Fashion Dolls 101

Wilson Bank & Trust Oktoberfest Features Cute Dolls & Figures

2026-10-17T21:55:12.753-05:00

The Wilson Bank & Trust Oktoberfest took place on Saturday, October 15, in Lebanon, TN, and it was full of cute and creative figures and dolls.

From Mexican cuties to whimsical little fairies, to soft cloth Christmas dolls and figures, there was something for any doll collector at Lebanon’s Oktoberfest.

But there was a lot more to see than just dolls: arts, crafts, wood, jewelry, fall and Christmas crafts, kids inflatables, food trucks, patriotic goods, pumpkins, scarecrows and more covered the expansive grounds around Wilson Bank & Trust Best of all, it was also an America250 event. White better way to celebrate our nation’s heritage than with a small-town Oktoberfest with homemade, handmade arts and crafters. Check it out next year. It’s worth the trip.

Inexpensive Elves at Dollar Tree

2026-10-14T17:37:12.096-05:00

The inexpensive holiday elves from Christmas House are already out for sale at Dollar Tree to wish you season’s greetings, and some come in red now! The green and green and red Christmas elves have been holiday staples at Dollar Tree for years, but I haven’t seen the red ones until 2026.

At only $1.50 or $1.75 apiece, they make cute Christmas decorations. So head over to Dollar Tree and snap up an elf or two for some happy holidays fun.

1976 Avon Betsy Ross Sonnet Cologne Figurine: A Bicentennial Collectible

2026-09-28T18:33:01.998-05:00

One of the figures I have had on display this year as part of the semiquincentennial celebration is this historic Betsy Ross figurine from Avon Fifty years after she was released in 1976, she has been a part of my America250 celebration all summer

The 1976 Avon Betsy Ross Sonnet cologne figurine remains one of the most recognizable patriotic collectibles from America’s Bicentennial celebration. Issued by Avon to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States, this charming figural bottle combines vintage perfume history with classic Americana design and continues to appeal to collectors of both Avon bottles and Bicentennial memorabilia.

Design and Details of the Figurine

The bottle depicts Betsy Ross in colonial attire, typically shown with the early American flag. Many versions feature the flag draped across her skirt or lap, highlighting the traditional story of her sewing the first Stars and Stripes. Standing about 5.5 inches tall, the piece held 4 fluid ounces of Avon’s Sonnet cologne. The base is often molded with the date “July 4, 1976,” clearly tying it to the Bicentennial year. Original labels identifying it as the Betsy Ross Figurine Sonnet Cologne are still found on many surviving examples.

Why Collectors Value the 1976 Avon Betsy Ross Bottle

Avon produced a wide range of figural cologne bottles throughout the 1970s, but the Betsy Ross version stands out for its strong patriotic theme. It appeals to Avon enthusiasts, perfume bottle collectors, and those who collect Bicentennial-era items. Condition, the presence of the original label, and whether the bottle still contains cologne all influence value. Empty display pieces remain popular as decorative Americana.

A Lasting Piece of Bicentennial History

Nearly fifty years after its release, the 1976 Avon Betsy Ross Sonnet cologne figurine continues to surface in collections, antique shops, and online marketplaces. As a small but distinctive memento of the nation’s 200th birthday, it offers a tangible link to both Avon’s creative packaging tradition and the widespread patriotic spirit of 1976.

New Walmart Toy Catalog Is Out!

2026-09-25T13:27:45.656-05:00

There are tons of cute toys in the new 2026 Walmart “Let’s Go to the Toy Shop” catalog but my eye was immediately caught by the Barbie holiday offerings. I think it is nice that they offer a Hanukkah sweater in blue tones with the blue checked pants, but I am really diggin’ that adorably festive Christmas sweater with matching red checked pants. It’s super cute for the holidays.

And take a look at Ken! I like the formal red dress for Barbie, but I LOVE that tux for Ken with the snazzy red jacket. Guess I better start counting my Pennie’s now, while Pennie’s are still around.

It looks like it is going to be a Happy Holiday Season in 2026 with Barbie.

Humble Gnomes with Long Memories Of 9/11

2026-09-10T17:37:52.293-05:00

We are only two small gnomes, red-white-and-blue from tip of cap to toe of boot, standing with our little flags. One of us holds the Stars and Stripes. The other holds the America 250 banner. One a simple sign that reads USA, the other a heart of red, white, and blue. We keep to our humble hearth and home, and we have long memories.

We do not understand why so many of our countrymen—especially the young—have been taught to look away from the deliberate terrorism of September 11, 2001. Nearly three thousand souls were murdered that morning when airplanes were turned into weapons against our towers, our Pentagon, and the seat of our government. We said we would never forget. Yet twenty-five years later, many have forgotten, or have been carefully instructed to forget, or have decided that speaking plainly about what happened is somehow racist or “Islamophobic.”

We remember Todd Beamer and the brave passengers of Flight 93 who rose up, fought back, and forced their plane into a Pennsylvania field rather than let it strike the Capitol or the White House. Those were Americans of courage.

The men who hijacked the planes were not soldiers striking a military target. They were terrorists who lived among us, took over our own planes, murdered civilians, and sought to break the spirit of a free people.

Pearl Harbor is remembered every December, though it happened before many of us were born. We do not pretend those attacks were something else. The difference is plain: those pilots wore uniforms and aimed at ships of war. The terrorists of 9/11 wore no uniform and aimed at office workers, passengers, and firefighters. Calling them what they were—terrorists—is not hatred. It is simply the truth.

This is America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was never meant to become the land of the blind and the home of the deliberately obtuse. On this twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11–the Patriot’s Day—we remember. We refuse to forget.

We are only humble gnomes, but our memories are long, and we will keep saying the plain words for as long as we stand.

God bless America, our home sweet home, and God bless all American patriots on Patriot’s Day.

From 9/11 Unity to Division: How American Education Shifted in 25 Years
Todd Beamer Flight 93 Call Transcript: The Real Story Behind “Let’s Roll” and Lisa Jefferson’s 9/11 Conversation
America Under Attack–The Events of 9/11
9-11: First-Hand Report from NYC
All-Star Album Honors Todd Beamer, Other Heroes of Sept. 11
Sunday’s 9-11 Event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to Show Strength of Faith, Thanks & God
Labor Day 2026: Honoring Work, Freedom, and America’s 250th Anniversary

Troll Days of Summer

2026-08-14T17:56:56.119-05:00

You may have heard about the dog days of summer, those last summer days where the weather is just too hot and no one has the energy to do anything except lay around like a dog. Well, let me introduce you to the “troll days of summer.”

It’s that odd season between the Fourth of July and summer picnics and the opening of school where it’s still summer but somehow it doesn’t feel like the carefree days of summer… it just feels hot. But our trolls are here to tell you that if you find a shady spot and a few friends, you can still find some summer fun!

For one thing, it’s America 250 until the end of the year so any time is a good time for a patriotic picnic or a festive gathering with friends. For another, Fall is just around the corner so it won’t be hot for that much longer.

Find a shady spot or a pool or a lake or a creek and put out your favorite picnic blanket, invite some friends, and just relax. The Summer of America 250 won’t last much longer. Enjoy it while it’s here like our troll friends are!

Find the trolls! Can you find the Russ troll, the applause troll, the Mattel troll and the patriotic presidential troll? Let us know in the comments below! 🧌

Doll Collecting History: Plantation Belles doll club plans club projects

2026-07-01T22:58:28.121-05:00

Recently found in a 2004 Westview newspaper clipping, this article captures a special moment when the Belle Mead Plantation Belles Doll Club met renowned doll artist and designer Robert Tonner.

About Robert Tonner

Robert Tonner (born 1952) is a celebrated American fashion designer, sculptor, and doll artist. He founded the Tonner Doll Company in 1991 (originally as Robert Tonner Doll Designs). By the early 2000s, his company had become one of the leading names in high-end collectible fashion dolls. In 2004, he was at the peak of his influence, known especially for the popular Tyler Wentworth collection, along with lines like Betsy McCall and Kitty Collier. He was actively designing sophisticated, couture-inspired dolls that appealed to adult collectors.

Today, Tonner remains active in the doll world as a sculptor and designer. After closing the main Tonner Doll Company in 2018, he has shifted toward more independent and limited-edition work, including new character dolls (such as revivals of Ellowyne Wilde), collaborations, and appearances at doll conventions. He continues to create through his personal studio and maintains a strong legacy in the fashion doll community.

Plantation Belles doll club plans club projects

The Belle Mead Plantation Belles Doll Club, founded in July of 1997, recently took a club group to a doll show at the Marriott Hotel to meet renowned doll artist and designer Robert Tonner. Tonner founded the Robert Tonner Doll Company, designer of the Tyler Wentworth collection, Betsy McCall and Kitty Collier doll lines among others. Club members present were club founders Donna Gorlier and Kathryn Darden, as well as members Rama Naidu, Zona Harris, Maxine Spaulding, and Beverly Hoffman. Upcoming club activities include a summer display of Barbies and their cars at the Bellevue Cruisers Car Show, a picnic outing, and the club’s annual Christmas party, as well as monthly meetings and programs. The club meets the first Thursday of every month at Shoneys, Bellevue at 7 PM.

Left to right: Donna Gorlier, Rama Naidu, Robert Tonner, Kathryn Darden, and Zona Harris. Not pictured were Maxine Spaulding and Beverly Hoffman.

Barbie Micro Minis Get Oatriotic for America250 and July 4

2026-06-28T22:52:48.090-05:00

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any more festive, the Barbie micro minis are pulling out all the stops with new accessories for the big America250 4th of July Celebration!

It’s All in the Details

The little micro minis have had some makeovers to their outfits. From left to right:

The brunette ponytail 2026 mini has had her top painted with red stripes, a red bracelet, and red lipstick added and found a sweet navy blue shrug to wear. The blond 2026 ponytail had her skirt painted red instead of pink, has red lipstick and a cute black shoulder bag. The 2025 blonde ponytail has a flag purse and a red, white and blue shawl to match her outfit. The 2025 brunette had her top painted red to go with her blue pants, as well as new red lipstick, and the plump 2026 mini had her purple skirt and pendant painted blue.

A “before” shot of some of the girls.

It’s a fun challenge trying to find or make accessories for such tiny girls, but every success is enjoyable

Happy 4th of July from the Barbie Micro Mini’s!

Barbie Micro Minis Prepare for America250

2026-06-04T22:33:35.118-05:00

The little Barbie Micro minis have been busy preparing for America250. Starting with Memorial Day, the small plastic divas have been decorating with red white and blue, and now they are mostly wearing the same patriotic colors. Several of the 2026 micro minis are wearing different shades of blue, so more photos will be coming closer to July 4th

Their adorable and very patriotic house came from the Home Store.

This photo was taken at their Memorial Day shindig when someone forgot to write the article. But as you can see, the girls have really enjoyed their patriotic home and all the patriotic holidays so far! And they are really looking forward to Flag Day and a HUGE patriotic 4th of July for the semiquincentennial!!!

Happy America250! It’s one month until July 4, 2026!!!

Barbie Talks 2: Barbie Doll Slogans Through the Years 2000 - 2026

2026-05-19T15:01:19.994-05:00

For more than sixty years, the Barbie brand has done far more than sell dolls. Through television commercials, toy packaging, catalogs, movies, and massive global marketing campaigns, Barbie slogans have reflected changing ideas about fashion, femininity, careers, confidence, empowerment, and imagination across multiple generations. From the glamorous optimism of the 1960s to the empowerment messaging of the modern era, Barbie’s advertising evolved alongside American culture itself.

Some slogans focused on beauty and style. Others encouraged girls to dream bigger, aim higher, and imagine limitless possibilities. Together, they created a surprisingly fascinating timeline of changing cultural values — all wrapped in bright pink branding and perfectly accessorized marketing.

In this second installment of our ongoing Barbie slogan retrospective, we move from the late 1990s into the present day, exploring Barbie’s millennial reinvention, her shift toward inclusivity and career-focused messaging, the social media era, and the global phenomenon that culminated in the blockbuster 2023 Barbie movie. If you missed the first half of this series covering Barbie slogans from 1959 through the late 1990s, be sure to read Barbie Talks 1: Barbie Doll Slogans Through the Years 1959-1999.

* The Modern Millennial & Rebrand Eras (1999–Present) — Inclusivity & Image Repositioning to Empowered Woman

As the new millennium arrived, Barbie entered an era of reinvention once again — which, to be fair, was hardly new territory for a doll who had already survived changing fashions, changing careers, changing hairstyles, changing cultural expectations, and at least several dozen shades of pink.

The slogans of the modern era shifted away from pure fashion fantasy and toward empowerment, imagination, inclusivity, and self-definition. Barbie still loved convertibles, dream houses, and a well-coordinated accessory collection, of course. She simply added inspirational messaging to the packaging. After decades of encouraging girls to dream about glamorous futures, Barbie’s marketing increasingly focused on something bigger: reminding them they could define those futures for themselves — preferably while wearing fabulous shoes.

The pink convertibles never completely disappeared, of course. They simply gained inspirational messaging.

1999–2002: "It's a Great Time to Be a Girl"

This turn-of-the-century slogan celebrated the growing opportunities available to young women entering a rapidly changing world. The message was optimistic, upbeat, and distinctly millennial, as was the Eternal Style Icon.

2001: "That's Gotta Be Barbie"

This short-lived campaign focused on Barbie’s instantly recognizable style and brand identity at a time when the toy aisle was suddenly filling up with sharper attitudes, edgier fashions, and enough competing doll lines to make even Malibu Barbie clutch her tiny purse a little tighter.

New competitors came and went, but Barbie responded the way she always had: with perfect hair and absolute confidence.

2004–2006: "Cool. Fun. Fashion. Barbie Today."

Fast-paced, slightly overcaffeinated, and determined to be “your best self in plastic form,” this slogan captured the mid-2000s hustle-era obsession with reinvention. Barbie wasn’t just staying culturally relevant — she was optimizing herself for an era suddenly in love with trendier, edgier competitors and the idea that even a doll should be working on her brand.

2006-2011: “Barbie Girl”

Following the immense popularity of teen pop stars, glossy direct-to-video movies, and the explosion of early online culture, Mattel leaned completely into the phrase “Barbie Girl.” It appeared across packaging, lifestyle products, web campaigns, and especially BarbieGirls.com — the massive 2007 virtual world where girls could create avatars, decorate apartments, and begin practicing for future social media addictions years ahead of schedule.

By this point, Barbie was no longer just a doll. She was becoming a full lifestyle brand, digital identity, and aggressively pink online ecosystem. In hindsight, the entire era feels strangely prophetic.

2014–2015: "Anything Is Possible"

Right before the modern era fully arrived, Mattel introduced “Anything Is Possible” as a transitional slogan — the exact moment Barbie stopped being merely fashionable and quietly became the world’s pinkest life coach. It set the stage for the empowerment-heavy era that followed, where dream houses and convertibles still existed, but now came packaged alongside personal growth, ambition, and the reassuring belief that you, too, could become a CEO before lunchtime.

2015–2018: "Imagine the Possibilities"

One of Barbie’s most successful modern campaigns featured real young girls imagining themselves as professors, veterinarians, museum guides, and football coaches while surprised adults interacted with them accordingly.

The viral campaign marked a major turning point in Barbie’s public image, repositioning the brand around imagination, ambition, and career potential rather than pink plastic perfection alone.

2015–Present: "You Can Be Anything"

Barbie’s current global slogan serves as the definitive modern mission statement for the brand, emphasizing leadership, careers, athletics, science, and personal achievement. After decades of reinvention, Barbie ultimately arrived at the simplest message of all: possibility.

2023: "If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you."

With one sentence, the blockbuster film perfectly summarized more than sixty years of cultural fascination, debate, nostalgia, criticism, and admiration surrounding the world’s most famous doll. Self-aware, clever, slightly chaotic, and impossible to ignore — which is also a fairly accurate description of Barbie herself.

Looking back across more than sixty years of Barbie slogans is a little like flipping through a cultural scrapbook written entirely in pink marketing copy. The slogans changed constantly because the world around Barbie changed constantly. Over the decades, she transformed from teenage fashion model to astronaut, executive, presidential candidate, veterinarian, influencer, role model, feminist debate topic, and billion-dollar movie star — all while maintaining impossibly perfect hair through every cultural shift imaginable.

Some slogans now sound charmingly vintage. Others feel delightfully overdramatic. A few unintentionally capture their entire decade in a single sentence. Together, though, they reveal something surprisingly fascinating: Barbie was never just selling dolls. She was selling aspiration, identity, reinvention, optimism, confidence, and occasionally an alarming number of sequins.

Through every redesign, backlash, reinvention, and rebrand, one thing remained remarkably consistent: Barbie always understood how to introduce herself to the next generation. And after more than six decades, perhaps that is the real secret behind the world’s most famous doll. No matter how much the culture changed, Barbie always managed to change outfits just a little faster.

Trademark Disclaimer: This article is an independent cultural commentary and retrospective. 'Barbie' is a registered trademark of Mattel, Inc. This blog is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Mattel.

Image Usage & Policy: These custom vector illustrations were generated specifically for Fashion Dolls 101, and unauthorized reproduction, hotlinking, or commercial reuse of these custom visuals is strictly prohibited by site policy. If you love this research, please support independent publishing by linking back to this article rather than downloading and re-posting the visuals.

Barbie Talks 1: Barbie Doll Slogans Through the Years 1959-1999

2026-05-18T21:30:54.740-05:00

Barbie has worn many hats over the decades — fashion model, astronaut, veterinarian, presidential candidate, rock star, CEO, and occasionally all of them before lunch. But alongside the ever-changing careers and couture, Mattel also gave the Pink Plastic Princess something else through the years: unforgettable slogans.

In this nostalgic retrospective, we’re stepping back through the decades to revisit the iconic taglines, catchy jingles, and ambitious marketing campaigns that helped shape Barbie’s public image from 1959 to the present day. Some were genuinely inspirational. Some were wonderfully overdramatic. And a few sound unintentionally hilarious in hindsight.

From “Teenage Fashion Model” to “You Can Be Anything,” Barbie’s slogans didn’t just sell dolls — they sold entire eras of fashion, ambition, fantasy, and girlhood. Paired here with custom fashion doll illustrations, this retrospective explores what America’s Eyernal Style Icon was teaching generations of children… whether she realized it or not.

* The Vintage Fashion Eras (1959–1983) — From Glamour & Sophistication to Fun & Freedom

In Barbie’s earliest decades, the message was simple: life was better with perfect hair, endless outfits, and a packed social calendar. These were the years of dream dates, prom dresses, cocktail parties, and convertibles. Barbie wasn’t just a doll — she was a tiny plastic lifestyle brand decades before influencers existed. These were the years when Barbie existed in a glamorous technicolor universe where every problem could apparently be solved with a new evening gown, a dream house, or a convertible.

1959–1960: "Teenage Fashion Model"

The original descriptor printed on Barbie’s first black-and-white striped swimsuit boxes introduced her not as a toy, but as a sophisticated young fashion model. From day one, Barbie arrived with arched eyebrows, glamorous styling, and the confidence of someone who had clearly never experienced an awkward phase.

1961–1963: "You're Always Dressed Right in Barbie"

One of Barbie’s earliest advertising slogans reassured children that social confidence was apparently only one carefully coordinated outfit away. In Barbie’s world, there was no such thing as being overdressed or having too many accessories.

1968–1969: "I Love Being a Fashion Model!" / "What Shall I Wear to the Prom?"

The original Talking Barbie delivered these now-iconic phrases with the pull of a string, forever preserving the late-1960s belief that selecting a prom outfit qualified as a genuine life emergency.

1972: "Surprising Barbie"

By the early 1970s, Barbie’s world had expanded beyond fashion modeling into a growing universe of careers, hobbies, and colorful new styles. The “Surprising Barbie” campaign celebrated the increasingly versatile doll who was beginning to try just about everything.

* The Golden Age of Empowerment (1984-1999) — From Excess & Ambition to Empowerment Branding

By the 1980s, Barbie’s messaging evolved from “Which shoes match this purse?” to “Women can conquer the world.” The fashion remained enormous, the hair somehow became even bigger, but the slogans now reflected changing conversations about careers, independence, and ambition.

This was the era when Barbie transformed from socialite into unstoppable overachiever.

1984–1986: "We Girls Can Do Anything"

Arguably the most famous Barbie slogan ever created, this powerhouse anthem debuted alongside Day-to-Night Barbie — the doll who effortlessly transformed from corporate executive to evening glamour icon faster than most adults can answer an email.

For an entire generation, the jingle became more than advertising. It became a miniature pep talk set to synthesizers.

1987–1992: "Be Who You Wanna Be"

Peak late-1980s optimism in slogan form. This energetic campaign embraced individuality, ambition, and self-expression during a period when Barbie careers were multiplying rapidly. Astronaut? Doctor? Rock star? Barbie somehow managed all three while still maintaining flawless bangs.

1992–1994: "You've Got Something Special"

Released during the height of the Totally Hair Barbie era, this campaign shifted attention toward individuality and inner confidence while still surrounding everything in approximately twelve gallons of hairspray.

1994–1996: "Come Along With Me"

This whimsical campaign invited children deeper into Barbie’s expanding multimedia empire of animated stories, interactive adventures, and early CD-ROM games. Barbie was no longer just a doll sitting on a shelf — she was becoming an entire entertainment universe.

1997: "We Girls Can Do Anything" (Revival)

Mattel briefly revived the beloved 1980s slogan in the late 1990s, cleverly targeting Generation X mothers who had once sung the original jingle themselves and were now discovering one of adulthood’s greatest universal truths: eventually, you become emotionally vulnerable to your own childhood toy commercials.

1998–1999: "Anything is Possible"

As Barbie began regularly running for President and collecting careers at record speed, this slogan cemented her role as the ultimate overachiever — a doll apparently operating on three hours of sleep and limitless confidence.

Barbie has several more slogans to share with you—actually, we can’t get her to shut up! Stay tuned for Barbie Talks 2!

Barbie Talks 2: Barbie Doll Slogans Through the Years 2000 - 2026

Barbie Micro Minis with Let’s Pretend Playset Purses

2026-04-28T23:51:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I took photos of the small Let’s Pretend Playsets for small dolls. I got these playsets just for two of the accessories which I thought would work with the tiny Barbie Macro Minis.

As promised, here are two of the Barbie Micro Minis using the purses from the Let’s Pretend Playsets as handbags and totes. You can see the scale isn’t bad for a larger handbag for the small dolls, and they badly need accessories!

I have even taken to painting the small figures to give them some wardrobe changes, as well as making them shrugs and belts from yarn and ribbon. So you can see why I am excited to actually give them handbags in an appropriate scale!

Next I will be testing the “64 oz” tumblers from the same playsets to see how well they do. Stay tuned for more fun with small, scavenged accessories for the Barbie Micro Minis!

Let’s Pretend Doll Playsets

2026-04-26T15:42:00.010-05:00

The other night I noticed these little dolls for the umpteenth time at Dollar Tree. I have not been remotely interested them… until this week.

Then I noticed the little handbag would be the perfect size for a briefcase or tote for the Barbie Micro Minis (photos coming later). So I thought an orange bag might be nice for fall. But then I thought a green one would be nice for spring and summer…and St Patrick’s Day.

In addition, the “Stanley” tumbler, while on the large size for the Minis, may actually display well as an oversized tumbler.

And the little dolls actually grew on me. I don’t see them becoming something I will photograph or play with again, but who knows? With their pop on plastic clothes and lemon heads, they might just grow on me.

Doll playsets come with 10 plastic pieces. $1.75 each.

2026 Barbie Micro Minis Now Out in Stores

2026-04-25T19:55:00.009-05:00

The newest collection of Barbie Micro Minis have hit stores like Dollar Tree, and, yes, they are super cute! Some people describe them as Barbie cake toppers but they are sold in the toy aisle and are much more versatile than mere cake decorations!

There are eight new styles to choose from as well as various body and hair colors types to collect. The blonde Barbie Micro Mini even wears a black and white striped top that is a throw back to her original zebra-striped swimsuit.

I would say hurry in today but the 2025 collection was well stocked last year and still available in some stores.

They are cute and at $1.75 each, they are budget friendly, and they should be available all year.

Little Plastic Jesus Figures with Halos

2026-04-21T21:16:55.664-05:00

Previously published on March 28

Because I am fascinated with these little plastic figures of Jesus that keep turning up everywhere, I ordered my own set to hand out. I have collected quite a few figures in stores but I hadn’t seen this style before.

These little figures have a fancier, fuller sash that comes in red, yellow, green, teal, and hot pink The Jesus figure has a yellow (gold) halo and a yellow (golden) cross

Because my church is getting ready for our big Easter egg hunt, I figured I would donate some of these little plastic figures to go in the colorful plastic eggs. But I am definitely keeping a set for myself!

Easter is just around the corner! These are so cute stuffed in Easter eggs!

Barbie Bazaar Magazine: The Definitive History of America’s Premier Barbie Collectors Magazine (1988–2006)

2026-04-20T23:53:00.029-05:00

Definitive History of America’s Premier Barbie Collectors Magazine (1988–2006)

Barbie Bazaar Magazine was the leading publication for serious adult Barbie doll collectors for nearly two decades. Launched in 1988 and running until 2006, the fashion-doll-collecting publication served as an essential resource during the height of the 1990s Barbie collecting boom, offering in-depth articles, historical insights, market trends, and community connection for enthusiasts worldwide.

The Founding of Barbie Bazaar

Barbie Bazaar premiered in August 1988 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was founded by longtime collectors Karen Caviale and Marlene Mura, who recognized the growing need for a sophisticated magazine aimed at adult fans rather than children. What started as a small independent venture with just a few hundred subscribers quickly gained momentum as Barbie collecting surged in popularity.

Rapid Growth and Mattel Partnership

The magazine’s quality content and dedicated focus helped it expand dramatically. By its 10th anniversary, Barbie Bazaar had grown to over 100,000 subscribers. Its success led to an official licensing partnership with Mattel, granting access to exclusive updates, new release information, and behind-the-scenes details from the company.

Popular Recurring Sections and Features

Barbie Bazaar was known for its rich and varied content that appealed to both new and experienced collectors. Regular departments included:

• Restoration tips and techniques for cleaning, repairing, and restyling vintage dolls

• Price Guide for accurate valuation of dolls, fashions, and accessories

• In-depth collector profiles and interviews with notable enthusiasts

• Articles on vintage Barbie history, fashion variations, and mod-era designs

• Holiday-themed issues and special features on limited-edition dolls, including the popular “Fire & Ice” collections and Silkstone Barbies

• Global Barbie, which celebrated international releases, cultural variations, and Barbie dolls from around the world. This department highlighted unique releases from different countries, cultural variations, and global collector trends, broadening the magazine’s appeal to an international audience and showcasing Barbie’s worldwide cultural impact.

The magazine also covered new collector lines such as the color-labeled editions (Pink Label, Gold Label, and Platinum Label), and provided practical advice on everything from hair restyling to miniature crafting projects related to Barbie.

Barbie Bazaar Magazine Staff Writer Kathryn Darden

In the mid-1990s, Barbie Bazaar included Kathryn Darden among its contributors, where she served as the magazine’s Global Barbie writer, covering the expanding international collector market and the growing network of enthusiasts worldwide. Writing at a time when the hobby was rapidly moving beyond the United States, her work connected readers to clubs, trends, and voices from across the globe.

One of her earliest influences on Barbie Bazaar was not an article at all. In the mid-to-late 1990s—when most hobby publications still relied on mailed manuscripts, printed photographs, and faxed correspondence—Darden suggested that submissions be accepted by email. At a time when internet use was only just entering mainstream households, the shift marked a clear break from established practice. The change reduced delays, widened access for contributors, and brought the publication into closer alignment with the increasingly connected world it was documenting. In that way, her contribution extended beyond her writing, helping to modernize the magazine’s day-to-day operation.

Darden’s involvement in the Barbie collecting world extended beyond Barbie Bazaar. During this same period, she contributed articles to other leading hobby magazines, including Miller’s Fashion Dolls, Dolls In Print, and Virtual Dolls. Starting in February 1997, Darden even had an early web presence for doll collectors at Tennessee Dolls on GeoCities where she was actively writing on hot topics within the burgeoning doll collecting community, focusing on fashion dolls, including the emerging influence of local internet-based collector groups in the late 1990s. Later, she was the National Barbie Doll Examiner for the large, now defunct, Examiner.com news website.

The End of an Era

Barbie Bazaar ceased publication in 2006 (with the final issues appearing around May–October). The decline was driven by a softening collector market and the rapid rise of online forums, auction sites like eBay, and digital communities that changed how collectors shared information and traded dolls.

Barbie Bazaar’s Enduring Legacy

Even though it is no longer in print, Barbie Bazaar Magazine remains highly collectible today. Back issues are eagerly sought on secondary markets such as eBay and Etsy, often sold individually or in complete runs. For many longtime collectors, these magazines represent a treasured piece of Barbie history — a time when a dedicated print publication united enthusiasts with beautiful photography, expert knowledge, and a shared passion for one of the world’s most iconic dolls.

Barbie Bazaar played a pivotal role in documenting and celebrating Barbie’s cultural legacy, and its influence continues to be felt among collectors who still turn to old issues for reference and nostalgia.

Doll Collecting 101: The Secondary Market for Dolls

Cute Cloth Easter Rabbits at Michael’s

2026-03-26T21:22:00.006-05:00

2026 Cloth Easter Bunnies at Michael’s

Who’s that hopping down the bunny trail? Why, it’s the Easter bunnies at Michael’s! The 2026 set comes with a boy bunny wearing blue and white stripes and hiding an Easter egg, and the adorable girl rabbit in her hot pink dress holding a flower bouquet.

Michael’s Cloth Rabbits 60% Off

The cloth Easter bunnies can be bought as a set or individually. Originally $19.99, they are already 60% off.

Somehow one of them ended up in my Easter basket with the other girl bunnies I somehow have a small collection of The others were Goodwill finds.

Here is a slightly closer shot. She’s adorable! I couldn’t help myself!

Hop on into Michael’s to see if they have any left. At 60% off, they won’t last long!

Easter Gnomes Out at Walgreens

St. Patrick’s Day with the Barbie Micro-Minis

2026-03-17T15:56:00.008-05:00

Faith and begorrah! It’s St. Patrick’s Day!☘️

For fun, I bought two of the little micro mini Barbies and painted their dresses because it is super hard to make clothes and dress them although I have had some success. But for Valentine’s Day and Saint Patrick’s day, I painted the ponytail Barbie’s dress red for Valentine’s Day and green for St. Paddy’s Day. Here are the results. I do plan to finish out the strap on the dress so the white no longer peeks through

I made yarn shawls for both girls and gave my St. Patty’s Girl a ribbon bow. The dolls and the door came from Dollar Tree.

Here’s wishing you and yours top ‘o the morning’ and a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Erin go Bragh!

Easter Gnomes Out at Walgreens

2026-03-13T10:29:00.013-05:00

Easter Gnomes at Walgreens

The little Easter Gnomes are out on the shelves at Walgreens, and they are oh-so-cute! Dressed in mint green and basic pink outfits and wearing pointy caps with white fur trim and white polka dots— with bunny ears, they are sure to be an Easter hit.

The little green gnome carries a big orange carrot. The diminutive pink fellow has a pink and yellow floral bouquet. Both are super cute and probably about 4 inches tall.

You can find the seasonal little gnomes on the shelves at Walgreens in the Easter aisle. Part gnome, part bunny and 100% adorable—Hop on in and grab one today.

Variety of Little Jesus Figures

2026-02-26T22:11:00.006-06:00

All six of the little Jesus figures I have found

Ok, I admit it. I have fallen in love with these little Jesus figures and am thrilled on the rare occasions when I find one. I found one with a brown sash right before Christmas at Dollar Tree and one with a blue sash just last week at the sign-in book at a nursing home, which was a little spark of joy in a place that sometimes lacks much joy.

Found at a Dollar Tree cash register in Nashville.

The first few I found looked identical but now that I have several, I am starting to notice the small variations. Two have raised letters the say “Jesus ❤️ You.” On the rest the words are printed flat. One has nothing written on the sash at all. One is slightly taller and with paler skin. And several have different color sashes.

Only two of my little Jesus figures are identical, so I plan to leave one of them somewhere for someone else to find. My church does an Easter egg hunt, so I will probably slip my extra Jesus in an Easter egg as a reminder what the season is really all about.

If you find a little Jesus figure in a store, restaurant or nursing home, just know that someone wanted to remind you that Jesus really does love you. And that’s not a bad message to take home or to leave for the next person to receive.

Cute Little Jesus Figures Carry a Big Message

Barbie Micro Minis Enjoy Snowmageddon

2026-02-02T13:42:00.004-06:00

Snowmageddon hit Nashville over a week ago, and we are still reeling from it. Some folks, including myself, were snowed in for five days or more with no power—no heat…

With temperatures around 5° some evenings and 10 or 12° during the day, and stranded icebound on a steep hill, what else was I supposed to do except get the Barbie micro minis and pose them outside in the snow?

The micro minis come dressed for summer, I was able to make them little shawls out of trim, and ribbon. However, not all of them got ribbon shawls, but they didn’t seem to mind, because they had two campfires to keep them warm.

Detail view showing ribbon shawls and campfire.

The little shed and the two campfires are on sale at Michael’s now. The old general store was found on a trip many years ago. And all but one of the Barbie Micro Minis are at Dollar Tree.

Happy Snow Days from the Barbie Micro Minis!

Nashville Prepares for Major 2026 Snow

Martha on the Mantel: Fun in the Snow

2026-01-27T10:23:00.010-06:00

Well, I had no sooner detoxed my new bargain Martha on the Mantel “elf” doll when we had our first snow of the season, and it was a BIG one. And here was Martha with her new snow duds, so there was only one thing to do: let her go out in the frozen white stuff.

Here she is with the skating outfit prior to deboxing.

It was too cold to be very creative, (it hit 5°) so here you have two slightly different angles with slightly different lighting. However, I think we can agree that Martha looks fashionable as always in her skating ensemble!

Martha on the Mantel— fashion plate, even in the snow

Martha on the Mantle

2026-01-22T22:05:00.004-06:00

I love traditional Christmas elves but the new celebrity elves that keep cropping up occasionally are not really my cup of tea. However, when my local Walmart had these left over after Christmas and marked down substantially— I couldn’t help myself. I picked one up plus the one remaining wardrobe accessory.

Now, if you were to say she looks awkward, I would agree. Not too Christmassy? Agreed. And yet… I am still looking forward to taking her out of her box to put her with my Christmas elf display next year. She may not really be a holiday tradition, but she might be a fun addition. I’m going to give Martha on the Mantel the benefit of the doubt.

The Leprechauns Are Loose at Michael’s!

2026-01-20T13:21:00.019-06:00

Yes, we know it’s just mid January and the temperatures are in the 30s across a lot of the country and that snow is falling in other parts. Yes, we are aware that St. Patrick’s Day isn’t for another two months. However, at Michaels, the little green men have taken over the store.

They are hanging from garlands hiding in wreaths and lounging on the shelves—Leprechauns and leprechaun gnomes in all shapes and sizes. Some hold gold, some hold Irish coffee, but they are all too cute to resist

There are even wooden leprechaun nutcrackers.

So put on your favorite Irish T-shirt and head to Michaels. It doesn’t matter if it’s 17° out. It is already St. Patrick’s Day at Michaels, so head over and grab your leprechaun so you can find your pot of gold before March… or even February…

☘️ Quotes for Saint Patrick’s Day from the Irish
☘️ Chasing Rainbows: From Irish Folklore to God’s Eternal Promise
☘️ Shamrock: Three Poems for Saint Patrick’s Day

☘️ Irish-American Heritage Month: What the Irish Brought to America

☘️ The History & Traditions of St. Patrick’s Day

☘️ Who Was St. Patrick?

Barbie “You Can Be Anything” Minis Celebrate the Season in Cobblestone

2025-12-25T08:11:00.005-06:00

The tiny Barbie “You Can Be Anything” minis found some new friends in the small town of Cobblestone, a miniature Christmas village from Dollar Tree. In Cobblestone they met many other tiny figures almost exactly their size, as well as decorations, trees, lampposts, and other Christmasy touches.

Santa Claus arrived while everyone was caroling and hopped on the chimney to the General Store, a find from a long-ago trip.

My favorite figures are the two little choir carolers. I was in a children’s choir that wore robes like that when I was little, and I also had two candle figures, larger than the Cobblestone carolers, but that looked almost exactly like these two little singers behind Santa.

Nostalgia merged with modern. Cobblestone allows the Barbie minis to enjoy the holidays from a completely different perspective.

Merry Christmas greetings from Cobblestone and the Barbie “You Can Be Anything” minis!

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☘️ Quotes for Saint Patrick’s Day from the Irish☘️ Chasing Rainbows: From Irish Folklore to God’s Eternal Promise☘️ Shamrock: Three Poems for Saint Patrick’s Day

☘️ Irish-American Heritage Month: What the Irish Brought to America

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Barbie “You Can Be Anything” Minis Celebrate the Season in Cobblestone

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