Tuesday, August 31, 2010

GONE FISHIN'

When my artist friend, Charley, wanted to take a few days off from his gallery in the city he'd post a sign that simply said GONE FISHIN' in the window. I don't think Charley actually ever picked up rod and reel but the sign did the trick and no one ever asked to see a flounder or a fluke.

So, Gregor and I are taking off for a few days -- maybe even a week. I have to get my online bear-making lessons pulled together because classes begin mid September.

I'll look in on the Yahoo groups from time to time but for now this blogger has GONE FISHIN'.

Monday, August 30, 2010

ANOTHER OZ BOOK

The Sasha and Gregor babies are delighted with the Dover Little Activity OZ Sticker book that feature Daddy Ted's full color illustrations.

This little book has four pages of OZ stickers in a size just right for Sasha dolls and babies.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

LADY SASHA

When my little brunette waif arrived a few days ago she had a couple of extra outfits with her. She is now wearing the Trendon long green dress after her rebirth as a redhead as you can see in an earlier blog entry.

The other outfit was this lovely velvet Medieval gown that was tagged "Just Pretend" and I added the gold cord belt to complete her look as a lady of the court.

Then I did some online research of the company and discovered that they made highly imaginative and detailed dolls and accessories. Apparently the line ended in 2001 with the demise of the online idolls company.

This gown is part of an outfit called "Kublai Khan's Dinner" and worn by a doll called "KAT the Time Explorer."

All the various fashions and accessories, including a real suit of armor, were beautifully crafted. What a shame that this company has ceased to produce these beautifully crafted dolls and accessories.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

REBIRTH OF A WAIF

I recently adopted a brunette Sasha waif with seriously shedding hair. When she arrived it was clear that she would need a complete makeover. While her hair was a complete disaster, she was perfect in every other way and has a lovely soft matte finish and amber brown, hand-finished eyes.

It took over two hours to pull out all of her damaged hair until she was bald without any stubble.

I decided that she would make a lovely redhead and so I took one of the wigs I had designed for Sasha dolls and restyled it. A while back Kendal showed one of her waifs wearing this wig as it was originally styled with long curls and two front panels pulled back into a mini ponytail caught up with a ribbon.

But I wanted a different look for my new girl so I combed out her long curls until they fell into a soft semi ponytail in back. Then I took down the two front panels and let them fall on either side of her face in soft tendrils.

She is wearing one of the three outfits that she came with. This is my second waif and my first Sasha reborn as a redhead.

Friday, August 27, 2010

DADDY TED GOES TO OZ

Look, this is Daddy Ted's new WIZARD OF OZ book that was just published by Dover Books.

It comes with two CDs that tell the story as we read along. I'm wearing my blue gingham and red shoes to celebrate.

Here are Dorothy and Toto being blown to OZ in the cyclone. Daddy Ted did all the coloring in the book.

And here is Dorothy in Munchkinland after her house falls on the Wicked Witch. Aren't the colors wonderful.

This is my favorite illustration. It shows Dorothy oiling the Tin Woodman so he can join them on the Yellow Brick Road to THE WONDERFUL CITY OF OZ.
This book is part of the DOVER "Read and Listen" series of famous children's stories. The book contains two CDs and large print text to read along.
Filled with full color illustrations and black and white sketches by the original artist -- W.W. Denslow. Original Story by L. Frank Baum.
If you would like a copy they are $14.99 plus s&h. For more details please write to SashaStreetUSA@aol.com

Thursday, August 26, 2010

REMEMBERING NANCY

Today I was looking through old photographs and found this snapshot of my friend Nancy who owned an enchanting shop in New York City called "Nancy's Fancy."
I have written about Nancy before. She was my first friend who also loved Sasha dolls. Nancy was, as Nana Laura would say, "Poor as a Church Mouse." Actually, Nancy made poor look good and she triumphed over it with style. She only had one Sasha doll - a blonde Gregor named "William or Mary Depending" -- depending on what he/she wore that day.

The shop was tiny and chock full of revamped and reclaimed "discards" that Nancy rounded up in the wee hours of the morning before the garbage men took them away. She refinished discarded chairs and painted charming designs on them that children loved. Almost everything in the shop was redone in her own style.

After school the local kids filled the shop laughing and joking with Nancy who always had a bright smile and a hearty laugh. She was what people referred to as "a spinster lady" which meant she had discovered life without a man to get in her way.

Her positive, upbeat attitude always reminded me of Nana Laura and Nancy's "museum days" certainly would have delighted Nana Laura.

On Mondays Nancy put on her uptown outfit and visited all the expensive shops on Fifth Avenue. She could not afford a single item they had to offer but she enjoyed the experience.

"I think of them as museums where you can touch things and even try them on." It gave her enormous delight to stroll through Tiffany's and Bergdorf Goodman's -- touching the glamorous gowns and trying on the impossibly expensive hats.

We were an odd pair -- she had nothing and I was overpaid and had cash to burn. I envied her and now that I'm no longer rolling in cash I remember what she taught me about simple joy.

I'd sit and watch her working on some old chair -- giving it new life -- and be amazed by her skill and her modesty.

I was in California when she died suddenly. When I got home I went to visit her and found the shop closed. As I stood looking into the small window -- empty now with just a sign that read "End of the Rainbow" -- one of her young friends came by to leave a flower at the door. We knew each other from years of afternoons spent laughing with Nancy.

"What happened?" I asked.

"She died."

"How?"

"Her heart was so full of love it just exploded."

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

AM I BAD?

Sasha says I'm a naughty boy.

I'm really just an average kid wearing a hoodie.

Well, maybe not exactly average. (giggle)

The devil made me do it.
Gregor is wearing a delightful devil hoodie created for "The American BJDs" by the Goodreau Doll Company.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

OH, BABY, BABY, BABY

Sasha and Baby Greg and Baby Sasha are playing with three cute little baby dolls from Sunshine Crafts. These vinyl, jointed, baby dolls have inset glass eyes and various expressions. When you order them you don't know which one you'll get. Sort of like real life. I ordered three and got a pair of identical twins plus a third triplet who isn't identical. They are listed as being 5 inches and Sunshine has several other versions in various sizes including one dressed version with accessories.

Sasha and the kids think they are really cute. Sunshine Crafts has lots of interesting items that are fun for Sasha. http://www.sunshinecrafts.com/


Monday, August 23, 2010

BORROWING FASHIONS - MAGIC ATTIC

Here is Sasha wearing Rose's basic outfit from the Magic Attic collection. Beautiful bright green plaid taffeta dress with white tights and black suede shoes make up the basic outfit. Added to that is a bright green velveteen hooded coat trimmed with faux black fur and accented with a matching fur muff.

Since this version of Rose is just a wee bit taller than Sasha her clothing fits Sasha perfectly including the shoes.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

A BORROWING FRIEND

Here is Sasha with her friend ROSE from the original MAGIC ATTIC collection created by Robert Tonner. This Rose is just a bit taller than the early Trendon Sasha and about the same height as the later Trendon girls. She is bisque with a stuffed body and her clothes are an almost perfect fit for Sasha.
The later vinyl version of the Magic Attic girls, including Rose, are more than an inch taller and their fashions vary in size and fit for Sasha.

While Rose's makeup is more vibrant than Sasha's, her skin tone is about the same. Looking back it seems odd that any company would produce a bisque play doll in this day and age. Obviously they realized that and changed over to vinyl soon after the first dolls were introduced.

These early versions are not seen often on eBay where I found this one several years ago. She has been a good friend to Sasha ever since.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

BORROWING FASHIONS - MADI

Sasha discovered to her delight that this outfit called "Orange Garden" from the MADI AND SNEAKABOO collection actually fits her. While the Big Fish outfit is perfect for Baby Greg it is a surprise to discover that this charming pinafore outfit fits Sasha. The quality of these outfits is outstanding with lots of attention to detail. For example the front and back of the jumper are actually open at the shoulders and held together by the collar. I'm not sure how many of the outfits will fit either Sasha or the Baby but they are reasonably priced so I might venture another one or two just for the fun of it.

Friday, August 20, 2010

C.J. MEETS THE TWINS

"Hi," said the twins together, "You must be the new kid on the block."
"Yes, I'm C.J. from the Best Friends Club."

"Can we borrow your clothes?" asked the twins with mischief in their voices.
"Well, I don't know if they will fit you." replied C.J.

"I got the shirt."
"And I got the T-shirt."
"Let's get the jeans."
"OK, let's pull them off together."

"I think the pants are too long."
"And the shoes are too big."
"I like the shirt."
"I like the T-shirt and backpack."

"You guys are too funny," laughed C.J. "I think we could be the new Three Musketeers.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

BORROWING FASHIONS - BFC "CALISTA"

Once again Sasha borrows an outfit from Calista - another of the Best Friends Club girls. The jacket and striped T-shirt fit perfectly as do the shoes. The pants are very tight and don't fit well. The plaid purse is a charming accent and Sasha loves the black rim glasses.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

BABY GREG AND MISTER BUG

"Do you have dreams?" asked Mister Bug.
"Yes, I do." replied Baby Greg.

"What do you dream about when you wear your fish pajamas?" asked Mister Bug.
"I dream that I'm a fish swimming under the sea." answered Baby Greg.
"Let's ask Mister Fish what it is like under the sea." suggested Mister Bug.
"Yes, let's do that," said Baby Greg. "Mister Fish, what is it like being under the sea?"
"Would you like to see?" replied Mister Fish, "You just have to imagine it."
"Don't be frightened, Mister Bug, it's just me being a fish in my imagination." said Baby Greg.
"That's a really big fish." said Mister Bug.

"Yes it is and I have been swimming all over the bottom of the sea."
"And what did you see under the sea?" asked Mister Bug.

"I saw colorful fish, and mermaids, and sea shells, and all sorts of strange creatures."
"Did you really?" asked Mister Bug.
"No, I just imagined it." confessed Baby Greg, "But it seemed real."
Baby Greg is wearing a fish costume created for the MADI and SNEAKABOO doll line. When he goes to sleep in his fishy jammies tonight he will dream about more fantastic fishes and maybe even meet Father Neptune.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

BORROWING FASHIONS - BFC "CASUAL COOL"

Here is Sasha modeling "Casual Cool" -- another Best Friends Club separate fashion. The outfit comes with black tights but I didn't want to risk the color bleeding which often happens with these inexpensive fashions. The outfit features a sleeveless T-shirt, mini-skirt, hoodie, Shoulder bad, and slip-on shoes.

This was the extra outfit included in the QVC deal for YUKO.

Monday, August 16, 2010

BORROWING FASHIONS - BFC "YUKO"

Here is Sasha modeling another one of the charming Best Friends Club fashions. This outfit was originally worn by the boxed doll "Yuko" who you can see by scrolling down this page. Once again, every piece of this outfit seems almost tailor-made for Sasha including the shoes.

The best part of this outfit is the faux leather jacket that is charmingly detailed with a square collar accented with buttons.