The iconic doll has held down 126 careers so far - see your favourites

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I got my first vintage Barbie doll this past year, in honor of her 50th birthday. I thought it would be enough to just have one doll, or a few, but I found it hard to resist adding a house. After all, I reasoned, they can't be very comfortable piled on top of each other in their carrying cases. So, after much deliberation, we took out a mortgage on a 1962 Barbie's Dream House, the first of many domiciles made for the iconic fashion doll and her friends. Constructed entirely of cardboard, the Dream House is huge, measuring 26 inches wide when closed. It unfolds into a classic mid-century home, complete with fold-up cardboard furniture of surprising sturdiness, and lots of accessories, including records, an incredibly cool floor lamp, a big ol' TV and hi fi, and a framed picture of Ken. Speaking of Ken...my house came with the closet entirely filled with Ken clothes. Maybe he shacked up here for awhile back in the swingin' 60s...

I got my first vintage Barbie doll this past year, in honor of her 50th birthday. I thought it would be enough to just have one doll, or a few, but I found it hard to resist adding a house. After all, I reasoned, they can't be very comfortable piled on top of each other in their carrying cases. So, after much deliberation, we took out a mortgage on a 1962 Barbie's Dream House, the first of many domiciles made for the iconic fashion doll and her friends. Constructed entirely of cardboard, the Dream House is huge, measuring 26 inches wide when closed. It unfolds into a classic mid-century home, complete with fold-up cardboard furniture of surprising sturdiness, and lots of accessories, including records, an incredibly cool floor lamp, a big ol' TV and hi fi, and a framed picture of Ken. Speaking of Ken...my house came with the closet entirely filled with Ken clothes. Maybe he shacked up here for awhile back in the swingin' 60s...

12 Strange Barbies You Probably Forgot About

KIDS - We try our best to raise them well, take unconditional care of them, and always strive to make sure they're happy and have everything they need. Since the beginning of time, it's a well-known fact that kids cherish any kind of toy. So if you want to make…

- ATTENTION - Keep in mind that this is a crochet pattern in a PDF. This is NOT the finished product. ©2015 CarmenRent. Thank you so much for taking the time of your day to visit my shop. It means a lot to me! The pattern includes all of the following: -Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions -List of all of the supplies you will need -A lot of photos to help guide you every step of the way -Comments, notes and recommendations Olivia is approximately 16 inches tall. Also, please keep in mind that this doll cannot stand up on its own. The pattern is available in English, Spanish, Czech and French only. This is a non-refundable purchase. Once the payment has been confirmed you will be allowed to download the pattern in a PDF. The pattern includes all of the yarn colors I used for the doll, however, you are free to experiment and use other colors. MY PATTERNS AND PICTURES ARE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. You cannot share, distribute, reproduce, publish, translate, alter or resell my patterns in any way or form; in neither via online or offline. You are allowed to sell the finished product if it is in a moderate quantity and you give credit to me: This doll is handmade by ...(your name)... from a design and pattern by CarmenRent and my link https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarmenRent Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the instructions or else. I would also love to see pictures of your finished doll!

Lucille asked, the other day, if I had a tutorial for making the quarter inch Tessie. I don't. I do need a new quarter inch Tessie though. When she shrinks down and uses that body, she forgets that she is much more fragile and she tends to break bodies regularly. The neck on her last body was cracked when I was taking photos, the other day. I start with a couple of pieces of the same covered wire that I use for wicker. The wicker wire is already cut, so I have a lot of pieces that are about 4" long. I bend one of those in half and lay it along a ruler. Then I bend where the heels of the feet will be. In Tessie's case, that is 1 1/4". I then wrap another piece around where the shoulders will hit. It's a simple loop that I squeeze together with a pair of needle nose pliers. The next part, I can't really show you. I just start using a toothpick and an exacto knife to model a face. For the hands and feet, I just make a loop at the ends of the wires and paint them skin colored. Tessie came in and saw what I was doing and said, "You know.... You have never made me a half inch body to use. I need one if you ever finish the Fairfield... Get to work on that. Now! So... I did as I was told. That one still needs a bit of refining. She says that the arms are too clumsy. Hey! At least it stands up by itself. For that one, I do the head with a blob, the neck and shoulders are wrapped with a flat piece and refined. So are the hands and feet. I do put #14 seed beads into the eye sockets on the half inch. The 1/4" ones just get a dot of black ink for eyes. I am sorry that I can't be more specific, but it is next to impossible to even get decent photos of the smaller sizes. When I was taking the photo of Tessie with the two bodies, Spike wandered in and, through Tessie as interpreter, politely requested a half scale of himself... I need to make his ears stand up more. I suppose that Tessie will want a quarter scale one as well... After they are completely the way that I want them, they will go in the oven for just a few minutes for the smaller ones and about 15 for the larger half inch scale pieces. Tomorrow, I will show you how to fill out the bodies and dress them. See you then.

An up-close look at a sculpture made from discarded doll parts by Freya Jobbins. Referring to herself as a “plastic surgeon” of sorts, Australia-based artist and sculptor Freya Jobbins uses pieces of dolls and other toys to create eerie human looking faces, busts and figures that appear to be holding themselves together with their own inanimate plastic parts. Unlike many of her artistically inclined peers Jobbins didn’t start out as an artist and after figuring out that being a policewoman wasn’t as much fun as Angie Dickinson made it look, she decided to go back to school and graduated with a major in both printmaking and sculpture in 2004. Jobbins collects her materials from second-hand sources and her thought-provoking works conjure up a full range of responses from fascination to fear. Here’s Jobbins’ own take on her compelling sculptures: I am interested in generating a range of responses to existing cultural objects, which have been placed out of context. The irony of my plastic works is that I take a material that was created to be touched, and I make it untouchable as an artwork. Jobbins’ choice of materials help reinforce the importance of reuse...

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com It seems like every time I'm doing research for one thing I find so many other things that pique my curiosity. Such was the case with my research on the "The Sweet Simplicity of Tuck Comb Wooden Dolls" I posted about earlier. I discovered the "Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Dolls" and absolutely had to know more. The "Early Grodnertal Wooden Doll As Doll And Notions Peddler Lady" doll shown above is from Theriaults.com website is a doll after my own heart. Not only do I absolutely love her large bonnet, but she's selling sewing notions and dolls. She has five tiny dolls on her table including two mini Grodnertal woodens. Perhaps that was me in another life? According to her description :7" Condition: generally excellent, original finish perfectly preserved. Comments: Grodnertal doll, circa 1850,presented for the English market as a peddler lady offering sewing notions and dolls. On her table are arranged a myriad of tiny laces, ribbons and buttons, sewing tools such as tiny scissors, various papers with lettered names "Robert", "Margaret" and "John", several tiny doll costumes, and five tiny dolls including two mini Grodnertal woodens. Realized Price: $4,100 According to The Ultimate Doll Book by Caroline Goodfellow peddler dolls were popular from 1820 - 1920. They were a conversation piece in fashionable 19th century English drawing rooms and held a prominent place on the fireplace mantels. During this period there was a fascination with itinerant traders who travelled all over Europe, but peddler dolls were a "peculiarly English phenomenon." Most of the dolls were made in Germany and dressed in England with heads of wood, composition, apples and wax. The bodies were made of wood, composition, or stuffed cloth. There was an unusual Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum which was circa 1840, and made in Great Britain. The head was a carved, pickled and dried apples and she has glass eyes. According to her description the doll represented an old woman holding a basket of goods to sell. Also, according to the V&A Museum the head of the doll was made from an apple which had been carved and then preserved. Also, there are several different methods for doing this which all use peeled apples. One is by carving, soaking in brine and then completely drying out. Another is to air dry the peeled apple and then carve it. Some 'wet' methods use vinegar or lemon juice mixed with salt. By the time the apple has finished the preservation process successfully and is ready for the finishing touches of paint, hair etc it has a firm wrinkled brown appearance which lends itself to the portrayal of characters and grotesques. 19th century examples are usually very hard, and have an almost wood-like texture. Apple-headed dolls are still made, predominantly in Canada and the USA. There was a second Pedlar Doll from the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here which was circa 1830, German/English. I tend to find the two apple faced peddler dolls for the V&A a little scary looking. How about you? There is a picture of an adorable "Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Doll" on the Skinner Inc. Auctions website here. She's selling everything including the kitchen sink! Look at all her miniature purses. You have to wonder how heavy that basket had to be to carry around her neck. Talk about back pain.... I just love the Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here. She is circa 1835-1840, German/English. Look at all her miniature pictures and decorations. I also love the Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here. She is circa 1830-1869, German/English. Look at all her miniature dolls. Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com The "Early Grodnertal Wooden Peddler Doll With Basket Of Novelties" doll shown above is from Theriaults.com website. She seems really serious about selling all her wares. Doesn't she? According to her description: 12" Condition: original finish albeit extensive craquelure and tuck comb missing. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1830. Value Points: beautifully-shaped head and shapely torso, the doll has original peddler's costume including gown, apron, bonnet, and is holding a woven tray of tiny miniature novelties. The doll is presented in a wooden framed early cabinet. Realized Price: $2,000. Image Courtesy of Theriaults.c om I had to include the "Grodnertal Wooden Peddler Doll With Original Costume" from the Theriaults.com website because she was so sweet looking and I loved her bonnet. She is nowhere near as expensive as the other peddler dolls because she has hardly anything in her basket. Perhaps she was lucky and sold out of her knitting wares? According to her description: 16" Condition: fine original finish, lacking tuck comb. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1870. Value Points: wearing her original costume with beautiful bonnet, the peddler women is preserved under glass dome with some wares. Realized Price: $700. Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com I found the "Grodnertal Wooden Dolls As Peddler" shown in the picture above on the Theriaults.com website and had to include her because I loved the little oriental rug with little tiny pair of slippers and her table of wares. According to her description: 8" Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1850, the doll is presented on base under glass dome, posed behind a table that is well-laden with miniature lady's ephemera, including little kid gloves, purses, jewelry, playing cards, and more. Value Points: wonderful assortment of tiny items on the table while the doll wears her original gown and unusual net hair decoration. Realized Price: $2,000. Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com When I look at the "Early Grodnertal Wooden Doll As Peddler Doll With Original Wares" dolls from the Theriaults.com website I can't help but imagine what she's thinking. She just seems to be so pensive - almost wishing she was anywhere else but out selling her wares. You can certainly relate to that - at least I can. According to her description: 13" Condition: generally excellent, original finish with light craquelure. Comments: Germany, circa 1840. Value Points: the peddler wears her original cotton gown, undergarments, apron, cap with ruffled liner, and red woolen cape, and carries a basket of fancy goods and household wares including a tiny Grodnertal wooden doll. Realized Price: $2,600. I'd like to think that the dolls and all their little wares were handmade. However, according to a Study of a Parian Peddler and Her Wares article on the NADDA (National Antique Doll Dealers Association) website by Debra Gulea: It used to be thought that these whimsical dolls were all handmade, lovingly assembled during idle evening hours by crafty Victorian homemakers. It has since been learned that many of the peddlers on the market were actually factory made during the Victorian era, particularly those standing & affixed to wooden bases and carrying little woven baskets of goodies. Indeed, these are often stamped with the company name on the base, which attests to their commercial heritage. Well, manufactured or not I still think they are beautiful dolls and hope you would agree. Après l’averse; - place du Théâtre-Français... Louis Marie de Schryver If you would like to read a wonderful post entitled "Street Vendors of the 19th century...Peddlers or Pedlars?" from the Dolls from the Attic...Mis Muñecas blog filled with an amazing amount of information and pictures of street vendors and peddlers please CLICK HERE.

Presenting one of the creepiest and most unsettling toys ever made: Hugo, Man of a Thousand Faces, released by Kenner in 1975. Hugo was a 12 inch vinyl puppet/mannequin head who came wearing an artist's smock and with a set of facial disguise accessories. A tube of special glue allowed kids to attach the disguise pieces in a seemingly endless array of combinations, creating a huge variety of characters. A thousand, allegedly. Children were encouraged to use the disguise pieces on themselves as well as on Hugo, and Kenner suggested Hugo could even serve as a special "friend." These are not the sort of puppet friends you'd find in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I'm sure Kenner's intentions were good. After all, Mattel's Barbie styling heads had been best-sellers for several years by this point, and little girls across the country were thrilled with the opportunity offered by these playsets to do hair and makeup. It must have seemed reasonable to Kenner toy company executives to make a similar product for boys, a mannequin head with accessories boys could use to change the character's appearance. And a spy character with disguises made perfect sense, as it also tied into the popularity of espionage related toys and TV shows of the time. The result, however, was incredibly off-putting, and the finished product now holds a place in toy history as one of the most creepy and disturbing playthings of all time. Take a look: There's just something unsettling about Hugo: his dead stare; the way he appears to be sizing the viewer up, waiting for just the right moment to begin creeping across the floor towards you; his stare; and again, his stare. Oh, the stare is so unnerving. Just look at it! I can't bear to. As I type this, I have to make sure I can't see that part of the above picture. Let's move on. Adding the accessories (which include hairpieces, false chins and teeth, fake noses, glasses, scars, warts, an eyepatch, a bandage, and more) doesn't really help. In most cases, it only makes him even creepier. "I can still see you," says Hugo. Suggestions from the box. Shudder. The least unnerving version of Hugo I've come up with is this one, which I call Disco Hugo. His crazy 70's sideburns make him somewhat more comical and easier to bear, as long as he's not looking at you directly.

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(This post is especially for Norma, who requested more pictures of my dollhouses!) When I first started collecting dollhouses and miniatures, one of the pieces I most longed for was the Dunham's Cocoanut Dollhouse, made in America in the 1890s. The odd name belies its origins: the house was originally a packing crate for Dunham's Cocoanut, a shredded confection used for baking, particularly as a cake topping. The 28 inch tall crate originally would have held several boxes of this shredded coconut product, and the house served as an advertising premium. It's believed the crates arrived in stores already papered inside, ready to be converted into a dollhouse once they were emptied and stood on end. The lithographed floor and wall papers are awash with details, including rugs, tile, and loads of Victorian bric a brac like potted ferns, pianos, paintings, shelves, china cabinets, even a taxidermied moose head and an aquarium full of fish. And, lest we forget this house was essentially a marketing device, the cupboard lithographed on a kitchen wall is stocked full of tiny Dunham's Cocoanut boxes! The outside of the crate has impressed bricks and windows on each side, and is stamped "Dunham's Cocoanut Dollhouse" on both ends. No one is really sure how the houses were distributed after the coconut was sold, and they are hard to find today. Considering their original purpose, most remaining examples are in rough shape now, with water staining, torn and missing paper, and a prominent crack down the back, caused by the joining of the two planks used to fashion the crate's bottom. Even so, the house, with its fantastically detailed wallpapers, is a treasure, providing a peek into late Victorian domestic life. It's also an outstanding example of a very early marketing premium. Besides the house itself, children could send away for individual cardboard pieces of furniture, each emblazoned with the Dunham's logo. You would have had to really like shredded coconut in order to acquire enough pieces to completely furnish the house! This furniture is now exceedingly rare: I've only ever seen one set, and it was in a museum. Consequently, lucky Dunham's house owners fit out their homes with whatever they can find that seems suitable. Mine features a mix of old pieces, including early 1900s German bedroom, dining, and parlor sets, and an American stove and icebox from the 1920s and '30s, along with some other odds and ends. The tour commences below. The top floor of the house is a bedroom, complete with lace curtained windows. A 4 inch Limbach doll plays with her toys on the floor, next to her German bed with its original coverlet, and a matching wardrobe complete with clothes pegs and a mirrored door. Down one floor we find the parlor, where a German dollhouse father relaxes on the sofa with his newspapers. The piano is on the wallpaper in the back left corner. The fruit compote dish in this corner is very old and also German made. Next is the dining room, with the most wonderfully detailed wallpapers in the house: this is where we find the moose head and aquarium. The buffet, table, and chairs are from the same 1900s German set as the bed and wardrobe. I had a lot of fun laying out the breakfast foods and dishes and setting out the tea things on the buffet. The tiny tin trunk is actually a British candy container, which I've filled with extra dishes. At the bottom of the house is the kitchen. The stove and icebox are American made, and I love the icebox, which came complete with its original glass "ice block". The copper tea kettle on the stove is Dutch. This is the room with the wallpaper cupboard holding the boxes of Dunham's Cocoanut. I hope you've enjoyed this visit to my Dunham's Cocoanut Dollhouse!

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