TONNERSpace Newsletter JOIN OUR MAILING LIST - CLICK HERE! What's New at Tonner!
June 2008 
!!!IN THIS ISSUE!!!
:: SURVEY!
:: NEW AWARDS & HONORS
:: SPOTLIGHT: 2008 ONLINE CONVENTION RECAP
:: Dolls That Touch Your Heart: MOLLY TRAVELS
:: Design Room Scoop: Who are the Sisters Devereaux?
:: New Calendar Updates
:: TONNERDirect Report: Secret Special Memos
:: TRAVELS WITH ROBERT
:: TONNERPICKS!
:: EXCLUSIVES!
:: Believing in the Power of Play® - Collector Spotlight
:: WIN  ULTRA BASIC TYLER in our Monthly Challenge!
:: Tonner Company Store: Understanding BJDs

Robert Tonner 2007Hello & Happy June! 

 

Welcome to TONNERSpace, our monthly online newsletter. As June begins, we are still savoring the fun we had at the Tonner "Dreamscapes" Convention. I hope that you enjoyed the live event coverage, and I invite you to read our recap article in the Spotlight.
 
I just returned from Philadelphia, to attend the Wizard World Convention. I was pleased to meet doll and character figure collectors as well as lecture on sculpting and participate in a panel discussion while at the show. If you missed out this year, check out the highlights in Travels with Robert...you may just want to add this show to your 2009 event calendar--it was a blast!
 
Meanwhile the reporter covering Design Room Scoop has been VERY persistent this month in researching two very chic sisters who will be introduced to Tonner Collectors soon......I am not saying another word...but she just might..
 
I hope that you enjoy this edition of TONNERSpace, and as always, we encourage you to sign up a friend, as this newsletter is free to all who request it. 

 

Enjoy!
Robert Tonner

CLICK THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER IMAGES

SURVEY!

FAVORITE TONNER MOMENT?

We're always hearing from collectors about their favorite moments with Robert and/or their Tonner Dolls.  This time, we're going to JUDGE you!  Top three answers will be placed in the July Newsletter...and you will each receive a special prize.  So head on down your own private memory lane...we want to hear from you!

 

WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE FAVORITE TONNER EXPERIENCE? - CLICK HERE TO ENTER! YOU MAY JUST BE SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL PRIZE!

 

OUR LAST SURVEY: WHERE TO GO? HERE'S THE TOP LOCATIONS YOU SELECTED FOR FUTURE TONNER CONVENTIONS: TOP FIVE CITIES - CHICAGO, ORLANDO, WASHINGTON DC, BOSTON & TOP REGIONS - MIDWEST, NORTHEAST AND SOUTHEAST - THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!


 

NEW Awards & Honors

Nods from the Industry

 

Proceeds from a special doll auction during the 2008 Tonner Doll Convention totaled over $18,000 to benefit Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. CAAF Representative, Michael Gallego, Development Coordinator for CAAF, had this to say, "I would formally like to thank (Tonner) for the excellent work you did at the recent convention!  This has been my first real event for the foundation and I was very touched by the auction, and everyone’s help.  I also very much appreciated your welcome to the convention and your super job with the auction.  I am very glad to have been able to participate and look forward to possibly seeing everyone again!  The amount generated by the auction is no small thing, and I think that our program department will be able to make it go a long way for the children and families that we serve.  Thank you so much!"

 

AND - check out the latest issue of DOLLS Magazine - they've got the exclusive scoop on Robert's newest Devereaux Sisters...

DOLLS August 2008...Shauna's got a sneak peek of the glamorous duo BACKSTAGE - Click here. and a special offer from DOLLS Magazine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Tonner presents his 'How to Sculpt' panel at Wizard World Philadelphia - check out 'Travels with Robert' for a complete report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spotlight: 2008 VIRTUAL Convention a BIG HIT!

FIRST-TIME EVER ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION REACHES OVER 260 PEOPLE ONLINE

We had a blast in Lombard...and we were also thrilled that over 260 people joined us for our online virtual convention - relive the moments HEREhttp://tonnerinc.blogspot.com/.

Robert was even so taken with the coverage, that we posted a couple of new updates to his question & answer session. AND don't forget to check in with our convention photo album - you can access that by clicking here: 2008 Convention Photo Album

 

 

After receiving emails from collectors who participated, they unanimously agreed that the behind-the-scenes coverage was the most fun part of the blog.  After all, the event attendees don't get to go behind the curtain to see set-up.  This convention's breath-taking centerpieces left everyone buzzing about what Robert would do for the Halloween Convention this Fall! Seeing the live reports brought visitors from their homes...and it was a fun-filled weekend for all.

 

LEFT: Tom sits at his online workstation during convention...hard to believe so much came from such a small space!

 

Bringing the online coverage wasn't without it's challenges - certain limitations on blogger.com inhibited video uploads and links to larger images via thumbnails - but we were incredibly encouraged by the response and you can rest assured we will do it again - as long as technology is on our side.  We also believe we will be able to expand the coverage, giving you more entertainment as the events unfold, with even more chances to win prizes, talk to Robert, and be a part of the overall experience!

Thank you for being there and making the first online convention a huge success...we couldn't have done it without you!

 

Dolls That Touch Your Heart®

"MOLLY TRAVELS" to Benefit Abused Children

Who did you tell your secrets to when you were small? Who waited for you to come home from school? Who comforted you when you were sad? For most of us, the answer was a loving family, a faithful pet, or, perhaps, a favorite doll. But, not all children are so blessed, and one sweet little doll has been working hard to make a difference in the lives of the abused children sheltered at The Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont, CA.

Meet Molly Travels. Molly is a re-named Patsi in Florida doll, by artist Heidi Plusczok. Heidi donated her to the yahoo! Plusczokdolls group for this special project. Barlee Rumburg, owner of the group, coordinated Molly’s visits with her hosting families. For the past year Molly has traveled the world, visiting 14 hosts in three different countries. She has collected over 50 incredible souvenirs from her journey. You can read all about Molly and see all of her donations at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MollyTravels/?yguid=197793309

As luck would have it, Molly was between hosts in September 2007, so Barlee & Heidi took her to the Modern Doll Convention where she met Robert Tonner. Robert was so impressed with this little doll’s mission that he invited her to visit the Tonner Co. where their team designed an entire ensemble, complete with accessories for Molly’s trunk. Other artists who donated include Helen Kish, Paulette Goodreau and Andrea Christensen of the Kathe Kruse Co. Heidi Plusczok has also created a photo book documenting Molly’s adventures for her lucky new owner.

Molly’s journey has come to an end. She has spread the word about abused children and the comfort and joy that only a doll can bring. Now through the eBay auction of Molly and her souvenirs, 100% of the money raised will continue to provide dolls to the abused children of Childhelp Village. Since 2006, 100 girls have been given an American Girl doll, carefully selected to match the eye, hair, and skin colors of the recipient.

The auction will start on Sunday, August 10th at 7:00 pm Pacific Standard time. Look for seller ID: nancyatletsplaydolls. Mark your calendars. Bid early and bid often! Help us brighten a child’s life!

 

Design Room Scoop: Who are the Sisters Devereaux?

They're New & They're the Cat's Meow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whoopee!! Robert’s newest collection of 16” fashion dolls are almost here and they are just the bee’s knees! These swanky sisters are decked out in the finest fashions of the roaring 1920’s. Renee and Louise Devereaux are certainly the cat’s meow according to Robert. I recently interviewed Robert about his newest collection which will be in stock this summer!!

Shauna Perry: I know you can't reveal too much, but what can you tell us about the Devereaux Sisters

Robert Tonner: I love this line!  The sisters are two new characters in our doll world and they are very glamorous. 

SP: Do they have new, unique face sculpts?

RT: Yes, both ladies have new heads. 

SP: How would you describe their personalities? 

RT: They are young, attractive and have a lot of attitude (and plenty of money to spend on their favorite things - clothes)!  Both are very sophisticated, well-read and traveled.  They are out on their own in Paris for the first time.  Unlike their mother, they are not as apt to let society define who they are. 

SP: What was the inspiration behind creating these exciting new characters?  

RT: I saw a wonderful fashion spread in Vogue magazine—I was inspired to bring those images to life.

SP: Where does your inspiration come from when you design their clothing?

RT: I do keep the Vogue pictures in the design room, but there are also a lot of vintage photographs that we look at.  We threw in a touch of "Goth," a touch of vintage and a lot of high fashion...

SP: You haven't really explored the 20's in the fashions you have created for previous collections.  How do the designs from the 20's compare to the more modern looks? 

RT: I think 20's fashion was the original modern fashion.  Women threw away the restricting under garments of the Victorian days.  Fashion was inspired by a new and free open mind as well as other countries and sports—it was a very exciting time for women's fashion.

 

 

SP: What makes designing for this collection so different from designing for others like Tyler's timeless classics and Voss' edgy styles?

RT: It's great to get back to the roots of where modern fashion comes from—over-the-top, elegant sportswear.

 

 

 

Check out the latest issue of DOLLS Magazine - they've got the exclusive scoop on Robert's newest Devereaux Sisters...with images of the collection and first look details on this exciting new Tonner Doll Collection - DOLLS August 2008...

 

DOLLS Devereaux Sisters Special

For just $20* receive the DOLLS August issue featuring Tonner's new Devereaux Sisters on the cover plus a one-year subscription. That's 11 issues at less than $2 per issue! Go to www.dollsmagazine.com - Click "Subscribe" - Choose 1-year subscription. Enter promotion code 502083. *Add $15 for foreign addresses.

 

 

 

 

 

TONNERDIRECT REPORT: Secret Special Memos
Not So Secret Anymore

 

Look Familiar?

 

TONNERDirect.com

Internal Classified Memo

Level: Eyes only – do not forward or reply

Date: 080603

Subject: public image of SECRET SPECIALS

From: Area 51 Marketing and FTM

 

This memo pertains to all personnel who either are, or could find themselves, in the position of addressing SECRET SPECIALS with the general public, press, or local investigators not privy to sensitive nature of the program.

TONNERDirect and TONNERDirect.com admit no knowledge of the existence of SECRET SPECIALS. Our first response is to deny any knowledge or involvement in any such named program or initiative.

Questions may be posed regarding the incredible values found on said SECRET SPECIALS page. Some of the offerings are promotional with reductions in price. Some are pieces with diminished quantities or moving very quickly. Still others are just too cool not to have. Again, if you are asked about the incredible values offered in SECRET SPECIALS, deny, deny, deny!!

For your information only, not to be shared with anyone outside of TONNERDirect, items on the SECRET SPECIALS page can appear and be removed without prior notice. As we cannot risk being caught, we need to be on the move. Stay in one place too long, and they’ve got you!

FTM is the enforcement arm of Area 51 Marketing. They operate under the radar making sure the SECRET SPECIALS are kept secret. A.D. Kralik is the heads up the FTM for A51M. All FTM special agents report to him.

Please remember, do not share any of this information with anyone outside the agency. If word were to get out regarding SECRET SPECIALS and what they contain, there would be no telling how many consumers would be able to enhance their collections at such a great value.

 

 

TONNERDirect and TONNERDirect.com disavow any and all persons claiming to be involved in the SECRET SPECIALS program. As far as we’re concerned, not only is there no such thing, but anyone who claims there to be, is obviously unwell and possibly a danger to themselves or others. If you are one of those people who is unwell, be sure to fax your resume, including cover letter, to our HR department for placement in our talent pool. Normally our strict can-you-see-lightening-and-hear-thunder screening and hiring process is enough, but due to growing popularity, we have had to raise our standards to include only the borderline insane and moderately delusional. If you meet the criteria, someone will contact you. No phone calls please. I’m just sayin’--

 

 

 

TRAVELS WITH ROBERT
Memphis, TN; Villa St. Benedicts, Convention and Wizard World Philadelphia

 

MEMPHIS, TN

 

We wanted to share some new pics from Robert's visit with the Memphis Doll Club and the Southern Belles Doll Club.  It certainly looked like a great time was had by all...we're sorry we didn't get everyone's names...but we think that Tonner Display rocked!

 

 

 

 

Robert greets happy collectors in Memphis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VILLA ST. BENEDICTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During Convention, Robert joined Margie Trembley and the residents of Villa St. Benedict for a chat on dolls and play.  Robert spoke to the group, then met with each to sign their door prizes and answers questions about vintage dolls.  We want to thank Margie for the great pics...and for asking Robert to join her with such a fun group of folks...yes, that Midwest touch was perfect!

 

 

 

 

 

CONVENTION

 

Convention was a blast...please be sure to check out other reports in this issue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WIZARD WORLD PHILADELPHIA

TONNERDirect has left its mark on Philadelphia and a lot of it was a mustard stain from Joe Petrollese’s pretzel!

The Wizard World Philadelphia show was a HUGE success for TONNERDirect. If you attended the show and didn’t find us, you are clearly not visiting your optometrist every year as recommended! The folks at WW, who were incredibly gracious and helpful, put us right at the front door! If you came in to see anything you came past or through booth #700, and we are happy you did!

 

 

Featured at WW Philadelphia were our show exclusive, Arkham Asylum Poison Ivy, a Wizard World premiere of Superman and Krypto Collector Set, and lots and lots of free stuff given away at our very well attended drawings.

 

 

 

 

We had Harley Quinn and Spider Man in our booth. For those of you saying, “Duh, I know you make those. I have them and they’re incredible,” hold on just one second. We aren’t talking about the amazing Tonner Character Figures. We’re talking about Harley Quinn and Spider Man!! They were on hand to pose with children, adults, fans, and other cosplayers right in the OUR booth. Thank you to Anthony and Faythe, AKA Spiderman and Harley Quinn.

 

 

As Wizard World’s focus was on the artists behind the creations we love to collect, Robert Tonner himself made an appearance. He hosted a ‘How To Sculpt’ panel, drawing in record crowds and completely captivating those in attendance. Robert took the audience through the sculpting process from twisting the armature to completing a head. Dozens of photographs were thrown up on the projector depicting each step as Robert described what it is he does to get to the finished piece of art.

 

 

 

A question and answer segment followed the dissertation in which members of the audience eagerly plied Robert for the secrets of his success. 'Which hardness of Plasticine does he use,' 'what does he reference when he’s not sculpting a specific likeness,' and 'how long did it take before he felt he was proficient' were just a few of the in-depth queries that were posed.

 

We would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Wizard World Philadelphia show the hit that is was for us including the folks at Wizard Entertainment, the staff of the Philadelphia convention center, and most of all the fans who make the show more fun than work.

Next up: Wizard World Chicago!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TONNERPICKS!
Collectors Share Their Fun, Fancy as They Believe in the Power of Play®

 

Peg Farwell writes to us about her grandson, Mac Twinning - he is 9 years old, in the fourth grade and he lives with his parents, Toby & Darla, in Wolfeboro, NH.  Mac draws and sketches all the time; his interest evolved to fashion dolls after he started sketching when he was about 7 and 1/2 years. Mac has a doll collection of his own, including 2 or 3 Cissy's as well as Tonner's "C'est Magnifique Tyler" and Jane.  Mac also likes dancing; he started ballet lessons while living in Conn - his mother is a professional dancer and he spent time sketching the ballerina's. We think he's got major talent...keep up the good work, Mac!

 

We also loved the pics Peg Farwell sent us of little dresses she makes for the 10" girls & Mrs. Willowby's classmates...she had many of these as table favors for attendees at the UFDC Regional in Albany, NY last month...wonderful, Peg!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madi Alexander, the proud winner of "Toni, Here Comes The Bride Doll" - Madi's grandmother, Kay Alexander, was a very valuable member and charter member of The Southern Belles Doll Club.  Kay passed away a couple of years ago, but memories of her are still in the hearts of her friends and family.  Congrats, Madi!

 

 

 

 

 

Carol Joynt sends in her favorite display, Wizard of Oz.  She made the whole thing (including the bazillion bricks on the road!).  Carol also sends us  the Cowardly Lion made over as Beast and a little group she put together called "Black and White Band."  Thanks, Carol! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matty Powley sends us some great pics from May's request to show us your Ultra Basics!  The dolls wear a variety of couture from independent artists such as Gin-O, Empire by HALO and YUMYUM couture...as well as some Tonner favorites, too.  Thanks, Matty...great pics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suzanne Nolan's granddaughter, Meghan, gets her Blue Fairy signed by Robert at Convention - Meghan has 13 dolls in her doll glass doll case now - and it's up to her Papa to start another one!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the fun PICS, Everyone!

 

HEY...How about showing us your Betsy McCall Dolls for July!  We'd love to include your images - please email them to help@tonnerdoll.com.

 

 

EXCLUSIVES!
Two Daydreamers, Angelic Dreamz, Cherished Friends; Cherished Friends, Too! & Sauder Village

 

Two Daydreamers' Exclusive Character Ultimate Ashleigh Basic

Visit Two Daydreamers' website at www.twodaydreamers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown above: Prototype Ultimate Ashleigh wears Tyler Ready-to-Wear Boutique™ separates (outfits not included with doll – doll has been styled for photography – due to the hand-crafted nature of this special doll, each style will vary).

 

Shared Exclusive Ultimate Tyler Wentworth® Basic - shared by Cherished Friends & Angelic Dreamz

Visit the Retailers' Websites:

www.cherishedfriends.com - click here

www.angelicdreamz.com - click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown above: Prototype Ultimate Tyler Wentworth® wears Madison Avenue Afternoon, Midnight Garden and Signature Style (outfits not included with doll – doll has been styled for photography; brunette wig was styled to create ponytail – due to the hand-crafted nature of this special doll, each style will vary).

Goldilocks - LE 200

Cherished Friends Exclusive

www.cherishedfriends.com - click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Basics - Stella Golden (LE250) & Jac (LE 300) (Stella Raven LE250 - not shown - also available as CF Customer Appreciation Doll)

Cherished Friends Exclusive

www.cherishedfriends.com - click here

 

 

 

 

 

Through the Looking Glass Alice - LE 200

Cherished Friends Exclusive

www.cherishedfriends.com - click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Lee - LE150

Sauder Village Exclusive

Little Mary Lee (Kripplebush Kids Sculpt) wears a layered lace-trimmed cotton dress in plaid and floral cotton prints topped with fresh, white embroidered cotton pinafore; includes tights, ankle boots and plaid cotton bonnet with satin ribbon trim. Contact Sauder Village at 800-590-9755 - visit the website - click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONTHLY CHALLENGE: Did YOU Know...?
Testing your Tonner Know

 

May's Question: Can you name 15 FEMALE Chase Models? We thought it amusing at all the answers we got...and many of the characters who never existed in Tyler's world at all...but they were imaginative and funny...so we applaud all you creative thinkers out there!

 

 

 

 

 

Again, we were only looking for dolls made by Tonner...so sorry to say that Ellowyne Wilde, Seventeen and Julia didn't make the cut.  We had a few people who gave us Marley...and we almost accepted it...but then we realized how easy this question was, and we disqualified anyone who answered with Marley...we think we were pretty generous in allowing Tyler, Mei Li, etc.  We did not accept Celebration, Regina, Kassie or any Brenda Starr character save Sammie (Betty Ann sculpt).   We will also remind you we asked for at least 12 Chase Models without other characters such as Mei Li or Tyler.  We won't even mention all the male characters we received as responses...

 

 

 

 

 

To be able to answer this question with all names, you would need the Tyler Wentworth Fifth Anniversary Album, where many models were named, but dolls were not produced by Tonner (those marked with *) did not have dolls made).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the complete list of ALL the CHASE Models (we won't list the non-Chase characters who have modeled for Chase like Tyler, Mei Li, etc)...these are the girls who owe their careers to Sydney:

 

Esmé

Angelina

Kit

Stella

Ashleigh

Jac

Charlotte

Kagiso

Winnie*

Pepper*

Beau*

Sammie

Shauna

Ava

Mina

Zandra*

Emilie

 

 

SO...Congratulations to Tracy Bitoni (AKA 'TracyB') - She won herself a FREE ELIZABETH SWANN COURT GOWN Doll!

 

How about  new challenge? You'll need your Fashion Doll Quarterly Exclusive 'VIRTUAL' Magazine Bracelet to answer this one - don't have one?  Get one at http://www.fashiondollquarterly.net

 

 

 

The Tyler Wentworth Family Tree received some updates in the Spring 2008 EXCLUSIVE Virtual Issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly (issued on Jump Drive FDQ Bracelets during the 'Mother Goose Re-Imagined' event at Tonner Company Convention this past May).  From that issue, can you answer the following questions?

 

In honor of Father's Day - please name BOTH Tyler's and Sydney's fathers' names - but since this is a simple 'look it up' answer...we'd also like for you to tell us the three models who are lovingly remembered and remain amongst Sydney's top faces at Chase.

 

 

Email your answers (PLEASE ONLY ENTER ONCE - YOUR FIRST SUBMISSION WILL BE SAVED AS YOUR OFFICIAL ENTRY) to help@tonnerdoll.com with "June Monthly Challenge" in the subject line - get your answers right, and you will be eligible to win a FREE ULTRA BASIC TYLER Doll!!! - check for the answers in the next Newsletter!

 

Special thanks to Lynn Fenstermacher for the use of her FDQ Editorial images featuring the Cherished Friends' Exclusive Ultra Basic Stella (Raven & Golden) and Jac

(for info - see Exclusives Section)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Believing in the Power of Play: Collector Spotlight
From Facets With Love...

 

 

Those of you who know Marcia Friend and Facets by Marcia (www.facetsbymarcia.com - sparkling rhinestone doll jewelry and an emporium for doll accessories) know she attends many, many collector events - both as a business, but first and foremost, as a COLLECTOR!  We asked her to give us her thoughts on the 2008 Tonner Convention - from a collector's point of view.

 

Okay… a collector’s point of view of the Lombard convention… where to start??

 

It was great! 

 

 

There were so many new things to look at all weekend that it was hard to take everything in.   The debuts of the Tiny Betsy BJD, Lady G, Superman, Lois, Lana and Rufus (and all the fantastic other souvenirs!) gave everyone something new to enjoy.

 

The centerpieces at every event were spectacular and set the tone of the rooms as soon as you walked in.  The glorious Dreamscape goddess setting on Friday night, the first glimpse of Lady G with her goose, the creativity of Superman’s Daily Planet, the mood of Rufus’ Lonely Street, and the whimsical charm of Geppetto’s workbench made all of the meal events magical.  I wish I had a place to put the Daily Planet Superman one, but they refused to include a house expansion if I bought it.  I did manage to get the Lonely Street set, and Ellowyne would like to thank Mark for the first dollar she earned as a pole dancer.

 

 

 

 

The Tonner staff was terrific – they seemed to be everywhere and making sure that everything was moving smoothly and everyone was happy.  The charming Jack Kralik acted as master of ceremonies at most events.  He mercifully kept Robert from telling the peanut joke over the weekend... a relief to many repeat conventioneers (first-timers will just have to come back to another convention for that)!

 

There was so much going on all weekend - meal events, salesroom, PJ party, raffles, competition display, and way too much to talk about in a short space... you just have to come to one of these and find out for yourself!

 

 

 

One of the best parts of conventions is being with fellow collectors/doll nuts.  There’s always a terrific energy among groups like this, and if you’ve never been to a convention, attending one will take you to a whole new level of enthusiasm and probably hook you up with some great new friends.  It’s very easy to make friends when you know that everyone you talk to has one of your favorite passions in common!  I saw a lot of new faces at this convention and I hope to see you again in October! 

 

Just think… this much fun and wearing costumes, too!

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Marcia!!!

 

COMPANY STORE REPORT: Ball-Jointed Huh?
Understanding BJD's (Ball-Jointed Dolls)

 

So, you finally have your hands on your very first resin ball-jointed doll (BJD), and you are now wondering what they are all about. Not to worry, we have a crash course in BJD’s just for you!

The term “ball-jointed” refers to the construction of multiple articulated jointing that is actually patterned after the antique bisque headed dolls on composition bodies that were produced in Europe in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Of course these bodies have been perfected and the advancement of materials and workmanship is quite evident. In today’s world, the term ball-jointed doll usually refers to a resin (a type of durable cured polyurethane plastic) strung doll with many areas of articulated jointing; they are usually made overseas.

Although resin BJD’s are predominately manufactured in Japan and Korea, China is now involved in the making of resin ball-jointed dolls for many companies here and abroad.

So, what makes these dolls so sought after and interesting? Two things come to mind immediately - customization and articulation. These dolls have the ability to be changed over and over with ease. The eyes are held in place by soft putty that makes it easy to change them from blue to brown to green and even violet! The vast array of colors and styles is never-ending. The top of head under wig is held on by magnets or elastic, and it removes for easy access to the eyes.

The same holds true for the hair. These dolls are wigged and the wigs are usually held on by a bit of Velcro or even the stretch cap alone. The doll can be a blonde, brunette, redhead - or even take on an anime look with hot pink mohair! Again, the only limit is your own imagination.

OK, so we now know what they are made of, where most are manufactured, and that they are strung dolls that can be posed in an array of poses and most of all, we know they are easily customizable! Did you know that because these dolls are strung, you can easily change the head, hands and feet? As long as the parts fit, you have full control over just how much changing you want to do.

As you may not be aware, some BJD’s can be purchased as blanks (without their default face paint) and you can paint the lips, brows, lashes and shade and highlight your own truly custom doll. All it takes is a good set of brushes, some high quality acrylic paints and chalks, and a good sealer like Mr. Super Clear UV cut and Mr. Super Clear matt sealer. Your “face-up” (face painting) can be removed with acetone so you can start all over if you wish.

You may be asking yourself why these dolls are a bit on the pricey side. The reason is that they cannot be mass produced. Not only do all of the parts have to be cast separately, strung by hand and meticulously sanded, but there is also a considerable amount of hand painting. You can imagine how time consuming it is to complete just one doll.

Classic Ball-jointed dolls usually come with their factory face paint and packaged in a box with pillows. They typically come with their default eyes set in putty and a wig, and they do not usually come with stands or other accessories.

There are now so many sizes from the smallest at a few inches to the largest at about 70cm. There was also a line of almost life-sized paper moon dolls, but they are seldom seen. Prices usually start at a few hundred for the small BJD’s and can cost in the thousands for the largest BJD’s fully dressed.

 

I will warn you though, resin BJD’s are addicting! One will sooner or later lead to another, and another and another!

Need help with your BJD, have questions or need service? Remember, the Tonner Doll Hospital is experienced in handling all of your BJD needs. Call 845-339-2960 for information or prices!

Images shown in this article are the BJD Ultimate Tyler Wentworth (see Exclusives for more information); and Lady G, Posey & Daffie from 2008 Tonner Convention.

 

 

 

 

GOT A DOLLY EMERGENCY?

If you need to speak with the Doll Doctor Noreen about non-Tonner doll emergencies, please call the Tonner Company Store directly at (845) 339-2960 or (845) 339-2961 for an estimate and appointment.

If you are local or planning a trip, stop in! Our hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10am - 6pm; Sundays from 12 - 4pm.

 

 

 

 

 

TONNER COMPANY STORE - WWW.TONNERCOMPANYSTORE.COM

GOINGS ON: 2008 Calendar
Keeping In Step with Robert Tonner

 

We have many exciting events coming up this year (see below) and if you would like your event to be added, please email event details and contact information to help@tonnerdoll.com. WE NOW HOST ALL EVENTS FREE IN OUR NEWSLETTER CALENDAR - PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEXT EVENT!

June 26-29 - Wizard World Chicago - visit http://www.wizardworld.com/chicago.html for more information.

July 24-27 - Comic Con San Diego - visit http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ for more information.

July 28 - August 1 - UFDC, Las Vegas, NV. Visit the website at www.ufdc.org

August 2-3 - Archbold, OH (Northwest Ohio - click for map) Sauder Village Event You are cordially invited to a Collector Brunch, hosted by the Tonner Doll Company at Sauder Village.  The souvenir doll will be a 16” fashion doll – dressed in style with the 1900’s (EXCLUSIVE sneak peek of the prototype to the left - using the 'Tess' sculpt from the Dick Tracy Collection - please note colors may vary in production).  Seating will be limited to the first 100 people  to register, so register today! You must be present for the first opportunity to purchase the special souvenir doll. We look forward to seeing you there! Cost for Breakfast, Program, and Event Price is $125.00 and must be prepaid. Reservations must be received by July 25, 2008.  You can register online here: www.regonline.com/saudervillage or download the registration form here - click here.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE August 9 - Tonner Company Store 14 Hurley Ave. Kingston, NY 12401 - Meet Robert Tonner and see a variety of the BRAND NEW 2008 Tonner and Effanbee Fall/Holiday Collections! Some of our newest characters will be on hand, including the Sisters Devereaux. You'll want to make a drive or a train trip into the beautiful Hudson Valley for this Exclusive Party!

 

 

August 10 - MOLLY TRAVELS Doll Auction -  The auction will start on Sunday, August 10th at 7:00 pm Pacific Standard time. Look for seller ID: nancyatletsplaydolls. To benefit The Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont, CA.

September 7 - MetroDolls on Broadway 10AM-4PM, Woodbridge, NJ - Join MetroDolls for a luncheon event celebrating American theater and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  Souvenir doll from Tonner Doll Company and companion items will be available!  The luncheon also features a OOAK fashion doll charity auction, door prizes, and lots of other surprises.  An optional Saturday night dinner includes a vintage fashion display of "Opening Nights Through the Decades" presenting over a century of elegant evening wear.  Please visit www.metrodolls.com or call Marcia at 732-583-5608 for more information. ABSENTEE PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE.

September 24-28 - Modern Doll Collectors Convention, St. Petersburg, FL details TBA - click on the thumbnail at left for the official announcement, or visit the website at http://www.moderndollcollectors.com

 

October 17-19 - 2008 Tonner Halloween Convention, Framingham, MA -  SOLD OUT – to be added to the waitlist, please visit www.regonline.com/2008halloweenconvention