Introducing my Barbie Families - Family #1

I have many Barbies.  I have those that live behind glass doors.  I have others that are still in boxes.  And then there are my play dolls.  I have at least 100 that I can play with whenever I have the time.  Since I am a family oriented doll person, I have focused on creating families with my play dolls.  I try to name them, but it gets hard to remember who they are.  So today I am starting a new blog series, where I will introduce the different families and tell you a little about them. 

THE ANDERSON FAMILY

This is the Anderson Family. They live in Alexandria, VA. David and Leslie have been married for about 6 years.  They met at a friend's Christmas party 7 years ago, and have been together ever since.  Leslie is currently a life coach.  She transitioned out of her corporate job at Xerox, as a Human Resource manager, a couple of years after giving birth to her daughter, Ciana.  David owes a health club in Springfield, VA.  He has always been a workout fanatic, so the health club was a perfect fit.

                               

They have 2 kids.  Ciana is 3 years old.  She is a very active child and keeps her parents busy.  She attends preschool at Blue Bird Day School.   She is a very sweet child, who keeps a smile on her face, even when she is being a little mischievous.  Joseph is their adorable 13 month old son.  He is the friendliest little thing.  He attends Tiny Tots Playroom about 3 days a week. 

I'm Seeing Red - Check out my new dining set

Just finished my new dining set. It is redder than I initially planned, but I am happy with the outcome. It is currently for sale at my Etsy site, www.vansdolltreasures.etsy.com. The tapestry on the wall is the first one that I have done for Barbie. I actually made a real one that hangs in my living room. Would you believe it has elephants too. Mine is mostly browns and appears more African. I think the red Barbie sized one looks more Asian.



2003 º Barbie Happy Family dolls commercial (la famile du bohheur) [FR]

I ran across this Happy Family commercial. I have never seen a Happy Family commercial. This one is in Spanish. I've always loved Happy Family. Didn't realize how much, until they were taken off the market. Isn't that always the case. You think something will be available forever, so there is no urgency in your actions. Then you spend your time trying to get it off of ebay.

I am learning to seize the moment. I think I have to do that with the S.I.S. (Sisters In Style) dolls. Because before I know it, they will be off the market, and I will still be saying "Oh, I just get that next month." Next month never seems to come sometimes.

Why aren't my plates perfect?

It has been a busy couple of weeks.  I've spent time getting my Etsy store, Van's Doll Treasures, set up for international shipping. I've also diligently tried to make new sofas and chairs to add to the store.  My mind has been working overtime as I research new products to add.  I thought that nice table place settings would be a nice addition.  So I set out to make these perfectly round and smooth plates.  It was definitely not as easy as I thought it would be.  So I ended up with some wobbly plates, with edges that desperately needed smoothing.  However, as with everything you do, it usually takes a lot of practice to get it right.  So it is back to the drawing board to make the perfect plates and bowls.  Wish me luck.  Hopefully, with a little persisitence, there will be a nice 4 pc and 6 pc Barbie place setting available soon at a store near you (or at least at Van's Doll Treasures!)

 

I actually like this plate and plate stand. Still needs work, though.

Decided to try a few candles.

Miniature Doll Show in Atl

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the local miniature doll show.  I figured I might get some inspirations for my next projects.  It was smaller than the previous shows, but I still got that wonderful feeling when I walked through the door.  If you are a doll person, you probably know that feeling.  You are finally around other crazy doll people and you feel right at home.

I took a few pictures to share with you.  In the first area of the show they had all these beautiful room boxes and miniature houses. I was surprised they let us take pictures. Usually they are very protective.  Sorry for the glare. Most of these were in glass enclosures.  Enjoy!

This playground was quarter inch scale.  Talk about tiny!

New Rust Suede Sofa and Blue Stripe Chair

No these two items were not made to go together.  What a combo that would be!  But as I mentioned in the previous post, I have been trying to make more items.  I am also trying to improve upon designs wherever possible.  Here are pictures of my two new furniture items.  They were/are posted on ebay.  The chair has sold and the sofa is still in auction mode.  But, I digress.  I did change the designs slightly on my chair and sofa.  It is now a cleaner, more sleek design than before.  Hard to tell in the pictures, but take my word for it.

The pictures in this photo are too high on the wall.  Forgive me.  I do know better.  This is after all, one of my pet peeves.

Finished the newly designed crib

I apologize. I have no excuse for not posting blog entries, except for the fact that I have become a maniac with creating new items and, either posting them for sale, or trying to improve upon them to make them saleable. 


As promised, I did finish the newly designed crib. I made the new crib taller, so that Barbie wouldn't have to stoop so low.

 I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I contemplated not selling it and keeping it for one of my babies.  I did come to my senses and I posted it on ebay.  I can't keep everything.  I am already out of room.