clay) I even put my hands on tiling my house floor and walls. I hate being unoccupied and I love to learn and prove to myself that I can do it.

Lastly how would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Resourcefulness, Imagination, Patience!

Thank you Lilly for a wonderful interview and insight into your world. Let’s see who is next month’s “Superstar Member”!

If you aren’t a member of Doll Observers yet then what are you waiting for? Join here!

One of the many fashion doll related designs in the Doll Observers Store

To celebrate the summer and the Doll Observers store we have a very special offer of 20% off every item in the store!

By purchasing products from your store, they help support our community’s efforts. So go spread the word amongst your friends and fellow Doll Observers!

Why not go and treat your self!

Coupon Details

20% off orders from the Doll Observers shop
Coupon code: NINGSAV2
Expires: August 13, 2010

Do I look like a real gal?

I’ve had a severe case of writers block these last few weeks and in order to stir the creative juices decided to make a plea via Twitter for some inspirational suggestions. One very helpful Twitter-er, Mothdoll, suggested writing about the dolly things I’d like to see but aren’t yet true. Well that really got me thinking and therefore here are my very own “Top 10 Fashion Doll Wants”!

1. I love an articulated doll. In fact I adore the realistic poses they can achieve as opposed to the “zombie” look of less articulated dolls (Miss B take a bow!). However, and it pains me to admit, I do have a wee bit of an issue with ugly joints. There we go I’ve said it, no matter how I try I just can’t get past UGLY joints! They can mar photos and they make me point blank refuse to put a doll in shorts! So please doll inventor people come up with a way of making articulation look more real, just like those beautiful faces you so wonderfully create.

2. Can someone please stop Robert Tonner jumping on every single franchise bandwagon and start concentrating on designing fashion dolls? You know those very things that made him what he is and made us all adore him for his great talent! I mean ballerina Wizard of Oz dolls? Whatever next!

3. What I’d also love to see is far more accessories for the 16” brigade. By that I mean things like furniture, diorama items, backdrops and anything that can make their environments that bit more realistic. As a child I always loved playsets and I’d love to see “official” environments for my dolls to be displayed and photographed in.

4. Less harmful packaging please! Why should it take an hour to debox a doll and drag half a headful of hair out of their head in the process!

5. Please no more dead baby dolls creeping into fashion doll shows/sales rooms. It’s like oil and water and just ain’t right I’m afraid!

6. I’d love to see more realistic short hairstyles because how many women do you know that have hair down to their beltline?

7. Sort out the prices. I mean I may be an adult collector but does that mean I have to pay prices that would make a millionaire wince? I love my dolls but I do have to eat! Although that said I can go without if Superfock have a particularly wonderful trifle on offer…

8. As a UK resident I would love to see some actual real life doll shops rather than just relying on the Internet and evilbay.

9. And as a UK resident why of why are US shipping rates so darned expensive!

10. Finally please can it be law that celebrity likenesses be actual likenesses rather than bizarre recycled moulds!

So there is my top 10. Does anyone agree or disagree or have any other suggestions? Please comment and let me know.

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