New Special Creation!

   A special project came into my hands back in early May of last year. If you recall I was tasked to create an alien monkey from a TV show back in these posts... Fast forward to now, and the very same person wanted me to create a similar unique creature only he had imagined I could do for him!

The original look of the monkey body.

In May 2025, Robert contacted me proposing an idea of sorts. At the time, I had become a full time babysitter to my third grandchild. So of course, I had no time to do any restorations or commissions. I didn't want to begin one either knowing I may not be able to complete it. So, I politely declined and he was of course sad about it but very understanding. Throughout that day I could not stop thinking about it, and so I decided, perhaps I could try...

I wrote Robert back and said, that to him, but also that it would take a lot of time and I needed to know whether there was a specific date the new friend had to be completed. Sure enough, he was in no rush and even gathered all the materials I would need to help this new creature come to fruition! By late June of that year, the box with the plush arrived along with all the items to help make him.  Summer of 2025 was busy as I had a family trip and lots of things happening as well. So, I didn't revisit the project until Mid August. 

Removing the seams on the fabric.

Sewing on the scale fabric.

 I finally began the project of taking what had originally been a monkey plush with black fur, just like Bloop's original body and removed the rubber face and the fur. The monkey's body was a bit more simple, I just had to cover with it the green fur Robert had given to be sort of a suit on the body and add some scaling fabric to its chest and more fur to its hands and feet. The face would need to be recreated completely. So by September, I had finished the scales on the chest and the limbs fur. Now all I had to focus on the rubber face. The new creature's face was somewhat a bit more tricky to do. Because I had to work with the fact that I had no pattern to start with. You see when I had completed Bloop, I had the pattern set aside when she was completed back then, I somehow misplaced that very same pattern. So, I had no choice but to recreate a pattern all over again for this creature. It took time and days when I didn't have to babysit my grandchild. So it was just finding the right timing to complete the face once I got the pattern done. I made sure the rubber face was prepared and ready along with the ears.

The original pattern for the head and the rubber face, after being removed.

  

The rubber ears and fur cut out from the recreated paper pattern.

After new fur is sewn onto the rubber face. I had to replace the eye lock that was missing.

First attempt at the creature...

By October of 2025, I had finished the creature. At least, I thought I was! But upon inspection by Robert, he saw that it wasn't up to the specifics he had imagined. The ears weren't flushed with the face, the top of the head was a bit too pointed, and the face wasn't framed properly. Robert sent me a photo of Bloop and a drawing of the look for the creature he had imagined. So, it was back to the drawing board for me! I didn't revisit the creature until December, mostly because I was expecting my fourth grandchild and was off island for that trip! I tried my best to get the ears just right, but it still didn't work out. So, I was stumped! I had to sit there and really brainstorm about what was going on and how I could get it to work out like my first creation. At first, I thought perhaps it was the ears that I was given. Maybe it was too soft, pliable and needed help to keep it sturdy. But that wasn't the only issue. I realized later that it was the pattern I had created for it! Instead of two sides of the pattern I had only cut out one side of it. So I immediately fixed that issue and sure enough, along with wires and the two sides, that ultimately helped the ears in more ways than I had hoped for, Yay!!

I sent photos of the now second attempt of the creature, Robert gave his review of it and it was still not quite what he had hoped. The creatures face wasn't fuller and the fur didn't frame the face properly. I was angry at myself for the creature not being up to par for him. So, I had to ask myself, "Okay, what in the world is wrong here?" Robert had shown me the photo of Bloop and a drawing he made of the new creature and talked about Bloop's face details. I looked and looked, at his photo of Bloop and this creature... Then, it finally hit me!! That's why!!! Duh!! 

I realized it was the fur pile!! "What the heck is that, you ask!" Well it's the length of the hair on the fur, for those of you who don't know. The one he had purchased at the start of the project was only a one inch pile. I needed a longer hair pile at least three inches long to be exact. This was what I had used for Bloop's black fur. So I was able to find some examples for Robert to get. Sadly, my usual go to shop for my furs didn't have the color I needed to match this plush. Ugh. Luckily, Robert was able to find some and he immediately purchased it and had it shipped to me. Yippee!!

2nd attempt by January.

It was now a new year, 2026 to be exact, and January already! Armed with the new fur, I began the tedious work of removing and re-cutting and sewing the new fur so that everything was ready. In February I decided to take a bit of a break as it was my birthday month. By early March, I was done with this new vintage style creature. The fur worked out way better than I had hoped. After sending Robert the photos of my third attempt at completing the creature and sharing back and forth. He noted that the face and framing of the fur still needed more work to look similar to Bloop. So, I knew at least I had gotten this far. Robert harnessed my skills even further and made the encouragement I needed to push myself to help bring this new creature to life!

Third attempt above.

 A week later by the end of March I had felt a lot more confident in this creature's look and immediately contacted Robert! Sure enough, he was pleased with the new creature!! I was so thrilled and thankful for all his encouragement and patience with me!! After what felt like ages, the new, "Sea Monkey" creature was completed!! I was so happy more so for Robert and for him to enjoy this amazing creation! If it wasn't for his belief in me and harnessing my talents I wouldn't have even thought my hands could create this awesome Sea Monkey!! Haha!

Sea Monkey Bloop!!

I couldn't wait for him to receive the Sea Monkey, so I immediately shipped him off. So I hope to update you all with a photo from Robert when this creature is where he is meant to be displayed!! 

If you have read this far, thank you and for sharing a part of my recent commission experience! 

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls 

Rare Rushton Blue Bear Restored!!!

 

@ggsdolls_vtg 🎀🐻🩵 #maryrushton #rushtontoys #ggsdolls #restorations #commission #rushton #bear #rare ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - M2

Keep Creating and Recent Finds...

 Oh my goodness, it is already November!! The past month leading up to now has been busy, and the good kind too!

I finally finished a commission project for a customer! Whew! She is a Rushton Daisy Belle cow that used to be white with brown spots, but her owner wanted her to be a white and strawberry pink spotted cow. So, back in mid October I began, working on her yarn hair, felt parts and the lovely strawberry spotted fur!! She turned out so lovely, that even Sara told me she wanted one! Haha! Aww, thank you my girl, that means a lot to me!

Above, just the last few touches of sewing her back up after restuffing her with her original cotton batting. They were perfectly good quality and I wanted to put something original to her besides her udders and face. I also remove the straw that was in her hooves and replaced it will cotton wool that will hold up better. I added a vintage cow bell and yellow satin bow along with a pink daisy with blue leaves. TaDa! She was done! No sounder inside her as per owner's request. I am very pleased with the way she turned out. Now, to work on 2 other bambies for her! Ha!

While waiting to begin on the next project, I received these cuties in the mail as well...

This wild red and black striped tiger made in Japan arrived. I have seen him in an Ayumi Uyama book! I didn't think I would want to get one, but in the end did! He's just adorable and mid century modern to me! I also found this lovely Whitman 1947 Baby's Own Story book with box unused and is fabulous condition. I love the graphics inside too! There's even a Family tree page! The box is just too cute and adorable. Mostly the reason I bought it!

From Japan auctions, I got this lovely anime girl make up case. In amazing condition too! Has a mirror and lock closure. I also found this lot of 2 vintage Iron on Bear and Elephant. They will be added to my collection of iron ons.

Next, these vintage Ribon Japan books and mangas above and below rattles. I already have a few of the books listed in my shop and the rattles as well. My fave is the yellow in the middle, and I kept her! She actually quite large too and just the cutest thing!!

I also received this lot of Gimmick miniature pencil cases. There are 5 sets. I love the girlie ones best! Each even comes with tiny pencils and erasers or even protractors! Too cool! A commissioned Gund Bee I found for a friend, and is already on it's way to her too! He arrived in amazing condition as well. No need to do any major cleaning to him either!

Than, this adorable large posedoll with box arrived too. Lovely red dress and boots, she is already listed in my Etsy shop. This huge version of the Ado Mizumori's mermaid figurines is actually a coin bank! I found her with her original box! So cool. I've only seen the smaller ones that are just figurines, so to find this one was dreamy. I listed her in my shop and she sold very quickly!

I don't often find a patchwork Elephant plushies, but this one was hard to resist. Just adorable and probably made closer to the 90s than 80s. Still had its store tag on it too! LOL The happy mail that arrived from Japan below, showcasing a few more of the items I found.

The bento tin with Miyako Maki art work I will keep. I did list the white ceramic poodles and they sold really fast as well! I'm glad to see these items go to good loving homes too! The brown fawn plush, was a surprise to find! In lovely condition as well and I just added the yellow satin bow. She is already on her way to her forever home in Japan!

Next, I found this adorable rag doll bear or is it a puppy? Not sure. He is already listed in my shop. The ceramic blue kitty, I will probably list as well. Still deciding... Haha!

I was truly blessed to find this adorable Princess doll by Rushton, with just some minor flaws. She has been washed and slightly restored, with just a touch up of her face and added a bow. She is a pajama bag. I have only seen her in pink so far, so to find her in blue, was a lovely surprise!!

Next, I also found this adorable Play Girl Bunny by Rushton, in practically perfect condition!! She just needed some blush and a bow! She is exactly as the catalog photo! I was surprised that no one adopted her. And she is huge! I mean as large as my Granny bunny also by Rushton. I will need to do a side by side comparison. Definitely 29" tall. Perhaps a store display? Love her to bits! She will be awesome come Easter!

Last for this post, adorable reproduced decals by Merrybee in Japan. I bought a few to use. They are just as awesome as the Meyercord versions, but a bit trickier to use. If you do not cut them as close as possible to the edge of the decal, than the edges can show on the item you place them on. Also, you have to work quickly and swiftly to get the decal on while trying to make sure it is not folding up on the sides. So definitely takes a quick hand to use them. Haha!

I tried them on some adorable buckets I found and painted from my local Daiso. Not too bad. They are cute! What do you think? More projects using these decals to come!

I hope you all have a pleasant November! Happy vintage treasure hunting!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls

Recent Finds Etc.

 It has been really busy and in a good way too! I had a commission for a My Toy bunny, that a collector wanted me to do a full restoration for, because it was her original plushy as a child. I was thrilled to work on this bunny, knowing that I was restoring a treasured plush.

Before and after look, the plush was already destuffed by owner. The collector wanted me to completely redo her fur and repaint the face. Sadly, this cutie had permanent marker stains on the eyebrows. So I did my best to remove most of the markings. Can you believe how well loved this guy was, the fur was faded from years of washing of course and that's just normal when loved a lot. So, it was nice to be able to make this cutie new again for her and she was pleased. The bun is already on her way back home!

Above photo not mine but from the auction I won. I didn't get a chance to take a full pic of all the plushies I got in this one box. Instead I had began working on them one at a time...

I won in the lot a Rushton monkey, Stinky Skunk, Rozel bear, My toy wolf, and a large yawning baby. I began with the baby monkey first. I knew she was a rare Rushton. I've only seen her once before. Sadly, the box was just haphazardly wrapped, but at least they were all in a bag. The Monkey had a lot of disintegrated sponge just everywhere and on everything. ugh. I immediately removed it from her and washed her. Poor baby was in poor shape too. As for Stinky, I got him washed and cleaned up, he even has a music box inside him, but missing the key to wind him up. His left arm moves as the music plays. Then, I washed the bear. He wasn't so bad and just needed cleaning. Unique too, because he can stand up, not like the others in the usual sitting position. I have 2 more to work on, but it will be on hold for now...

Both Stinky and the baby Monkey have their original Rushton tags too!

I was able to find Alice, these shoes and this adorable corduroy pink coat. It's fun to dress her up. I also bought my girl a little suitcase for all her adorable outfits... Haha! A girl's gotta travel you know! Found these ceramic wall decor ballerinas, I've already listed them in my shop!

This adorable nude at the moment ceramic pup from Japan auctions, I refurred her. Now, she's fabulous with her bouffant hair do!! I will be deciding on whether to list her in my shop!! So keep your notifications on for etsy!!

Found this dress on Ebay. I will try to altar it to fit Alice too. Love the print and reminds me of Charlie and the Chocolate factory style. Next, this adorable rattle doll to add to my collection. The seller even added a vtg baby shower card!! awwww!! Found a My Toy Reindeer, listed him in my shop and he was snatched up! Already with his new Mommy!

Last, this Dedo type doll made by Maura Italy. She is listed in my shop! Love her realistic blue sleep eyes! She also comes with her international country dress. Definitely unique!

That's all for today!

Thank you so much for reading! ~ ggsdolls