Making Tonner Full Body Hangers Function Properly

This article and it's accompanying images was written by Miriam Shepard of Chevy Chase, MD who has granted permission for it's reprint.

Why in the world did Tonner design hangers for his wardrobe trunks that do not function for 90% of the clothing he makes? I love the look of the plexiglass body hangers but the shoulders won't hold the clothing in place so I figured out a way to make clear plastic shoulders for the hangers that make them work and aren't an eyesore. I wish Tonner would take up my idea and make these himself with cute little TW insignias to fit his hangers. Dream on Miriam.

You will need:
Strong scissors
An Exacto knife or cutting blade
Paper to make a pattern.
One clear plastic boxes that UB Tylers come in or similar flexible plastic. Cut it up along the fold lines.

Here are pics of the pattern and of the clear plastic shoulders

From paper cut a rectangle that is 2 inches wide by 3-5/8 inches tall. Fold it in half lengthwise. Trim the corners on two sides as shown in the picture above.

Use your paper pattern as a guide to cut your plastic. I find it is easiest to first cut the plastic box into panels and then cut them into 3- 5/8 inch sections and then fold the sections lengthwise and trim to 1 inch folded.

Finally, trim the "shoulders".

After folding and trimming the plastic, use the Xacto knife to cut through the fold so that the body hanger will slip through and the plastic shoulders slide down in place on the "shoulders of the hanger.

This is a dress falling off the Tonner hanger. Boo!

Finally, the dress is hanging on the new shoulders which look good with the plexiglass hanger.

Basic Diane Evans from Tonner Doll

To my readers who have written wondering where I disappeared to...thank you for your concern. January is a pretty quiet month in doll world as manufacturers are preparing to unveil their new goodies at IDEX and Toy Fair. I was on vacation this past week. There's nothing like coming back home to a pile of doll boxes on the dining room table. That was fun!

Diane Evans is a gorgeous new doll in an adorable polka dot bathing suit. She has Friday Foster's head sculpt, brown eyes and raven hair. Her skintone is called Honey. She will be available late February at Tonner Direct in a limited edition of 500 for $109.99.  Pricey for a basic doll, isn't it? Some are already available for purchase; others are to reserve.

 More basics from the same line of dolls:

2011 Anne Harper Wigged Basic, $109.99 LE500, Green Eyes, Raven Wigged Hair, Bloom Skintone

2011 Patricia Holt Wigged Basic, $109.99 LE500 Green Eyes, Brunette Wigged Hair, Cameo Skintone.

Dressed Doll: Ann Harper Head Sculpt, Brown Eyes, Bloom Skintone.  LE250 $174.99

Dressed Doll: "Bye-Bye Baby" DeeAnna Denton

 "The alluring chewing gum heiress struts her stuff in a scintillating velvet dress with soft chiffon shirring, smartly accessorized with pointed-toe pumps, rhinestone earrings, necklace and bracelet." This doll has the 17" high-heeled female athletic body, brown eyes with blonde hair and bloom skintone. LE300. $209.99

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The Alice in Wonderland line continues to grow with the addition of Alice in depicted in wonderful costumes from various scenes of the movie. Here is the text from the Tonner Direct site: 

"The apprehensive Alice masquerades herself as UM FROM UMBRIDGE, to protect herself from the malicious Red Queen.  This meticulously detailed costume consists of an extravagant dress with layered tiers of tulle and custom printed chiffon overlay.  Her arm is bandaged with a matching ribbon trimmed wrap, while her slender waist is wrapped in a tasseled belt.  Pantyhose and shoes also included.

Mia Wasikowska Head Sculpt and 22" American Model™ Body; Brown Eyes w/ Blonde Hair and Pale Skintone."  LE250 $299.99

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Find out about the upcoming Tonner convention:
https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=915667

Tonner Virtual Factory Sale - Flex Those Fingertips!

 The link below will take you to the Tonner Virtual sale. Expect a crowd which will create a slow-moving experience and delays. But it can be fun just to look around.

Wednesday, January 19th from Noon to 11 PM EST

Tonner's Artemis of Bana Mighdall ~ Redressed

13" Artemis of Bana Mighdall LE200, the New York Comic Con exclusive, showed up as a birthday gift a few weeks ago. My son attended that event back in September 2010,  purchased her for me and managed to keep it a secret all that time!
I just can't abide the shape of her head; she's got this gigantic, manly chin. But...not being one to abandon all hope immediately, I purchased two fashions for her.
In this picture she is wearing "Summer Avenue." It's a new Tonner Wardrobe item for the 13" dolls. The doll shown wearing it looks great and I hope to do something with Artemis to make her hair softer and perhaps that will soften the shape of her face.

Image Property of Tonner Doll Co.

My doll looks like a schlump compared to the promo photo. The outfit is adorable and fits very well. I have added a La Boutique LV handbag with matching scarf. I must get rid of those handlebars.

It was very cold today but the light was good so I grabbed the point & shoot and another newcomer to the team, "Vice" Cissy. This is one of the three 21" Cissy dolls that was designed by Jason Wu for the Madame Alexander Doll Company.
Not exactly a doll for all tastes, she is quite dramatic and sophisticated. Her facial screening is harder than most earlier Cissy dolls. Although in the last few years, there have been some Cissy's with over-the-top makeup.
She is my sixth Cissy. If I got any more I'd have to build them their own house.

Ultrasuede dog with Swarovski crystal collar.

Gloves with fingers!

Jason Style!

Devon got another chance to shine today. She came out on the snowy deck dressed in a Tonner Death by Fashion outfit. It's a great color for her.

Same outfit in this picture only it was taken indoors with artificial light.

This is my favorite so far.  Stay tuned!

Pretty Doll Pictures

I've been crazy busy these last few weeks with new dolls and doll clothes. I finally photographed the Misaki I purchased during the convention in Pittsburgh more than 2 months ago. She is Red Rabbit and I wanted her from the first time I saw her. I sold my entire Misaki collection about three years ago. She is the only one living here.

She is sitting on a little shelf with one of my computer speakers. I am happy to finally have her.

The Evangeline Ghastly stuff keeps flowing in. As of today I have acquired three dressed dolls, nine complete fashions, several separates and accessories such as hats and shoes, wigs and Bella. I have never gone so gaga over a doll. I am quite sure that part of this is my desire to go in a different direction with my collecting. 

A Tangled Web in A Windy Evening coat.

Waiting for Mortimer with Bella.

Everlasting Evangeline in her own outfit with Joe Tai jewelry.

Aren't they gorgeous? The first and third EG's are wigged. I wish they were all wigged dolls. It's so much more fun to be able to change their appearance.

I have been buying clothing for my 16" dolls and filling in here and there. The big girls are getting lots of attention and they look fabulous. I stare at Devon a lot. She is so gorgeous. I'm a little afraid to touch her. I've got lots of stuff for her to try. Right now she is in one of the Tonner Death by Fashion dresses and I just stare at her. I will take a picture....after I finish staring. I haven't even posted a picture of her in this blog yet.  Here she is in Bijou's gown and necklace. The wig is AG Eclectic's (I think.)
These pictures of Devon were taken with a point and shoot camera.
(That's an excuse. Haha)

The next two were taken in the studio.

Original Wig by Pattart

I am having problems with my camera and lighting. My pictures are coming out off color and it may be due to my older strobes. I readjusted the settings inside the camera but I'm not satisfied. I have to do way too much post-processing color adjustment.

How Can A Doll (Without Sexual Organs) Be Gay?

Tonner talks! Andy Mills is gay.
Does he frequent gay bars? Will he carry tiny condoms in a tiny wallet? Will he be a vehicle to educate the doll collecting masses about safe sex? Or is this a very clever attempt to reach into the closet and fill it with dolls?

I always thought Matt O'Neil was gay.  Tonner should have had Matt come out of the closet. There could have been scenes in which an anguished Matt confesses to Tyler that he's always had feelings for Russell.  The Joker could play the therapist.  (Matt sees him as a joker anyway.) Then Tyler can throw him out. They've been married less than 2 years. So sad. All this time and she had no idea. He's been working late almost every night.

I can picture the scene in my doll room when my guests and my little cousins come over. I will introduce my dolls and give a little back story (on those that have a back story) and when I get to Andy...I...well...uh...I usually don't discuss my dolls in terms of their sexual preference. But he will be in a far corner of the cabinet eyeing Trent. I'll have to say something.

Andy Mills LE 500  $179.99

Without Glasses

Some collectors' thoughts on this topic: 

" I might never get the "mate." If I did get an Andy, and he hooked up with whoever here -- then there you go."

"It was just his storyline & represents a part of our community."

"It could also be a marketing strategy, as "gay" dolls like "Billy", have sold very well in the past."

"I pay no attention to story lines."

"I think dolls represent who we are as people. Dolls are in relationships and get married in the Tyler Wentworth universe, and even have children together in Barbie's world. Tyler got "Married" to Matt. Many collectors do photostories where their dolls enact real life scenarios, have partners and relationships, and personality traits like real humans."

  
Here is another collector's opinion which I thought was very valuable and insightful:

I think this kind of marketing is a wonderful phenomenon -- although, of course, no matter what the story line of a doll, the collector can give that doll whatever role/identity/etc., he or she wants after purchasing the doll.

I say this from the perspective of a 66 year-old woman who grew up during the 50's and 60's when such things were not talked about/not even KNOWN about --

So many people from my generation who are gay and lesbian did not even KNOW such a lifestyle even EXISTED, and so many of us married and had kids, etc., because they thought this was the ONLY way of life there was --
(( I attended a discussion group a few years ago with about 100+ older lesbians, and the moderator asked the question how many of us had been married (to men) and almost ALL the hands went up -- and how many had had children, and probably 75% of the hands went up, and I realized -- I wasn't the only one that this had happened to --
I DO have two wonderful adult sons, and five adorable grandchildren, which I would not have had otherwise, but --- If I had realized this back in the mid 60�s, I could have saved myself seven years of miserable marriage, and my ex husband and kids the grief and upheaval of divorce and all its aftermath (so many long stories.)

I know this seems incredibly naive to younger people who grew up knowing that this alternative lifestyle existed, and that they did have a choice about how to live their own lives.

Therefore, I think that the more famous people who "come out" and the more things like gay dolls, and the media coverage -- all lead to a more educated generation who KNOW there are others like them, and that they CAN live a life authentic to themselves, etc., etc., etc -- and knowing all this I am sure also helps the isolated gay kid better able to stand up to bullies out there who might pick on them because they are "different"

I feel, in general that, because of courageous actors, actresses, comedians, singers, and yes --even dolls -- everyone is so much better off, and I applaud Mr. Tonner for producing and marketing a doll as a gay doll!
*
And --
*
Personally, since all my dolls reflect me -- ALL my dolls are gay and lesbian, even the ones playing the parts of the sheiks and their wives, the rebs and rebbitzens, the bride and groom , etc. Those are just roles they play in my various photo shoots.

I am totally delighted that there is now an OFFICIALLY GAY Tonner guy!

And, Terri, feel free to use my name if you use my comments. I am 100% "out and proud!

Cheryl 

Post Holiday Sales

A mix of sale items follow. These shops have many other items on sale as well.

Regular price: $159.95Sale price: $79.95

Regular price: $159.95Sale price: $79.95

 Two Daydreamers:   16" L'Enfant Terrible and Blu Belle Neo-Cissy by Jason Wu

In my opinion, the above are two of the worst-looking dolls ever created.

Regular Price $229.95  On Sale $149.99

Fashion Doll Agency Angelic Dreamz Exclusive Petra Doll
Excellent price.

LE 305 $65 Sale $35

TV Ginny (Modern Repro) Two Day Dreamers  Large selection of Modern Ginny dolls at reduced prices.

Price Was $224.99  Sale Price $99.99

Antoinette Doll - Emphatic LE 250  Marl & B

  Regular Price $44.95  Now $24.95

My Favorite Barbie Collection - Black Barbie 2010  - Amazon.com Seller 
Prices for this doll are all over the place. This is about the lowest around.

Was $599.95  Special Value $229.95

A Fashionable Life Cissy   the Toy Shoppe
This is the lowest I have seen this doll. It was originally, ridiculously overpriced. Look at that fashion! I want it. There are other 21" Cissy dolls at lowered prices as well.

Originally $59.99  Now $39.99

The Toy Shoppe   Effanbee (a Tonner Company) Silver Sensation Daphne  (Left)
Doll has the older AR body without bendy wrists. This was a very, very popular doll that sold out everywhere. They must have been hiding in a warehouse somewhere. She is gorgeous!

It's a good time to look around for sales as most companies will be introducing their new 2011 dolls in a month or two. 

Tonner Warehouse Sale: Evangeline, Monica Merrill

There's no truer statement to doll collectors than "When it rains, it pours."
In my last post I reported that Paul Phamm's Devon arrived. The next day was the Tonner warehouse sale. I came home with a load of dolls and outfits. Prior sales provided me with a large percentage of items to pass on to other collectors. I didn't expect to fall in love with so many of the items I found. Sigh.
Here's the shortened version of what I came home with:
 Sinister Circus dolls,  Ellowyne, Tiny Betsy, 6 six inch grab bags, Matt shoes, Death by Fashion, Evangeline, Evangeline clothing items/outfits, Anniversary Tyler, Monica Merrill, Antoinette, Antoinette fashion,  Ellowyne wig, Ellowyne outfits. Most of the items were things that were on sale already, but not all.

My favorite item of all my new Tonner treasures is "Tangled Web" Evangeline. Here are two quickly composed images of her.

When Evangeline first debuted, I did not care for her. She's taller than most of my dolls and her hands are weird. I still think her hands are weird but her back story explains that. I like her and I had been on the verge of ordering one for a few months.
I got several clothing items for her at the event one of which was a skirt. I wanted the entire outfit so I ordered it from the Wilde Imagination website along with another item when I got home, (like I didn't have enough already!) The order went in on Saturday afternoon and was on my deck this morning. Tonner/Wilde shipping is excellent.
I didn't know that the Evangeline items came packaged in hatboxes. How precious is that? I think I'm hooked.
The other doll that I was very pleased to obtain is Monica Merrill "On the Fringe." At first I thought that I'd just keep the outfit. Right?
Again, Monica is a doll that I did not care for when she first appeared on the scene. She looked stunned in most of her incarnations. I saw a softness in "On the Fringe" that I hadn't seen previously. She is staying.
Here is the Tonner promo image of her as I haven't had time to shoot anything I'd post.

Tonner Doll Co.

Monica's clothes fit the Avantguard dolls perfectly. I haven't had them on a Gene doll but I'm guessing that the same is true.
Unfortunately I can't keep everything so I am selling the Sinister Circus and Death dolls without their clothes and a few other things. Click here to browse and spend your money. Why should I be the only one?

On Saturday night I received a gift of the Tonner Comicon exclusive DC Comics' Artemis of Bana-Mighdall. I have no idea who she is or what she does in the comics but she's one of Tonner's new 13 inch characters and I like her. The husband unit is calling her the "I Dream of Jeannie" doll.

I will have fun redressing her.

Hope you're all having a great December. It's below freezing here in the Mid-Hudson Valley. We had a little snow last night - just enough to be pretty.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm sending wishes to all my US readers for a peaceful, joyous and delicious Thanksgiving.
I'm thankful for the luxury of being a doll collector. When I think about how lucky we collectors are compared to so many in the world I can't help but appreciate what I have.

If you are traveling, be safe and aware and save me some pie.

I'll be a little quiet on the blog for a few days but after Thanksgiving, I'll be back.

Three things to mention:
—There is a sale at BC.Com on Wednesday, November 23. That's tomorrow.

—The Franklin Mint is at it again with their fake doll images that use a photograph instead of a doll. This time it's Kate Middleton, the future Princess of Wales. They are using a picture of Kate on a stick.

—On December 11, 2011 there will be a Tonner and Wilde Imagination warehouse sale at the Holiday Inn in Kingston, NY from 9AM to 1PM. After the sale there will be a signing with Robert Tonner at the Tonner Company Store, 14 Hurley Ave., Kingston, NY.

If you are planning to stay over at the Holiday Inn Kingston, I recommend that you reconsider your choice of hotel. There are two new hotels near the Hudson Valley Mall that are much higher rated. It's a 10 minute drive from those places to the Holiday Inn.  It will cost at least $30 more per room but you won't be sorry. Come with friends and split the cost.

Courtyard Kingston Marriot  (Most costly)

Hampton Inn Kingston  (Free Breakfast and Internet)

My Favorite Two Tonner Dolls

Although I'm busy getting ready to leave for Pittsburgh today, these two were just aching for a photo shoot. The female doll is the 16" Comicon Supergirl Exclusive and the male is Jeremy Voss. Supergirl is wearing a new fashion from the "Gowns by Anne Harper" line called Venus Rising. Voss is wearing Simon Chase's tuxedo.
I love these two dolls. I very rarely pair up dolls or make up life stories for my vinyls but these two are now married.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Tonner Photo

Venus Rising is a lovely and ultra romantic fashion. The drapey shoulder things attach by slipping the doll's arm through an elastic circle on the underside of the rosettes. The fabric is filmy and wonderful! I was surprised by the glitter, yes girls and boys, glitter, on the rosettes. That is really cheap and non-imaginative on a fashion that retails for $114.99 There is a close-up of that detail on the Tonner site but I didn't pay attention apparently. Glitter comes off on everything and stays everywhere and no matter how long or hard you clean and vacuum, there will be glitter. It will be on your nose and your butt and on your dolls' black clothes. Glitter also snags hosiery. It belongs in sleep-away camp and that's about it.
Please, Robert, ditch the glitter.

..........

And now I'm off to pack for the FR convention. This should be an interesting one with 422 in attendance, there are bound to be some traffic jams and other surprises.  Keep watching for reports although with all the excellent photographers out there vying to post their images before anyone else does, I won't be shooting as many photos as usual. There will be many to see.  I will go for quality not quantity (if possible as I'm taking the point and shoot and not my studio camera.)

Ciao...Hasta la vista...A tout a l'heure...Toodle loo...A presto...Sampai jumpa lagi...Tα λέμε σύντομα