Just had to share a fellow collector's post on Instagram!! Sweet Petit_Museum purchased two of my items, though it took long for my package to get to her, no thanks to Shipstation. Ugh. But otherwise they arrived safely to her! Yay!! Definitely appreciate you shopping with me dear C!!
Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls
Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series
A
monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing
collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good
friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...
For the month of June, my blog interview is with a lovely collector of Alice in Wonderland Disney merch and vintage rubber face stuffed animals, petit__museum or Alicexmarket before on Instagram!
Hello my name is Cheryl, but I have never publicly shared my real name as I don't hintk it's important. Haha! One very few collectors know my name, some of them call me Alice as my Instagram's name was "alicexmarket" (I used to collect Alice in Wonderland collectibles so crazily just like how I am collecting Rushtons now.) But, I never correct them anyway. I would also like to explain a bit on my new account's name... It's called, "Petit Museum", as I have been dreaming of having a small museum to display my toys. If I had a museum, it didn't have to be a grand place, but a cozy and friendly place full of treasures.
I come from Macau, which is a special administration area in China, just like Hong Kong. It is a small city with a lot of casinos and resorts and I am still living there.
I mainly use my Instagram "petit__museum" to share my collection. I am quite lazy... and busy...
The first time when I encountered a Rushton, was when I saw a seller selling Rushton plushies on a Chinese online secondhand market. I was surprised the plush was quite expensive and went to eBay to do some research on the pricing. It was not that pricey on eBay, and so I actually got my first Rushton, "Artist Bunny" at around 80 US dollars that time around 2019. I bought it just for fun. I didn't really like it very much and I just left it in the cabinet for two years!!! LOL
The Rushton rubber faces were so well-designed. They just have the cutest facial expression! And their color combination, body shape, materials, and also their unique hand-painted face! They are just the perfect rubber faces to collect!
I didn't really ask or care what my family or friends think of my collection! I don't care what they think to be honest, and I seldom share my collection on my private account. But my sister, who has a great sense of taste, said that the Rushtons look good (except the octopus LOL).
I don't really have a favorite one. I can't choose... But, I still remember the moment I received the big bear, Bob, that Gigi repaired for me, as it's the first time for me to get such a huge Rushton!
If we are talking about rare Rushtons only, I'd probably say that the Rushton penguin which I got, I have never seen another collector having him and never seen a picture of him online.
I have noticed that their popularity is probably because of Melanie Martinez. But for me, I only knew that she collected them after I had started collecting them.
I have missed a perfect Rushton pink reindeer before as I was not familiar with Rushtons at the time. I wish I knew better and I wouldn't have missed it! Also, talking about buying and collecting stuff, I actually got all of my collection from other places, online and overseas. I am quite jealous to see US collectors finding cheap Rushtons or other vintage stuff in the wild as I don't have such an opportunity... And I usually need to buy them at high prices. So, I always need to act fast and frequently check the websites.
Thank you dear Cheryl for allowing us to take a peek into your huge collection and share your story with us. It was a joy to learn more about you!
Until next month guys! Happy Collecting!!
Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls
Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series
A
monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing
collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good
friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...
For the month of April,
my blog interview is with a lovely toy collector of squeaks and Rushtons, paterphobia on Instagram, also known as Lana!
Lana, was born in the Pacific North West of the United States, and is nearly 29 years old. What do you do for a living Lana? I work as a Mental Health Counselor! I love my job. It's very rewarding.
Tell us more about your collection? I've always been into vintage items and in college I started going to antique stores and browsing eBay. This was back before they were very well-known and prices were so reasonable that I was able to grow my collection rather quickly! I eventually branched out into everything from vintage nursery planters to clothing. One of my favorite non-toy collections is my vintage t-shirt collection. Mostly band tees and rare TV and film collectibles.
The toys' little faces always put a smile on my face. It's so fun to have so many colorful, bright, expressive little faces in my house! I also really enjoy the restoration aspect of toy collecting and it's so satisfying seeing a toy go from "well-loved" back to fluffy and fresh looking. The process is super fun too.
I started following some "creepy cute" accounts on Tumblr way back in the day. There was just something about the toys, the way they are so well made and expressive. I've always been a bit strange, haha! While many found them creepy, I was drawn to them. I started by finding Kewpie dolls at antique stores. I purchased my first Rushtons on eBay over a decade ago now and the rest is history! I'm mostly focused on getting an entire rainbow of toys now. I'm always still on the hunt for more "rare" Rushtons and rubber faced toys.
What has been the reaction of your family, friends and coworkers about your hobby? Everyone is super supportive and I've even received them as gifts! I know some of them secretly find them a bit creepy, but what's not to love about that? Haha!
Which one is your favorite and why? That's a tough one, but I would have to say my "Chiltern" bunny rabbit. He's BIG and in such great condition and I found him for a reasonable price! He's special to me because I haven't seen too many like him.
I once had a Rushton rubber faced goose! I honestly miss her very much and it's one reason I think I will be keeping more than I sell in the future.
What would be your ISO? Definitely a fluffy orange Rushton fox. Orange is one of the harder colors to find with Rushtons and they always get snatched up before I get a chance to grab them! One of my wish list items for sure. I also just love their big smiling faces.
Have you noticed and increase in popularity? Definitely! I love to see one of my favorite things get so much love, but it's for sure more of a seller's market now. I think a lot of people found out about them through Melanie Martinez and just appreciate how eccentric and unique they are.
Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you so much, I am honored to be included. Cheers to toy collecting! - Lana
Thank you so much Lana for sharing your love of vintage toys with us! Be sure to check out my blog interview next month when we meet a dear sweet collector and friend from my Flickr days. All the way from Europe!! Until, next month, Happy Collecting!
Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls
Interview with a Collector - ggsdolls blog Series
Here's my monthly series on my blog where I share some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and creatives, that have become friends of mine and what they collect and why?
For the month of December, my blog interview is with the gorgeous, talented, and pinkalicious collector I know, Peter Pratts also known as rushtonbarbie on Instagram.
Photographed by Nelson Pereira @Aiiirmoon
Peter, is originally from Long Island, New York, but is currently residing between Las Vegas, Nevada and Orlando, Florida at this time. At 29 years of age, he is was born on June 8th and is also a Gemini.
What do you do for a living?
Peter, "I'm a Social Media manager! I manage influencers, local
businesses, cosmetologists and more! I can’t say I have one specific job
as I do many things! I am a graphic designer, web designer, content
creator, makeup artist and even influencer myself. However I’ve taken a
break from beauty influencing as I don’t have the same passion for it as
I used to. I’ve worked with many of the biggest brands like Mac,
Sephora, Urban Decay, etc."
When and how did you first encounter vintage rubber face stuffed animals or Rushtons, and do you collect anything else?
Peter, "I
know some collectors in the community like to shame people because of
this but I discovered Rushtons after watching a Melanie Martinez music
video last year (2021). I literally was like WHAT is that and the
research commenced. I already loved 80s/90s Barbies, however I didn’t
have a collection. I also loved Kewpie tattoo art. For whatever, I just
became obsessed with Rushton rubber face plushies and wanted them all. I currently only collect Rushton plushies & some Edward Mobley squeaks. I’d like to start a Barbie collection in time."
How
do you describe your relationship with your collection; what is that
magical thing that attracts you to these items and keeps you interested?
Peter, "I
started collecting Rushtons at a time where I was pretty bored with
life. It's in a way sad to say but makeup became less of a passion for
me the more it felt like work.. Eventually LITERALLY hating it. I still
do it occasionally however for a while I didn't have something that
genuinely excited me. I've really come to love this hobby of mine. I
hope to keep my Rustons with me through life. Collecting these dolls has
pushed me to start practicing on many things I've in a sense, always
wanted to! I'm learning how to sew and create clothing. I'm also
learning to paint! Retouching their faces requires precision as there
are a lot of fine lines…. I've always been insecure about my drawing/painting abilities. But, I'm just happy to finally be learning! I also get
to create the cutest photos. I’ve always loved photography and
creation. With these dolls I combine so many things I love into one.
It’s quite hard to say exactly what I feel with them."
What is it about the vintage cute kitsch aesthetic that distinguishes it from other novelties of the same era?
Peter, "For me it’s the rubber faces of Rushton plushies. They stand out and are much more expressive than other dolls in my opinion. I may sound like a snob but I don’t really care, I also like how rare they are. I think it’s cool having something quite unique that not many people own."
Not Peter Rabbit, I feel like we all know what he looks like.
This is my 30 inch self standing white bunny.
Tell me a bit more about your collection, how it started, what your first items were, and how it has evolved?
Peter, "My collection started because of my extreme urge to own a Peter Rabbit. I realized getting one on eBay was going to be quite hard after being outbid several times. I purchased a random bunny rubber face who was missing an ear and had no brand. After receiving it I was like, 'Haha… Nice… But it’s not a damn Rushton!!' I took the plunge and splurged on a Tuffy duck (there were no Peter Rabbits online at the time) and the rest is history. I currently have 30 Rushtons and am always looking for more bunny friends."
What has been the reaction of your family/friends/colleagues to your passion for cute kitsch?
Peter, "Honestly I don’t think anyone was surprised. A few of my best friends said they were scary. However, they expected nothing less from me (lol). I am always doing quite 'out of the norm' things so suddenly collecting these dolls was just something else to add to my list."
Tell me about your favorite item and why it’s so special?
Peter, "I’d have to say my favorite item is my Peter Rabbit. I love all of my other Rushtons but honestly, I was just like 'Oh! Okay I’ll get it.' Peter Rabbit was so hard for me personally to get! Mine is in pretty mint condition. I also didn’t want to get completely ripped off. The whole process took months until finding my perfect baby."
Me as a Rushton posing with many of my babies.
Is there anything else about your personal experiences that you would like to add?
Peter, "Through
joining this community I’ve come across many people who also enjoy my
particular style. It’s really pushed me to open my own shop/brand. Which I’ve been wanting to do for years now. However, it’s just been
something on the back of my mind. I’ve decided to launch Madame Rushton
and am so excited for what’s to come with it. I’ll be focusing on
handmade original pieces. Clothing, accessories and more!"
Thank you so much Peter for the opportunity to share your story. I look forward to what your shop Madame Rushton has to offer!!
Please check out Peter's shop Madame Rushton on IG coming soon, and Peter's rushtonbarbie IG collection for his adorable content and love of Mary Rushton plushies!
Until next year folks for my next installment! Happy Collecting!
Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls
One asking, "If I bought the bear and that they were going to buy it, but someone bought it already." The other asking, if I bought the bear and if, I was from Guatemala? " Why? I asked. Because they both had asked the seller, and the seller willing gave them the information!!! Wth?!!! Personal information of any kind is not supposed to be easily given. That’s why selling sites hide buyers identity or are at least are supposed too!
This insanity about Rushtons has got to stop!! I will not be guilt-tripped or bullied for buying an item that is publicly up for sale!!!! Meaning it’s available for EVERYONE to buy!!! That’s just wrong and upsetting that some collectors feel the need to bully others for beating them to the punch or are publicly complaining about it!!! I don’t care if you are considered only a child still by others, and don’t understand how to control your emotions.
I’m a mother of 3 young adults and a teen. It’s best for you to learn right now, at this moment that what you are doing and how you are treating others makes a world of a difference to your friendships with them or at least your interactions with others. Fellow collectors of Rushtons and other rubber face plushies please do not bully these kids either! I am not publicly trying to shame anyone.
I’m just bringing to light the obvious wrong way that some collectors are treating one another on Instagram, Facebook or any social media for that matter. Then you wonder why IG is considered not healthy for young girls in a study. Hell! This is not healthy for a fun, loving and thriving collecting community of any kind!!
One by one many of the amazing and creative people we have come to enjoy and love are slowly just not posting or sharing their love of Rushtons and rubber face plushies anymore… Mostly for fear of retribution, judgement, etc. by a small few!!
ENOUGH is ENOUGH!! I may get unfollowed for this
post... But, I will not sit back and watch as our community of collectors
for rubber face plushies get slowly bullied and guilt-tripped for
it anymore!!
Thank you reading til the end. Read “What is Fair in Collecting”, in an earlier post!!
This has been a public service announcement! Love you all, ggsdolls
#ggsdolls #rushton #vintageplush #vintagerubberface #collectors #rant #kindnessmatters #bekind #fairincollecting #nobullying #noguilt #sorrynotsorry
- Do what is fair and right, when collecting.
We are all looking for the same vintage items. As a collector you can't force others not to buy something because you want the same item. Guess what everyone does too! But, should someone else
find it or win it instead of you, you should not hate the person, disrespect or bully them for it. Collecting is just that, we find
great deals, great. If someone else beats us to the great deal, oh well,
it wasn't meant to be yours, be happy for them! You will eventually
find it yourself, in time. "Have patience young Padawan!"
- Be courteous with one another. When you ask another collector if they are or aren't interested in an item, that you may want for yourself. Be honest, you can kindly ask that other collector. Whether it's between friends or just a fellow collector, let one another know. That way in the end, your friend and on a future item find, you'll both get the best price for that vintage find. I think this is a bit of a give an take situation between mostly close collector friends and it can be helpful and nice. But, I'm sure there is the opposite and things can get nasty too. If that happens, then the earlier rule is the best way to go.
- Share your knowledge about things you find. I'm an advocate
for sharing what I find. It is my hope that from what I share, if it can
help others in their pursuit of finding the same item or have more
knowledge about that item, then I'm for it! This one has changed a bit for me, because some of the younger collectors feel you "NEED" to tell them where you bought it or how you got the item. For those of us who have been doing this for years, honestly, we don't owe 'anyone', an explanation. You need to learn what to do and how to, that's what we have done. We didn't just ask someone for the answers. We did the years of searching and research and worked at it. So, with that being said, Yes, share the knowledge about an item is fine, but we are not obligated too, and there should be no pressure.
- Be mindful of others feelings and have respect for one another as collectors. Though I may have said, all is fair in our love of collecting. Still be mindful of others, and don't say or share things that may hurt them, just to get back at them or for whatever reason. It's just plain wrong. Okay, so you won that item. Don't show off, and don't brag about it either. I'm a firm believer of Karma, and what you put out into the world, is exactly what you will get back. Just think first, "Would I want something like that done to me?"
- Don't burn your bridges. When you become close to other collectors, that's great and you've made a good friend. They probably helped you find an ISO, or even directed you to one they had in their collection themselves and are offering it to you. Having a person you can relate to helps, and having one that loves the same things you do, is even better and a blessing! You have to remember, everyone is different and the way we all communicate with one another is different too. It's okay, if your not social, nothing wrong with that. But please don't force yourself on others either. We have many talents, gifts, and knowledge we can share or gain from one another. If there was a minor misunderstanding try your best to work it out. Most often it is just miscommunication. But, if that person, won't forgive or forget. Let it be and move on. It is a lesson learned, and that's life. One thing I've learned is that you can forgive, and talk it out with one another. Sometimes that works too, so try, it doesn't hurt!
- Collectors as sellers. As collectors we all want the best
deals, doesn't everyone? But, you also have to remember that we were not
sellers at first, we are buyers just like you. Please be courteous to
the seller you are buying from. Asking for a cheaper deal or questioning
their items or prices, is just an insult. Come on guys, if you were at a
Gap Store or Walmart, do you go up to the cashier and barter for a
cheaper price? The person you are buying from is a small business, at
most, a collector themselves trying to make back what they spent on that
item, and the work they put into getting it or fixing it. Please read some of the
examples given on, "11 Etiquette to observe when buying from a dealer." Numbers 1, 4, 5, 8, and 9." (Sadly, the website needs renewing and is currently down.)
- Collectors as Buyers. Updated. Do not ask or force a seller to tell you who bought that item you missed out on and where they are from. That is none of your business and sellers shouldn't be giving out buyers information either. It's in your agreement with the selling website not too. That's the reason certain places do not show who the winner is or buyers names. Buyers should not bully or try to guilt trip other buyers because they missed out on an item. It's sold, let it go and move on. You can't tell a seller who not to sell too! Just because, you don't want that person to buy it, because they have the money for that item and you don't. That's wrong too! How would you like someone doing that to you? Please, think before you say or do things. Sometimes when you are upset, angry things get said or done and honestly it hurts everyone, in the end.
- For the love of collecting, Be kind. It makes a difference in our world nowadays, where there is so much violence, hate, bullying, and lies. Being kind matters... Kindness, matters. We all love, what we love and collect, what we collect. Enjoy it and be kind to others when you are collecting. It makes for a better world, a better people, better community and life...
Just my take. If I find other points to add, I will update it here. Just remember, let's make collecting fun and safe. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you feel is 'Fair in Collecting'? Comment below.
Thank you again for reading my little blog! ~ ggsdolls
My dear friend Kewtkitsch on IG was interviewed by Themothballpropheciess!! Yeah, don't ask, just listen!! You're welcome! Haha ~ ggsdolls
