Doll Shows Coming!

DOLL SHOWS: DANINA JAI ALAI COLLECTIBLES SHOW

Monthly Collector's show at the Dania Beach Jai Alai.
301 East Dania Beach Blvd
Dania, Fl 33004
954-980-0293

Saturday May 1, 2010 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday May 2, 2010 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM

HOW TO START A COLLECTION OF PORCELAIN DOLLS

Collecting porcelain dolls is fun and can be a very valuable hobby. Many dolls are worthy investments with their value over time growing. A true collector is pride to display her dolls in her home for others to see. Being surrounded by your beautiful dolls and their custom-designed outfits are sure to bring you much added happiness in your home. My first porcelain doll was given to me by my grandmother. I was about three at the time and I cherish that doll for many years, but the love for these dolls are not just for little girls, big ones love them too.

These highly valued dolls are made from porcelain and bisque. Now we also have a baby doll that is made of a vinyl that is soft as can be with real lifelike materials. Some of these adorable baby dolls are life size and others are as small as 10 inches long. Each of these dolls features hand rooted hair, hand painted features, delicate fingernails, rosey checks, gentle smiles, and bright eyes, just like our porcelain dolls.

How expensive a doll is depends on the popularity of its artist and the quantity of similar dolls made. Doll collection can be addictive if you let it be. First you must decide which type of doll you want to collect. You will find duplicates of porcelain dolls made, so be careful to study your options carefully before buying one. Do your research on the type of dolls you have chosen to know the value before you invest in it. This will always help you save money in the long run.

Here are a few of the different types of Porcelain Dolls:

Antique Porcelain Dolls -

This type is hard to found. Many very relistic replicas of these dolls are made, check details closely on it. Most duplicates seem to look like the original collectible and are sold in garage sales, antique shops, and flea markets. Do not be fooled by them, cross check with an expert before you invest in an antique porcelain doll.

Handcrafted Porcelain Dolls -

No two of these dolls are the same. Each piece is unique and done by an artist by hand in limited numbers. This type is highly valuable for its uniqueness and beauty. The artisan popularity adds even more to the value of it.

Limited Edition Porcelain Dolls -

The type is mass produced in limited numbers and is very popular. Always make sure you buy limited edition dolls from a well known collector or seller of porcelain dolls.

Porcelain Doll Reproductions -

Hundred of people all over the world produce phonies and duplications of the rare antique porcelain dolls. Your new and finer dolls should come with a certificate of authenticity numbered.

Once you fall in love with collecting these dolls, you will want them all, attend doll shows and meet other collectors to keep up with what is new in the porcelain doll market.

How to Care for Your Porcelain Dolls

Nina's Porcelain Dolls

http://www.ninasporcelaindolls.com/

Porcelain dolls are collectible investments of doll lovers that need to be taken care of on a regular basis. To keep your dolls looking their best- cleaning and maintenance is important. Use only simple, non harsh products around your house to keep your porcelain dolls looking their best in a short period of time.

Remove your doll's clothes and hair accessories and sit aside. Set your hair dryer on low and blow dry your doll to remove any loose dust or use a can of compressed air, similar to what you would use to clean your computer keyboard. The compress air is best for hard to remove dust on a doll's hair and clothing. For dolls with straight hair you can use a flea comb to brush your doll's hair. Working from the top to the bottom. This will also remove dust and keep it tangle-free. You can use Febreeze to freshen up the hair.

1. Use a wet eraser to remove stubborn marks and smudges. If you don't have a eraser take a piece of white bread and remove the crust. Roll it into a ball and use it like a eraser on your porcelain doll. Rub the bread on the face and body of the doll. This will remove the dirt and grime from the doll without causing any damage to it. Since most doll's features, lips, eyes, and cheeks, are painted on, take care not to remove any of the paint.



2. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent (one you would use for delicate clothing) or pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a dish. Dip a cotton ball or Q-tip into the solution to clean out hard to reach places, like the doll's toes and corners of the eyes.



3. Slowly and with circular movements, work over the doll with the wet cotton ball or Q-tip. Rub gently over any noticeably dirty or dusty porcelain areas on the doll. Pat dry with a cotton towel.



4. You can freshen your doll's clothes by placing them in your dryer on the air only cycle with a dryer sheet for about ten minutes. Redress your doll and repeat these steps about every six months.

For any stains on your doll's clothing you may want to take to the dry cleaners to remove.

• Always keep your dolls out of direct sunlight. UV rays can cause the dolls and clothing to discolor or yellow.


• Keep your dolls in a case or in their original boxes to reduce dust.


• Never use bleach or bleaching solutions to clean your dolls, these are very harmful to the doll's finish and clothing.


• If your doll has a glued on wig do not allow it to get wet while cleaning, doing so may loosen or make it fall off completely.

For all collectible doll lovers, you will find an extensive line of absolutely stunning porcelain and vinyl collectibles from the exquisite collection of the Ashton-Drake dolls.

You are welcome to browse our store for all of our treasured collectible dolls, accessories and outfits.

We have special discounts and offer payment plans if desired.

Visit us today at http://www.ninasporcelaindolls.com/