My Birthday Month is Here!!

February has been a special month for me, not just because its my birth month, but because there's Valentine's Day and a few presidents celebrated this month for their bdays!!

LOL So, here's what I found the past few weeks...

Items I found from Japan, this adorable vintage terry cloth bath sponge in the shape of a bunny head, still mint in package! This adorable and creepy sleep eyed doll from the 1950s. I have this large one and a small one. All are listed in my Etsy shop!

Next, this adorable Baby Bunka doll that is quite large too. Already adopted by a fellow collector friend. She is able to sit upright, so legs are jointed. I love the hand painted features of her face too!

These adorable Macoto and Junichi handkerchief I got as a lot. I listed 3 out of the five that were together. I am keeping these two for now...

I don't know if I mentioned, a few years back I got this adorable puppy shaped perfume with a pink lid... Little did I know they used to come in a set of 3 fragrances, Jasmin, Gardenia, and Carnation. All made by Manon Freres perfumes, 1940s. I love the colors and the box they came in was a carnival tent shape. Sadly, the Jasmin perfume leaked I guess and made the roof warped really bad. Ugh. I was devastated, but se la vie! I love the smells, some remind me of my mother's perfume back in the 70s. Below, this adorable clock Plakie rattle mint in box I won from the bay. I will treasure it. Just too cute!!

These adorable vintage upcycled orange and pears, I made into anthropomorphic ornaments! I had them in my shop just a few days ago and they sold out in less than a week! I hope to make more soon! Glad that there was a good reception for them. The orange was based off of the operatic orange that I used to watch as a kid on Sesame Street! A great memory too!
 

@ggsdolls_vtg These upcycled anthropomorphic cuties in my shop!! 🍊🍐🎶🛍️🎀 #ggsdollsshop #upcycled #vintage #kitsch #anthropomorphic #fruit #ornaments ♬ Carmen Habanera, classical opera(1283412) - perfectpanda

  These two lovely records booklets with sleeves that I got from Japan. Below is one called, "Gift for Girls". This booklet has lovely artwork by Rune Naito and includes four records. Made of really thin plastic and can sit inside a page of the booklet. Each record has one or two songs on it to play. Mostly classical songs. Very calming and beautiful to listen too. The second record is called, "Swan Princess" and the other side is a boys anime theme song called, "Fight Pyuta". Not sure. But still cute!

I also got some adorable anime girl items, like this coin purse above and Macoto T. mini notebook. Just love Shoujo anime gals so very much!! Brings all the nostalgic feels I had as a kid.

Lastly, these adorable vinyl stickers I had made of my "Happy Bear" and "Peter" rabbit. Both are available in my shop too!  You can stick them on your car!! That's all for now, happy thrifting!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Below: some tiktok vids I made of the records and stickers, etc.!!

 

@ggsdolls_vtg Let’s look and listen to this vtg 1960 music gift for girls booklet and records. Came w 4 thin plastic records and music lyrics. 🎼⏺️💖🥹. #ggsdolls_vtg #ggsdolls #mycollection #vintage #records #classicalmusic ♬ Summer party (20 seconds) - TimTaj

 

 

@ggsdolls_vtg Made these Rushton style vinyl stickers of my Happy Bear and Peter!💖🎀🛍️. #ggsdollsshop #rushton #kitsch #maryrushton #stickers #ggsdolls ♬ original sound - Puff ♢

Commission to Space!!

    Well, not really. But one that is space related to a famous family TV show titled, "Lost in Space". No, not the Netflix version, but the good old 1965 version of the TV series. I was commissioned by a fan back in April of this year, named, Robert M. He simply messaged me via Etsy on my Restoration listing asking if I would be interested in transforming a vintage plush chimp he had into the character, "Debbie the Bloop" from the TV series for his collection.

 

 

 

     Of course I was a bit taken aback, only because, my listing was for restorations, and not a complete transformation of a plush into something else. So, I wrote him back asking if I was just to change out the ears? He explained himself better and he sent me photos of Bloop to help. I was somewhat hesitant at first, but the idea of just trying was in my head before I knew I could even make the idea become reality...    

    When the plush chimp arrived, I removed all stuffing and as per usual washed and cleaned her up. I had to wait a week for the black fur to arrive from my supplier. I began immediately when the fur came in, working on her by removing her face and ears to begin the process of creating the dome shaped head that Bloop has. I drew out the pattern for both her head and ears, and began cutting the fur. I had sewn the dome head and decided that foam and stuffing would work to my advantage in creating the dome head Bloop's character had. In the photos above, Bloop's dome head is actually a hat. I thought of creating that at first, like you would with ears for a hat that perhaps, a Blythe doll would wear or one for Cosplay. But, that was not what Robert had wanted. He wanted her head to become this character. I was somewhat fighting within myself, because I restore vintage and didn't want to take away from this vintage plush. In the end, it is what the customer wants that is my job. So, I began the journey of creating 'Bloop'.

    Creating the ears for Bloop was a bit of a conundrum. LOL I knew I could create the pointy ears with wire and the fur fabric, so I did. But, how could I incorporate it onto the existing ears... It was a lot of trial and error. I had completed it up to this point. The head was a bit high, so I took it in some on the top of Bloop's head. The wires created a perfect high point tip and was sewn into the side of the head with the ears. My first attempt was worthy but, the ears were missing something, I wasn't sure what?! So, I asked my kids, and Tevin suggested I use prosthetic elf ears. It was like a TADA moment!! A light bulb or more like lightening hit me! Yesss! I thanked Tevin for the idea and went to my local Halloween store, of course after calling them, if they had any, and they did in two styles too!! Yippee! Robert also asked me to add more fur around Bloop's hands and feet.

    Early June, I began the idea, hoping that the elf ears would work! But, when I got them home. They were a lot smaller than I had hoped. Ugh. Yes, I did measure the ears before buying them, but I wasn't sure how to incorporate them onto the ears I had already completed. The idea of abandoning what I had created thus far was something I didn't want to walk back at first. So, I decided to cut the elf ears into parts and painstakingly sew and glue them onto the ear that was already on Bloop... My second attempt.

    After sharing the photos with Robert, he was very kind and told me, he thought the ears could be a lot more uniformed. Honestly, I agreed with him. He had wanted me to "Go for the Gold!" was his expression, and my head was still in the save the originality of the chimp mode. Robert made me fully understand that he was okay if I had to cut the ears or alter them. Once I was able to let go of the idea of it being a restoration project, and more of an 'imagineering' one, like that of Disney! I finally, let go. He even liked the idea of the elf ears and did his research to find me ones that were large enough to fit on this Bloop. Sure enough by mid June he had found a set in the UK. Now, I just had to wait for them to arrive to me in the mail. In the meantime, my family and I had gone on our family vacation. When I returned home, sure enough the elf ears were in the mail. Inside the box, was Robert's suggestions along with a diagram of what he wanted and a print out of the actor who played Will and Bloop.

    I truly appreciated the fact that he gave me a bit more instructions as to how we could manage the elf ears and realize them onto Bloop. I began working on Bloop this past week, and here was the end results below. At first, I painted the ears to match skin color as it was a very pale skin tone. But then realized it needed to be more of an orangey brown to match her face, hands and feet skin tone. So I repainted them, and thanks also to Sara who noticed it first and gave me her critique on them. Thanks my girl! Third times the charm!!

The Chimp above before and Bloop after. She looked more like the Bloop she was meant to become. I took photos and shared them with Robert. He was thrilled and appreciated the work I had done. Bloop is now on her way to her forever home. I am so thrilled to have been taken outside of my comfort zone and was able to help realize something that was just an idea a few months ago, into something that is now a reality. I truly appreciate Robert M. for giving me the opportunity to challenge myself and my skills of restoring. Debbie will be forever a plush who has gotten me to believe in myself and what I can make possible.

    It is in being challenged that we find the faults in ourselves and what can be imagined as well. We only need awesome people like Robert to help us realize our true skills. You know what Rob, you are like Walt Disney, your belief in me, made Bloop a reality, and for that I thank you sir!! Robert even shared with me his other reason for wanting Bloop created. But, I won't share what that is yet, until after the event. I hope to be in contact with him to find out how it all went... Bloop's story will continue!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls

Nellie-Belle Restoration!

 I recently, had a windfall of Rushton cuties the past two weeks. Next up, it's Nellie-belle, a Rushton Pony!

This is from an advertisement about her. Nellie-belle arrived to me early in February. But, I took some time to get her worked on, as I have been working on other things. I don't really collect too many of the other types of Rushton animals, and Nellie is one of them. I decided I will restore her and then resell her in my shop. So when she arrived, she was missing, her tail, her saddle, and reins as well. She also needed cleaning on her face.

So, as with all my plushies, I began with taking out the stuffing and washing them. Her ears are a bit rough on the edges, so I just cleaned them up a bit. After she dried, I restuffed her and began working on her face. There was a lot of caked on dirt and dust. I cleaned her hooves as well. By the time all that work was done. It was time for me to repaint her. I did have to repaint her irises, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Her mouth and tongue as well. I also added a bit of blush and she was complete.

I decided to make her reins and her saddle myself. A bit similar to the one in the ad, but I decided on my own coloring and use of the Japan Rushton fabric. If you look carefully, one side is a "Happy" face Rushton bear and on the other side is a "Baby" Rushton duck. I even added some pompoms, and felt fabric too! I placed brass buttons on the reins and used felt to make them with. It is not secured on her and can be removed. I then added some bells to the felt loop on the front of the saddle and there are snaps on the felt, for easy take off. I then, waited a week to work on her tail. Mostly because I wasn't sure how I want to attempt making it... Decisions, decisions...LOL

So, I added a blue satin bow to her and just today, finished the tail. You see on the Rushton ad, Nellie's tail is actually attached to the saddle. When she arrived to me, there was no hint that she had a tail. So, this is why I think it was attached to her saddle? I could be wrong. Ultimately, I made her one using off white felt fabric and sewed the tail onto her body. I couldn't find off white yarn to make her tail with, but I think the felt fabric was actually prettier on her! Now, she is ready to be loved again!!

Next, I found this lovely Totsy brand doll dress in pink for my Alice hybrid doll. I recently had my husband help me to modify her so that her head sits permanently into the Whimsie body. This dress was a perfect fit too! Now, to wait for some shoes to put on her...

I also found this lovely satin blue vtg Valentine's box, rare to find it in blue and in such lovely condition. I also won these adorable Demon baby figurines. They are already adopted and should be with their new Mommy soon. I love this version. I've seen them in an orange color and red, I believe. Made by Charmcraft, China.

Then, I also had some prints made of these two cuties! My Rushton crying bear and Betsy on a shelf! It took over a month to get to me. Ugh. I may need to find another company that can ship faster! I've already added this to my Etsy shop!

Last for today, is this lovely vtg Kanebo yarn doll hanger. I have been trying to win something like this since last year. I saw 2 others up for auction and both times, I lost last minute. So this time, I actually won it and Yay me!! It matches so well with my brooch. Love Kanebo made accessories. They are always too cute and they have that 50s vibe of Japan!

Enjoy your weekend all!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls

The New Year is Coming...

 It has been an amazing year my dear friends! Filled with ups and downs and well mostly ups. So I wish you all a very blessed upcoming New Year and the hopes that we all have a good one, with good health, and good fortune!

Okay, on to what I wanted to share with you...

In early December, I received this huge ginormous vintage Rushton Papa bear from a fellow collector in Japan, who sent him directly to me from the seller in the States. She wanted me to restore BOB, her nickname for him. I was excited to see him. Because he was listed via Ebay and for a lot of money, but ended in whatever her offer was for him. So, honestly, I was planning on adopting him myself, but of course in the end we decided not too. Still it was nice to be able to have him with me and experience what it might be like to own him. He arrived quickly to me and I began to give him a spa while waiting for all the materials to come in that would make him the way this collector wanted him to be...

When he arrived on the left and right after work has been done...

Okay, when I started on Bob, he needed a good wash. I removed all his stuffing, which was pretty decent and no smells too. Washed him and laid him out to dry. He dried in about 2 days. Then, I began restuffing him. The first attempt, he was a bit skinny and I didn't notice it until I had began sewing his shoes. I had to wait for the felt fabric for his shoes, vest and coat to come in to begin anything. So Bob sat for 2 weeks. When the fabric came in, I had gotten a color for the jacket as close to the original jacket. But the collector wanted the jacket to be more of a mustard color or yellow. So, I had to order felt fabric in that color. While waiting for that, I had gotten the buttons to his vest and jacket also. After all the items to help restore him came in, I just simply used the original items as a pattern for the new jacket, vest and shoes.

By Friday just before Christmas day, I was done or so I thought. I sent photos and the collector, had some preferred changes in Bob's outcome. Oh my, I must admit I felt like I had done something wrong and not worthy of completing the commission. But, I listened and here is what I needed to change... 

One, he was still skinny and not chubby like the original. Two, his nose and hair was too dark. Three, his appliques for the shoes were a bit larger, and didn't quite look like the original. Four, his cheeks weren't pink enough, and I had put only 4 buttons on his vest instead of five. But in my mind it was because, there was only four to begin with. LOL I couldn't use the original buttons, because I couldn't take them off the original vest and jacket with out ruining them. The large button on the jacket were snap buttons and they are locked into the fabric, and the small buttons on the vest, had one missing and they had prongs on the other side to lock them onto the felt. If I pried them off, they may not be usable on the 2nd try. Ugh, the challenge!! Haha!

Mind you, it might have been someone else's Papa bear that she was going by. Which was fine and I completely understood why she wanted him that way. I found that I am the same, when we first see the vintage plush we fall in love with, we want them that way, because that is the one we fell in love with first. And for me, to create something she wanted, and the way she had wanted it, was a challenge I will admit. But definitely, this experience had become one that I needed to learn from. So, thank you to Alicemarket on IG for helping me to realize that challenges can be a good thing, and helpful in the long run. For myself, it was to realize what I could and couldn't do, no matter how one may try. Lesson learned.

In the end, Bob's jacket was a bit too yellow, but we had gone through 2 tries already. So I think she decided to just keep it that way. I did go back and lightened his nose and hair, and I found how to do that without using acrylic paints solely. Yay!! I learned something new!! Thank you challenges! Added more pink blush to Bob, and tried my best to add more stuffing too. It was pretty hard to do. You see, Bob was stuffed with all of his own stuffing, but he didn't look chubby. I had to massage the stuffing around his face more and head, I had to unsew one shoe to take out all the stuffing and restuff again and add more stuffing to his body. If I took a pic of him sideways you could see he was chubby, but because of the way I had massaged the stuffing into him as you see him from in front, he looked like he was still a bit skinny. LOL I couldn't add any more stuffing, mainly because his seams would start to rip, and I didn't want that.

Interesting how fabric can sort of handle some stress, but then not at all. In the end, Bob was done and I shipping him to his Mommy just yesterday. It was a great experience and definitely one I have learned from. Bob stood about 26 inches tall, and weighed about 8lbs. I added cardboard to the underside of his shoes to help him have more stability, while standing. His black tie is original to him. All the buttons and buckles matched as closely to his original ones and I also gave Alice back his original clothing as well. He will definitely be a great addition to her growing Rushton collection!!

 Whew! Is all I can say! Adios Bob! Enjoy being loved for another 50 years or so!!

 Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls