Thursday, August 20, 2015

Moxie Girlz 50% Off!

I was in Walmart and all their Moxie Girlz stuff is 50% off. I don't know if this is store wide or only in my little corner of the world. Just in case, if you ever wanted some MG stuff, now's the time.




I didn't buy anything because I'm being good about saving money. If it gets to 70% off though I'm sure I wont be able to resist.

Check out this {old post} to see how Moxie Girlz clothing fits various body types.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

LOL @ Dollar Tree

I was in Dollar Tree and passed by this Mermaid display:


Something about it made me do a double take and go over for a closer look:



LOLOL, now that I'm looking at these photos, I kinda regret not getting her. If she's still there the next time I go to the store, I'll get her and wipe away the off center eye so I can have myself a Mermaid Cyclops.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Display Idea & A Doll Show

Way, way back in May I participated in a doll show in Orlando. I only this week unpacked the stuff I took and I only did that because I needed to figure out the sales tax I owe that was due today. LOL, so lazy.

Anyway, now that everything is put away, I wanted to share a display idea. I originally had my small accessories in baggies. I thought it was a hassle for people to flip through all that stuff and wanted something that would let them see the items at a glance. I also wanted something ready made because I just didn't have time to make one. Behold the Nail Polish Counter Display!



At the time I purchased mine it was $24.99 with Amazon Prime. Considering I didn't have to build it myself, it was absolutely worth the cost. Check out the video at the end of the post to see it in use.

The show itself was fantastic. The venue was 4 times bigger than the other show I attended and I made WAY more money. However, unlike last time, I didn't spend any money either. I intended to buy stuff, but I was so busy selling I never got the chance. The bit of show footage I got is what I saw on my way to the bathroom before the show started. Once the doors opened for the public I didn't venture far from my booth. I will be going back to this show next year, but I don't know if I will be a vendor or just buying.

I attended the show by myself and took all this stuff with me:



I don't think I can handle doing that again. I'm going to have to rethink my setup or drag my mom along or just go as a customer. I LOVE selling, but I want to see all the other stuff for sale too and I was bummed at not being able to do that. On the other hand, it meant I came home with more money. Still, I would have rather come home with some cool new dolls.



Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Doll Club Meeting

When I was at the doll show in February, a couple of vendors were handing out a flyer about a doll club in my local area that meets the 1st Saturday of every month. They usually meet at libraries, but due to something or other, the March meeting was going to be held at a church. I did not attend in March because, frankly, I'm a heathen and I'm not trying to burst into flames by stepping inside a church. The April meet was back in the library so that one I went to and here's the scoop!


The local club is part of a much larger organization that I hadn't heard of until February, the United Federation of Doll Clubs. This is how becoming a member was explained to me, but I could be off on some points. You attend three local meetings. At the 3rd meeting the group votes on if you should be a member. If accepted, you now pay an annual fee of $40 to be in the club. If rejected - I have no clue what happens.

Meetings start at 11:00 am. The room was set up to seat about 25 people (16 were in attendance). There were banquet tables on either side and in front of the room. There was also a big flat screen TV in one corner. I'm going to relay how the meeting was run and then I'll give you my thoughts on it. This next part is strictly dry data:

11:00 - 11:30  Socializing and munchies
11:30 - 12:00  Secretary reads minutes of last meeting
                       Treasurer reports on funds
                       Old business is discussed
                       New business is discussed
                       Vote on new member
12:00 - 12:35  Member presentation on Tonner dolls
12:35 - 12:50  Socializing
12:50 -            I actually left but people were still there.

Some pics and a very short video:










So, having attended, which I'm glad I did, I now know that this club is not for me. It was all very interesting, the ladies were quite welcoming and I really enjoyed the Tonner presentation. HOWEVER, because of my particular brand of neuroses, I found it ... 'uncomfortable' is the best word I can use.

The social aspect of it was more than I can handle. There was touching and bantering and mothering - all things a normal person wouldn't have a problem with. I have never claimed to be normal. I just want to see some dolls, do some crafts and call it a day. Too bad I can't walk into a group that's been in existence for over 25 years and say, "Look-a-here, ladies. Don't touch me, don't talk to me. Just show me your dolls and no one gets hurt."

Oh, well, it was an experience, but not one I want to repeat, unfortunately.


Thursday, March 26, 2015

How to Wire Wrap a Doll

An instructional video on how to do this!


And why would you want to do such a thing? Watch the video to find out. ^_^
 

 
 
3/27/15 Edited to add:
 
I was in a rush when I posted this, but I should have said that Dollar Tree wire is not treated, meaning, it is not tarnish resistant, thus it only costing a buck. If you are concerned about your doll's body, then do not leave the wire on it for long periods of time because it MAY stain it and the same goes for clothing. My Monster High body has been Dollar Tree wired for 7 months now and it hasn't stained at all but that doesn't mean it wont. Better safe than sorry.
 
If you want to leave the body permanently wired then I would get treated wire that will cost you about $5 or $6. You can order Darice Craft Wire, 20 gauge 15 yards, from Amazon or pick it up at Michaels or Joanns.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Outdoor Adventures: Time Lapse & A Doll Shoot


I love photos of dolls being outdoors because the images just look so refreshing to me. I hate being outside so I never attempted it myself. Now though, since my phone can do time lapse, I've been going outdoors to catch cloud formations. Last weekend I combined the two and had my first outdoor doll shoot. It didn't go that well for a variety of reasons but at least I tried.



I think it's been well established that I am not a people person. I gave myself a pep talk before I tried this and told myself, "People are going to talk to you and they are going to be inquisitive. Keep calm, don't be a cow about it, just accept it and eventually they'll go away." I was outside for 4 hours and in the beginning I was cool and collected. By that 4th hour I was a raging a-hole.

Various comments throughout the day:

  • "Oh, are you taking video?"
  • "Are you doing that for Youtube?"
  • "What are you doing?"
  • "What does the doll do?"
  • What's that silver thing?"
  • "Can I see what you took?"
  • "Are you taking a picture of the sky?! Why? What's up there?"
  • "Is that a camera?"
  • "So you do this for a hobby, like for fun?"
  • "Ay, ay girl! What's up girl? Whatchu doing with all that? You need some help? Want me to hold that for you?"


One lady walked over during this setup, squatted down behind the doll with her freakin' crotch right in front of the camera(!), and said, "Hey, what's all this then?" Then she reached for the doll like she was going to pick it up!

After a day full of this I went from pleasantly, but grudgingly answering people's questions to basically responding with, "Are you a cop? No? Then don't be asking me questions!" or "What I'm doing is minding my own business. You should try it sometime!"

I swear, sometimes I am just not fit for human consumption. At least my dolls don't annoy me because they are awesome.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Stop Motion Attempts

If anyone is familiar with Apple products you probably noticed that my last video was made with iMovie. My old phone started messing up and I had to get a new one and it came with the iMovie app. It's a lot different than Windows Movie Maker and the title options are limited but it is so neat to be able to edit movies on my phone. I also discovered another app called Stop Motion Studio and it lets you make stop motion movies on your phone as well!

Here are my attempts in a very short video:



I probably wont do much with stop motion because it took 450 photos to make a 15 second clip. I just don't have that kind of time, lol. It was fun to try though because it really is fascinating to see dolls in motion.

A behind the scenes pic of my last attempt

Thanks for watching!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Nekkid Dolls: Okay or Not Okay?

A discussion post!

When I uploaded last week's post, I saw a notification from Blogger that they were going to be more restrictive on "Adult" content, including nudity and suggestive imagery. It made me wonder if that would apply to photos of nude dolls. I know a couple of bloggers who said that people have made comments about them showing unclothed dolls and the dolls weren't even making out or anything. They just said that because kids search out dolly blogs, the dolls should have clothes on.

Clothes my Mom made to sell my naked dolls

I post nude dolls all the time. Sometimes I cover their bits and junk with their hands if they have the articulation for it, but most times I don't bother. However, because I live in what is called the "Bible Belt," when I had my doll show, I purposefully clothed all the nude dolls in wraps (made by my Mom ^_^) so I wouldn't hear any crap from anyone.

Sign at my vendor table

In my opinion, my blog content is mostly PG to PG13. In private, I'm quite the potty mouth. I don't think I've met anyone as vulgar as myself. In public though, I'm very aware of who is around me and try not to subject others to my uncouthness. The same goes for my blog. It's public, so I act like I have some manners when I write on it... most of the time. But that's just me and I'd rather people not be forced to conform because some other people aren't policing their kids.

Draculaura wearing an outfit by my Mom

I read bunches of blogs with "Adult" doll content. The dolls curse, they fight, they bow chicka bow bow and it's awesome! Only a few of those are on Blogger though and I believe only one is actually restrictive to adults.

Blogger notice

Blogger has since rescinded their decision to be more restrictive so I'm assuming that people raised a stink about it? Either way, even though I'm not showing bow chicka bow bow on my blog, I'm glad I still get to see it on other people's.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Doll Show Setup

After taking a tally of my costs to do the show, versus what I earned, versus what I spent, I came home with a whopping $1.89 cents, LOL! Have to say though, I have no regrets. I had a blast, met some cool people, found out about other doll events coming up and even found out about a doll group in my area! So, even though I spent my entire profit, it was worth it for not only the things I purchased but for the connections I made.

Check out what I got!

Strombecker dining table with 2 chairs $20

3 more chairs for $5 each

Because the table is missing its middle leaf, the vendor threw in this Strombecker rocking chair for free

Becky $15, Korean Barbie $10 and Kimono was free

Back of the Kimono box



The Kimono box also had this flyer in it.

Collecting Barbie $10


Mary Kate and Ashley $5 each

Miscellaneous bag of stuff $10






My first Re-ment! $20



All of these were free! I spent so much at one vendor that at the end of the day she came to my booth, grabbed my $5 GI Joe doll, and gave me all of these in exchange. AWESOME!

I'm just throwing her in again because she's gorgeous!

I also didn't notice there was a second layer of cellophane covering these that made them fuzzy looking before. Now I can see them clearer.

Anyway, I had a grand time and it was worth the effort. I was busy the day of, so all the video footage is from the day before when we were allowed to set up.


 
Thank you to everyone for their generous well wishes!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Spending Money Already

I just got back from setting up at the doll venue and I've already bought doll stuff from another vendor before the show even starts tomorrow, lol.

Got her for $25! I've never even heard of this line before.




Back of the box image 



Back of the box image
 
Also from the same vendor got this:

$10! My first time seeing a Fashion Fever box in person.
These pics are horrible but the stuff looks good inside




I saw loads of items I wanted from vendors that were still setting up. If I make any profits tomorrow, it's all going to be spent on doll stuff.