My Interview ~ Thanks Ms. Leo!!!!

Thanks Ms. Leo for a great post!  This was fun.  It will help us to get to know one another better. 

When did you start collecting dolls?

I started collecting dolls "officially" in 1995.  I have always had dolls (mostly Barbie) from my childhood that I kept in a train case after my Mom told me I was too old to play with dolls.  I eventually redressed some and moved them to a curio that was given to me by my ex-boyfriend to display them.

What was your first purchase as a collector??

My first purchase as a collecor was the 1991 Shani dolls.


How many dolls do you have?
I have "a lot" of dolls from baby dolls, Fayzah Spanos, Madame Alexander 8 inch dolls and 16 inch fashion dolls, Daisy and Willow, Barbie, Integrity, Monster High, Lolly Pop Girls, miniature American Girl dolls....basically too many to count!  Now do you see why my doll room is named "Obsession"  Lol!

What is your favorite doll and why?

My favorite doll(s)...I must say is my vintage Julia and Christie collection and the Goddess of Africa equally.  I love all of my dolls, but I love love them!  My FR dolls come in very close afterwards.

             

                               

What doll or dolls are not your favorites and why??

My least favorite has to be some of the Avon dolls.  I purchased them back when I bought dolls that were collector or special editions, etc.  Some of these dolls are simply not cute and  neither are their clothes.  I can not for the life of me understand why I made the purchase to begin with.   Note:  I sold some at out last doll show in May...yay!

What is the biggest challenge about collecting dolls?

Picking and choosing certain dolls based on cost.   The more expensive ones goes on my wish list.

How do you display or store your dolls?

I have dolls displayed on book shelves with books, in curios, and as part of my decor in my living room.  I have a doll room that is a work in progress.  Most of my dolls are in storage containers.

                        


Have you ever been to a doll show?

Yes, several!  In fact, I was chair person for hosting one a couple of weeks ago and have plans to attend one on Saturday.

When you travel, do you look for dolls?

Always!

What is your latest purchase?

Preordered Adele, Remi, and Darla.

What doll is on your wish list now?

Bodacious (FR)!

What do you wish you didn’t purchase?

Queen of Hearts (Bob Mackie).  I spent way too much for her and refuse to sell her cheap.

What is your favorite doll related item?

My Randall Craig living room furniture...love love it!

How often do you photo your dolls and what doll is the most photographed
and/or photogenic?

I love photographing my dolls.  Lately I have only been doing so for my blog.  The most photogenic in my opinion is my Top Model Nikki doll.  Gorgeous doll!  Another fav are the silkstone dolls.
                              
                            


                          

Do you talk to other collectors in person or just on the web?

Both!  I have a special doll friend that I have known for several years.  She moved away a couple of years ago, but we talk atleast once a week.  I also blog with a few people here that I consider my good friends.  Doll people rock!

If you had the chance to speak to Mattel or other toy makers, what
would you say?

To Mattel specifically, why so few AA dolls?  To Integrity, please bring back Nadja!

What doll do you wish would be reissued?

Malibu Christie

What two dolls would you combine and how would you want them
combined? (Muff style question)

I would love to see Society Girl (Mattel) on an articulated Model Muse body.

Be blessed!

Are we there yet.....Morristown here we come!

Lydia borrowed her Mom's Mercedes mini truck so that they all could ride together to attend the wedding of Danielle and Rod over in Morristown.  Ironically, each of the girls drove two-seaters, so this is usually their option anytime there is a rode trip.  They girls laughed and talked...while bumping their heads to the tune of Kem.  The trip was only a forty-five minute drive.  They would be there in no time if the traffic permits.  The closer they became, the more they talked about how happy they were that their friend Danielle had found true love with such a great guy.




Mercedes mini truck = Happy Family mini van Lol!!

                                                



Lydia (driver), Eugenia (front passenger), Kim (back seat right passenger)
and Ginger (back seat left passenger) 

 



Lydia:  "We have about 10 minutes before we are there.  The traffic
on I-85 is not as bad as I thought it would be".
Eugenia:  "This is great.  It would be tasteless to be late".






Lydia:  "Alright, ladies we are here...15 minutes early".
Ginger:  Girl is that Mike?
Eugenia:  "Yes, it is and his precious little one.  His wife Adele is directing the wedding. 
Ginger:  "Umm, um, um"...lucky her. 
Kim:  "They are such a cute couple."

 
The ladies decide to go inside the church and wait until it is time to go inside the sanctuary for the ceremony.




Ginger:  "That is a gorgeous purple dress that lady has on".
Kim:  "Yes, it is.  I love her short hairdo as well".
Lydia:  "It's real cute and sassy".

 
They talk and people watch....

It looks like the guest are starting to go inside. The girls follow suit.



Kim:  "Lydia do you have tissue?  I think we're going to need it".

 
Congratulations Danielle and Roderick Taylor!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (my first photostory) Part I

This is my first photostory on my blog per se.  The wedding and rehearsal was a photostory, but for some reason the words are not shown on here, so I won't count those.   I decided to do one before I dismantle my inspiration room.  This will be Part I of maybe III.  I'm not sure yet. The girls have all arrived for a weekend of fun. 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun



Juliana:  We have a whole agenda planned for this weekend.
Jabari:  I can only imagine.  I want you to have fun babe.  You have
had your head in them books all month and you need this break.



Jabari:  I will miss you too, but Ju, we can stand to be away from each other for a weekend.
Juliana:  I know, but I'm still going to miss you. (puppy dog face).
Jabari:  Come on babe not this time...I better get going, the guys are meeting me at Fifty Yard.

 


Juliana:  Okay, have fun and don't drink too much.  I love you.
Jabari:  I will and I love you more.
Juliana:  Come on Bari, I'm not playing.
Jabari:  I know and I was.  You got my word babe....3 drink max. 

 


They kiss and say their see you later...it is never goodbye.




Juliana:  I love me some him...umm umm um. (in thought)
Jabari:  Dang, she is fine! (in thought)

 

Juliana goes to freshen up and then she hears her cousin Dallas coming in.  Oh great (she thinks), they are back.  She chose not to go to the mall with them so that she could spend a little time with Jabari.

 


Juliana:  Hey Dee.  Did you guys have fun?  What did you buy?  Where are your bags?
Dallas:  Yes, we did!!  Dillards had a sale out of this world and I can't
 wait to show you my shoes.  Girl!  We must go back!  We left our bags in the car.

 

Just as they sit down, they hear the girls coming.




Juliana:  Did you guys like our new mall?
B'onca:  Yes!!  If it wasn't for my new job, I would move back just
 because.  That mall requires a full two days of shopping.
Gracie:  Yes, it does!  The only thing is the next time, I will wear sneakers.
Juliana:  I told you that when you left, but no you had to be cute.  Lol!




Juliana:  What about you Gracelyn.  What did you buy?
Gracie:  I hold my head in shame...the better question is what didn't I buy. And
please do not call me Gracelyn.
Juliana:  You are too funny.  In college you would never have allowed
anything less (lol).  Make up your mind honey.  Lol!  Where is everybody else?
Gracie:  Kyori is out there all over your hot new neighbor.  Zoe and
Lyssa stopped by the store.
Dallas:  I forgot to tell you that Ju.   Ky-Ky has not changed a bit.  Lol!
She kept embarassing us at the mall.  Lol!




Juliana:  It's about time you guys came in.
Monique:  Ju, I am so embarassed (shaking her head)...
Kyori interrupts
Kyori:  Ju, why you didn't tell me about that  fine neighbor of yours.  Girl, he is HOT!

 


Zoe:  Ju, who is that guy next door?
Juliana:  You guys are kidding me.  Not you too Zo.
Alyssa:  Ju you and Dee has been holding out on us.  I see
why Bari is over here all the time.  Lol!



They girls continued to laugh and talk for a long while.  They had stories to trade and a lot of gossip to catch up on since most of them had not seen each other since London and Sean's wedding. 

They talked....

and talked....




and talked....




and talked....(hey theses are college friends they have a lot to talk about - lol)

 

Alyssa:  Ju, I absolutely love that picture of  your Mom.  Are they in town?
I would love to see them.  Your Dad  and uncle Curtis are hilarious!






Juliana:  Thank you girl.  No, Mom, Dad, Aunt Christie and Uncle Curtis are still
touring the country.   Mom said that they could not wait for Dee and I
to become grown.  We use to wonder why...now we know.  (laugh)  They
are all happily retired!

 Kyori always has a story or two to tell....



Dallas:  Kyori, you are kidding me!  Lol!
B'onca:  No, she is not.  She really did do it (shaking her head).
Dallas:  What?!
Laughter

 


Kyori:  Dee, you should have seen him when I walked in....
Dallas:   Lol!!!  I don't know why I am shocked....Lol!

                                                                               
Juliana announces that its time to let the fun begin.
 


Juliana:  Alright ladies, Let's hit it!





Alyssa:  I'm ready
B'onca:  Me too!  I didn't come all this way to look this good inside.

 



The ladies get ready to head out for a evening of  fun!

 

Thanks for following...Be blessed!

The Wedding

I would like to share a wedding that I did in 2009.  It is the sequel the rehearsal so please check it out before viewing this post for the introduction.  Sergio attends his best friend from college wedding as his best man.  Without further ado....please enjoy!



Tour Guy (wedding)

Bride's gown - Fashion Avenue
Groomsmen attire - Wedding Ken ('08) - I paid only $5 for each doll  ; )
Bridemaids dresses - Dollar Tree - yes, they were $1.00) ; )
Flowers - all handcrafted by me
Jewelry - trim
Flower girls dresses - they were red and white, but I used fabric paint to paint them pink and black

**Special thanks to my dear sister friend D'Mari who helped me dress all of those bridemaids.  I love you girl!

Okay now for the biggest Blooper:  I shot the rehearsal and wedding at two different times in 2009 (several months apart).  By the time that I shot the wedding, I had forgotten the groom's name (Lol!) so he has one name in the rehearsal and another for the wedding.  Lol!!!  I could have gone back to edit, but whatever....Lol!  I hope you enjoyed it. 

Be blessed!

Vickey

The Rehearsal Dinner

A couple of my fellow bloggers that I love to follow, are preparing for weddings Vanessa, Ebony Nicole, Dani, and last but certainly not least Adrian.  I believe that Tracy India is also planning a wedding.  We miss you Tracy India!!  I thought that this would be a great time to share a rehearsal dinner and wedding (to follow) that I did back in 2009.  The rehearsal/wedding came about when a yahoo group that I am a member of hosted a doll that would tour the homes of members that requested him.  His name is Sergio and his profession is a masseuse.  I couldn't quite come up with a way to use him as a masseuase and decided to use in him in a different way.  The "tour guy" as he was called came to my town to attend his best friend from college wedding.  The setting is after the wedding rehearsal.  The bridal party has arrived at Vino's.  I had so much fun shooting the pics for this project.  It is housed on my webshots and I finally figured out to share it here.  No music, I'm not that advanced (lol)! Okay, warning it is lengthy, so grab your favorite snack and ...enjoy! 




Tour Guy Visit (rehearsal)

The props were created with foam core, scapbooking paper, chairs are candle holders from Big Lots, table tops are candle holders from Dollar Tree, rements glasses, printed menus and food items.

P.S.  The bride's favorite color is ...you guessed it - PINK!   ; )

I hope you enjoyed it~!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Chandra and I just checking in to say Happy St Patrick's Day!

Chandra was a thrift store find.  She and her sister (another Chandra) were nude but in mint condition.  One  of them were tagged $1.98.  At this thrift store, the policy is that they will not allow you to purchase anything that is not tagged....and of course only "one" of them were tagged (downer).  I had my toes and fingers crossed that they would bend the rule just this one time in case I had to make a plea to the manager.  I said a little prayer that the cashier would be cool and not care that only one of them were tagged.  Heavenly Father please....and then I heard "your total is $4.54".  I whispered my thank you to both He and she and walked out of there smiling from ear-to-ear with my two SIS dolls...Chandra that is!  I gave her a boil perm, made her a sock dress and here she is...



Chandra in a sock dress made by me

 Blooper:  the curtain fell oops.  I didn't seem to notice it when Iwas taking the picure.  Lol!




Chandra had to make her appearance in the only diorama that I have set up (Lol)

 



Isn't she lovely!



My Inspiration Room

I have always loved color.  My family room once upon a time shared similar colors of those of the style of Jonathan Adler minus the pink, black and white.  It was once referred to by a guest to my home as "the happy room".  I love spaces that are inviting and cheerful, yet unique.  I decided that I wanted to break the monotony of working on my doll room and create a colorful diorama.  I googled rooms with color to get inspired.  When I saw the following room I knew that this one was the perfect one for me.  Then to top it off I noticed later that it was Jonathan Adler inspired.  I love everything about this room and began my hunt for every little detail.




My inspiration room
(by Jonathan Adler)

 
Vanessa's furniture was the first thing that I added to my basket to begin the process.  I purchased this furniture in January 2011 from Van's Doll Treasures and was waiting to use it in a diorama once my room was finished.  Well, it is still not finished but I just couldn't let another year past.  Her creations are fabulous so please check out her blog for other beautiful designs that she has created.  The silver chairs are paper mache boxes that should have been cut down, but I knew that I had no plans to keep them, so I did not bother to cut them down to size.  Foam core was used for walls and fireplace.  The orange chair and colorful pillows were created by me.  The little pink poodle that you can barely see on the stand was a pink dog that once placed in water, it grows.
 



My recreation

  



The mini photo is a pic of me.  ; )

 




Pic in mini frame - me at Wu convention in 2011
(I told you I love colors Lol!)






I made the chair.  The bottom is styrofoam covered with fabric.
The top is cardboard slightly bended and covered.  The tray 
was a gift but was created by Smidge House.  The magazine
created by Steph-a-nie was a gift.

 



I created the silver chairs to emulate the inspiration pic.
My personal preference was to add more color not
to mention these chairs are closer in style.





Vanessa's furniture is truly awesome!  I purchased this
sectional in January 2011 and this is my first time
taking photos or using it in any type of diorama.  The
dividers looked better short for my dio (IMO) than
they did as shown in the inspiration pic.





I love this pic.  This was used as a gift tag from a gift
from a club member.  I purchased one on a canvas
from a lady at Barbie Con in 2010. 

 



A view of the dining area (still a work in progress).






A before pic using dolls from inspiration room point of view.

 



Girls getting ready for dinner and a movie



Thanks for following!  Be blessed!

Vickey