⇝ Freddy Krueger Stick-Up Toy ⇜

Here's my Freddy Krueger "Stick up" toy from 1988. 

I've always had a thing about Freddy Krueger, he's my favourite "Anti-Hero" I even had a poster of him on the ceiling over my bed, I had a mask, glove and hat too and quite a few of the videos and "Freddy's Nightmares" TV Series all curtsey of my Big brother Carl - apart from the poster that is..

 Sometime around 1989, Carl gave me one of these toys (unpackaged) and I used to take him with me when I went somewhere where I felt I needed a mascot... he was also a great help to me; sitting on the end of my desk or in my top pocket while I sat my G.C.S.E Mocks and G.C.S.E Exams!

 But for some reason  one day I noticed he'd somehow broken his leg - this wasn't an issue though as his trousers held it in well enough that it never fell out and got lost.

What did get lost was my " Little Freddy"  himself  - I was gutted, I couldn't remember when the last time I saw him was or imagine whatever happened to him, but I never forgot him and always had dreams of replacing him, but I never managed to find another one like him again...

Until about 5 years ago, when I discovered by the awesomeness that is a combination of the Internet and Ebay, a man in America had one for sale and unopened too, and at a good price too, even with shipping costs to the U.K, so I placed a bid and thought I had no chance, lucky for me I won!

I'd never seen his packaging before so I was and still am so pleased to have another, although I'd still love to get another - without packaging - as every time I look at him, I want to open the package and carry him around with me, but at the same time I know opening the blister he's sitting in will destroy the packaging and I'd hate to do that.... so I guess for now or until I can find another, he'll stay as is.

Btw - The white thing in his hand is a little skull with a loop for his fingers to hold it, just in case you were  wondering.

⇉ 1920 Article Scientific Invention Patents Motors Dolls Hair Curler Windmill ⇇

A while ago I found this page of advertisements on an Ebay listing and just had to save it here, I thought that one day when I get around to doing a "Steam Punk" collage or find another use for it, it will come in handy, so I decided the best way to save it and save space on my hard drive at the same time is to use my blog as a storage space (to some degree anyway).

"This is an original 1920 one-page article (one single-sided page) of a variety of scientific invention patents.

CONDITION:  This 91+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. No natural defects. Some light surface rub. No tears. No water damage. Please note that there is print on the reverse."

The seller had listed some information about it, which surprised me and so I've copied and pasted that here too ( in italics, above). 

The title for this post is the same one the seller used to list the item on Ebay, so if you'd like to own the original - if it's still available - my advice is to copy the title and paste into your Ebay search bar, you never know, you may get lucky!

Obviously as this a scaled down image of the original it may not take to enlargement very well - the picture below is the largest size I have been able to make the image.

Maybe you'll have better luck or know a few tricks - if you chose to use it that is!

Well here's a blast from the past

Here's Something I'd long since forgotten about, but rediscovered  while browsing the internet for sewing patterns... My memory was jogged when I found this "Vintage YO-YO TOYS Sewing Pattern - Doll Clown Dog Owl Caterpillar Toys" - it's a pattern by Simplicity # 8225 © 1977.

The pattern contains templates and instructions to make an owl, dog, clown, caterpillar and a doll from different sized yoyos, see photo below...

I wonder why it stopped being fashion to make these dolls for children in your family or friend's children, they were such a common site in my early years and it seemed you couldn't visit an old lady or couple with children, without seeing one of these!

They turned up in any Village, School, Church fete, bizarre or jumble sale and there were many patterns for them published in magazines, books and being sold in Fabric & Haberdashery Shops at the time.

 Then the Mid-Eighties arrived and they just began to fade away... occasionally you'd encounter one in a friend's house, or during an attic "tidy" but mostly they all got donated to charity I guess, as more often than not that's where you'll find one these days.

Image from cover of Simplicity pattern 8225 (found on Ebay)

While they look like a lot goes into them, that's only true in terms of time and fabric scraps and the end result is just so kitsch and to me perfect, the design is simple, so is it's execution  which I guess is another reason why I love these dolls so much...

It also means that you can easily make yourself one if you have a spare few hours and perhaps even a doll face to top it off with, with minimal effort and to be honest, you don't even need to use a pattern, the only thing that may be awkward is how to string all the "yoyos" together to finish it off, but lucky you, I've found two cute little diagrams which explain it how to do it clearly, so if you do make yourself one one day, don't forget to drop me a line with a link so I can look at the photo's and get jealous!

 The images above and below were taken from a website that shows you how to make a plastic recycled "Scrunch Doll" the link to this website can be found below, just scroll down for the link...

I remember these dolls as being really bright and really cuddly and always made me smile whenever I saw one!

Most of the ones I remember had Clown faces, but I've seen in  patterns from the time, that some people got quite creative and they always seemed to give them bells or pom poms for hands and feet too, I have no idea why though!

My cousin Ernie, used to make patchwork quilts, she cut hundreds of tiny hexagons out of old clothes and sheets, placed two together back to back, then sewed them around the edges, turned them back the right side up, and then put them in a bag until she'd saved enough to sew them all together into a blanket... She had bin bags full of them!

 I remember, when I was visiting my Great Aunt ,I always asked to see Ernie's patches, and one day, after I remarked they were like "those Dolls" she showed me how to make one...using her patches to demonstrate (unfortunately they weren't sewn together, so I never got to go home with a new doll, but at least I'd gained the knowledge to make one if I ever had enough time and scraps!) 

I've come to realise, that not only are they lovely, cheerful and cuddly toys, they are also very cheap to make and serve as a really cool way to display, whilst recycling Vintage fabrics!

Or you can even make one out of Plastic Bags, by following the directions I've found on this site:

Recycled plastic bag "Scrunch Doll"

It also serves as a pattern to make fabric ones too, a slight bit of tweaking and you'll have your doll!

Enjoy,

☼ Lava Glazed Tear Drop lamp ☼

I just love this 38cm, German ceramic Lava tear drop shaped Lamp Base by Roth or perhaps even Scheurich in the 1960's to 1970's, that I found on Ebay in November.

It's so reminiscent of those time periods, has a very unique shape and the added bonus that it's fired in Lava Glaze which always makes items of those periods look so much cooler, add to that the funky orange glaze and wow, we have a winner!

The only problem is a lot of other people agreed with me and in the end it sold for £42.51, still it's another one for the wishlist and to keep my eyes peeled for!

Sadly it has no markings on the bottom so it's not possible for me anyway to tell who made it, but it does have the original on / off switch which also helps to pin point it in time.

Perhaps one day I'll find another for less than this one cost and grab myself a bargain, at least I hope so!


Hugs,

☁ ☂ PEGGY IN RAINCOAT DOLL ☂ ☁

Here's another stunning Vintage doll I'd never heard of until I found a listing for her on Ebay a month or so back.

I would have bid on her but there was a huge bid war happening on her and I know I'd have no chance if I joined in, so I nabbed the listing photo so I could keep a record of her in case one day I see her again. 

At the end of the listing, I checked how much she went for and discovered she cost £51.00!

She was made in the 1960's as evidenced by the artwork on her box, is most likely a Sindy clone or a Tammy fore runner, this is her original packaging, her dress is pretty plain, but she has the bonus that she comes with a changeable head so she could be either a brunette or a blonde depending on how you feel and has a raincoat to wear as her name suggests, a head scarf with safety pin an umbrella and her Wellington boots... 

She is definitely another one for my wishlist even though at present I don't know anything else about her!

I'll update if and when I find out more, but for now here's a pretty picture:

☆ More Ebay Finds that have become Wants! ☆

On Ebay a few months back, I found a beautiful doll, I'e seen before - more for my "Eyes Peeled List" - this one was being sold as BNIB but it's obvious to me she has been removed at some time, and the box is in a hell of a state, neither of these things would really bother me, but when a doll comes with a high price tag due to her BNIB status, I decided to pass.

The doll is a LACE Celebrity Rock Star Doll by Creata Toys made in 1987 and if you ask me - definitely based on Tina Turner - which explains why she's so beautiful!

Anyway, here she is and her bashed up box, which oddly has "Barbie is a registered Trademark of Mattel Corp" written on bottom of the box, anyhoo here she is:

I have a couple of Creata Dolls in my collection, but they are nothing on this beautiful girl... still maybe one day I'll be able to add her or another one similar to them!


Enjoy,

Ok I'm so Gutted Post in Dolls More Dolls, Jun 3, '09 9:39 PM by Herbie for everyone

I came across someone's blog by accident just now... and a post under the title of Ugly Duckling 27th July 2007 had a pic' of this awesome doll (see first pic')... minus her hand...

There was a note on it saying please help with ID or if you want to adopt and email address... so I took a chance and mailed.

I started thinking yay when I received a reply and started reading... yes I still have her... yes she's still for sale - she's priced at $50 + shipping.... OK!

Then comes the scary part.... as I read on...

.... I've heavily customised her (oh NO... she was perfect as she was only needed a new hand and a Herbie to love her :-S)

Anyhoo... I clicked the link... and HORROR upon Horrors!!!

I'm confronted with pic' number 2 (dated 3 days later) *sob*

So my dear friends.... could you all be on the lookout for one like the first pic'?  And think of poor old upset Herbie if you do find one?

I didn't even know this doll existed but now I do I'm in love... :(

And feeling so disappointed that the only chance I might ever get to own one of these cuties is a been butchered beyond belief messed up poor old needs to be thrown away and never try to customise again....ARE YOU MAD???? doll

*sob*

Thanks buddies, Herbs x

P.S.... I think she may be a Kamar Doll... ???

And before you all have a go at me, yes I am fully aware that customisation is a matter of personal taste and one man's "Beauty" may be another Man's "Turd" but for me and my love of vintage toys, I found it depressing, very depressing and would have just kept hold of her and waited until I could find a suitable replacement hand, not ripped her apart and repainted her... oh well... eyes peeled anyway.

Hugs,

☆ ✔ MGA, Mattel & Hasbro - Raising Awareness Through Toys ✔☆

True Hope Bratz - www.toyworldmag.co.uk

I spotted these dolls towards the end of  last year, and have to say I love the fact that MGA and also Mattel have come on board and launched their "Bald Beauties" - although strangely Mattel's  Bald  Barbie is only being launched as an "Exclusive" available through Hospitals in the US and Canada only - that's pretty sad, but perhaps it will change soon (call me a cynic but I'm sure keeping an eye on MGA's "True Hope" sales will most probably change this!) more of Mattel's version coming up below, but first... a "True Hope Bratz" billboard...

www.thebigtoybook.com

MGA's "True Hope" range of 6 dolls, is available and quite easy to find on the shelves of Toys R Us stores in the USA, Canada & the U.K. MGA promise that for every doll sold, they will donate $1 to the City of Hope, here's an idea of what this charity do (quotes taken from their website)  "On our park-like campus just northeast of Los Angeles, researchers advance ideas into discoveries, physicians bring emerging therapies to patients, and students learn to transform the landscape of modern medicine – all supported by the generosity of philanthropists from across the country." 

City of Hope is a research institution they receive no Government funding for their research and have this to say about themselves and their aims: "An independent biomedical research, treatment and education institution, we are a leader in the fight to conquer cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases."

https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie

What is really surprising about these dolls is that they actually started off as an idea, that lead to a Facebook page and a petition - the Toy Companies saw the demand (likes = possible sales!) they took the idea on and started to produce these dolls, the Facebook Movement started with Barbie in mind, but Mattel stated they do not take toy ideas from Customers (way to go Mattel!) although they certainly changed their minds and went back on those words, after MGA took to the idea and made their "True Hope Bratz" range - hardly surprising! 

What is surprising though is that while MGA made their dolls for the mass market and therefore available to everyone, Mattel have placed restrictions on theirs and I really can't think of one reason why they would do so, especially as the Bratz range has proved the market is there.

The photo above was taken from the Facebook page that started it all, they've since changed the display picture to one showing the "True Hope Bratz Dolls" if you'd like to connect with them on Facebook, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie  or go to their "Sister Page" by clicking this link: http://www.facebook.com/TheBeautifulAndBaldMovement

On the 4th February this year, The Beautiful and bald Barbie Facebook page made an announcement - Mattel had finally come on board and launched not a Barbie Doll as requested but the next best thing - a Bald Barbie Friend called Ella, who comes with a wig which she's wearing and a separate wig and head scarf as well as a couple of other items... 

These dolls have been donated to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation for distribution (in an unknown quantity) and are available for a limited period (while their donated stock last), the cool thing is, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation have announced this online, along with a form for you to order, if preferred, they have also included a PDF form so you can print  fill in and send to them instead ( I'd advise this option only if you live in the US or Canada, as Air mail obviously takes a lot longer to reach them, and with limited stocks, you may miss out if you apply via this option).

http://www.naaf.org

Photo of "Ella" above was taken from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation website and the link to the application forms page is available here: //www.naaf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BarbiesBaldFriend

The following information is included on that page:  http://www.naaf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BarbiesBaldFriend

"Mattel has generously donated a select quantity of the “Ella” doll to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), which we are making available to children with alopecia areata. ages 3 -17. 

As supplies are limited, we are making “Ella” available on a first-come first-served basis, and can only offer one doll per child with alopecia areata.

“Ella” is not available in stores. Mattel has expressly made “Ella” to be played with and enjoyed, not resold on-line. Any resale may result in legal action." 
NOTE: NAAF was not involved in any way, in the development or packaging of the Ella doll. Mattel made the determination that Ella would be wearing her wig in the packaging.

According to information on http://www.beautifulandbald.com/bald-dolls-updates : "Mattel plans to make a one time production of 10,000 bald "friend of Barbie" dolls. They will be donated and distributed through Children's Hospitals, The National Alopecia Areata Foundation and CureSearch."  It's a good start but I'm hoping they do roll out these dolls so that they become available for everyone through Toy Stores or even just online.

Another company which recently was petitioned via a Facebook Campaign is Hasbro; this time for a bald version of "G.I Joe" (or even "Action Man" in the U.K - I'm guessing).  The facebook page dedicated to the campaign can be viewed via this link:  http://www.facebook.com/BaldAndBraveGIJoe

I spotted a really interesting announcement dated 24th January 2012, which came as a reply to the Page Admin's request that the above toy be considered for manufacture, it was too long for a screenshot so I've had to chop it in two...

What I find really cool about this post/ reply / Hasbro, is; firstly that they had  already designed and began manufacturing a Bald Headed "Super Hero" versions of the doll and not only that, at the bottom of this message they included an image of the "special edition STAR WARS R2-KT ASTROMECH DROID figure" they produced in 2007, to "drive awareness and raise money for cancer research." The links they included take you to an Amazon Page where you can view / purchase the figure ... it's pink btw, and pretty cool, especially if you consider how the idea came about and why it was made, which is also included in the Amazon listing, as follows:

Star Wars: 30th Anniversary Collection Exclusives R2-KT Action Figure:


Product Description:

R2-KT was created in 2005 to honor Katie Johnson, a very special little girl who tragically passed away from brain cancer on August 9, 2005, at the age of seven. Her father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that performs charity work around the world. Katie had a special wish: to visit Walt Disney WorldTM. Through the generosity of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Katie's wish was granted. Then one more special dream came true. Katie's sister, Allie, was inspired one day while watching Attack of the Clones, in which R2-D2 watches over the sleeping Padmé. Allie thought how great it would be if Artoo could watch over Katie while she underwent treatment, and for the droid to be named "KT" after her sister. The R2 Builders Club made Allie's idea a reality by creating a unique R2 unit especially for Katie. The 501st Legion approached Hasbro with the idea of producing a figure to commemorate R2-KT.

Product Features: Exclusive ComicCon July 2007 The Pink Imperial Droid with the Heart of Gold Ages 4+

It's still available for $44.95 with Free Shipping, just follow this link: Special Edition R2 - KT Action Figure


(N.B: All images used and sources of information quoted and referenced are contained within the body of the text.)

❦ Schwartzkopf and Blythe too! ❦

I've read a few things in Flickr groups recently where there were discussions on how to dye Blythe Doll's hair, but I just thought - "hmmm... why not just make a new wig or re-root?

So is it possible to find Hair dye especially for Blythe Doll's nylon hair?

I have no idea, but last night I was duped for a while - when I thought I'd actually found it!

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

Here's how it happened I was searching for Tibetan lambswool plates on Ebay, when I spotted a range of hair dyes with Blythe Dolls on the box, now of course that is something that really interested me - But what it turned out to be - I have no use for this right now - is  hair dye for humans, with a gorgeous little Blythe Doll on the box!

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

 It's made by Schwartzkopf with "models" supplied by Hasbro ( Owners of the Blythe™ ) the product range is called "Fresh Light" made for the Asian market and I believe it is very likely that the product has great appeal for Blythe owners who wish they had hair the same colour as their Blythe Doll and not the other way around, like I originally thought!

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

The dyes are available in foam, spray and crème versions so you have a choice of which type you find easiest to use and an added bonus is that unlike most other hair dyes and bleaches even the scent is kitsch - it's Green Apple people, now that's got to be tempting - there's something about that smell that always takes me back to bath time as a small child, but I digress..

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

I have to say I'm pretty amazed at the range of colours, at first I assumed it was just the few I'd seen on Ebay, but I found a link on one listing which took me to the full product range, so I have taken screenshots from there, so you can see just how many and what kinds of shades are available in the "Blythe range".

I've included the link under each "shot" for convenience, just copy and paste it into your browser..

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

 I'm also intrigued as to who approached who with the idea of using Blythe as a marketing Icon for this product.

I can't help finding it in some ways reminiscent of the adverts for certain carpets in the 1960's which utilised the photogenic qualities of Pedigree Sindy Doll in their marketing campaigns.

http://www.freshlight.jp/superdoll/lineup/index.html#.URcHWKXokeo

As I'm still very much into Schwartzkopf "Live" Cyber Purple, and this probably won't be hitting any shelves near me for a long time, it's not very likely that I'll succumb to the dolly advertising any time soon, but it is readily available on Ebay for anyone who is interested and I will be keeping it in mind for another time... if only for the box!