Showing posts with label Collectible Dolls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Collectible Dolls. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2020
Since the DOLLS Magazine Doll and Teddy Expo was cancelled this year because of the virus pandemic, they decided to hold a Virtual Doll and Teddy Expo for 2020.
As they have described it: "Here’s your chance to spend some time viewing the newest and best dolls and accessories available from a variety of doll artists and manufacturers! Browse through each booth, and expect to find plenty of items to add to your wish list. You can contact individual artists and companies with questions via the online form at each booth. And don’t forget to take advantage of the special event discount code when you place orders with any of our exhibitors!"
Since Eyes of Texas Dolls is an avid supporter of DOLLS Magazine, we, of course, decided to participate in this endeavor and have a virtual booth. Please take a look at the 'Eyes of Texas Dolls by Brenda Mize Booth' when you get an opportunity! Thanks! (As a special thank you Brenda is offering a 10% show special discount (please use the coupon code OnlineShow2020 when checking out). Our booth will run from May 1 - July 31, 2020. Additionally, should you see a doll that you would like on theEyes of Texas Dolls website, and it is sold out, please email brenda@beaconsglow.com and she will make you a custom doll to look as closely as it can to the original.
Many thanks for your support!
Quote of the Day - 'Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.' - Oprah Winfrey
What a great way to start a Monday! Our Ruby Red Galleriashipment of dolls arrived today and shipping from Hong Kong was amazingly fast. Wouldn't it be great if all manufacturers could follow their lead? ;) Every doll is so very nice and so adorable. Their clothes and accessories are very well made with a lot of detail. They all were packed very well as each collectible doll was double-boxed. Every doll is wrapped in a padded white satin bunting tied with white satin bows. Hard to pick a favorite but I think that Yu Ping is definitely a contender. She is so tiny and petite and what a great face! IMHO there is something so sweet and innocent in the face of a little Chinese girl. . . Please take a look! If you do not already have a Ruby Red Galleria doll in your collection, I would highly recommend adding one. Quote of the Day - "If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything." - Anonymous
We are very pleased to announce that just recently we have become an authorized retailer of Ruby Red Galleria Dolls.
Ruby Red Galleria Dollsare exquisitely crafted 5-way jointed and ball-jointed dolls (BJD) designed in Hong Kong. We will be carrying the following collections to begin with: Ten Ping Dolls and Four Kindergartner Collectible Dolls.
This company was started back in 2008 and initially introduced their BJD rendition of a Bluette Doll. They have fine-tuned their doll offerings to suit US collectors and their little Yu Ping Dolls are wildly popular.
We just got news today that our first shipment in on the way. Please stay tuned!
Quote of the Day - "I'd rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not done." - Lucille Ball
Brenda Mize, Owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles, was thrilled to find out that her Eyes of Texas Dolls entry, "Royal Twins" has won in the category of Doll Fashion in the 2017 DOLLS Award of Excellence competition. This award is also known as the DOLLS Awards of Excellence Industry's Choice (DAE).
Judges for this year's competition included the following: Berdine Creedy, Stephanie Finnegan, Jack Johnston, and Robert Tonner. All of these judges are very well-known names in the collectible doll industry.
Competition was stiff as more than 170 entries were submitted for this year's competition.
Awards were presented on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the ID&TS held in Asheville, NC.
Brenda's description of her outfits were described as follows:
"Costume materials and description
Each twin wears a handcrafted full-length regal gown created from emerald green velvet and edged in antique gold trims. Francesca wears an underdress made from olive green crushed taffeta fabric and Guinevere wears an underdress made from aqua-sienna crushed taffeta fabric. The puffed sleeves of the underdress are embellished with crisscrossed gold cording and the hem of both underdresses is edged in metallic antique gold and turquoise blue beaded trim.
Guinevere and Francesca each wear a delicate necklace created from diamond rhinestone chain. Gold earrings with emerald green stones enhance their royal look. Black tights and black leather slip-ons complete their outfit.
Their majestic classic red hair is adorned with a moss green rose floral garland. "
Quote of the Day - "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." - Anonymous
After working quite arduously over the last couple of weeks, Brenda, Owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles is pleased to announce that her "Eyes of Texas Dolls" website has gone live.
A bit of background information if you might be interested:
Brenda created "Eyes of Texas Dolls" in early 2015. Since that time, she has handcrafted more than 80 dolls up to this point. And that number is growing weekly.
Living in Texas for most of her life, it made perfect sense to name her dolls with a Texan theme. As she likes to say "it's all in the eyes". No doubt about it, her favorite part in the whole dollmaking process is painting each doll's eyes.
Every doll is handcrafted from a Little Darling Doll mold from the famous doll artist, Dianna Effner. They are crafted from an air dried casting slip which has been proved to be more durable than porcelain.
As with all handmade items, no two turn out exactly the same.
Her customer base thus far has been very pleased with their collectible one-of-a-kind doll purchases:
"Beautifully painted Little Darling. I am so happy with her and recommend this artist to anyone who loves beautiful hand-painted dolls."
"I love Brenda's dolls. They are very expressive and "their eyes are beautiful" - July is so pretty! I love her expression and long hair. Fantastic, Brenda!"
"Wonderful and very much promising artist"
Thanks for taking a look!
Quote of the Day - "It takes some courage to stand up and speak; it takes even more courage to open your mind and listen" - Anonymous
We are thrilled in becoming an authorized retailer of Paola Reina Dolls. What refreshing news - they are handmade in Spain and all materials are sourced from Europe.
All dolls are vinyl and are phalate-free and the collections we will be carrying range in size from 12-1/2 inches to 19 1/2 inches tall. The following collections will initially be offered to customers but we expect to be expanding into other lines as time goes on.
Las Amigas Dolls -
All Las Amigas dolls have articulating arms, legs, and heads and can be placed in both standing and sitting positions. These beautiful handmade dolls feature large expressive eyes which do not close, lush eyelashes and hair. These vinyl dolls are soft to the touch yet durable, feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and are phthalate free. All Las Amigas dolls stand 12.5inch (32cm) in height.
Soy Tu Dolls -
All Soy Tu dolls have articulating arms, legs, and heads and can be placed in both standing and sitting positions. These unique handmade dolls feature large eloquent eyes that close when the doll is laid down or tilted backward. Soy Tu dolls also have long and lush hair that is easily brushed and styled. Soy Tu vinyl dolls are soft to the touch yet durable, feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and are phthalate free. All Soy Tu dolls stand 15.7inch (40cm) in height.
Las Reinas de Paola Dolls -
All Las Reinas dolls have articulating arms, legs, heads, and joints; their knees and elbows bend and their wrists and feet can turn. Las Reinas dolls can be placed in either a standing or seated position. These charmingly beautiful handmade dolls have large eloquent eyes, which do not close and are trimmed with lush eyelashes. Their life-like hair can easily be brushed and styled. Las Reinas vinyl dolls are soft to the touch yet durable, feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and are phthalate free. All Las Reinas dolls stand 23.6inch (60cm) in height.
Los Ninos Dolls -
All Los Niños dolls have movable arms, legs, and heads and can be placed in a seated position. These charming handmade dolls feature large, sparkling eyes that are trimmed with thick eyelashes. Los Niños dolls also have thick, lush hair that can easily be brushed and styled. Los Niños have soft yet durable vinyl heads, arms and legs and a soft stuffed body making them perfect to hug and snuggle. All Los Niños dolls feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and stand 19.6inch (50 cm) in height.
Marcos & Laura Dolls -
Marcos & Laura are Paola Reina’s largest soft bodied dolls. Both Marcos and Laura have movable arms, legs, and heads and can be placed in a seated position. These beautifully handmade dolls feature large, sparkling eyes that close when the doll is laid down or tilted backward and are trimmed with thick eyelashes. Marcos and Laura dolls also have thick, lush hair that can easily be brushed and styled. Marcos and Laura have soft yet durable vinyl heads, arms and legs and a soft stuffed body making them perfect to hug and snuggle. Marcos and Laura dolls feature Paola Reina’s light vanilla scent and stand 23.6inch (60 cm) in height.
Please stay tuned as we expect our first shipment to be received in the very near future
(A video is attached that details how Paola Reina Dolls are made in Spain).
Quote of the Day - "Nothing of character is really permanent but virtue and personal worth." - Daniel Webster
Brenda Mize, Owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles and Eyes of Texas Dolls, will soon be creating 14 inch doll with cloth bodies. As with her 12-inch dolls currently for sale, she will be using the famous Dianna Effner doll molds. Dianna is an amazing sculptor and the faces on all of her dolls are both endearing, innocent, and sweet.
This is a new endeavor for Brenda but she is certainly up to the challenge. Instead of solid bodies, these dolls will have a cloth body with armature for posing.
Additionally, research is currently being made to create dresses for these dolls as well.
Please stay tuned!
(Pictured above are 3 of Brenda's favorite Eyes of Texas Dolls).
Quote of the Day - "Hope is the dream of the waking man." - French Proverb
Brenda, Owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles, has been at it again. Her latest endeavor is creating her "Eyes of Texas" Dolls hand-poured and hand-finished with the world-famous Dianna Effner doll molds. She finds that she thoroughly enjoys paining the dolls eyes and this is truly what makes them unique and truly a collectible. Each doll stands approximately 12 inches tall and each wears a hand-sewn sleeveless dress and pair of panties. Every doll comes with pierced earrings (attached), pair of woven socks, white Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny brown plush teddy bear. (Can you determine the brand of the teddy bear?) Brenda will continue to fine tune her sewing skills and proceed with more complicated dresses and outfits for the dolls. Please stay tuned! Eyes of Texas Dolls - "It's All In the Eyes" Quote of the Day - "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time". - Thomas Edison
Came across this online article taken from a blog by Dear Little Dollies regarding Hildegard Gunzel. Some interesting facts were found about Hildegard that we were not aware of.
Hildegard was born in Tauberbishoffsheim, Germany
She was born in 1945 (right after the end of World War II)
Attended to German School for Fashion Design in Munchen
After graduation, she worked as a designer in the fashion and jewelry industry
In the 1970's she began making dolls as a hobby
Her first medium used for dolls was Cernit
Hildegard attended her first "International Toy Fair" in NYC in 1986 and her dolls were an instant sellout
Her dolls always have wigs made from human hair
Quote of the Day - "Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration, and inspiration." - Evan Esar
Was in the process of cleaning out some extraneous computer files, and came across a News Release way back from November 2004. At that time, Beacon's Glow Collectibles carried 12 unique lines of collectible dolls and teddy bears with 800 different products.
So, do any of these lines from the past ring a bell?
Jan McLean Dolls
Ginny Dolls by Vogue
Precious Moments Dolls
Linda Rick Dolls
Susan Wakeen Dolls (very popular at that time)
Doll by Pauline (our best selling line back in 2004)
Annette Funicello Bears
Ganz Cottage Collectibles
Lang Primitive Candles
There is a story to be told as to why we stopped carrying each of these lines. Many of these manufacturers are non-existent at this time unfortunately. (We did read the other day that Lang is bringing back their candles which is good news). They discontinued carrying candles many years ago. But the main reason that we stopped carrying them was that it was difficult to successfully ship candles in the summer months. They melted before they left Texas.
Anyway, we hope that you still have some of these wonderful dolls or teddy bears from the past in your collections.
Currently we carry 19 different lines and have more than 3000 different items to offer consumers. Times sure have changed in 10 years!
Quote of the Day - "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." - Dalai Lama
The Alexander Doll Company has quite a history. Founded way back in 1923 by the illustrious Madame Beatrice Alexander, this is one of the few doll companies that has withstood the test of time since its inception over 90 years ago.
So, how is yourMadame Alexander dollclassified and identified? We will provide you with a high level overview in hopes that it will prove informative and useful.
Take from the "Madame Alexander Dolls Buying Guide", it is important to first and foremost classify your collectible Madame Alexander Doll. The determinant here is her age.
Classification
Description
Antique Madame Alexander dolls
Generally, Madame Alexander dolls made before the 1930s are considered to be antiques.
Collectible Madame Alexander dolls
The word collectible can refer to many different things, but collectible Madame Alexander dolls are those that were made more than 25 but less than 75 years ago.
Modern Madame Alexander dolls
Dolls made within the last 25 years are considered to be modern Madame Alexander dolls.
Contemporary Madame Alexander dolls
Any dolls in current production are considered to be contemporary dolls.
After determining which category your collectible doll falls into, it is then best to identify the doll. Throughout the Alexander Doll Company's history, there have been many distinctive face sculpts to create a myriad of dolls.
They are as follows: (taken from the 2004 Madame Alexander Catalog)
Name
Timeframe
Cissy
1955-present
Elise
1957-present
Cissette
1957-present
Maggie
1960-1961
(reintroduced 1997)
Huggums
1963-present
Pussycat
1965-present
Victoria
1966-present
Rusty
1967-present
Alexandra
Fairchild Ford
2000-present
Paris
Williams
2001-present
Petite Wendy
2001-present
Hannah Pepper
2002-present
Jadde Lee
2002-present
Isabelle
2002-present
Wendy Woodkin
2003-present
Sofia Cruz
2004
Olivia
2001-present
One of the first set of collectible dolls based on real people were the famous Dionne Quintuplets (pictured above) way back in 1936. This introduction was the ultimate in setting a trend in duplicating famous people.
If you have any questions about your Madame Alexander Doll, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Quote of the Day - "Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it." - J. Petit Senn
Just received in our first shipment of Erika Catellani Dolls direct from Switzerland. There was a total of nine (9) dolls in the shipment ranging from 6 - 10 inches in height.
These intricately designed dolls are hand-carved out of the finest maple wood and then Erika handpaints their cherubic little faces and their fingernails. Each outfit is handmade as well and most contain either embroidery or smocking or both.
These heirloom-like collectible dolls each come from a very small limited edition which usually is 20 pieces. (Clara, incidentally, is the #2 of an edition of only 6 dolls worldwide!)
10 inch dolls include:
Bianca
Elisa
Victoria
Heidi
8 inch dolls include:
Clara
Lina
6 inch dolls include:
Ella
Tina
Marie
We are so excited to get the opportunity to be an Erika Catellani retailer. These very detailed collectable dolls definitely have the WOW factor. Their stock photos are nice, but to see them in person is a different story. If you look very closely, you can see the patterns in the wood itself which is pretty remarkable.
We have read that Erika has been referred to as a "modern day Geppetto" for her woodcarving skills. She has won the coveted Eurodoll several years in a row.
Each of these dolls should truly be categorized as an heirloom to be passed down from doll collector to doll collector as time passes.
Quote of the Day - "Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Anonymous
Don't you love this time of the year when doll and teddy bear artists debut their latest creations?
We have been anxiously waiting to hear what Lorella Falconi Dolls incredible doll creations will be for 2014. And this afternoon we were pleaed to hear from Lorella Falconi. Her latest creation is "Summer Breeze".
She is a sweet sun-kissed doll with brunette hair and blue eyes. Her little pal, Comet, can be ordered separately as well and he is from the 'Lorikens' collection. She is one summer sun-tanned little beauty!
As Lorella has stated: "Summer Breeze" was inspired by this beautiful quote.
"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect a few, and they are more beautiful they are a few." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh
We are so excited to announce that in the very near future we will be carrying Erika Catellani dolls from Switzerland. These exquisite dolls are hand-carved by Erika from the finest maple wood and each face is hand-painted as well. (Erika additionally creates each and every outfit).
Erika is an incredibly talented doll artist and her dolls come in 6, 8, and 10 inches. We will be carrying some of each size.
The faces, arms, and legs are carved from wood and each one has an amazing pattern or wood-grain. The expression on each little face is so very sweet.
Each of these one-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls comes from a small limited edition. And each is sure to become a treasured heirloom passed down from generation to generation.
Stay tuned as we are expecting to receive our first shipment from Switzerland at the end of February.
Quote of the Day - "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln
Sonja Hartmann's new 2014 lineup of her Heart and Soul dolls are wonderful as always. Besides bringing back some old favorites with doll collectors, such as Lena, Alister, Laura, and Jakob, she has introduced several new collectible dolls.
Each vinyl doll is 18 inches tall and quite slim in stature. Sonja ensures that every outfit is meticulously detailed and always comes with an accessory. Most of the time it is a plush kitty cat that is dressed in an outfit to coordinate with the doll's outfit.
Several Heart and Soul Dolls have won national awards in the past, and 2013 was no exception. Both Kiki and Carlotta won the DOLLS Award of Excellence (otherwise know as the DOTY Award). Kiki was retired but Carlotta will once again be available for purchase in 2014.
These new editions are expected to start shipping in April with the remainder arriving in the August timeframe.
The delicateness of their faces and international look of these dolls make them a must-have for any doll collection.
Quote of the Day - "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.' - Mary Anne Radmacher
Heidi Plusczok has just recently introduce an amazing lineup of collectible dolls for 2014. She has named this collection "Looking Back".
According to Heidi:
"After 33 years as a doll maker I felt I had to look back at past collections. As I was turning the pages of the old catalogs and looking at those little characters from the past, I thought it would be fun to redesign some of the dolls that I was looking at.
That is why my new collection consists of dolls that have already been part of past collections. It should be a retrospective for you and me into past years. A back sight that intends to show you how different a little character can be with a different painting, another hairdo, changing the eye color and clothing style."
Her 2014 collection includes five 32-inch dolls, one 21-1/2 inch doll, and four 10-1/2 inch dolls.
Each doll comes from a very limited edition of only 20-50 dolls and each collectible doll is hand-painted and wears an outfit that is meticulously detailed. She gets her inspiration from observing children from all over the world.
Heidi won the highest doll artist hone in April of 2013 - the Lifetime Achievement Award from DOLLS magazine. We are honored to be an authorized retailer of her incredible dolls.
Quote of the Day - "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." - Robert Louis Stevenson
Happy New Year!!! Here is hoping that 2014 proves to be a great year for everyone. . .
We are excited to start ordering new 2014 inventory. There looks to be some great bears from Boyd's Bears, magnificent dolls from Heidi Plusczok, and more wonderful bears from Steiff. Well, these are the only manufacturers from whom we have gotten a sneak peek from so far.
Please stay tuned. . . . we will provide more information as it becomes available.
Quote of the Day - "The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it." - Marcus Aurelius
Lorella Falconi's 2013 Violet Skye doll has finally arrived. She is quite amazing and even more stunning in person (and we thought that her photos were really nice) :).
She stands 15-1/2 inches tall and has hand-blown German violet glass eyes and light brown human hair wig. Her hair is styled in pigtails.
We were very fortunate to get edition #6 out of an edition size of 50. Please email us or give us a call if you would like more information.
And of course, please remember that we offer layaway plans and can customize one to suit your specific needs.
Quote of the Day - "The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes
The long-awaited 2013 Collection of dolls from Helen Kish Dolls are finally starting to arrive.
Last Friday we received in both Peyton and Piper Big Sis. Both are excellent and they are so very different. It is definitely Helen's hand-painted eyes that set these dolls apart from other limited edition dolls.
Piper Big Sis is a platinum blonde-haired beauty while Peyton has carrot-top red hair. They really make a cute couple.
Please stay tuned for the arrival of Bethany Falling Leaves and Tatum Gotta Dance. Hopefully, they will be arriving shortly.
Quote of the Day - "We bring forth weeds when our quick minds lie still." - William Shakespeare
"Tatum Gotta Dance is so excited about her almost matching penguin pinafore. But she goes one better with her penguin style cap and shoe covers, so convincing that she is ready for Halloween. Underneath her colorfully decorated grey wool felt pinafore, Tatum wears a simple little frock with a black knit bodice and sleeves, and gathered skirt in a black and white print. Her tights are a bright yellow burnout knit and her shoes simple black Mary Janes.
Bethany Falling Leaves is resplendent in her autumn dress and wool felt pinafore ensemble. The dress is a combination of a soft lime green top, with lightly embroidered and beaded 3/4 length and a dropped waist with full gathered print skirt. The strawberry red pinafore is embroidered in black outlines to catch the falling leaves of soft lime green and dark turquoise, each leafe affixed with a tiny red bead."
Please stay tuned as both dolls are expected to ship late July - early August.
Quote of the Day - "Hear the meaning within the word." - William Shakespeare
