Tag: Chicago Doll Store

Celebrity Dolls Through the Years

A trend since paper dolls began being created in the likeness of famous ballerinas in the 1840s, celebrity dolls of all kinds are popular collectors’ items. Toy makers including Mattel, Franklin Mint, Ideal and Madame Alexander have all created versions of their favorite starlets, models and historical figures over the years.   Founded in 1923,… Read more »

Get Ready for the 2015 Chicago Toy Show

  Calling all avid toy and doll collectors: One of our favorite events is almost here! The 42nd Annual Chicago Toy Show takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2015 and we couldn’t be more excited. With six buildings of the Kane County Fairgrounds filled with more than 600 exhibitors, the event is bursting with antiques,… Read more »

40 Years of R. John Wright Dolls

  From Winnie-the-Pooh to Kewpie and Beatrix Potter, R. John Wright has created a variety of classic dolls since the 1970s. With many pieces based on well-known children’s stories, these dolls are a beautifully crafted reminder of childhood memories. Founded by John Wright and his wife Susan, the company has focused on creating high-quality dolls… Read more »

A Brief History of Antique Dollhouses

  Dollhouses are timeless, beautiful reminders of childhood for many. These emotionally captivating structures are far more than simple toys to keep kids entertained; they’re historic and sentimental. Many people carry antique dollhouses into adulthood as a passion, and as a reminder of that which they hold so dear to their hearts. Yet some of… Read more »

New Dolls for a New Generation

Every generation has their own style, language and even their own title. For example, everyone knows the generation born between 1946 and the early 1960s are the Baby Boomers, while those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s are known as Millennials or Generation Y. Both of these generations have their own characteristics… Read more »

Cleaning Clothing for Antique Dolls

For the avid doll collector, a doll’s wardrobe is just as important and valuable as the doll itself. When antique dolls are appraised, the order and cleanliness of their clothing is taken into high consideration. Whether you collect antique dolls for pleasure or profit, knowing how to properly clean their clothing is a must, if… Read more »

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Doll Collecting

If you are considering beginning a doll collection, you may become dazzled by the sheer volume of different dolls available, but accumulating quantity should not be the goal. If you are going to be displaying your dolls, you must consider the space you have. And doll collecting, like any collections, should be quality and not… Read more »

How to Clean Your Porcelain Dolls

  Porcelain dolls may be your prized possessions and keeping them clean and fresh is something you should do every six months. As they can be delicate – especially if they are antique – you want to use the softest and safest cleaning methods so you don’t damage anything. Before cleaning take off all the… Read more »

Should Your Little Boy Play with Dolls?

Curiosity is the hallmark of childhood. Boys and girls from very young ages are here to explore and test, in order to find out what their preferences are, and what society will tolerate. Traditionally it was thought that little girls should play with “girlie” things – dolls, toy kitchens – and little boys should play… Read more »

National Doll & Toy Festival

  Known as the best doll show in the country the 27th Annual National Doll & Toy Festival July 14 -18, 2014 is one that should not be missed by doll and toy collectors all over the World.  The show takes place at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, in San Antonio TX.   The alluring… Read more »

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