Marie Osmond is Blooming Around the World!

“Playing dolls just got a lot more fun!” exclaims Marie. Marie welcomes you to a world of wonder with a rare limited edition porcelain Babies a Bloom — Blooms Around the World”. Limited to ONLY 125 pieces, this beautiful doll is decorated with American Roses, Irish Shamrocks and more!  Blossoming at the Doll & Teddy Bear Expo August 8th, she’s a bloom you must have for your summer garden! 

Go to marieosmond.com for details!

Sponsored Text

 
In This Issue
    


 
 
 

 
     
 
       
 
 
Class Acts for the Age
By Nayda Rondon

  
 

Lynne and Michael Roche’s creations should come with a warning label. “Caution: Once you own a Roche doll, you’re hooked for life.” In a sea of dueling divas, babies and tots of every description, and quirky, stylized ball-jointed creations clamoring for collectors’ attention and affection, Roche dolls stand apart. Dainty and demure, they might seem like shy wallflowers at first glance. But don’t be fooled. Their enchantment is all the more potent for its sweet subtlety.

  

Nursery-rhyme-inspired Marigold Play comes with a teddy friend made by Stella Topping.

The dolls’ innocent expressions and simple, un-gimmicky clothing hark back to an earlier, gentler period. But at the same time, they hold an indefinable quality that makes them stand out of time, suspending them in a realm of ageless charm. These “modern antiques” exude a beguiling appeal that quietly works its way into collectors’ souls. Without theirquite realizing it, collectors become firmly and irrevocably entranced.
 
 
 
 
Matchmakers
By Trina Laube
  
 

Since Danny Shapiro opened The Toy Shoppe in Richmond, Va., in 1975, he and his wife, Barrie, have paired hundreds, perhaps thousands, of collectors with the highest quality dolls and teddy bears. The Shapiros are matchmakers, relationship experts. Above and beyond anything else, they are partners.

“Danny and I are such a unique team,” shares Barrie, who met Danny in the shopping center where the original Toy Shoppe was located (the store has since relocated to a business park). “It works. There’s no conflict between the two of us. We fill in where the other one doesn’t like to be.”

Barrie and Danny Shapiro admire an R. John Wright doll in their store, The Toy Shoppe.
 
 
 
 

Alexander Doll Co.—Legend or Yesterday, Promise of Tomorrow
By Carie Ferg

  
 
It may be the 85th anniversary of Alexander Doll Co., but for company president Gale Jarvis and vice president of sales David Morgenstern, 2008 has been another year to challenge themselves—building on the quality tradition that is synonymous with the company’s name while pushing into new territories.


Cloth dolls such as Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy are part of Alexander Doll Co.’s fall 2008 line. “They’re of extraordinary quality. Although they’re a play product, they’re collectible, too. For example, most of these dolls have molded faces,” David Morgenstern, Alexander VP of sales, says.

“You have to outdo yourself every single year or else your collectors are disappointed. It’s nice that it’s the 85th year, but we didn’t work any harder this year because [of that],” Morgenstern says. “We have to work harder because our collectors are expecting more and more of us every single year.”

“Everyday is a challenge to maintain that history, yet create the future,” Jarvis adds.

 
 
 
   
 

Also in October DOLLS

  • Discover Dolls from Around the World
  • Admire Xenis Wooden Wonders
  • Sneak a Peek at Fall 2008 Dolls
  • Learn about the Vintage Costuming Cottage Industry
 
   
 
   
 

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