collectible dolls information

[imported_asyrov]

Could somebody point out where I can get information about collectible dolls (doll types/names/pictures)..... Just tryign to educate myself.... I appreciate any help I can get.

[Marilyn2]

Thanks for asking.
http://samanthasdolls.com/
http://samanthasdolls.com/default.htm
has a good "directory" of various artists, with doll pictures.
Popular ones among the ladies here are the baby, toddler, and child-sized, realistic-looking ones. 2 brands, Zapf and Skille, we now have to buy on the "secondary market", so our for sale section here is helpful for that. Popular artists here are Himstedt, Skille, Zapf, Lee Middleton, Ashton Drake, Masterpiece.

[imported_asyrov]

Thank you Marilyn.

Do you think there is something common in doll styles or materials that would make particular artist / doll popular? How dressing of a doll relates to the style of the artist (is any particular new doll always dressed the same)? Is there any interest in creating different clothing options for dolls?

I am trying to review works of suggested artists, please post more names of the artists that you like the most

[Char]

I think most of us like vinyl and or vinyl/silicone dolls.

[Marilyn2]

Interesting questions. (I hope I'm answering as you had in mind, not just rambling ).

(is any particular new doll always dressed the same)

My daughter is into Anime, and went as "Sana" to a convention this summer, and I saw the pictures she took of people dressed as the characters. The dolls we collect don't have one distinctive outfit, like that. (if I understood your question right).
Lee Middleton Co. uses the same faces repeatedly, (with a few new ones), with new outfits, periodically...and different combinations of hair and eye color.
I often refer to this list...
http://www.dollandgift.com/in_middleton_facelist.htm
to remind myself how many duplicate faces I've been getting, when the outfit, or different hair/eye color combination attracts me.

Do you think there is something common in doll styles or materials that would make particular artist / doll popular?

We like the vinyl, and the new soft silicone/vinyl, or silicone bodies have become popular, with several brands using it now...whatever makes the dolls appear as "realistic" as possible, in appearance, size and feel. (some have been mistaken for a "real" baby, when left unattended in a car).

Is there any interest in creating different clothing options for dolls?

We enjoy re-dressing our dolls and posing them for pictures, which we share here. Some make clothes especially for dolls, others use "real" baby clothes. Re-dressing them and "showing them off" is alot of the fun, especially for holidays or seasons.

How dressing of a doll relates to the style of the artist (is any particular new doll always dressed the same)?

Annette Himstedt's dolls have become very popular.
http://www.himstedt.com/
I, personally, haven't "caught onto" them yet, (please forgive me, Himstedt-loving ladies) as they are generally too "funky" for my taste. The artist herself looks "funky", so her dolls are that way, hair and clothes. They are very poseable, though. She has done a series of ethnic dolls recently.
http://www.thetoyshoppe.com/dolls/himstedt/index.html
I've seen collections where they are left dressed "as is," but most ladies here re-dress them in "regular kid" clothes.
Linda Rick herself looks fancy and feminine, and I love the fancy way hers are dressed...
http://www.dollfactory.com/prodList.asp?idCategory=31
My very favorite artist is Sissell Skille, Gotz brand. They closed down the factory in Germany, but make a few new ones in China now, but the Germany ones are better quality, and sought-after, now in the 2nd-ary market, because they are sold out. They have classic beauty, and come in conservative clothes.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...s/48692076.jpg
I like to change them into "regular kid" clothes, though.
In the Zapf brand, I most like Brigitte Paetsch...here's an example, in her original outfit...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...108AcuWbhy0ctV

[Neysa]

I am going to post some of my collectable dolls...............all of us here are familiar to them.............


Michael The Little Slugger by Ashton Drake dolls vinyl/silicone



Melissa by Melissa McCroy Artist Full Silicone doll




Marie Claire by MasterpieceDolls Hard vinyl
www.masterpiecedolls.com


Little Baby Girl by Middleton vinyl

[Neysa]

Marie Claire by Levenig Masterpiece Dolls Vinyl




Viola by Levenig Masterpiece Dolls Vinyl





Blonde Till by Zapf Vinyl


All of these pictures are of Collectible Dolls that we collect.

[Dianna]

This is great info.......and wonderful pictures. I think I've learned the most from being on a doll forum. We get to see and learn about dolls that are new to us.

[imported_asyrov]

Thank you very much for all the info.

I hope you don't mind my questions. I am trying to figure everything out and it is much easier when I have help over here.

Dolls are really wonderful. I am surprised the board didn't have like a centralized spot where members can display their dolls. If I could see them all in one spot that would be a nice brief intro.

All of the mentioned dolls are vinyl.. but what about porcelain dolls? (I'm not a fan of those but would like to know if there is any interest)

[Char]

I don't care for porcelain dolls at all.