Sunday, May 6, 2012

Doll Show Finds and Early Morning Madness

Yesterday was the Atlanta Doll Club Doll Show.  I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to going.  Why?  Because my car needs work, and I knew if I went to the doll show, my car fix it money would be gone.  So I took my time getting there.  I went to woodworking class, then finally arrived at the show about 1pm.  The show was set to end at 3pm.  Surely all the good stuff would be spoken for.  Seems there's always good stuff waiting for me.

It's raining men.  All of these men were dressed  except for the MC Hammer doll.  All of the men were priced at $5 except the Integrity Toys guy in the middle.  I paid $20 for him because I had never seen him before.  The PowerTeam guy was dressed and sealed in his original box for $5, but I completely overlooked him.  Luckily Paulette of limbe dolls was there and she bought him just as the show was about to close.  She was kind enough to give me the doll and take the clothes and accessories because she has this guy already.  Whew!  This is the guy I've been scouring Big Lots for over the past 6 months.  THANK YOU PAULETTE.

These are three of the ladies I bought.  The lady who sold the two dolls on the ends, makes the clothes, dresses the dolls and then sells them for $5 - $10.  Go figure.  She was also the lady who sold the $5 men up top (except MC Hammer).  The Steffie doll in the white was only $5.  I was happy to pick up another Danielle doll.  It's good to have a double.  Not to mention I love the outfit. The Christie in the middle is another doll I have been wanting since seeing her on Clicking Dolls blog.  She still has the tags and is in her original outfit.  She, too, was $5, from a different vendor.

The Steffie doll will get a new Daniela LIV body.

So now I'm going to take you on a journey called Early Morning Madness.  It was 11:30pm last night and I had just awoke after falling asleep around 8pm.  I thought about going dancing, but nixed the idea.  I went to the studio and started organizing some more.  I need to start building the reception room for the wedding.  About 1:30am I ran across my doll purchases from Saturday.

I got a bright idea to make these my new college kids.  I looked at the A-frame house and decided to build dorm rooms on the top half.  I moved Darius' operation out and built two dorm rooms and  in the middle I built a lounge area.  The guy in the middle is now named Quentin after my godson who is in his first year at Rutgers.  He will be my godson in this story, too.

My Marisa doll (Faith) was there with the rest of the gang in Christie's room.  They were trying to decide if they were going out for the night.  Christie's new name is Kim.  Why?  Because I thought about the show Different World.  My Steffie doll, was the person who got the second dorm room.  Her new name is Jasmine.  Why?  Because in the show Different World, Whitley Gilbert was Kim's roommate.  This doll reminded me of Whitley.  She appeared to be high maintenance.  Well, Whitley was played by the actress, Jasmine Guy.  I had their rooms fixed really nice, but when I went to put the Stardoll closet insert into Jasmine's room, it wouldn't fit.   So I started redesigning some things in my head. 

In the meantime as I am getting props from different areas in the studio, I am seeing Racquelle, who's hanging out at Ni'Chalet's, and the new lady in charge of Hotel Monaco, Lauren.  Then it hit me.  She could be Racquel and Faith's mother.  So  this is mom and her two daughters.  I wonder when we will meet their dad.  Faith is wearing the dress that came with my new Mattel kitchen.

Back to the madness... when the closet paper insert wouldn't fit, I went a whole new direction.  I saw the new kitchen that had just arrived from Mattel, and decided to make the top level an apartment for my BB 3.0 Mbili mold doll.  Got distracted again, because I felt it was too much space for a single woman and went down my list of single parents.  Bingo, Shantavia and Jada.   I haven't put the additional walls in yet, or the rugs and accessories.  Before I got to this point I had changed the layout of the A-frame house about 4 times and in my mind added 6 additional rooms that will require some construction on my part.  I totally fell in love with this house.

In the end, at least for now, I put the house back into it's simplest form.  I still plan to add the new rooms later.  Two of the new rooms will be bedrooms.   This is her TV room off the kitchen area.  This will eventually be an outdoor patio and little garden when the new rooms are built.  This living room will be the third new room on this level. 

Lights out for those cozy nights.

On the other side is her art studio.  Perfect open atmosphere for painting. 

Another angle of the art studio.  Which needs a little tidying up.  Ian is more than likely getting booted out of the first level apartment.  He is looking for a new bachelor pad.  This will leave the downstairs open.  I plan to add three rooms and make it a much bigger house.  There is a good chance the Morales, or either the Chef from Hotel Monaco and family, will reside downstairs.

With Shantavia's old space now available, I quickly built a new space for Darius and Nikki.   They returned from the ski trip last night and are spending the day relaxing and recovering from vacation before starting work tomorrow.  I still have to add art work, throw rugs, and accessories.  The hole in the back wall will be enlarged and I will add a beautiful outside view.  

I also decided this will  be the space used for a couple of different families.  Of course they will have their own furniture.  For instance Racquel and Terrance live in the same type condo, so this space will be rearranged for them when I have to do a story for them.  The kitchen may appear on the other side to indicate a different layout.

So I experimented with a couple of layouts just to give you an idea.  Remember, it will not be this furniture, but different furniture per family.

Another layout.  Of course, with the rugs and accessories the place will look a lot warmer and nicer.

Well I've finished working in the studio now. I also managed to move my photo taking area in my bedroom and complete a load of laundry.  What time is it? 9:30am!  I still have my whole day ahead of me to get tons more done.  Sorry I didn't take pictures of the dorms rooms and the different positions of the A-frame house.  So how do you extend your day?  Start working in the middle of the night.

Why does Shantavia need a new place?  Because her potential love interest arrived on Friday.  He is temporarily on a LIV Jake body.  He will probably get a new body that will accommodate the nice long neck piece he came with.  When I first saw this guy on ebay about a year ago, I felt he would be great for Shantavia.  I've always seen him as a light-skinned brother, and that is what he will play in my stories.  When I put him on the body, he completely reminded me of my last boyfriend, Bruce.

See what I mean.  This is my ex-boyfriend, but still very good friend, Bruce.  If you are thinking, wow, he looks like her ex-husband.  He sort of does, but not really.  But to prove to you I don't just date the same type guys....

Meet Keith.  He is my doll husband, my ex-boyfriend, and my Darius!  Didn't want to let this one go, but he went to Afghanistan to work.  

Back to the doll show....

I picked up some really cute $5 outfits from the same lady I bought most of my dolls from.




Our dear friend Paulette, from limbe dolls, had a booth and was selling dressed dolls, wigs, lingerie, sandals, and salt dough food.   All the food was sold by the time I arrived.

Here she is looking adorable as usual.  I never use that word when I refer to adults, but it is the word that comes to mind every time I see her.  All her prices were really nice.  I just wish I had more discretionary money.  I would have bought more than I did.

A display of 6 of the dolls for sale.  I hadn't properly adjusted my camera to the low light.

These dolls were beautiful.  I am now contemplating buying the pink one. We have another doll show in 2 weeks (EEEK!  Wallet beware.).  If I come up with a story around her, I will add her to my collection, if she is still available.   You know dolls have to work when they come to Morristown. 
  
These are 3 different ones.

St. Regis lace lingerie was in the house.  Cute, cute, cute!

They came three different sets to a pack for $10!  What a deal!  I bought a set of lingerie and a wig.  While organizing this morning, I put them in a safe place and haven't seen them since.  When they show up, someone will be doing a fashion show.  If interested in buying any of these items (except my pink doll), contact limbe dolls.

Sorry this post is soooo long.  I got a little carried away.  Now I am off to catch up on my blog reading and hopefully to make a wedding cake.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!










41 comments:

  1. Wow! Man, I wish there were doll shows in my area! Over the years, I learned my town is not very doll-friendly :(. I love your Quentin doll, and it's awsome how he is on a articulated Max Steele body! And Shantavia's love intrest is so handsome!

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  2. Great finds! How do you hear about doll shows?! I wish I had known! *sees the cobwebs in her wallet* Okay maybe I'm glad I didn't know!

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  3. Verona - We have 3 - 4 every year here in GA. It's a great place to find some holy grails and people looking to just get rid of doll stuff.

    Vita Plastica - I get flyers in the mail because I am on the mailing list. They used to be listed in doll magazines when we had doll magazines. I should have did a blurb on a doll post, but it sort of slipped past me. I will do one for the next doll show as soon as I confirm the date. It would be nice to meet you one day, Ms. I'm Kind of Shy.

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    1. hahah! You got me Vanessa. I checked out the doll club online. Do I have to join to go to the Doll Show? Coz Ms. Shy does not see going to meetings!

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    2. Vita Plastica - No joining of clubs necessary to attend any of the doll shows. They take everyone's money! I don't belong to any doll clubs either. I hear they can be a lot of fun.

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  4. There aren't these cool events where I live :(

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    1. Sergio - Sorry to hear that. But think of all the money you save.

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  5. Love all the things you got. As I have learned from my own expieriences once I get new things a ton of ideas will come to my head so you will probably be expecting a story epocolipse soon as the effect of all these new things. By the way, were did you get nikki and darius's kitchen? Ive never seen a playset like it.

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    1. Priya - You are probably right about the new stories. The Nikki and Darius kitchen also comes with a nice double door refrigerator. It is called the Kenmore Kitchen, that was originally sold in Kmarts for about $20 or less, years ago. Now it's hard to find this set on ebay less than $100 - $200+. Glad I got mine before the craziness started. Over the years I have found some great unique clone type playsets at Kmart. Too bad it's so hard to find them in my area now.

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  6. "Where is Vanessa?" I wondered earlier today. "Oh, she's probably working on the reception video," I thought.

    But now I know the true answer: At the Atlanta Doll Collectors Show. Why I hadn't thought of that as my first answer, I don't know.

    Congrats on your great buys.

    The Integrity Darius-looking guy (Quentin) is probably Fashion Fling Tariq, released with Janay in 2002 (box date 2001).

    I am glad you were able to get the WPK figure that you've been wanting. So nice of Paulette to give him to you.

    Thanks for sharing images of Paulette's wares. I hope she had successful sales.

    BTW, you have some good-looking ex's.

    dbg

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    1. DBG - When I read your message the 2nd time, I said out loud..."working on the video?!" You must have missed the message about the reception starting in 2 - 3 weeks. I have to take a break for furniture. I had to deliver 2 sectionals and a chair to someone at the show. The chair was only half done, so I had to finish that. Girl, those aren't even the best looking ex's. I have to say, I have been blessed with some doosies. There are 3 that come to mind as my "good lawd you are fine" group. One I don't have a picture of, but I did a whole blog post on him recently.

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  7. Wow Vanessa! Here you are building whole houses and I'm just barely finished swapping heads onto all the articulated bodies I picked up. The Integrity Toys guy that you got was part of an Egyptian themed story. I have him plus two female companions who were dressed in some great Egyptian outfits. One has the Janay face and the other has the Alyssa face but unlike the guy they are both medium brown.

    Thanks for the shout out about my booth. It was a great introduction to selling at doll shows. I guess I need to get busy and make some more salt dough food.

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    1. limbe dolls - Thanks for the info about the IT guy. He looks like he would be in an Egyptian themed story. It was great to see you at the show. Can you believe I can't put my hands on my lingerie set and wig? I was thoroughly peeved. Nikki was all ready to impress Darius. I know it will show up when I am least expecting it. Then I will say, oh yeah, now I remember putting it there.

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    2. Hi Vanessa, DBG, and Limbe Dolls. Butting in here about the Tariq ID. DBG and Limbe Dolls both have the right doll character. Limbe Dolls has the right series though. It's the complexion ... Vanessa's Tariq has a light reddish complexion. Fashion Fling Tariq has a darker, more gray-brown complexion. The only Tariq that I know with that light red-brown color is the Integrity Ancient Legends Prince Tariq. DBG, you probably have the Egyptian Tariq in your collection tucked away.

      Also, the Ancient Legend aka Egyptian Tariq has kohl-lined eyes.

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    3. D7ana - Thanks so much for the additional information. I am off to look him up.

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  8. Wow, what a post! I had to read it all, especially about the ex's. OK, why are you hiding all these gorgeous guys? LOL!
    Love your new dolls and know you will make then you! Love you Vanessa!

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    1. Loretta - Thanks for reading it all. I know it was a long one, but I just couldn't stop. I intended it to be two posts, but kept typing. You should see some of my other ex's. My, oh my. I am so happy that we continue being friends afterwards. Hugs and kisses to you and the Mr. Hope he is doing well.

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  9. Maybe Danielle can have a twin her boys havent met because she lives out of town.

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    1. sislovessinging - That's a nice idea, but there can only be one Danielle. I have so many other characters to do stories for. This one will just be on hand in the event something drastic happens to the first one.

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  10. Man, it's been forever and a moon since I was at a doll show. Ah, the memories. These are some good finds at great prices.

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    1. Muff - I find it's the best place to get great bargains. The last two three doll shows I went in with one eye closed, intentionally not looking at too much. I only looked at 30% of the vendors and still bought more than I wanted to in all cases. Danielle was found at one of these doll shows in the bottom of some bargain bin. Quite a few of my dolls were. So I guess I shouldn't complain. Where would my stories be without my doll show finds?

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  11. I had this marked on my calendar and of course missed it. Great buys!

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    1. Adrian - There is another one at the end of the month. I will try to remember to send out a message. I forgot to do that for this last one. Sorry.

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  12. Dang it! $20 is a good price!!!!! I really am obsessed with it and probably gonna end up spending the $100-$200 on it. But thanks for letting me know.

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    1. Priya - I was not leaving him there. I still haven't looked him up yet. Surprised I have never seen him before. Now with the info from Dana, I can find out more.

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  13. Hi vanessa quentin looks like darius he could be kendra and darius' brother
    Im so glad lauren is Mom what doll is your summer camp teacher from your measum video

    Elijah

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    1. acrist - Yes, Quentin is the same head mold as Darius. I don't have any plans to make them related. He will be Vanessa's godson.

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  14. Awww man to your Darius. Whateva - to mine ;-/

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    1. Kenya - I am still trying to figure out what you were trying to say about Darius.

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  15. Great male and female dolls. I love your finds.

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    1. Male Doll World - Thanks! There was so much more to be had, but I had to refrain. It was very tempting though.

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  16. Hi Vanessa, I wish I had known about the doll show. A coworker and I were just talking about shows this morning. She's going to a scrapbooking convention in Duluth this weekend. I told her I wanted to go to a doll show, but didn't know when they came to the Atlanta area. Then I went to lunch and read your post! Coincidence! Anyway, please keep us posted on the next show. I will try to go. So excited!

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    1. veda - Sorry you missed the show. The next one is May 19th at the Cobb Civic Center. I just looked it up yesterday. Normally it's a decent size show. Hope to see you there if I am not totally broke by that time.

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  17. Really nice finds. I want that power team guy on the far left, handsome thing.

    The life scale guys are very nice looking too! You've got good taste girl.

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    1. Tracy - I have been looking for that PowerTeam guy forever! I am so happy to finally have him. He is currently roaming around Morristown trying to decide if he wants to be attached or single.

      I have been very blessed when it comes to having really nice and special guys in my life. I can still call on any of them today and they will be there for me.

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  18. I really hate that I missed it! I've been fighting off a sinus infection. I hope I feel well enough for next week's show. (Who am I kidding! If I have to crawl through the Convention Center pulling myself along by other customers' shoe heels, I'm going!) Hope to see you there!

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    1. Robyne - Doll shows have a way of making all the illnesses just disappear. I will be there crying the 'broke' blues again. But I did finish a sofa yesterday, and I will be making some quick things to put in the store the next few days. I'm glad my company decided to come this weekend and not next weekend. See you there!

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  19. Quick question so I am 13 and still love dolls and I would love to have a complete doll home but I am short on cash like every other teen in the world is there a website with really cheap doll furniture?

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    1. icecloud - Most of the Mattel doll houses I have came from local thrift stores and they were really cheap. I suggest you start checking all the thrift stores in your area until you find some great doll stuff. It's bound to show up.

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