I have never fallen in love with a face sculpt for a doll more than Ellowyne’s ever before. She is Robert Tonner’s best. I just love her profile and her huge Anime eyes, pouty lips and sad eyebrows.  The doll’s character bio says that she lives in San Francisco and suffers from chronic ennui! I lived in that great city throughout my 20′s and, (sigh) …let’s just say the doll is very endeared to me. lol , She has the perfect amount of camp and class!

The wonder of Mark's artistic talent

Any tips for any members thinking about taking up sewing for their dolls?
Well, when I decided to start suiting up my Ellowyne dolls, I just bought some beautiful and affordable patterns made just for ellowyne on Ebay, got a used sewing machine from a friend, and taught myself how to sew from reading the instructions. Then, with some natural creativity, (I like to think, lol) started making my own custom patterns too. It’s addictive once you see what you can get yourself create.

I once took a personality test in which the question was to list your 3 favorite animals in order and why. the Answer ended up being that;  the First animal is how Others see You, the Second is how You see Yourself,  and the Third is what You really Are. My animals were,  “Cat,  Skunk,  Horse”.   I always thought that pretty much summed it up 

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!

Scarecrow is a chick ...oh my!

Quite a mixed bunch at first glance with variations on several ongoing themes such as shrunken a Harry Potter and female variations of the Wizard of Oz trio of male characters. Interesting to some I’m sure but not really floating my boat. Some of the

Some progress on the proper fashion doll front though, if a little meagre. But nice to see some action in the Tyler camp with be-wigged basic dolls and a denim theme boutique collection. Oh and a few Antoinette gals too.

NEW TONNER EXCLUSIVES!

Ultra BasicTM Matt O’NeillTM AND
Russell Williams Are Back In Stock And Have A Whole New Look!

Order Now And They Ship For FREE!
Enter Promo Code MATT at Checkout.

Customers Outside Of The Continental US Use Promo Code MATT10 for a $9.95 Shipping Credit.

Offer Expires Sunday, August 8th at Midnight EST.

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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Built in 1887, 301 Wall Street most recently was the home of Chase Bank and has been vacant for just about one year. Tonner hopes to complete the move by May 1, once renovations are complete. “The roof needs some work and we are refurbishing the second and third floors,” Tonner explained. “The second floor will be restored to what it was back in the 1940′s,” he added.

The new home of Tonner Doll will house the design, production, sales, marketing, finance and administrative staff; a total of 17 employees. “Part of my whole belief is that change, while painful at times, is good,” Tonner admitted. “I think this space will give us a new creative energy.”

Opening in 1991, the internationally renowned Tonner Doll Company has been a staple in Ulster County for nearly two decades. The Tonner Doll Company designs and manufactures collectible fashion dolls, child character dolls and licensed character figures such as HARRY POTTER and WONDER WOMAN.

In 2007, Tonner purchased 12/14 Hurley Avenue in Kingston and made extensive renovations before opening the Tonner Company Store there in December, 2007, which will remain at its current location. The renovation received two local awards; one from the Chamber of Commerce of Ulster County, and another from the Friends of Historic Kingston.

Tonner plans to lease out the street level of 301 Wall Street. Rental information would be through Harris Safier, Broker Westwood Metes & Bounds Realty Ltd. at 914-388-3351. Safier represented Tonner in the purchase of the building from J.P. Morgan Chase.

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Peep was the exclusive Sybarite at the 2009 Festival

The Paris Doll Expo site has been updated with an itinerary of the weekend’s events. Needless to say I am getting most excited at the prospect of the Superfrock “Disco 3000″ event on the Friday evening. Especially to see what the exclusive doll will be, given that the theme of the festival is “Haute Couture of the Future”. Charles and Desmond are bound to have a field day with it!

There will be 3 other exclusive makers dolls available, Mattel‘s Barbie, Robert Tonner’s Antoinette and Wilde Imagination’s Ellowyne Wilde. Again it will be interesting to see what other designers will come up with.

An added bonus is the recently announced exhibition at the Paris Doll Museum entitled “Nouvelles Icônes – Des Poupées Pandores aux Sybarites” which runs from 14 March to 19 September 2010. There will also be yet another exclusive doll available through the museum named “Slipper” and she will be unveiled at the exhibition opening. Find more information about the exhibition here.

Take a look at the Tonner Dr Who page & the Tonner Torchwood page and judge for yorself…

On the 29th January 2010 Robert Tonner will unveil his 2010 Collection. You can see a selection on the Tonner website. No sign of any new additions to the Tyler Wentworth line but a few for Roberts Doll Du Jour Antoinette. Follow the link below to go straight to the preview:

Tonner 2010 Preview

Dear Friends,

I would like to take a minute to share a very exciting project I’ve been working on. You might have heard about Antoinette™, she has been my muse for quite awhile, and tomorrow I would like to share her with you.

Antoinette™, is a 16″ fashion doll with a brand new face and body sculpt. She takes on many different looks depending on her skin tone, hair color and face paint.

I have been working on the design and engineering of Antoinette™ to achieve a high fashion mannequin whose body and jointing become the perfect foil for my passion-designing clothing. I think this is one of the most outstanding clothing collections that the Tonner Doll Company has ever produced.

Joe and I are thrilled with the way she wears our new collection (designed for you to enjoy and for Antoinette™ to display). In fact I will offer her as a blank mannequin (a first for Tonner) to enhance the display of perhaps my most unique clothing collection to date, with no compromise in fabrication or construction (always a designers’ dream).

Tomorrow, at 1:00pm the complete Antoinette™ collection is going live on tonnerdoll.com.

I want to personally invite all of you to take a look and let me know what you think. Please email your comments to info@tonnerdirect.com.

Sincerely,
Robert