> A Look at the Dolls from the Marie Osmond "Friends Like You" Reunion

Check out these dolls from Marie Osmond Dolls.

By Kathryn Peck

From doll shops to workshops to fashion shows, here's a peek at dolls from the reunion!

> The Steiff Kinder Project

By Jill Jackson

R. John Wright teams up with Steiff to accomplish one project that was a long time in the making.

> Doll Show News & Views

Read about some of the doll shows in your area!

> A Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

By Jill Jackson

Read about Goodreau Doll and the making of the American ball-jointed doll.

> Doll Reader Announces the Winners of the 2nd Annual Reborn Competition

> Itty-Bitty Mini Ginny

Mini Ginny - BIG Story!

By A. Glenn Mandeville

Standing just 5½ inches, Vogue Doll Co.’s the newest and smallest Ginny doll is a big hit with collectors.

> Privacy Policy

> A New Age of Fashion

By Jill Jackson

At the age of 12, Jason Wu chose a path that would quickly make him one of the hottest artists in the fashion doll industry.

> In the Footsteps of Tradition

By Kathryn Peck

Salvador Berenguer carries on a family tradition: bringing realism to life in his sculpts.

> The Anne Geddes Collectible Doll Line

By Jill Jackson

Read more about the perfect partnering of Anne Geddes, Laura Tuzio-Ross, and MasterPiece Dolls, and the introduction of The Woodland Sprite.

> The Strange Tale of Robert the Doll

> What’s Next for Heidi Plusczok

By Jill Jackson

Take a sneak peek at Heidi Plusczok’s 2008 collection.

> Guys & Dolls

By Jill Jackson

For years Donald Kinney worked in the field of film and television puppetry and animation, and in 2004 he came across his first Asian ball-jointed doll. Today, he is the founder of Bishonen House and the sole creator of its male Asian ball-jointed dolls.

> A Visit to the North Pole Through the Eyes of a Doll Artist

This holiday season, take a closer look at Doll Reader’s special gallery showcases holiday-inspired dolls.

> Sneak Peek at IDEX Fantasy Runway Auction Dolls

> 85 Years of Alexander!

By Doll Reader

In the 1920s, it was uncommon to find women in the workplace, and so the founding of the Alexander Doll Co. by a woman named Beatrice “Madame” Alexander was an extraordinary event that changed history forever. Read more about the Alexander Doll Co. and take a closer look at this year's anniversary collection.

> Fashion Finds

By Doll Reader

From bold prints to beaded accents, Nathalie Malric  ball-jointed dolls come dressed for success in finely detailed haute couture-inspired outfits. Find out more about these handcrafted resin dolls and limited-edition ensembles.

> Pageant Passion

By Kathryn Peck

Combining a love of pageants and a love of dolls, Nik Moronese and Marie LeBreton’s one-of-a-kind pageant-themed Barbie dolls still steal the show.

> Something for Everyone

For collectors, for reborn artists, and for girls who just wanna have fun, there’s sure to be a Dolls by Berenguer baby to fit your need.

By Kathryn Peck

According to Richard Cerdá, president of Dolls by Berenguer, there is no simpler or more perfect model of inspiration for the company’s dolls than the beauty and innocence of a child or newborn. Read more about the endless array of baby dolls offered from Dolls by Berenguer, and find out what makes them so irresistable to collectors today. 

> Kindred Spirits

"Rainman" and the ball-jointed dolls of Elfdoll.

By Mercy Neumark

Find out how a chance encounter with someone who shared a common vision helped one artist achieve his dream: to share the beauty of Korea  through the art of the doll.

> Here Come the Brides

Small Bride Dolls on the Big Day

By Martha Puff

In this special Wee Ones article, doll artists honor this most romantic of dresses with distinctive wedding fashions from the Victorian era to modern day. All figures are sculpted in 1:12 scale.

> Weekly Poll: Passion for Projects!

> Madavor Media Acquires Doll Magazine

With Doll Reader and IDEX, solidifies top position in collectibles industry

> Steampunk

Why this subgenre is building up steam.

By Jill Jackson

Steampunk, a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction, a type of cyberpunk that places the scene in a period where steam power is widely used, has gained momentum and now ball-jointed doll artists and collectors are joining the new phenomenon.

> Helen Kish: The Artist and The Person

By Jill Jackson

Read about the range of Helen Kish’s work over the years, take an exclusive look at Helen’s newest dolls for the fall, and hear more from Dan James who offers some rare insights into Helen Kish, the artist and the person.

> Well, Hello Baby!

There’s been a lot of talk about artist Marie Osmond sculpting herself as baby over the years, and this fall Baby Olive Marie is finally here.

By Kathryn Peck

“It’s hard enough to sculpt a doll that you hope will appeal to your fellow doll collectors,” says doll artist Marie Osmond, “but when you have to sculpt yourself, the pressure is really on!” Read about the debut of Marie's first (and very likely her only!) self-portrait doll, Baby Olive Marie. 

> Seasons of Change

Meet the newest artists and newest dolls at Dollfair International.

By Jill Jackson

Fall signals change; night arrives earlier, the leaves change colors, and pumpkins begin popping up everywhere. Along with the pumpkins, there is also a bumper crop of new ball-jointed artist dolls appearing on the scene from Dollfair International.

> Doll Reader’s Pumpkin Stew & Witch’s Brew

> Fashion Forward

Pabol International’s newest fashion doll is more than just a form to hang fashions on.

By Ellen McDaniel-Weissler

Say farewell to the impossibly ideal fashion doll of the past and meet Niki, the mirror of today’s fashion realism. Find out more about what makes this fashion doll unique.

> Power AND Glamour – A Dynamic Duo

Robert Tonner reinvents superheroines with a sense of style in the Women of Power collection.

By Kathryn Peck

See how Robert Tonner adds some evening glamour to the classic DC Comics superheroines with a new series of 16-inch Women of Power Tonner Character Figures™ (TCFs™).

 

> Upcoming Events: July/August

Doll shows, conventions, and happenings in your area.

> Madavor Media forms alliance with Discover Dolls

Company will distribute U.K. baby doll title in U.S.

> A Dynamic Duo

Doll Reader Partners with Discover Dolls

> 10 Reasons Why Barbie Is Still Cool

From her 1 billion outfits to her environmental awareness, the doll has never been hotter.

By Toni Fitzgerald

> How nifty: Barbie at 50!

Two special dolls celebrate half a century of an American icon.

By Toni Fitzgerald

> Alohomora!

Unlocking the secrets of Tonner's Harry Potter series.

By Mindy Kinsey

> Totally Toffee

By Jill Jackson

Inspired by vintage rubber-faced dolls and a love of rabbits, Riri Fukuju designed the uniquely appealing Toffee Dolls for Huckleberry Toys.

> A Perfect Fit

Whether you like sewing from old patterns or purchasing new outfits, you'll love Leannie's new resin 'Bleuette.'

By Jill Jackson

> Dolls That Go Bump in the Night

Haunted dolls? Some collectors believe.

By Robin Nason. Photos by Bill Opitz

"Sometimes a doll seems to be endowed with more than the usual amount of life. Something strange seems to happen when the doll is in the room. People become uneasy around the doll and you wonder if maybe, just maybe…"

> Fabulous at 50

Marie Osmond hosts collector birthday bash in Vegas

By Mindy Kinsey

Check out these exclusive photos from Marie Osmond's birthday bash in Vegas!

> The Comfort Collection

Carol and Sophie Adoum have built their international doll collection one business trip at a time.

By Ellen McDaniel-Weissler

"I really enjoy collecting dolls, so whenever I get a new one, I am filled with excitement!" Sophie Adoum

> Doll Reader Announces 2010 DOTY Public's Choice Winners

> Doll Reader’s Top 10 from 2009

> 2010 IDEX Premiere Wrap-Up

IDEX reaffirms its standing as the best place to view the newest doll, bear, and collectible playthings.

By Kathryn Peck

> Doll Reader Scoop from Toy Fair

> Pure Enchantment

Marina Bychkova teams up with Dollfair International to produce her highly sought after resin ball-jointed dolls.

Jill Jackson

Marina Bychkova imbues each of her dolls with her own brand of emotion and a distinct sensuality. Even her fairytale figures are thought provoking and provocative.

> Celebrating a Century of Effanbee

Under Robert Tonner, the iconic doll company is ready for another 100 years.

By Toni Fitzgerald

In 1910, things were different; the year Bernard Fleischaker and Hugo Baum joined forces to create a new doll-making company. And yet, all these years later, it seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Now celebrating its 100th birthday, Effanbee still has the same commitment to quality and innovation, and its most iconic dolls remain important parts of its current collections, not to mention some of the most beloved dolls of all time.

> Notes to Authors

Thinking of contributing to Doll Reader or Teddy Bear and Friends? Here are some tips on grammar, style, formatting, and more.

> Tonner Convention Delivers on both the New & Exciting

> Hair Nation

JpopDolls, a leader in BJD wig designs, now offers collectors the complete package.

Jill Jackson

“I look at the market and imagine what is missing,” says Grace Szczepaniec, owner of JpopDolls, a company long known in the doll world for its amazing wigs. “I then try and create it.”

> Alexander Launches New E-Commernce Web Site

Madamealexander.com becomes an online shopping destination for Madame Alexander doll collectors

> New publisher steps in to revive Jan Foulke’s Guide to Dolls

> My Doll Castle's Artist Signing with the Lennon Sisters

> Perfect Pairing

Fantasy artist Nene Thomas and doll artist Cindy McClure team up.

By Mike Miazga

Throughout history there have been plenty of pairings that have been successful. In terms of modern-day doll manufacturing, Ashton-Drake Galleries also has itself quite the daily double in fantasy artists Nene Thomas and Cindy McClure.

> From Angels to Fairies

What ever happened to the fairy doll atop the Christmas tree?

By Susan Brewer

In 17th-century Germany, the Christmas tree was topped by a small model of the baby Jesus, which was later replaced by a male angel.  In Britain, the angel evolved into a fairy,

> Playing With Lipstik

The hottest girls' clothing line now has matching dolls

When fashion experts describe the Lipstik line of clothing, they call it "fashion forward." Girls just call it "cool."

> Classic French Chic

Sylvie Groh brings the 1920s alive with her high-quality porcelain fashion dolls.

By Marianne Clay

"What we French call 'les Annees Folles,' attracted me as it is the first and probably only truly transatlantic artistic movement, American dynamism blended with European joie-de-vivre."

> Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Tonner translates America

By Toni Fitzgerald

No matter how many times you see it, "The Wizard of Oz" never loses its appeal. Its story offers a lesson for everyone: the true value of home; the importance of loyal friends; and the potential for bravery inside every one of us. The movie and the series of Oz books that inspired the movie are true American treasures.

> A World of Adventure

Join Sandy and her father as they travel from New York City to Queensland.

By Kathryn Peck

Adora Inc.'s newest series of 8-inch dolls and storybooks lets you travel the world without leaving home.

> Alexander Goes Broadway

By Kathryn Peck

Many are already quite familiar with the story of Dorothy Gale, her Uncle Henry and Auntie Em, and her little dog, too. It is the unforgettable tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Reinventing the tale, ‘Wicked’ the Musical sets the stage for a new series of Madame Alexander dolls.

> Rockin' the Roses

Introducing the first designs in a new series of Marie Osmond fashion dolls.

By Mindy Kinsey

Marie is recognized around the world. In the same way that fans treasured Mattel's Marie doll in the '70s (many collectors still have their original doll!), they will love this doll.

> Symbol of Style

Together, three women create the ultimate fashion icon.

By Jill Jackson, Photos courtesy of Alexandra Forbes

Three years ago, a small group of women met in person at a small Internet café to discuss their shared love of fashion doll and quickly learned that they shared the same dream of creating the “ideal fashion doll.”    

> Baby Reborn

Looking for a baby doll uniquely yours? Consider a reborn.

Reborning has rapidly grown into a groundbreaking new direction in baby doll production.

> Fantasy Figures: How to Create Your Own Fairy & Centaur

By Tashai Lovington

Tips and suggestions that will help you create your own collectible fantasy figures.

> Male Makeover Tips: Hair Club for Men

By Virginia Obeius

Most male dolls sold in America today have short hair plastered to their heads that is not very versatile. Changing this one aspect of your doll’s appearance can have a huge impact on the character and need not be a daunting task to even the newest makeover artist. Check out these simple steps for rerooting and styling your male doll's hair.

> Staying Power

By Kathryn Peck

A growing interest in the ball-jointed doll industry has many talking wigs, eyes, and clothes, including face-up artist Lisa Jameson.

> Asian Fashion Invasion

The fashions of modern Asian ball-jointed dolls are works of art, too.

By Melanie Larson, Mercy Neumark, and Lauren King

Ball-jointed dolls are not new to the doll world, but it was Asia, more specifically Japan, that turned this type of doll into a new medium for enthusiasts to love. Read more about these fully customizable resin dolls that are taking over the U.S. collector community.

> Wedding Bells for Ball-Jointed Dolls

Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls Prepare for the Big Day.

By Mercy Neumark

Fashion details and accessories make these weddings distinct.

 

> Tattoo Taboo

The Tattooed Narin Dolls of Korea

By Catherine Sanders

Learn how a culture of tattoo taboo helped give rise to the art of doll tattoos. Artist Hea Yoon Kim talks about the art of the tattoo and working doll artist Bimong, founder of Narin Creative and owner of Bimong Academy, a ball-jointed doll school in Seoul, Korea.

> Holiday Narae

How artists from around the world came together to make this exclusive doll for the holidays.

By Catherine Sanders

Read about the making of this Doll Reader exclusive limited-edition doll and how you could enter for the chance to own Holiday Narae.

> Will Travel For Babies

Berenguer's Juan, Richard, and Laura Cerdá crisscross the globe to give collectors baby dolls to treasure.

By Marianne Clay

Juan Cerdá, son Richard, and daughter Laura log thousands of air miles each year, flying between Berenguer's headquarters for the American market in Miami, the factories they use in China, and their headquarters for the European market in Spain. To talk to Juan about his company, Dolls by Berenguer, we caught him on a stopover in Hong Kong.

> The Enchanting Babies of Laura Tuzio-Ross

By Tracy McKenna

Laura Tuzio-Ross talks about her work today, and how it all began.

 

> Baby Donny

It took some convincing, plenty of talent, and a whole lot of laughs, but Baby Donny is finally here.

By Kathryn Peck

Read about the Baby Donny doll and decide for yourself if it's anything but a spitting image of a baby Donny Osmond, himself.

> Is it . . . asleep?

Eva Wakolbinger’s babies have caused quite a stir among collectors and non-collectors alike.

By Kurt Palka

See for yourself how Eva Wakolbinger’s babies have often been mistaken for real babies.

> Kymberli Durden

Wee Ones: March/April 2007

Since 2002, Kymberli Durden has been sculpting dolls with striking realism and an enthusiastic eye for detail. Take a closer look in the pages of May's "Wee Ones" at the baby dolls she creates today.

> Announcing the 2010 Tiny Treasures Contest Winners