The Dollhead

Cupcakes, Cat Scarfs, Snow

2012-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying our first winter in Providence.

I've knitted the cats scarfs to keep them warm.

Made pink mini cupcakes for Xmas

Found pink lights on a pink cord at Michaels

And we are loving the beauty of the snow

The cats have been watching the snow fall with curiosity

The SOWA Market in Boston, with Mimi Kirchner!

2011-12-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

The SOWA holiday market is worth going to if you are in Boston, great vendors, and it was packed! I recommend getting there early. I imagine they will have it in 2012, as this one was the 8th annual.

I loved this display! These adorable plushies are made by Zugoo

These figures by Vintage by Crystal blew me away, so cool! Super Whimsical.

My friend bought a blue star figure.

There were foxes everywhere, 2011, year of the fox!

I was so lucky and excited, I got to meet Mimi Kirchner! I have been admiring her work for years, I love her blog Doll... I was great to see her work in person. I bought a postcard and a set of magnets. Hopefully soon I will buy a doll! She was adorable and sweet, just like I imagined she would be :-)

Kitties, bearded tattooed men, foxes, tattooed ladies....YEAY!!!

Her work is so perfect... just look at the detail!

Vintage cotton on her kitty's skirt, but of course!

I also ran into the nonesense institute, whose work I had just been admiring on etsy!

They are even cuter live.

Little heros capes were very cool as well.

Fun for kids with an imagination who can be there own made up superhero!

After SOWA, we went over to Newbury Street. It was my first time, and I saw what I believe was my Mom's fashion school in the 1960's!

Right next door is an amazingly cool store, All Saints. I feel in love withe the window, this is just a part, they must have had 200 vintage singers in the giant front windows! Beautiful!!!!

Then as we drove home, we got trapped in the Santa Speedo Undie Run! Yikes!

Nicki Minaji VS Katy Perry Barbies!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

These are still up for bid at Charity Buzz! so far Katy is beating Minaji

I just love the pink hair on Minaji......

But Katy Perry is my hometown girl...

Plus she is basically a real Babrie..They need to make a Katy Perry doll for all of us!!

Check out this link for more Katy Perry Dollness

I Can Has Cheezburger Happy Cat Plushie!!

2011-12-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Xmas, something for fans of the ridiculously cat-errific Lolcats at I Can Has Cheezeburger

It's almost as cute as the real thing....

You know you want one, get it HERE

Etsy Treasury : Doll Stars! OOAK Celebrity dolls on Etsy

2011-11-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

This is the second etsy treasury that I have done, I think I will be doing many more. so fun!

Check out the talent at Etsy.com. All of the dolls are available for sale directly from the artists.

You can see my first treasury by clicking HERE

Leo, a one of a kind doll

2011-11-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

I made this doll for a friend for Xmas.

She's my first portrait doll.

Her face in painted in oil.

The real Leo

Disney Animator's Collection Princess Doll.....LOVE Them!!!!!

2011-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

These Animators Collection Dolls from Disney are so adorable, and only 24.50!
I love the fact that they are a little bit shy and sad, I think that it is so endearing. :-)

I want the Cinderella. She looks very Alice like, actually.

Here is the back story of the doll's creation it is so nice that they give the creators credit. Great job Disney!

Photos from a visit to the R.I.S.D Museum

2011-11-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

This jointed doll is from the 7th century B.C.
http://www.risdmuseum.org/

http://www.risdmuseum.org/


Worth a visit if you are in Providence. They have a pay what you wish policy on Sundays from 10am-1pm

The Bridge's Justin Bieber Doll Needs to Cut his Hair, STAT!

2011-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Looks like Justin Bieber didn't understand the toy product cycle when he cut his famous head of hair...while his doll is still on the store shelves with his old famous 'do!
Jay Foreman, owner of the Bridge Direct comments about the money his company will lose and the changes they will have to make to the doll in this article courtesy of CNN Money:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/07/smallbusiness/justin_bieber_dolls/

Pinata Shop..Pink Elephant

2011-08-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Brought a Pink Elephant Pinata to a friend's for a BBQ...took some photos and instagramed them....Love the brilliant colors.

Barbie Shoe Earrings..City Arts Festival in Providence

2011-08-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

I went to the City Art Festival in Providence last Saturday, put on by FESTIVAL FETE

I love Providence! It is full of gorgeous historic brick buildings..

Lucky me I found these lovely Barbie Shoe earrings, in my fav color, PINK!

Barbie's Daddy, Toy Industry Legend Elliot Handler, R.I.P

2011-07-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the story or Ruth and Elliot Handler, the couple who started the Mattel Empire in a garage. Now Elliot has passed at 95, may he R.I.P.

Here's their story-

Elliot was the creative artist person of the team, while Ruth was the marketing and business wiz. After he retired, Elliot devoted himself to painting. I wish I could see some of his art! Does anyone know where I can find any on the web?

Nook Nook Elephant on My Handmade Purse

2011-07-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

I got this sweet handmade purse recently from Stacy Lynn C on Etsy, it is made out of Pink Recycled Leather. Then I accessorized it with the cutest Nook Nook elephant keychain... it is so fun to carry around! I love Nook Nook's look, their website it adorable, http://www.nook-nook.com/!!!

Sabrina Two

2011-05-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

She has a big sister named Sabrina, she is Sabrina Two.. little sisters are always cuter!

Konnichiwa Babies Commerical

2011-05-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

I was excited to receive this recently.... the commercial for Konnichiwa Babies!
It is the first time I have had my illustrations turned into animations by a pro.. such a cool thing to see :-)

They are only available in Italy, you can buy them online HERE

Dakota, Redheaded Doll

2011-05-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

She's a little bit punky and a little bit sweet...

A Fun Weekend of Craft Fests!

2011-05-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's spring and I have been doing lots of outdoor Craft Fests lately, they are so fun!
Here are a few photos from this weekend....

Cute Customer with a Who Who Owl! just look at that sweet face!

A lovely lady had her bunnies in a stroller! A pink stroller! and she bought a pink bun plushie from moi, how adorable :-)

My booth, hurrah!

My booth neighbor and friend Girl Sunday, check out her Etsy shop and Blog

Awesome band Nektare rocking it. And a lady in the bottom of the photo laying down or something? what? haha.

Lovely Vintage Polyester Fabric makes awesome Deerlings!

2011-05-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

I love vintage polyester in bright floral patterns. I received this piece as a donation, people all over Santa Barbara have caught on to my need for this type of fabric and donate these treasures to me, so awesome! If you happen have some groovy bright crazy fabric from the 60's or 70's sitting around that you want to send my way, please do, and I will make you a deerling as a thank you gift :-)

Late news but good news...MGA wins case against Mattel!

2011-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am loving this Quote from Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, who oversaw the case
"America thrives on competition; Barbie, the all-American girl, will too."

Here are some informative articles about it..
Business Week
USA today
Forbes

Is this the really the end of the toy trial of the century?
I have to confess I am on MGA's side in this, but my love for Barbie continues on!

Rainbow Haired Cloth Doll... off to a new home!

2011-04-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

I have a new size and style of rag doll I've been making lately, with reversible dresses!... sold this one today from my Etsy shop, I like her alot..I'll be making lots more in this style!! :-)
bye bye cutie pie!

1960's Loomskill Fabric with Painted Flower Pattern- a lovely thrift store surprise!!

2011-03-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite thrift store has really amazing bags of fabric that are tightly bundled, you don't really know what you get until you open them. I found this lovely piece bundled in with a half finished dress made out of sixties black and white print. I am incorporating the black and white into my dolls bit by little precious bit.. But don't know what to do with this piece! it seems so special. should I make pillows? A dress? I want to just keep it intact! Maybe frame it creatively?

any ideas out there?

Mini LaLa Loopsy Crumb has Tea with Petite Blythe

2011-03-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

So, I have been resisting LaLa Loopsy (by MGA, the makers of Bratz), despite the super cute styling and darling commercial. I just don't like the giant plastic heads. I was also opposed to the first Baby Bratz that came out with giant plastic heads, I want actual hair on my doll, of some sort, not giant plastic molded hair!
And then the Minis came out and I had to get this one, Crumbs Tea Party.

The LaLa Loopsy Minis are slightly smaller than Momiji and Petite Blythe

My Marmalade Heart Petite Blythe fit right into the tea set with Crumb! Crumb liked having her for tea but was suppressing her jealously of Blythe's lovely real hair and fabric clothes.

My favorite parts of the adorable tea set were the beautifully sculpted butter cookie chairs.

And Crumb is just way to cute.. I am a huge fan of pink hair and full skirts

She is fitting right in with everyone in my doll cabinet. yeay! tea for all dolls!

Oh Ma Felt...Oh So Original and Cute!

2011-03-24T00:12:00.001-07:00

About a month ago I had the pleasure to meet Sorcha, the lovely owner of Oh Ma Felt, and her young daughter, who does amazing illustrations that Sorcha incorporates into her pottery!

Her work is so whimsical and well made, I adore the little fantasy world that she has created, full of shy little bunnies and....

sweet deer clad in pink scarfs...

and little mini love shacks!

I took home 2 of these Kitty friends..

love the detail! This one is an artist :-)

didn't forget the tail!

She also makes and sells the gorgeous felt that her work is made from.
Check out Oh Ma Felt on etsy-http://www.etsy.com/shop/OhMafelt

"Am I a Hoarder? A DOLL Hoarder?" -Lynn Nalven in Doll Collector Magazine

2011-02-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

This article in the March 2011 Doll Collector made me laugh out loud...and relate! Very interesting for doll collectors/crafters like myself who's collections border on madness. hee hee
What is the condition of your collection? Is it all neatly shelved, crazily piled or (mostly)hidden away in the attic, waiting for the perfect shelving system/room to come along... like mine currently is?

Get your Doll Collector subscription HERE

"I wasn't designed to do housework" -Barbie

2011-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Haha I wasn't either! Luckily I have an understanding husband who likes to do the dishes :-)

I went to the Santa Barbara International Film Fest last night to see the shorts, it was a great opportunity for me to to wear this cool Dior Dress that my hubby bought me when we were dating. I love this dress so much and never get to wear it, it is a little do WOW for casual beachy Santa Barbara. Wore it with gold heels an felt FABULOUS darling... to fab for housework. :-)

Check out the trailer for this short film that my friend Daniel Locatelli acted in and helped make.. Wallace Carothers by Ted Mills. It was featured in the film fest. Love it!

Wallace Carothers Trailer from ted mills on Vimeo.

my studio's "dollwall"

2011-01-31T23:46:00.000-08:00

My husband and I call this the dollwall... my works in progress and finished dolls. Right now I am prepping for a few events in Feburary!

A fun day in Holly-weird: Ken Billboard on Sunset, Angelyne sighting..

2011-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

I went down to Hollywood yesterday and slammed on the breaks like a dumb tourist when I saw this billboard on Sunset! So cool! Ken is really getting romantic for Valentines day..

On the way out of town I saw Angelyne in her Pink Corvette on the 101!
I squealed with delight and my husband thought I was nuts when I tried to explain who she is..

She's a living breathing 80's barbie doll! I love her!!!

Her billboards made her a Hollywood Icon...

She ran for Governor of California!

And she paints too! She is a real doll!(photo courtesy of dollguy2010)

We also think we saw Penn from Penn and Teller but he is not cute so no photo! All in all a fun day in Hollywoodland..

Ken is as cute as a cupcake!

2011-01-28T10:12:00.001-08:00

I love the new "metrosexual" Ken. If you are following Barbie on Facebook like moi than you have already seen this..He designed a cupcake for Barbie at The Magnolia Bakery in New York! to funny! Love his scarf/hat/skinny jeans look!

So pink!

2 Shows I Wish I could go to; Fashion Illustration:Visual Poetry & The Plush Team at Candyland

2011-01-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry

January 20 – February 25, 2011

Gallery statement: Curated by renowned artist, fashion illustrator, and educator Bil Donovan, “Fashion Illustration Today: Visual Poetry” brings together 13 of the most talented and innovative artists working in fashion illustration today for an exhibition that showcases the uniqueness and visual poetry of the art of fashion illustration.

This looks amaaaazing... it is at Gallery Hanahou, located in New York City. Every show this gallery puts together looks delightful! They have an on-line shop too, loaded with Plush Art and other goodies!

If you are in Milwaukee, check out the Plush Team in Candyland at Hot Pop

Fluffy Flowers

Scrumptious Delight!

"This is war and sides must be taken: Barbie stands for good. All others stand for evil" -Mattel

2011-01-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

Read the latest on the MGA vs Barbie saga! Will it ever end?? Will there be bloodshed? Will the blood be pink?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/18/ap/business/main7258477.shtml

Endeavour Toys is now carrying Cimmerii dolls!

2011-01-13T19:58:00.001-08:00

Check out Endeavour Toys, a lovely on-line toy store devoted to high quality, unique and socially responsible toys..

You can order a custom doll from me! yeay!

They also carry these darling dolls and plush by Bubynoa from Canada

And Hansa Plush, the most amazing life like high quality animal plush! I dropped my jaw last December and took photos of a window display here in town with their giraffes..love them!

Barbie Throughout Art History

2011-01-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

I did this in ink and gauche on board as a College art project long ago, found it in my closet recently and thought I'd share... My fellow students were delighted yet slightly baffled.

Ancient Greek Barbie

Renaissance Madonna Barbie (note...she of course has no nipple)

Venus De Milo Barbie

I call this one...Mona Barbie

Davinci Barbie

Fuseli's Nightmare Barbie

The Swing, Rococo Barbie (Fragonard would have loved Barbie, I somehow suspect)

The Kiss Barbie

Degas Ballerina Barbie (can't remember the painting title..)

Munch Madonna Barbie

Art Noveau Barbie

Picasso Les Mademoiselles De Barbie

Frida Barbie

And Lastly, Warhol Barbie. He would roll over in his grave at these colors, I think. Sorry Andy!

Holiday Craftique in Santa Barbara!

2010-12-12T13:24:00.001-08:00

Come on down if you are in the area, this event is going to be amazing and fun!!! oh yeah and i will be sellingmy dollies too :-) Check out the Facebook link-http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=115006291898985

Etsy S.B. December Events!!!

2010-12-06T18:50:00.003-08:00

I started up an Etsy Team in my hometown of Santa Barbara! Check out out blog, and if you are in S.B. please do come to one of our events! Here's the facebook event link-http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138263846227311&num_event_invites=0#!/event.php?eid=138263846227311

Priscilla, doll in a swing for the Soft-Served show at Oh-No-Doom Gallery

2010-11-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Took some pictures of Priscilla today.. she is so fun to play with, she really swings! I will be making her a friend or two...thinking of doing a doll in some sort of ring, or maybe dancing on a scarf.. They are going to the Oh-No-Doom Gallery in Chicago in a few weeks!

She is my first doll with button joint knees and elbows, I think it gives her so much expression!

Soft Served at Oh-No-Doom Gallery in Chicago

2010-11-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

I've been invited to join a group show in Chicago at the Oh No Doom Gallery curated by the extremely talented fiber artist Lana Crooks...check out her blog! crookedart.blogspot.com

I am making a girl on a swing for the show, she really swings! I'll post a video when she's done. :-)

Oh No Doom is also the home of this cutely dangerous plushie...Fluffy Yuck Yuck! The world's only chompin' plush toy!

Girl Doll with Blue Organic Yarn Hair

2010-11-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

She is one of my latest creations, I just added her to my etsy shop.
I love her colors!
So into red and blue lately...pretty and cool!

My First Etsy Treasury...Fall Dolls!

2010-10-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

you can view it here as well- Fall Dolls Etsy Treasury

I had so much fun making this Treasury, I think I will do more in the future for sure! I love etsy, and there are so many fabulous dolls and a cute doll type things to looks at and covet... I listed the sellers below-check out their divine etsy shops!

1. Fuz Frenzy : Goldie

2. Sweetly Fallen : Fall Harvest Headband

3. Theater Clouds: Her parents had named her Spring, yet her heart belonged to autumn...

4. Cimmerii : Fashionable Rag Doll

5. lilipop designs : Harvest Vintage Peasant Dress

6. Voladora Designs : Upcycled Cashmere Scarf

7. Orange Basket : Candy Corn Halloween Dress

8. Zime: Les Madamoiselle- Wooden Art Doll

9. lil sprinkles : lil Sister Sprinkles Blonde Hair Rag Doll

10. HillNTrees : Vanilla Bean Cap

11. emileerose :Sophie Paper Doll Set

12. Goody Blythe : Yellwo Straight Blythe Wig

13. Nikifashion : Hand Knit Hat and Scarf Set

14. theFuture : Orange Candy Dress for Blythe

15. blossomnbird : Patch Work baby Art Print

16. Children of Eve : Mysterious Michelle

Justin Bieber is a Real Doll

2010-10-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

This is one of the nicest boy fashion dolls that I have every seen. I thought it looked very Jakks and discovered that the man behind it is Jay Foreman, formerly of PlayAlong, a Jakks subsidiary that started with the Britney Spears Doll. His new company The Bridge Direct is producing the Bieber doll, and if Jay's previous history is repeated we will seen more interesting on-trend toys coming from the Bridge Direct in the future. You can order the Jusitn Biber dolsl directly form JustinBieber.com

Some Cute Littie Girl Dolls I designed awhile ago...

2010-10-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Are they sweet or what! They almost became dolls...but no.... :-D

A lovely scrappy gift!

2010-10-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

I received a lovely gift this week from a customer who bought some dolls at my weekend art walk and then more dolls from my etsy... she and her daughters sent me the most divine scraps! Lush brocades perfect for doll bodices, some sweet trim, and vintage animal print cottons! Yeay, I love scraps!!!!!!!! And they sent me a sweet vintage doggy card too, so adorable!!

I am going to make new dresses with these brocades..

I love this scotty dawg!! I think I will applique these guys onto my floppy dolls...

OOAK Alice Rag Doll and White Rabbit Plushie on my Cimmerii Etsy now...

2010-09-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

I will always be in love with Alice and the White Rabbit..It is so fun to make them one of a kind every time...

Cimmerii.etsy.com

Charlie Chaplin and W.C Fields Dolls

2010-09-06T15:46:00.001-07:00

These are two dolls from my Gramma's collection, she has had them since I was a child.
I grew up with these guys!

Charlie..

W.C.

Gramma just turned 80 and is as fiesty as ever. :-)

What I've been up to lately...instead of blogging:-(

2010-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Doing a fun craft fest tomorrow in SB..come if you are in the hood!!!!!!!!! plus I got an i-phone and have been taking lots of photos. And making lots of dolls and plushies. :-)

I am donating this here redheaded dolly to the Heart 2 Hand Youth Fund.

Her Kitti friend is for sale!!!

The Bratz get to stay home!!!!! Bratz Daddy Issac Larian is stoked.

2010-07-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am a little late breaking on this news, but, YEAY! I wonder if the Moxie Girls will get slowly Phased out? Will the Bratz have to fight the Moxie Girls for dominance over the MGA corp? Will there be a Moxie Girls vs. Bratz Movie?

VAN NUYS, Calif., July 22, 2010 -- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed today that MGA is the owner of Bratz - not Mattel. MGA is deeply grateful to the Court for confirming, in the words of founder Isaac Larian, "that the American dream lives." Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, speaking on behalf of a unanimous panel including Kim M. Wardlaw and Stephen S. Trott for the Ninth Circuit, endorsed all of the arguments that MGA has been advancing throughout the litigation, and found that "it is not equitable to transfer this billion dollar brand the value of which is overwhelmingly the result of MGA's legitimate efforts " to Mattel.

In handing MGA a sweeping victory with its twenty-four page opinion, the Court upheld the rule of law, finding that "because several of the errors we have identified appeared in the jury instructions, it's likely that a significant portion if not all of the jury verdict and damage award should be vacated." "Unlike the relatively demure Barbie, the urban, multi-ethnic and trendy Bratz dolls have attitude," Chief Judge Kozinski wrote. The Ninth Circuit concluded by noting that "America thrives on competition; Barbie, the all-American girl, will too."

MGA agrees with that sentiment. Mr. Larian went on to say, "We look forward to bringing that competition with the re-launch of a stunning new line of Bratz products, along with Moxie Girlz, Moxie Teenz, Bitty Buttons and BFC, Ink to store shelves in August.

"I would also like to add that I am grateful and thankful to all the employees of MGA and their families who stood by me and my family during this ordeal, as well as to our extraordinary team of lawyers from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, who fought so hard to restore belief in the American justice system and the priceless value of the American dream. To that I must also add my gratitude to the retailers and all of our suppliers. I thank you all."
Courtesy of the raving toy manic

a chair for a doll party by campanas

2010-07-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Love this banquette chair by the brothers Campanas, their website is amazing- explore it and you will discover why this a chair for a doll party-

campanas.com

Konnichiwa Babies Illustrations for Giochi Preziosi

2010-07-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show y'all my cute illustrations/designs for the Konnichwa Babies.

The sculptor did a great job of transforming the drawings into figurines for project for Giochi Preziosi! they turned out so cute, I am going to try to collect them all, haha :-)

Indie Mart Photos in SF Weekly by Hanna Quevedo

2010-07-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

I did a fest called Indie Mart on Sunday in San Francisco, it was neat-o!
Check out these awesome photos of the event by Hanna Quevedo

Dollheads!

Dorklandia!!!

The Backside of my Booth:-)

Me!!!!!! whoooo-ieeee!

Mooom lets go home!!!

Love this photo!!!!!!!

I hereby dub this guy is the Hipster Prince.

More Dollheads!

check out the rest of the photos here-http://www.sfweekly.com/slideshow/indie-mart-in-potrero-hill-30400986/
and the indie mart blog here-

Vintage Buttons from my Grandma

2010-07-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

My Mother gave me a TON of buttons last week, I went through her massive collection and pulled out all of the colored plastic buttons..my favs.. And I was delighted to discover some of my Grandma's vintage buttons still on cards!!!

Big Fat Super Yeay:-)

They are such lovely stylish bits of history, I don't want to use them on any of my projects! Maybe I will frame them in and hang them in my future dream craft room/office :-)

Indie Mart, July 18th in San Francisco!!!! Come check out my dolls and lots of fabulous Indie vendors!!!!Music, drinks and DIY activities too!

2010-07-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

indie-mart.com

I love Minotaurs! Especially Plush Minotaurs.

2010-07-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

I am currently obsessed with this Minotaur Plushie by Jefita...I am waiting for something good to happen for me career-wise(fingers crossed!) and then my husband said I can buy him as a reward. Unless someone else gets him first!!!! He was created as part of a Plush Team challenge..

My husband introduced me to Minotaurs when we met, and I fell in love....

Minotaur painting by Paul Cumes

Minotaur's Bride by Paul Cumes
Minotaur by Paul Cumes

Angel Toy Company of Los Angles accused of Laundering Drug Money using their Toys!!!

2010-07-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is some crazy toy news!

LOS ANGELES – Three executives at a Los Angeles cuddly toy maker have been arrested on suspicion of laundering millions of dollars for Mexican and Colombian drug traffickers.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Friday the arrests follow a two-year investigation into the Angel Toy Corp.

Officials say representatives from drug-trafficking groups deposited more than $8 million into Angel Toy accounts over a four-year period, always in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid raising suspicion.

The suspects allegedly wired the cash to China to purchase stuffed toy animals. The toys were then sent to Colombia and sold. Money from those sales was then considered clean. -Yahoo News

"It's no small irony that a multimillion-dollar company which promoted itself as retailer of cuddly stuffed animals was allegedly acting as a financial linchpin for drug trafficking operatives," said John Morton, director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Two co-owners of the business, Meichun Cheng Huang, 57, and Ling Yu, 52, were arrested, along with chief executive officer Xiaoxin Ju, 48.

According to a federal indictment, they were involved in a complex money-laundering scheme that saw representatives from drug trafficking groups drop cash at Angel Toy's downtown headquarters or deposit money into company accounts.

The deposits were always for less than $10,000 to avoid raising suspicion, authorities said. The money was then wired to China to purchase teddy bears and other stuffed animals. These toys were allegedly sent on to Columbia, where a businessman sold them and gave the proceeds, in pesos, to the drug traffickers.

The company's website depicts various models of cuddly toys available for purchase, including a 9-inch pillow shaped like a pig.

"You have these dangerous foreign drug dealers using cuddly stuffed animals as a way to cover their nefarious operation," California Attorney General Jerry Brown said. "They must have been good at teddy bear sales."

-LA Times

They have some cute toys. Check out the website- http://www.angeltoy.com/

Konnichiwa Babies!

2010-07-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Yeay, Check out these mini baby dolls that I designed while working at Dynamic Designworks. They hit the shelves in April, only in Eroupe so far...I hope they do well and take over the world! :-)

The packaging has my illustrations and they even include a cute little card game that I invented!

Here is a rough translation of the copy-

THE FIRST AND ONLY SMALL BABIES WITH FUNCTION!

Each task EXCLUSIVE ACTION INSIDE playset ...

BABIES ARE Konnichiwa!

SOME ARE SWEET, OTHER spite, SPIRIT,

... URBAN AND ARE SWEET!

Everyone has EQUIPMENT 1 POP-UP playset, 4 ACCESSORIES, 3 E 1 CARD CLIP-MERGE playset.

THE CARD GAME is divided into 4 MiniCard FOR MANY CHILDREN suggested to play FUN!

PERSONAL CARDS THE STRESS STATUS Konnichiwa BABIES ...

And if incorporated in NE playset REVEALS THE NEED '!

Konnichiwa Konnichiwa BABIES IN THE SWEET BABIES MAKE ACTIONS AND DIFFERENT from each other Everybody has a playset PERSONALIZED!

They are chock full of fun....you can buy them here-mondialtoys.it

Wikio Top Blogs Plush Art List!

2010-06-24T18:03:00.001-07:00

Whoo hoo I am number 6 on Wikio's Top Plush Art Blogs list. That's good I think? I am in good company, check out the list for some great blogs!
http://www.wikio.com/blogs/top/Plush_Art

Dresses for my Kitti Dolls

2010-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have been making lots of cute and fabulous fashions for my Fashion Kittis lately. I love making the dresses so much, I might just start doing dresses for Fashion Dolls.... soon!

Charlies Angel's Kellys! to cute. waaaay to cute!

2010-06-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is such a cute set!!! They did a great job on that famous hair...
Pre-order it here

Kids Rock, art show, concert event in LA at Griffith Park June 12th

2010-05-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Los Angles Area, you will want to check out this fun event on June 12th. It benefits the Children's Nature Institute.

I will be a vendor at the festival and I made this Bluebird of Happiness soft sculpture for the art auction, Sponsored by Monkeyhouse Toys

Check out MonkeyhouseToys.com for some great alternative toys and art!!!

You can get you tickets to the concert and festival here- http://kidsrock.eventbrite.com/

Cute Blythe Dress Shop Brilliant Haute Couture

2010-05-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the cutest Blythe Dress shop, Brilliant Haute Couture.
SOOOO cute! you gotta check it out.
BHCHK.com

!!!New Cimmerii Website!!!!!

2010-05-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hi dolls, I have a lovely new website for my handmade dolls and plushies, check it out!!!

http://www.cimmerii.com

My handmade dolls and plushies are now available at Ghetto Gloss in LA, a hip boutique full of Pullip, Dal and more!!!

2010-05-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

...Exciting Dollhead News...

My handmade dolls are now available for sale in Ghetto Gloss on the famous Melrose Ave. in Hollywood!!

Ghetto Gloss has an adorable boutique in the back, stocked to the ceiling with Pullip, Dal and much more cuteness!!!

My Fashion Kittis felt right at home there...

The boutique is so colorful and hip! Checkout their online offerings here-

Ghetto Gloss Boutique

The boutique had so many cute things!!! I couldn't resist buying my first petite Dal. I will blog about her later...next time I go there I think will have to get a full sized Dal!

Shot of my dolls behind the scenes awaiting their placement in the boutique....

If you love cute dolls and new art, pay Ghetto Gloss a visit.

6109 Melrose, between Highland and Larchmont..

Lost at Sea Fiber Art Show in NYC at Gallery Hanahou

2010-05-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

This show looks amazing!

Gallery Hanahou has assembled a lovely mix of fiber artists, all paying tribute to the sea..an interestingly cosmic time to have it open, what with the oil spill disaster and all..poor lost sea. :-(

Mermaids galore, and plankton too! If you can't make it to NYC, you can shop at gallery Hanahu online HERE

Dolls Magazine Doll and Bear Expo Digital Edition

2010-05-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

I so want to go to this expo!! maybe next year :-) Until then I am happy to peruse the Dolls Magazine coverage. Oh joy!
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/5efcfa6c#/5efcfa6c/2

Jack Pressman, Jakks Pacific Founder, Dies at age 70

2010-05-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

"Jack was a legendary toymaker and a real titan in our industry"
Jakks CEO Stephen Berman

"Toys were his passion"
Jakks board of directors

Apparently they were, look how much he liked to snuggle Pokemon. :-)

More here- labusinessjournal.com

Cherry 2000

2010-04-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

I looooved this movie when I was a tween, and I just rediscovered it on Hulu! Maybe it's because Cherry is basically a life sized doll?

It is totally classic bad eighties sci-fi, watch it for the funky post apocalyptic fashion, hilariously terrible effects and Melaine Griffith's badass cutie-pie acting!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/139612/cherry-2000

Eco Snoopers by Pecoware..uhm, how are these actually eco-friendly?

2010-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

I saw some very cute backpacks today with large corduroy plush animals attached that had a high quality handmade inspired look to them, called Eco Snoopers. The super low price caught my attention so I flipped the tag and of course, made in china. The tag said nothing about what type of eco-friendly material went into the product, so I went on-line to investigate the eco-ness, and the website has a convoluted mission statement about teaching children to be green and this apologetic line a the end:

"Pecoware Company executives steadfastly maintained that Eco Snoopers® was to be an environmentally friendly line of products. Inks, paper and fabrics were tested and reviewed, and months of research was conducted on varying types of recyclable materials. Finally, a formula was approved that would incorporate recycled materials in the manufacture of select Eco Snoopers© products."

Ooook, so what part of this product is eco? The brand new non-organic fabric? The environmentally damaging Chinese factory labor and overseas shipping? This kind of marketing ploy annoys me to no end. It appears as if they are another company trying to jump on the "green" bandwagon while doing hardly anything to be green! So lame. When companies are really green and use eco friendly materials on their product they make it aboundantly clear on their websites, tags etc.. like these plush dolls from Dandelion that are made from organic bamboo.

dandelionforbaby.com

I love all types of toys, eco or not, but really, trying to hoodwink the consumer is so not cute.

It reminds me of an equally hypocritical product that a company I formally worked for included as a bonus with a certain, well intentioned, line of fashion dolls.....a plastic, cheap, chinese made bracelet with the phrase engraved on it..."Respect the Earth"

Santa's Village!!!

2010-04-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember Santa's Village? I think I went there as a kid, or maybe I just watched the commercial and dreamed of visiting....The giant mushrooms are awesome!!!!!!! Where are they now?

I would LOVE to go back in time and visit this doll shop!

Lucky girl..looks like a Madame Alexander?

Barbie Pop Icon....Totally Eighties!

2010-04-19T01:29:00.001-07:00

Ok so after my last post about how much I love the iconic 80's Barbie illustrations I came apoun this new release... Barbie Pop Icon. Check out the dress graphic!! wow wow wow!

Coming May 2010..order Here

Barbie Eighties Illustrations

2010-04-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

I adore the way barbie was illustrated in the eightes..the colors, the hair!

CandeeGurl on Etsy appreicates my taste...check out the earrings she made!

And of course Ken was so handsome back then too!

Mimi Kirchner Doll Artist and Blogger

2010-04-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

I love love love Mimi Kirchner's dolls and her Blog! Check it out here- mimikirchner.com/blog

Tsunamika, Cute Mini Dolls for a Cause!

2010-04-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

I bought one of these awhile back, she is now living on my new blue vintage macrame purse that I got at Cominichis Vintage Flea market, next to my whoo-whoo owl..

They help support the women who make them, women who were traumatized by the Tsunami disaster in Thailand a few years back...there is lots of lovely info and stories at the website-

tsunamika.org

Pink Boots on Dolly Forever Barbie by Christian Louboutin

2010-03-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is....

PINK FRINGE BOOTS ARE SMOKIN' HOT!!!!!!!!!!

net-a-porter.com

I didn't like Christian Louboutin's first "Barbie" in black leather..But in my opinion Dolly Forever is fab!

Craft Happy!!!

2010-03-24T10:01:00.001-07:00

(-:..Some photos from the Fest...:-)

My Big Fat Doll Collection

2010-03-13T01:23:00.000-08:00

Recently I pulled out a few of my dolls for an interview with a local show called SoCal's Best,

and for the first time I took photos of my collection grouped together!

It's hard to artfully arrange these girls, someday I hope to properly shelve them all.. until then they live in boxes, poor things :-(

Come to Craft Happy in Fremont Ca!!!

2010-03-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

I am going to be here with my dolls and plushies on March 2oth!!

Kitty Kitty Kitty....

2010-03-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

Check out my new blog for crafty dollyness!

cimmeriicalifornia.blogspot.com

Barbie gets political

2010-03-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Mattel is lending the powerful force that is Barbie to The White House Project, a national, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, which aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, up to the U.S. presidency. The are trying to gather 1 million signatures to support their cause. I like their pink countdown animation...it matches my blog :-)
Go Barbie Girls!

You can sign it right down below there without even leaving the Dollhead. nice.

Johnny Deep is SUCH a Doll.....

2010-02-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

I have been doing some rainy Saturday night research and I believe that Johnny Deep may be a celebrity doll record breaker in the men's category...I found so many Johnny Dolls!!!
Check out the Mad Hatter Barbie Pink Label Doll ...Where is Alice? I have read that she is coming but yet to see her image released..Will Barbie be Alice? The Red Queen? Both??

The Sweeny Todd Doll by Medicom Toy..a perfectly handsome likeness

Willy Wonka Doll by Gentle Giant, Check out a fabulous full review here-.mwctoys.com
Tonner Doll's Captain Jack Sparrow is of course divinely perfect... down to the beard braid beads! :-p

Micky D's did a Captin Jack Sparrow Plushie!!!

Mari Kasurinen has been busy making adorable Johnny Depp OOAK My Little Ponies..
Such a detailed Jack Sparrow!

Cry Baby too.......

And Edward!!! Oh Edward...

There is a beautiful Edward Sissorhands Taeyang Pullip...

And Edward Sissorhands Living Dead Doll by Mezco.

I recently redeveloped my crush on Johnny by watching all 55 episodes of 21 Jumpstreet on Hulu. I highly recommend it.... Is there in existence an Officer Tom Hanson Doll?

New Wizard of Oz Pink Label Barbie Fall 2010!

2010-02-22T22:35:00.001-08:00

Mattel unveiled a new Wizard of Oz Barbie collectible series at Toy Fair..and they are so pretty!
I especially love the use of original head sculpts and the retro poodle skirt styled silkscreens on their dresses...and the Wicked Witch's striped tights are adorable.

Will they be adding the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in the original Ken scuplt? Somehow I think not.

You can pre-order them on-line at the Big Bad Toy Store

Jakks new Disney Fairy 9" Dolls are hitting the shelves

2010-02-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Jakks Pacific has gotten a hold of the Disney Fairies line, and the new nine inch dolls are looking mighty stylish!! I wish they where a bit more fashion doll like though, with the entire fashion done in fabric instead of partial sculpts.

I like Tink's boots and the hand on hip poses. The wings all look photoshopped on in these pictures, I want to see the real things, I imagine they are colored?

It's time to head to TRU and check these out along with all of the other new spring 2010 toys!!!

Alexander McQueen's death...what a tragic loss to both the fashion and the doll world

2010-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

AlexanderMcqueen.com

Alexander McQueen's suicide is unbelievable .
He was a genius designer, a true artist.
RIP Alexander!

Worn by both Blythe and Lady Gaga..what on earth could be cooler?

In other sad news today, Walter Fredrick Morrison, the inventor of the Frisbee also passed on, thankfully he had lived a full life and reached the age of 90...

Barbie Black Label Basics, now you can "Customize" Barbie!

2010-01-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting approach from Mattel, buy a simple barbie form a variety of 12 sculpts, skin tones and hair colors and dress her up how ever you choose...sort of like what the OAAK people have been doing forever. I like it, but where is the redhead?

The Accessory Packs are super-cute, but no new shoes..
The shoes aren't even new sculpts! I like the chihuahua and the skinny belts.

You can get them at Toys R Us

My Doll Purse Collection

2009-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

I took some photos of my doll purses. I may do some photos of my doll shoes as well.

They are all such cute little precious things! I love them, especially the very detailed ones from My Scene dolls...

Obama is Such a Doll!

2009-12-28T20:14:00.001-08:00

courtesy of sufingmaster.com

Aww, he is so happy to be on Vacay after a grueling first year in office.

I don't really consider these to be dolls, but..whatever. Happy 2010!!!!!!!

Happy Holidays, Dolls!

2009-12-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone has a lovely week and a fabulous 2010!!!

Lady Gaga Dolls by Veik11 on Flickr!

2009-12-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

Check out the amazing OOAK Lady Gaga Dolls by Veik on Flickr..
He shows you how to make your own Minnie Mouse Lady Gaga hair bow!!! His photos and dolls are totally fabulous, visit visit visit!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veik11/

Dolls Magazine Blog by Alison Rasmussen

2009-12-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

The fabulous blogger and doll collector Alison has blogged about my work in her Dolls Magazine Blog! YEaY, Check out all of her lovely blogs for lots of doll madness..

The Doll Addiction
Fashion Doll Review
The Barbie-Queue

My New Blog...Cimmerii California

2009-12-14T16:01:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!
I am starting a new blog that I will use to show my handmade dolls and things only, under my new company name Cimmerii. I have three catagories of products in the works-all handmade in California by me, Cimmi, aka Cimmerii. (that's my full name)
Cimmerii:Dolls
Cimmerii:Plush
Cimmerii:Accessories
Check it out- cimmeriicalifornia.blogspot.com
The Dollhead will continue to be a blog about lovely dolls and plush of all types...enjoy!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Go Ask Alice Press

2009-12-13T09:32:00.001-08:00

Click on the image to read the article! This was in the Santa Barbara News Press last week...

An Exciting MGA (Bratz) vs Mattel (Barbie) Trial Twist!

2009-12-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

***Breaking toy news Today***

An appeals court yesterday stayed the pending court-ordered recall of MGA Entertainment’s Bratz dolls, allowing the line to remain on store shelves. (!!!)

“The Court’s stay is good news for all Bratz fans and for anyone who cares about fair competition,” said Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment. “It keeps Bratz on the shelves, allows MGA Entertainment to continue meeting consumer demand for new Bratz products, and prevents Mattel from taking control of the billion-dollar international Bratz brand built by MGA Entertainment while the Court makes its final decision.

Read more about it Here at Playthings

Go Ask Alice Show, pre-show tour

2009-12-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

My darling husband videoed the Go Ask Alice Doll and Plush Art Show before it opened, take a tour with me!

Go Ask Alice Show...photos!

2009-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Many of these pieces are still available for purchase. For information, e-mail me misscimmi@hotmail.com
Follow the White Rabbit's Alice
9-Kei's Cat

Mr Toastee...!

Children of Eve's Queen of Hearts

Lana Crooks' March Hare

Chickenpants! Alice and Queen of Hearts

Alice Chickenpants

Mr. Toastee meets Chickenpants

Dan Levin's works in drift wood with my Garden Alice

Cinnamon Sugar Heart's Emo White Rabbit

Felt Mistress' Mad Hatter

My Alice Plays Croquet

Alice in the grips of Plushroom Soup's Red Queen Octipus, saying Off With Her Head!

Leeanna Butcher's Queen and King of Hearts

'Shroom by CinnamonSugarHearts with Fuz Frenzy's Cheshire Cat

CinamonSugarHearts' 'Shroom and 'Pillar

Leeanna Butcher's Walrus and Carpenter

Plushrooms Soup's The Sailor's Dumdee

CinnamonSugarHearts' Lonely Hearts Clubs and my Pink Alice

9-kei's Ghost

The Raggy Rat's Cheshire Cat

The Handy's Puppeteer's Tiger Lily Puppet

Brook Radamacher's Special Cookies

Chris Creature's Why The Rabbit Was Late

Vanae Rivera's Mary Ann

Little Critters~ 3 Card Guards with Rose Tree

Mary Stanley's Cupcakes

Mary Stanley's Mushrooms

Children of Eve's Growing Alice

Children of Eve

9-Kei's Rabbit

Many of these pieces are still available for purchase. For information, e-mail me misscimmi@hotmail.com

Extra Extra.... Go Ask Alice in the Santa Barbara News Press

2009-12-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Go Ask Alice gets press! The Santa Barbara News Press wrote a lovely piece about the show..read it here...http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=LIFE&ID=565695688164376693
I will post a readable version soon.. I love my hometown paper!

Mary Stanley, Art Spirit

2009-12-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

I adore the work of fiber artist Mary Stanley, she is in the Go Ask Alice show and one of my fellow Santa Barbarians! Check out her lovely blog.
http://marystanley.blogspot.com/

One of my Alice in Wonderland Dolls for Go Ask Alice

2009-11-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

Drink ME!

Santa Barbara News Press Photoshoot for Go Ask Alice..

2009-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

..Featuring Dan Levin and Brooke Rademacher...

Check out my youtube channel!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/thedollhead

A Quick History of Ragdolls at Cloth Doll Creations UK

2009-11-23T22:49:00.001-08:00

Check out this link for a short history of cloth dolls.

http://www.clothdollcreations.co.uk/history.html

Why the Rabbit Was Late, by Chris Creatures, For the Go Ask Alice Doll and Plush Show

2009-11-22T23:34:00.001-08:00

Why the Rabbit Was Late, originally uploaded by ChrisCreatures.

For the Go Ask Alice Doll and Plush Show, by Chris Creatures...I busted out laughing when I saw this! So Crazy Creative Cool! Uhm, the white rabbit is smoking a cigar, the card table looks like a mushroom and the card are playing..cards! LOL LOL LOL!!!

Kawaii Fabric from Japan from etsy seller Beautiful Work

2009-11-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

I ordered this adorable fabric from etsy seller Beautiful Work

Alice in Wonderland fabric, fawns, matryoska, kokeshis and more cuteness! I will be making some fun dolls out of these :-)

Lenny's Alice in Wonderland Site

2009-11-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

Lately I am loving Lenny's Alice in Wonderland site..thank you Lenny, who ever you are!
What a great resource for all things Alice.
He has a whole Shop devoted to Mad Tea Party supplies. wow!

I may have to get a giant chess set...!

or a hedgehog

and flamingos!

this book looks so fun, Taking Tea With Alice: Looking Glass Tea Parties
by: Dawn Hylton, Diane Sedo

Owl + owlet by Plushroom Soup

2009-11-20T00:01:00.001-08:00

Owl + owlet, originally uploaded by Plushroom Soup.

These Owls are so sweet! By Plushroom Soup, one of the Go Ask Alice Artists...I can't wait to see her Go Ask Alice pieces!!!!