5 comments about Soul Mate Dolls: Dollmaking As a Healing Art.

1. This is not a book on how to make plush dolls; this is a book on how to make jointed paperdolls. The ideas for embellishment are OK, but all in all I was dissapointed. I was looking for a more creative stuffed doll book.
   
   Some of the patterns were very nice, however, if you're looking for paper doll patterns or for pleasant looking faces. Many of the patterns, with a little adjustment, can be made into a plush doll. The book did have a very nice weaving technique, though.
   
   Also, the 'spiritual excersizes' leave a lot to be desired. To me, they seemed to be how a non-Wicca person sees Wicca. Too much emphasis was placed on the dolls and the person creating them for healing purposes.
   This is one book any library won't weep without.



2. I had high hopes for this book, but instead of inspiring my OWN creativity and soul journey, I found the book filled with patterns and detailed instructions for making the AUTHOR'S soul dolls. It just ain't the same unless they're your own! I appreciated the paper doll pattern and fabric clothing, but I don't knit or own a sewing machine, so I was left just admiring the author's talents. Very detailed instructions - 14 steps to make a tassel doll, for example, with pipe-cleaner type hands - but the pages of numbered steps were rather numbing. I was also annoyed that every doll had "Soul Mate" in its name: Pocket Soul Mate Dolls, Skater Soul Mate Doll, Forgiveness Fairy Soul Mate Doll. (Name reinforcement can go too far.) Although it didn't work for me, this could be a great book for someone already comfortable with sewing, knitting, and weaving doll clothes. And I did enjoy some of the author's other art-therapy techniques, such as starting a Coloring Pages journal and using big fat crayons to "take a holiday from words."



3. I was not impressed with this book on either a spiritual or artistic level. The spiritual exercises were obvious and thin, and the dolls themselves didn't do much for me. I didn't learn much from this book. Perhaps my expectations were too high because I was hoping for something similar to Cassandra Light's _Way of the Doll_. I did think that some of the exercises and dolls would be useful for a class or group where you didn't want to go into too much detail on either the dollmaking or spiritual exercises. In particular, some of the paper dolls techniques were nice and would be easy to do for people without a strong craft background. A beginner to crafts or spiritual exercises might get more from this than I did.



4. The book is charming, with lots of ideas for creating one-of-a-kind dolls. DEFINITELY not your usual Raggedy-Annes or floppy nonentities. If I were leading a women's retreat, either for my church or for a women's group, then I would want to use this book to help others exercise their hands and their souls at the same time. For me, harried mom of a toddler, who makes her dolls on the run, while coping with wind, toads large dogs and spraying hoses, however, the book did not offer much. Buy it if you have the time and inclination to do a lot more thinking than sewing.



5. I did not know what to expect when I ordered Soul Mate Dolls by Noren Crone-Findlay. After it's arrival I became totally intrigued. First of all, Noreen is so in tune with nature that she thanks the trees for the paper on which the book is printed. Each chapter is a story in itself. In the Basic Flat Soul Mate Doll chapter, learn not only how to cut and use the templates provided, but also how to weave on a simple loom made with ordinary household materials, how to draw a face without being intimidated and how to make your own wooden knitting needles!Chapter Two is The Power Story. Enter the realm of creativty and unleash your inner spirit. Read the delightful story of Mollie Whuppie, delight in Soul Mate doll chairs in the shape of animals and flowers, make a pocket doll and her pouch or crochet a tiny hat.Chapter Three delves into dreams, journals and doodling. Here you can make a bendable doll out of chenille stems or wire, knit an Ancient Dancer or soar and dance with cardstock dolls. I especially liked how Noreen gives you permission to be child-like in the creative approach.Chapter Four is emotion where our emotions can be recognized and immortalized.Both happy and sad feelings are explored through these dolls. Even a very simple tassel doll can be given to someone just as a thank you. You can construct a little kitty yarn dolly for the cat person in your life.Chapter Five is Magic mixed with Whimsey. How about a mermaid , a fairy or an elf. The Magical Children can be easily personalized with a tiny photo of your child's face.In Chapter Six, we find ourseleves developing a relationship with the Wise Old Person within us. How about carving a head from an avocado pit or making a paper kimono? Soul Mate Dolls is mind expanding, funny and mystical.Noreen Crone-Findlay gives us the tools to use our hands to reach into our hearts and souls.

3 comments about Revlon Dolls and Their Look-Alikes.

1. Revlon Tv adds can be bad enough, Now they are selling Dolls? Right, and Sears has a good auto repair service.



2. This book was like a trip back in time. I saw pictures of dolls that I played with and dreamed of owning. Recently I have been purchasing some of the dolls of my childhood to collect and display. The book is essential to help verify the authenticity of what I am buying. Is a dress truly a Revlon outfit or a copy? I enjoy referring to the book on many occasions. Kathy did an excellent job in documenting the history of Revlon dolls for doll collectors.



3. As a collector of 1950s fashion dolls, I can't buy a doll lately without checking this book -- for authenticity of outfits, identification of obscure companies, or comparing original dolls with "knock-offs." The Revlon information is the most complete available anywhere, in print or on the web. The additional info on similar dolls produced by competing companies is just as valuable. (No Madame Alexander info, but there are volumes of Alexander books already on the market.) And, like browsing a 1950s Sears catalog, it is just a hoot to see authentic '50s fashions in idealized miniature versions. Good for nostalgia, fashion research, and to prepare for browsing Ebay!

3 comments about Paper Dolls of the 1960S, 1970S, and 1980s: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. If you grew up as a girle-girl who just adored spending hours with your collection of paper dolls, you will recognize many of the sets of dolls presented in this wonderful collector guide.
   
   The information and pictures are wonderful, and you will long for the dolls you played with as a kid. How I wish these collections would be reprinted today!
   
   This is an excellent gift for yourself or a friend who shares your passion for paper doll fashion!



2. The book is a history of paper dolls during the period indicated in the title. The paper dolls are of tv and movie stars. There are paper dolls of familiar dolls like Barbie and kewpies. The book consists of pictures of various paper dolls, some are no longer being printed. The book is colorful and interesting. It is a treasure for paper doll collectors and anyone interested in paper dolls.



3. Very nice paper doll book. I wish someone would do some reproductions. I would like to have them in my collection.

No comments about Doll's Clothes Storybook Collection.

2 comments about Effanbee: Dolls that Touch Your Heart.

1. I own many F&B collectible dolls----especially the older ones. I refer to this book very often. This book is well written, on very nice paper, and with wonderful photos.



2. This descriptive book does a wonderful job of cataloging the various Effanbee dolls and their history. Numerous pictures (B&W and color) add tremendously to the value of this book for doll collectors interested in identification (price guides are also included for individual dolls).

1 comments about Kachina Dolls: The Art of Hopi Carvers.

1. Cecil Calnimptewa, Ronald Honyouti, Loren Phillips, Dennis Tewa and Wilmer Kaye ... they're all in this book, plus 22 other top Hopi carvers. Need I say more! Author/photographer Teiwes begins by tracing the life, history and religion of the Hopi and brings the reader to the doorstep of 1991 (the publication date). 24 color photos serve as the central focus of the book, but the final 63 pages which profile the 27 carvers is what really "makes" it. My copy is in paperback. I assume the hardback foremat is the same. Pick up a copy; you'll thoroughly enjoy it!!!

5 comments about Collector's Guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s: Identification & Values, Vol. 1.

1. I saw this book sticking out on a shelf in the library. Though I don't have a doll interest I decided to check it out. I've checked it out at least five times since then.
   The book is so colorful and beautifully laid out. The woman has a sense of humor about the bizarre items of the past, some of which would never pass today like the doll Flatsy. Another item of this book was Growing Hair Cher where a person could make Cher's hair go up and down with a key.
   I've shown this to other people and it always manages to get a couple of laughs.



2. This book is great. I am very pleased with it. It has lots of dolls to look at/look up. The dolls are catagorized by manufactorer but if you can't find your doll that way the index is extremely easy to use. It has helped me a lot in my doll collecting and it has also helped add some dolls to my want list. All in all wonderful book, worth buying.



3. Cindy Sabulis' Dolls Of The 1960s And 1970s (162-5, pairs pages packed with color photos of the dolls and most often their boxes with identification tips and values ranges. This will prove an invaluable guide for any avid doll collector needing a complete reference to makers and dolls of these eras.



4. Cindy has done it again - This is a FABULOUS guide to all those dolls we played with back then! Cindy has indexed this book by all of the popular (and not-so-popular) doll manufacturers in order by year of release. Everything is full color, with approximate secondary market values! Vinyl dolls from the 60's and 70's are rapidly growing in value on the collector's market and buyers have the BEST opportunity now to scour, ID and sell - this is one book you do not want to be without at doll shows! I enjoyed reacquainting myself with most all of the dolls displayed. Thanks, Cindy!



5. This is a terrific book with tons of bright and detailed photos. Contains a lot of the popular dolls from this period- along with some that are not so popular (which is nice for identifying). Contains dolls such as Liddle Kiddles, Dolly Darling, Crissy, Flatsy, Playpal, Thumbelina, Barbie, Darcy, Tammy, and so many more. It is a pleasure to read so you will find yourself coming back to look at it even when you don't have a doll to identify.

5 comments about No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines, Plates, More... (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide) (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide).

1. I have one and will give you information on the Hummel Silk Carpet.(The Book lacks this information)
   On the back is a tag stitched to it saying:
   
   M.J. Hummel
   ORIGINAL HUMMEL SILK CARPET
   HANDKNOTTED IN BEIJING, CHINA.
   
   ARS AG, ZUG, SWITZERLAND
   
   LIMITED EDITION :10 /50
   
   Also there is a tag attached to the SILK CARPET written in both Chinese and English
   ZHE JIANG SILK RUG
   
   I am giving this information because the book does not have a picture of this HUMMEL SILK CARPET and not sure about the information I just posted.
   VALUE UNKNOWN but it is Very Beautiful



2. I have all, since the first publication, of Robert Miller's Price Guide to MI Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures and More.
   Mr. Miller has all the knowledge one would expect & want to find in his books after much research and many trips to Germany to gain this knowledge. This is THE HUMMEL BIBLE! I highly recommend this book to all Hummel collectors or to anyone interested in the collecting of fine arts. Very well written with explicit details about Sister MI Hummel's life in Massing, Germany & her schooling. Each known Hummel is pictured & tells of the Master Artist who molded each three dimentional figurine from the drawings by Sister beginning in the 1930's to the present TMK markings. A great investment for Insurance purposes when appraising your figurines by The Hummelking!



3. This book is very well illustrated, well layed-out, easy to use, and the pictures are very beautiful. It's full of information, explains more than I expected, and it is a MUST for Hummel collectors.



4. not only is this a complete guide -- but it is so easy to use -- anyone owning or buying Hummel's should have this -- I only wish I could find Guides like this for my other collectables --



5. Even though it's proclaimed by expert collectors as the absolute source of information about Hummel figurines, Robert Miller's reference work is easy for amateurs as well. He provides insightful guidance in determining value and quality as well as interesting tidbits about production and variations in the figurines. His work is referenced by many sellers in internet auctions, but is also helpful in figuring out just what you already have. As a rank beginner, I had no problem in following his material and ascertaining the value of an inherited collection. It was also useful in helping me determine additions that I wanted to make to the collection.

5 comments about Barbie Doll Structure and Furniture (Barbie).

1. This is a very good reference for vintage structures, but be aware that it mainly covers the vintage era (pre-1973) with only a few select items up to 1975 or so. Still looking for that perfect reference book for those collecting Barbies from 1973 on...



2. This is a great book for reliving long lost toys, and in the case of us people in Australia where many of these items didn't make it to our shores, what we missed out on as kids. For the collector, it is a good guide to what is still out there, probably waiting to be rediscovered in long lost closets or or ebay when they are given the opportunity for a new lease of life.



3. I am delighted to own this book, not only because it does a quite perfect job of listing every little piece which came with some of Barbie's early and Mod Era houses/cases/rooms, especially the rarer items, but because the photos are fantastic and fun - posing Barbie and her family/friends in these structures, in many of her wonderful period outfits, is simply genius! Demonstrating how to use some of these structures for displays of your collected Barbies, Marl creates a complete world in miniature. I was surprised to learn that the very old, cardboard furniture & structures designed for Barbie have withheld the ravages of time much better than many of the molded plastic furniture sets/houses from the late 60's/early 70's. An excellent book, and a must-have for the scene-designing Barbie collector!



4. WOW!
   This book helped me turn a trunk full of parts and pieces (That I thought was junk) into a dozen Sets . The excellent photos and parts listings are very helpful when you need to know what exactly came with any given set. This book covers Cardboard and plastic structures and sets for barbie and all her friends and family, an excellent book for any collector.



5. If you collect vintage barbie dolls, you will also need vintage houses and furnitures to display your collection.

5 comments about Tomart's Price Guide to Tin Litho Doll Houses and Plastic Doll House Furniture.

1. I was very satisfied with Amazon. My book was packaged extremely well so that the pages wouldn't get messed up. I was surprised at how fast I received it too.



2. Great reference book for collector of 40's and 50's plastic doll house furniture. Copyright in 1997 makes pricing guide a tad out of date . . . nevertheless a good starting reference price range. Great photos. Interesting information on producing companies.



3. This is a wonderful reference quide for baby boomers who want to collect dollhouses and furniture! What great memories this book brought back. I found doll houses and furniture I once had and some of the models my cousins and friends had in the 1950's! This is a trip down memory lane and the price is great for this publication. Amazon delivers quickly, too!



4. I purchased three books on tin toys and dollhouses, and this one was the best by far to help me evaluate some tin/metal doll houses I was buying.

   The book sections are by the doll house maker, with excellent photographs that help identify them, and estimated years that they were sold.

   In addition there are photographs of the furniture that you would typically find in these houses. This helps alot if you have just purchased an empty doll house, and you want to furnish it with vintage items of the correct size and type.

   Simply an excellent reference book for tin doll house collectors or just old-timers wanting a bit of nostalgia :)




5. Mary Brett has written the Bibile of Tin Litho houses. Excellent pictures of the houses detail their interiors, exteriors and the furniture needed to make them cosy little homes. All major producers are covered, Marx, Cohn, Wolverine to mention just a few. Ms. Brett also includes a section on the more unusual items, such as the rare and unique Friendly Folks Motel. Better buy two copies, this book is destined to become dog-earred and worn before very long.