It's still October..., but Happy New Year!

If you are a member of the Barbie Fan Club on Barbie Collector mark your calendar for October 9th.  The next Holiday Hostess will be available for $75.00.  I'm excited about this doll.  I was able to see the doll in person at the 2013 Barbie Convention and I was able to snap a few pictures.  I love her vintage look and gold dress with blue accents with the crown, makeup and jewelry.  Bill Greening has done it again!

Happy New Year™ Barbie® Doll | Barbie Collector

See More pics on Flickr!

Silkstone Francie Exclusive for Barbie Fan Club Members!

"Francie, Check Please! by mood4mod, on Flickr"


Just as anticipated, Barbie Collector has announced the new Silkstone Francie! Her  name is "Nighty Brights" and she features her nighty outfit and a cute yellow mod shift dress.  Barbie Collector also announced some cute collectibles honoring Francie! Francie will be available on November 2 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific.  Here is her page at Barbie Collector.  If you would like her, it's not too late to join!   I'm hoping this one will be more of a hit with collectors but as you know repros always bring up strong feelings for collectors. Mattel tries to please vintage collectors but sometimes the new interpretations are not exactly what the collectors hoped for. Recent comments about the repro Check Please Francie were mixed.  Some collectors have noted that Francie's lips and eyes were too cartoon like!  I think this is an interesting addition to the Silkstone line but I'm still a big fan of the classic looks and tailored outfits of the earlier Silkstone offerings.  I think this Francie is a cutie who may end up on my list sooner or later!  If you are a Barbie Fan Club member check out this exclusive content!

2011 Barbie Convention Report Part 1 of . . .

Barbie Basics 3.0, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks. I was preparing for, attending and recovering from the 2012 National Barbie Doll Collector's Convention in Ft. Lauderdale Florida! The convention was amazing! So many things to see and do! Please see my Flickr set for the pictures I took of the Barbie Basics 3.0 and the two accessory packs that will be available. These dolls were available for viewing at the Barbie Fan Club event on Friday July 29, 2011. BC Shannon was hosting this table display.  Sadly, it has been reported that this collection will be the last in the set of Barbie Basics.

You Never Know!

It's hard to know why things happen. I am here now because of a change, a momentous change! A major corporation took note of something I created online! Wow, I should be so proud! At first, I was shocked, horrified, angry! But then I realized, they are right. It's ok! I have a new opportunity for something bigger and better! That is how I arrived here! Through the help of internent savvy friends, graphic artists, and doll fans, I am back here.

I spent some time taking pictures last night. . . This is Lone Star Great the Barbie doll offered to club members who joined the 2005 Barbie Fan Club. She sat in her box quietly for almost three years. This weekend she was released, rebodied (with Top Model Hair Wear Teresa's body) and given fresh new Randall Craig clothes to wear. She looks rather pleased!