I guess the key to collecting for me is to keep what I love. I don't collect to sell. The ones I hang onto I do so more out of sentiment than value. My paternal grandmother died Dec. 1997, and I inherited the Barbies she had at that point and I completed the set of Barbies. My daughter is a Christmas baby born 2 weeks after my Grandmother died. So for me, the holidays are even more meaningful and personal. I enjoy looking at them...the late 80's ones that have the big hair and big shoulder fashions we all used to wear are such fun. The bride dolls were hers also, and they are just so beautiful, that I can enjoy them. My maternal Grandmother has a great many dolls - and is now debilitated with a stroke and in a nursing home. I was asked to select the dolls I wanted to keep, and I only took home the ones I truly love. Several of the Madame Alexander babies, an Ideal walking doll from 1961 and right now I cannot remember her name (I have it in the book at home - I think her name is Toodle), 3 Shirley Temples and an Ideal from the late 30's that we bought together. I played with Toodle as a chld, as did my aunt who has passed away since. So these dolls mostly have sentimental value and will be loved more than 'collected'. And the Crissy's came from her, which also remind me of fashions growing up. The outfits are a hoot to see and enjoy! I am sorry your Holiday Barbies were devalued. I see auctions often where they go from $300 up to one set I saw that went for $1000. The collections and singles on ebay right now are undergoing active bidding with some singles up to about $70 right now, depending on the year and rarity. My collection includes a 1998 error box, where the pic on the back is different from the outfit on the front. But I will never sell! :-)

Hello Brad -- I know you from the cooking forum. :) Funny, but I was looking at a costumer's blog last night and she talked about "faking" period shoes... she bought simple cheap shoes that fit the person (like loafers from a thrift store), then cut off stuff she didn't want (like tassles). She glued additional pieces of leather to give the shape she wanted. She even cut out foam board into buckle shapes, painted them gold, and glued them onto the shoe. Think like that: first buy shoes that fit, then use fabric or leather to reshape the shoe or change the shoe color -- either using hot glue to attach it, or even mod podge! search for "mod podge shoes" and you'll see what I mean! I searched for images of Cruella and I'd say her jewelry was sort of a sea-foam green. :O) Notice that her lovely eyeshadow is a slightly different shade -- more like a soft/light olive green. If you can't find a dress that fits, maybe you could buy one that's close in size and slit it up the back and add simple ties like they use for closing hospital gowns. Maybe I'll think of more ideas. HTH!

Hi. I just found this forum....it's great! I'm looking for dollmakers/restorers to see if the real hair I have lots of is suitable for their craft. I am not a Business. I have inherited these hair items from my Mother In Law, who was a hairdresser. They are in my Vintage shop, (although they are not vintage, but new, and unused,) along with Vintage items, also inherited. If this link is against the rules here, please forgive me. I just need to find someone who could use them. I certainly will not trash them out for the landfill! The first link is human hair plugs, in many colors. The others are extension sets and individual pieces, that can be used to create wigs, also in many colors. They are priced very realistically. I hope this helps. Karen http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10167051 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12379577 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12381591 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12380937 Here is a link that might be useful: Etsy

Yaya, that wig and you looks great! I had a bout of super thinning hair (hypothyroidism) and wore wigs for awhile. I had a short blonde wig that looked much like my own hair and I also had a long brunette wig just for fun. Now that my hair has grown back in, I don't need the wig anymore but occasionally I wear the long brunette wig when I go out to a club or bar with friends. We call it my party hat because I get hit on a bunch when I wear it so it adds to the fun! My party hat: Anyway, I went to a wig salon (where they sell and style) and I would suggest go to one of these places if considering a wig. They have a lot of helpful information on how to wear, style and care for your wig. But most importantly, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. They are used to dealing with women experiencing hair loss for medical reasons and the depression and low self-image these women have. So the salon is a very loving, happy place to be. I saw a bunch of happy tears while there and even shed a few myself. As far as wig choices go, I agree with Yaya, the Raquel Welch line is very nice and getting one with a very low weight is the first thing to consider because they seem to lay more naturally.