TheDollPage.com

Member News

In Memoriam - Cheryl Nassar (1944-2012)

On January 9, 2012, the doll world lost a wonderful, giving, delightful person and friend to many collectors who came to know Cheryl Nassar (aka Cherylette) over the years at the Prego doll forum where she shared her many doll and pet related pictures. In addition to Prego, she was a long time member and loyal supporter of TheDollPage and a good friend who will be greatly missed by us and all those she touched over the years.

In response to many inquiries by Prego members after hearing of Cheryl's passing, the following was posted at Prego on Wednesday, January 12th, by Cheryl's artist friend, Ayaloo, for Cheryl's partner, Ingrid Wicken:

If any of you would like to do something to honor Cheryl Nassar, she would want you to donate any amount you can to the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. They opened a thrift shop in Riverside, California, that benefits pets and ever since they opened we had been making occasional donations. You can make a monetary contribution in memory of Cheryl at their website: petsadoption.com

A link to Cheryl's online obituary is provided here. For a limited time the obituary has been upgraded to a memorial website so anyone wishing to add stories, photos or fun memories of Cheryl may do so there.

Doll News

And the winner is...

Although in their inaugural year, the "DollObservers.com Fashion Doll Awards", or DOFDAs, are fast becoming known as the fashion doll world�s answer to the Oscars! The difference with these awards, aimed at rewarding excellence in the fashion doll industry, is that each of the 10 categories is nominated for, and voted by, the doll community themselves. In this way they give a true reflection of the tastes and loves of the doll buying public. As DollObservers.com is an online community of adult collectors these awards also represent a highly discerning audience.

Award categories have been designed to represent a multifaceted industry, including "Best Online Fashion Doll Retailer", "Best Fashion Doll Designer" and "Best Fashion Doll" (12� and 16� scale). Nomination nods have been received for makers and designers such as: Mattel, Tonner Doll and Integrity Toys. As well as these more well-known companies, smaller concerns such as Horsman Ltd (nominated for Best Fashion Doll Accessory) and Superfrock Ltd (nominated in 3 categories) are also well represented. Now that the nominations, made by members of DollObservers.com, have been announced it is up to the rest of the doll community to decide upon the final outcome.

This public round of voting went live on January 7, 2012 and has already attracted an overwhelming response and at the same time generating much excitement amongst collectors and doll lovers. According to Simon Farnworth, Network Creator of DollObservers.com: �These awards are a unique opportunity for collectors to have their favourite and most loved dolls, companies and retailers of the last year given their moment in the spotlight and to let the fashion doll industry know what really gets them excited.�

The eventual winners are set to be announced via DollObservers.com on February 19, 2012 during an online event. The timing of the awards will also coincide with the second anniversary of the site and is set to become a hotly anticipated annual event.

Show Biz!

TV documentary seeks collectors, stories

We receive about 3 or 4 announcements every year from TV producers seeking collectors to feature on some upcoming show or film. A lot of collectors are wary of these producers, fearing that they'll be made to look like some kind of psychotic hoarder or worse.

But sooner or later someone really should do a sensible film about this hobby. Maybe this one is it?

"I'm Sabreena. I'm from Toronto, and I am currently working on a documentary about different types of doll collectors and their experiences as collectors. Right now we're looking to speak to people as part of our research and as potential subjects for the film, so if you have a passion for collecting, no matter what the size of your collection, we want to hear from you."

You can find out more about the project and about us by either going to our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/livingdollsdoc
or our project webpage at http://www.livingdolls.ca.

Feel free to let Sabreena know if you have any questions at all.

New Website Announcement

I review, therefore I am.

We were recently contacted by the creator of a new website announcing the opening of her new blog, The Toy Box Philosopher, Reviews and opinions about dolls and other interesting toys.

The site offers reviews and opinions about dolls and other interesting toys, and has a great tag-line that might want to include the word "detailed" as the reviews include plenty of pictures and detailed commentary.

Their first review,
"Littlest Pet Shop Blythe Dolls by Hasbro" describes and critiques everything from the accessories to the packaging and even has a Summary Chart to sum up the main points, as well as my favorite, The Bottom Line:

"So, bottom line? I like her, but she's not my favorite. Her eyes are well-aligned and her makeup is good. I like the color of her hair and eyes. I am bummed about the messy hair, and I know that because of those painted gloves, she won't be as versatile for re-dressing as some of the other dolls. I suspect that a lot of kids wouldn't be too upset by either of these details, though."

The review also offers a history of the Blythe dolls and offers comparisons (including pictures and links to more information) to the older Blythe releases.

Emily, the site's creator and operator, has kindly agreed to allow us to publish some of the goodies from her blog right here in our future newsletters and we will certainly take advantage of that offer!

Convention News

IDEX 2012 "A World of Quality Collectibles & Playthings"

IDEX brings together manufacturers, artists, retailers, buyers and collectors from all corners of the globe who share a love of dolls, plush and other quality playthings. IDEX is the premier gathering place for doing business and having fun. Don�t miss the fabulous and exciting workshops and sponsored events planned throughout the show!

At IDEX, you can be one of the first to see the year�s newest doll and bear lines, perfect your skills at one of the many teaching seminars offered, or simply mix and mingle with fellow enthusiasts who love the world of playthings.

IDEX 2012 will be held at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida, on January 26-29, 2012. For a schedule of events, retailers, exhibitors and registration information visit the IDEX 2012 site.