Back to Basics
What do I mean by that? Good question. With all the negativity going on right now surrounding this new articulated silkstone body from Mattel and the general feeling that they are not listening to their adult collector community, I took a moment to refocus. I was getting too wrapped up in the negativity of the bad front end user interface of the Barbie Collection website and the lack of information and general feel of apathy coming from Mattel. I needed to come back to why I like to collect…”Why am I doing this?”. I needed to go look at my collection and start falling in love again. It didn’t take long. I went into the studio and took some photos and started rediscovering why I love to collect fashion dolls. It’s not about Mattel and what they do and don’t do. It’s not about Integrity Toys either. They do play a part because it is their products that fuel a passion but it’s not why I collect.
The love lies in what is done with these fashion models. It’s the creativity and support of the community that truly fuels and sustains the love of this hobby. With so much hurt and negativity going on right now, I think it’s time to pull back and refocus on my collection and what I enjoy most about it. I am not one to be driven by the acquisition of a thing nor am I what some consider a completest. Contrary to some people’s believe, I do not own every Silkstone Barbie ever made ( although I would not turn down the opportunity to LOL!). What I strive to do is have a collection of things that I truly enjoy. So…that is what I am going to try do do with the blog this year. Focus on enjoying the collection I have and not get tied up in where Mattel is going with their product line or not going with their website. It’s time to enjoy the collection I have. And I hope to share that enjoyment with you all through the photos I produce.
This gorgeous lady came to me at this past year’s Barbie Collector convention in Virginia. She is a Mannequin Maven. Mannequin Maven’s are the collaborative team of the very talented Maryann Roy and Hilda Westervelt. I love it when these two gifted artists get together and create! They never disappoint. Hilda and Maryann have collaborated for various charity donations for GAW, Kenvention, NBDCC and Rome Fashion Doll Convention.
The poodle…well…the poodle is a whole other story. That little guy came to me through a new friend made at Barbie convention and it quickly became my travel companion and sort of travel meme through the entire trip. For those in the “poodle club” …and you know who you are…it was time to bring the poodle out for a real photo shoot. We really need to give this little guy a name before next convention.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
I love it! Thank you so much for the lovely write up. It is an honor for us to have a Mannequin Maven in your collection.
Sent from my iPhone
>
February 17, 2016 at 11:50 am
Finally getting to respond to comments! 😉 Thank you my dear. As I always say, it is very easy to photograph something so lovely. You and Maryann make a most excellent team.
February 19, 2016 at 10:27 am
Goergeous doll…but I really need a poodle like this!! It’s perfect!
February 17, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Thank you!! Yes, the poodle kind of stole the shot here I think 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:27 am
I’m with you! We need to focus on fun. There is so much to do, try, enjoy and share with the stuff I already have – no need to focus on the platinum(s) I didn’t get or the hi-jinx of the companies that produce them. The best thing to collect? Doll-collecting friends!
February 17, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Thank you Peter! I knew I could count on your to approve of the positive attitude. You always have a smile and a way of turning things into a positive. I am just taking a page out of your book. 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:28 am
I’m with you down with the negative up with the positive….I luv the dog.
Suzanne
February 17, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Thank you Suzanne. I am happy you liked the post and are looking forward to moving forward into the positive. 🙂
February 19, 2016 at 10:30 am
I love the sentiment of this post! Very positive and inspiring!! Thanks! (And the poodle! Love it!!!!!)
February 17, 2016 at 12:24 pm
Thank you so much Alex! With all this poodle love…we really need to give him/her a name 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:31 am
Yes! Yes! Yes! You hit the nail on the head! It’s the people in the doll collecting world that make doll collecting fun!! I think the internet was made for us! What a great place to share our photos and our newest acquisitions! And, I’ve gone to Facebook for help with vintage Barbie repairs and found there are so many generous spirits willing to share their tips and tricks. It really truly is all about the people. Thanks for such a lovely blog entry and that Barbie is to die for!!! Looking forward to seeing more!
February 17, 2016 at 12:30 pm
Thank you so much for the lovely comment. You are always a reader I can count on to look at the positive. Yes, the community is the heart of this hobby and that is what will sustain it. There are so many talented and good hearted collectors out there. We need to celebrate that in the year ahead..and beyond 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:32 am
oh my God! I love the poodle! Where can I find one like that? Adorable! Thanks for the pictures! And for makes reflect about the true meaning of collecting! 🌺
February 17, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Thank you Angelica! I think this little poodle was a OOAK so unfortunately…he/she is the only one. I found it at the last Barbie convention. I am glad you enjoyed the sentiment of the post. Power to the collector!!
February 19, 2016 at 10:34 am
I’m so not an animal fan but I absolutely love that poodle!!
February 17, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed Barbie’s pet poodle Stormy 😉 Sometimes Barbie can enjoy what we cannot. For me…Barbie can wear the big ball gowns for me. I don’t see a movie premiere anytime soon LOL!
February 19, 2016 at 10:35 am
I love this. I totally agree with everything. All the hating that gets done on BC makes me sad and my heart hurt. I love getting to see everyones photos and their one of kinds and how to make my dolls better or take better photos. Fellow collectors are what makes it great. I also think you should name the poodle Toby.
February 17, 2016 at 1:05 pm
Thank you Heather! Yes, it can get very sad over at BC when so many people are hurting and angry ( with absolute justification I might add). Thank you for the name…One vote for Toby 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:37 am
Pooh?
February 17, 2016 at 1:29 pm
😉 As a name for the dog or as a commentary on what most dogs do? 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:38 am
You make me fall in love with my dolls again and again with your wonderful posts. My Silkstone collection is vast but not complete either, more because I have learned not to buy what is issued, but only what I love. Thank you for your wisdom and insight in all things doll related.
February 17, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Awwww! Thank you for a very lovely comment Brenda. Coming from someone who contributes so much beauty to this hobby this is indeed a compliment.
February 19, 2016 at 10:40 am
So true !!!! Thank you .
February 17, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Thank you fellow fabulous blogger!! I always appreciate your attitude and sense of fairness in your contributions to this hobby we love.
February 19, 2016 at 10:41 am
Spot on! And I just luuuvvv that poodle – he’s nearly as good as my Afghan, but probably smarter.
February 17, 2016 at 3:29 pm
Thank You Julie!! I wouldn’t say the poodle is smarter…LOL! Afghans are soooooo beautiful.
February 19, 2016 at 10:42 am
Thank you☺️ Well written, well said, a lovely read, as always
February 17, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Thank you so much Pam. Coming from another amazing contributor of beauty and elegance in her craft to this hobby, its a huge compliment.
February 19, 2016 at 10:43 am
I can’t agree with you more, I started collecting when I was thirteen and we certainly didn’t have the good stuff that we do now, that was a lot of years ago,. However, when I look over my collection new and old I have so many good memories and I fall in love with Barbie all over again as well as my Fashion Royalty goodies.
February 17, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Thank you Annette!! Your comment embodies the message of this blog post. Thank you for that!
February 19, 2016 at 10:44 am
rebecca, can you explain the “negativity” that is going on at mattel? also did you get my question about the earring post broken off in my silkstone barbie dolls head?thanks debbie
On Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 2:41 PM, Inside the Fashion Doll Studio wrote:
> raberry65 posted: “What do I mean by that? Good question. With all the > negativity going on right now surrounding this new articulated silkstone > body from Mattel and the general feeling that they are not listening to > their adult collector community, I took a mome” >
February 18, 2016 at 5:42 am
Hi Debbie. I am not going to go into the negativity because the point of this post was to leave it behind. Sadly, you can just visit the BC website forums and look under “articulated or poseable Silkstone” and find all the negativity you want. Totally justified negativity mind you but something I just choose not to wrap myself or this blog in. As for your question, I am sorry but I did not get it or if I did it got lost in the transfer I recently did to a new computer. Feel free to send it again and will see what I can do. 🙂
February 19, 2016 at 10:47 am
My sweet chocolate lab Diva had a standard poodle boyfriend the same color as your cute guy. His name was Moreau, after the french painter.
February 18, 2016 at 6:44 am
Ohhhh…I like the idea of having a French painter inspired name for a poodle. Most excellent 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:48 am
I totally agree with you, Rebecca, we do need to focus on our existing collections, and really enjoy them, also fashions that we are able to acquire from the artists among us to dress them in, it is over the top fun!!! Not trying to acquire more and more dolls, enjoy the ones we do have!
February 18, 2016 at 7:42 am
Thank you Barb!! You are another collector I always look to for positive attitude in times of negativity. You are absolutely right about focusing on the amazing market outside of dolls. There are sooooo many talented collectors who make amazing things for our diminutive divas ( yourself included ) that we have plenty of different roads to explore in this hobby.
February 19, 2016 at 10:50 am
Amen to these sentiments! We need some positive vibes in our hobby. LOVE the new pic, and the poodle is PRECIOUS!
February 18, 2016 at 11:52 am
Thank you Deanna! As a long time contributor of amazing images, dioramas and thoughtful commentary on collecting I really appreciate your support and encouragement on this one. We need to be focusing on the fun and beauty…it’s why we collect, take the photos and blog about it. 😉
February 19, 2016 at 10:52 am
I 100% agree with everything you said in this post. I was just thinking the same thing earlier this year! I should not get myself down about all the new releases that I don’t like, and that I’m not excited to buy at all. Instead I have my many beautiful, exquisite silkstone dolls, I should really take time to re-dress and create something beautiful with them, enjoy those lovely dolls more!
And of course, your OOAK doll in this post is just wonderful & that poodle is too funny! 🙂
February 20, 2016 at 6:02 am
that “poodle” seems to have a little yorkie in him. i think it is called a ”porkie” LOL
December 19, 2016 at 3:21 pm