Doll Reader

DOTY Award Winners Announced!
The public votes for their favorite dolls of the year
The public has spoken, and Doll Reader is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 DOTY® Public’s Choice® Award Program! Congratulations to:

• Lola, by JC Toys Group• Pretty in Pink, by Ashton-Drake Galleries• Blossom, by Ashton-Drake Galleries• Simply Alice, by Kimberly Lasher• Click here to find out who else won!

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Senson Hits the Great Outdoors
Ruby Red Galleria offers new summer outfits

Mui is hitting the links and Yasmin’s gone horseback riding (shown here). Making the most of these long summer days, Ruby Red Galleria’s new summer-themed outfits for the articulated InMotion Girls are available now online. Check out others like Bridget "My Soul, My Music," Umiko "Flyer High,” and Rhianna "Sunshine Flowering."
Lennon Sisters Meet Their Fans
My Doll Castle welcomes the singing duo

Celebrity sisters Kathy and Janet Lennon made a personal appearance at My Doll Castle in Claremore, Okla., recently to share their awarding-winning Best Pals dolls, music, and play sets. “Think entertaining, pleasurable, and a warm fuzzy feeling,” said Gloria Pierce, owner of My Doll Castle. “The event was a delight to host.” According to Kathy Lennon, “We have so much fun meeting fans—the ones that have grown up with us, and the ones that are just finding us for the first time.” Read the full story.

Above: Gloria Pierce with Kathy and Janet Lennon
Andrea Arcello Attends Artist Signing
The Doll House hosts a series of artist signings
The Doll House in Edmond, Okla., recently hosted its artist signing with baby doll artist Andrea Arcello of Andrea's Dollhouse. “We had a nice group for the signing,” said The Doll House’s Debbie Rose. “We gave away door prizes, Andrea signed her dolls, and we had a good time visiting with Andrea and asking questions.” The next artist signing with Hugo and Tinneke Janssens will be held Aug. 29 from 11am-4pm.
Hidden Treasure?
Taking curiosity to the next level
If you’re a collector, you’ve probably wondered about the value of your collection. If you’re interested in taking this wonder to the next level, appraisals can often reveal more about your doll, its origins, and its current value. Here are some Web sites to get you started.

Value My Stuff Now Simply upload a doll photo along with any other relevant info and an in-house expert will respond with 48 hours with a valuation. Prices start at $4.59 for valuation.

National Antique Doll Dealers Association This non-profit, founded in 1986, boasts some of the premier authorities on antique dolls and is a great resource for finding a local expert for appraisals.

Appraisers Association of America Search the database to find a property appraiser in your area. Plus you can further refine your search to “Collectibles” for contact info.

American Society of Appraisers This international organization allows you to search on its site for accredited appraisers by location or simply by selecting “Dolls and Toys” to narrow your search.
Raggedy Ann Turns 95
NY museum launches a digital birthday scrapbook
Now through Sept. 7, The Strong Museum of National Play in Rochester, N.Y., is hosting a two-month Raggedy Ann birthday celebration in preparation for the doll’s 95th anniversary on Sept. 7. During this time a digital birthday scrapbook encourages fans to create their own pages with stories, memories, and photos. After Sept. 7, registered users will be entered into a drawing, and five will win a commemorative 95th Birthday Raggedy Ann doll.

Above: Trademark of Hasbro, used with permission. All rights reserved. Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were created by Johnny Gruelle.
In Brief
News from the doll industry
• Alexander Doll Co. has stopped weekend factory tours and is no longer a stop along New York’s Sightseeing Hop On, Hop Off bus tour. The company now hosts only weekend “Behind the Scenes’” tours and parties by appointment only.

• Thanks to Synapse Publishing of Lancaster, Pa., Jan Foulke’s “Guide to Dolls” will soon be back in print! Fans can expect a second edition in time for the holidays. Read the full story.

• Horsman just announced the launch of its new series of Modern Classic Furniture for 12- and 16-inch fashion dolls.

• After 30 years, doll artist Regina Sandreuter announced her retirement. Her last five dolls were recently shipped to The Toy Shoppe.

Upcoming Events
are subject to change, please call ahead
Jul 24, Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Christmas in July! Dolls, Bears, Antiques & Collectibles Show and Sale

Jul 24, Cleveland, OH: National Barbie Convention

Jul 29-Aug 1, Albuquerque, NM: Enchanted Doll Artists Conference

Aug 1, San Diego, CA: Crossroads Teddy Bear and Doll Show

Aug 5-7, Austin, TX: Ball Joint Doll Convention 2010

Aug 6-8 Monroeville, PA: Steel City Con Toy Show

Aug 6-8, Ashville, NC: Doll & Bear EXPO 2010

Aug 7, Eagle River, WI: Enchanted Doll Club of the Northwoods Doll Show & Sale

Aug. 7, Bronxville, NY: Day with Dolls 2010