Secrets of The Rushton Company by KewtQween!!

 WATCH NOW!! 

~ ggsdolls

Mary Rushton VS Bijou and Woolworth!!

 Watch Now!!

Love, ggsdolls

Dating Rushton Plushies by KewtQween!!

 Awesome video on dates of some of the Rushton made plushies!

Thanks to Kewtkitsch/KewtQween for the compilation! Great for references too!

WATCH NOW!! ~ ggsdolls

Yesss! Thank You KewtQueen For Sharing This!!!

 WATCH NOW!! ~ ggsdolls

Discussions on Cherub Cubs w Kewtkitsch!!

 Watch now!! ~ ggsdolls

Interview with KewtKitsch!!

  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 October, my blog interview is with the gorgeous, funny, and creative human behind the best and only website for The Rushton Toy Company Rubber Faced plushies of Mary Rushton's creations, KewtKitsch on Instagram. 

When I asked KK where she was from she said this, "Living that old people, sweaty all year, Florida life!" KK works at a bakery, and she gets paid to eat sweets and punch cakes with her fist before they throw them away. She asked me if I've ever punched a cake, and said that I should try it sometime! LOL I asked her what her age was...

KK: "I'm in my flirty 30's! The first time I ever saw a Rushton toy was probably a decade ago. While browsing for my kawaii, pastel 90’s toys on eBay, I saw this really ugly, bizarre, weird looking fish. I totally didn’t want it. Little did I know what my future would hold. I think I remember watching it and it sold for around $300. That was too much for me to be spending on toys. BUT OH BOY. IF ONLY MY YOUNGER SELF KNEW WHAT I WAS GOING TO START SPENDING ON TOYS IN MY FUTURE. 

I never imagined I would now want these ugly, weird toys in my life. Staring at me at all hours of the day while I lay in bed and sleep. And that I would sell my soul and sacrifice food and water to have them. Just kidding, It’s not that extreme. I just gave up buying my 90’s toys and switched over to 50’s toys instead. Speaking of my other collections, yes, I still very much love my Japanese kawaii toys, girly 90’s toys. I also collect 50’s nursery planters, bathroom mermaid plaques, and of course, the rubber face plush toys. Can I throw in antique furniture, things with cats on them, and my cats whiskers that fall out?"

Gigi: How do you describe your relationship with your collection? What attracts you to it?

KK: "My toys and I have a pretty good relationship. As long as they do their part of the house work, which is looking cute 24/7, I don’t kick them out of the house. But no really. I actually answered the next question first, before starting this one. So I feel like the magical part of my toys is mostly described below on Mary Rushton’s amazing, realistic work. That’s the magical part of it to me. 

 

Also, I guess another thing that makes them magical is that these toys survived this long and that I have the honor to own them. When they are as original as possible (a little dirty or not) as when they first were made, is so great to me. And that, makes it special. 

 

My relationship with them has grown over the past few years. I use them in my art and use their realistic expressions to express my own struggles or joy in life. It’s like they are all a part of me. When I am sad, I am “Scrappy” bear. When I am happy, I am “Happy” bear or “Laughing Pup”. Rather than taking photos of myself, I’ll use my little, spawn, toy children to do the work for me in my art. All of us can relate to these toys and become them. But overall, I am their mother and they are all just my babies. They do as I say or else they get the hose again."

Gigi: What is it about the vintage Rushton's that distinguishes it from other Toy Companies?

KK: "I guess, to me, it’s really more about Mary Rushton’s work and talent that separates her toys from the rest of the other rubber face brand toys. Mary didn’t just make toys, she was a skilled artist. She made the faces (at times) so realistic, so human like, that they really stand out to people. People who have never seen these kind of toys before, the first time they see one, it can freak them out. It’s creepy to them. And I think a lot of that has to do with because the facial expressions are so human like, it’s just weird. 

 

You aren’t used to seeing that on an animal toy. Lots of people have smiling teddy bears and no one cares or even thinks about it. The My-Toy company and Knickerbocker made toys showing human emotions (or just anthropomorphic) but they are more cartoon-y looking. Mary’s work isn’t like a cartoon. It’s like a real, alien kind-of-creature from another world. Her work was the best when it came to her talents and especially the quality of the bodies (pre 70’s production). She was toy queen of her time and I (and others) still worship her work."

Gigi: Tell me a bit about your collection, how it started, what your first items were and how it has grown?

KK:  "I always loved toys in some way. I never grew out of them. Just what I collected would change over the years. At first, when I became a teenager and knew what I wanted to collect, it was creepy dolls, BJDs, dark, goth looking stuff. Then I wanted everything pink and Hello Kitty. THEN, Japanese modern kawaii toys + 90’s American, pastel toys. I started buying simple “soft plush” (not rubber face) vintage toys and 50’s nursery planters. THEN! That’s when I started my rubber face toy adventure and beyond! 

 

I’m fixated on having only vintage or (reproduction) vintage looking items right now. (I still make some exceptions for my kawaii stuff). But my theme and what I always look for is = pink, cats, desserts, cute, baroque, vintage, and if I can make room for it in my house. I now have to be very selective or else my room will start looking wacky."

Gigi: What has been the reaction of your family, friends and coworkers on your passion for your hobby?

KK:  "One time my sister saw my Rushton cow and said “Whoa….”  The guy I live with loves all the 50’s stuff I have. It’s probably his favorite. So, I know if I buy 50’s kitsch, he won’t be mad I spent more money on 50’s stuff, haha. 

Not many people in real life (who actually see me) know about my collections. Everyone will think it’s weird, I already know this. I try to stick to my online world when it comes to sharing my collection because I know no one in real life will really understand anyway. It’s cool. At times, I really so think I prefer to keep it a secret from anyone who isn’t connected to me online. If people want to know, I will share. Otherwise, I’m perfectly happy locking myself away in my room with everything I’m in love with."

Gigi: Tell me about your favorite item and why it is so special?

KK:  "Girl, you know I have too many. But if we have to pick, it’s my “Diaper Baby” bunny who I just call “Baby”. Because she was my first and started it all. I would be halfway in my closet putting on my “cake-punching” work clothes and shoving my fat, chocolate loving, butt in my work pants and just stare at her face while doing it. I’m sure she didn’t love that. But I would constantly think, “Her cheekies are so cute and dumb, wow, she is so cute!”  Then I bought 346843 more rubber face toys after her. But she’s still and will always be my babyyyyyy!"

 

Gigi: If any item could just land in your lap for free, what would it be and why? 

 

KK:  "For many reasons, I'll keep my wishlist a secret. I will fight amongst the many, anonymously, for what I want (So if I don’t get it, y’all don’t know I’m over here crying) But my cat lands in my lap free of charge daily. So at least I have that to enjoy."

 

Gigi: Have you seen an increase in popularity or demand for what you collect? If so, why do you think that is so?

KK:  "It’s like Voldemort, the one name we do not speak of who has brought the kitsch community more attention. If you know, you know. When you love someone influential, sometimes you want to become them and have what they have. I think that’s part of it. But it can bring in the wrong kinds of people which is something we’ve had to deal with.

 

Otherwise, some of the people who are into kitsch/rubber face toys, show it off very well with their art, aesthetic, ideas, photography, etc. And I think because of this, it brings more attention to that person and what they are showcasing because it’s all so well done. It introduces people to something they didn’t know about before. So if it’s a collection of rubber face toys in a nicely done setting of their aesthetic and style, people like that and want to replicate that in some way in their home or in their art. And it just spreads from there. 

 

I think that applies to anything, not just toys. So now we see other parts of communities (some that weren’t kitsch at all) making kitsch toy art and selling it on clothes, key chains, etc, to match their style and aiming it to their already large audience. Which then, introduces more people to these toys. It’s a chain reaction. It will probably die down eventually. That’s just my guess. Every trend dies. Rubber face toys have been around for decades and no one payed much attention to them until now. Peoples interest change. Us, more dedicated toy fans, hope that our toys will be forgotten again and we can continue to collect without having to fight with everyone and spend multiple paychecks for one toy."

 

(Above, KewtKitsch also sculpts her own adorable Rushton Style Animal wall art! 

You can find them and purchase here, KewtKitsch shop on Etsy!) 

Gigi: Is there anything else you might like to add?

KK:   "Watch out for all the fake bidders on eBay! And Rushtons that sell on eBay getting relisted on Etsy by zero feedback sellers. I see it all the time. I always report them. Rushtons are that popular right now that there are many scammers. Sometimes, if it seems too good to be true, it is.  Be careful of who you make friends with in this community as well. It’s sad to say, I don’t even want too. But some people out here are selfish and will literally steal a toy from underneath you if they can. You don’t always need to clean your toys! Sometimes we have somewhat dirty toy children and that’s okay! Not all toys will be beautiful and shiny like they used to be. Some people like that look. If you are not experienced, you can destroy the toy and an important part of history. 

But most importantly, do not forget the woman who created our toys!

! Mary Rushton !

For she, is too often lost, forgotten, and over shadowed by others in this rubber face toy world."

Well said KK! Thank you to the wonderful KewtKitsch for sharing her story and collection with us! If you want to learn more about Mary Rushton and her creations be sure to visit The Rushton Toys on wordpress. A special thanks to KewtKitsch for creating this website and providing us a place to go for the history and information of our Rushton toys!! 

See you next month when we talk with a fellow toy artist and collector from Canada!! Until next time for another installment of ggsdolls Interview with a Collector!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls

Vintage Baby Dress N More...

 I recently found this adorable vintage baby/child's dress and I just have to share it with you!!

I saw it up for sale and kept going back to the listing... I love the soft pastel pink and sheer fabric. It was titled, "Nanette brand angel sleeves baby dress". I'm assuming a type of pajama dress? But, the feel of the fabric etc. would be a bit uncomfortable as pajamas. So, I am assuming it was a fancy party dress or after a baptism perhaps. I fell in love with the lace collar and adorable pockets on the front. So, I decided to take it and use it as a display piece on my wall. Then, I had the idea of taking the adorable Molly wall plaque by my dear friend Heather of KewtKitsch and have her seem to wear this adorable dress on my wall!

The end result was precious to me! I also added one of my vtg Plakie rattles to the pocket and now, the dress is a display piece that I could adore. I've seen a few of my fellow collector friends like Shevie use vintage baby clothing as wall decor, so why not! Now, I can see why she displays them. They definitely brighten the decor in my bedroom and tie into my esthetic. Kudos to Shevie for the inspiration!! Now, if only I could find an adult version of this dress!! Haha!

I also won this adorable baby doll by Sekiguchi on Yahoo Japan. She was made in the 80s and was just too cute to pass up. I washed and cleaned her up and added some blush. She even has her original tag still. It says, "Hi-Hi" Baby doll. Similar to the last one I adopted, this one has closed eyes with vinyl head, arms, and legs. Her body is plush. I've already added her to my Etsy shop! She is available for adoption.

Then, I was commissioned to find a Gund Bee for a friend. I was surprised to spot him on Ebay with no takers. So I quickly bought him and he arrived to me safely. Upon inspection. He was pretty minty and just needed a brush and wiped down. He even still had his original forget me knot flowers!! Awesome! This guy is already on his way to his forever home!! Love finding goodies for fellow collectors. It warms my heart to know the finds make them happy! Yay!

Just a few more finds above and below, these handmade powder puffs, I got via Etsy for some of my containers. I just love the baby blue and peach satin bows! This adorable Shillman onesie, will be awesome for a bisque doll I have! Love onesies on plushies and baby dolls! Mint too and the card is just as adorable!

These vintage doll hats I got as a lot from a fellow shop owner on Etsy. He was sharing with me that he used to be stationed on Guam in the 90s! Aww, it is always nice to meet others who have fond memories of Guam and know of Guam! Sweet seller too! These vintage hats are perfect for restoration projects that I will have in the future. Did you notice? Two of the hats are perfect for "Stinky" Skunk plush by Rushton!

Last for today, is this adorable vintage Masako Watanabe pencil case. I bought it on Ebay with a lot. This case is truly gorgeous and trust me I had a hard time resisting keeping it. Lovely and rare these days, this adorable pencil case was from a seller in California. It has some writings inside, but still the cover and backside deter you from the fact that it is a perfect display piece nonetheless!

The artwork on the back side is also one of my faves by Masako. I have this pencil case listed in my Etsy shop! Definitely a worthy piece for any Masako W. collection. 

Well, that is all for now. I hope to share some vintage plush restorations next time. Have a great week ahead and happy hunting!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls

Disney World Here We Come!!

 We decided to take a much needed family trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It was a few months in the making, and it would be most of my little family going. Sadly, Tevin would be deployed on Guam, but he was enjoying the island he missed so much. So it wasn't a total loss.

 Sam, Sara and I left on June 25th headed to Florida... We left Guam and arrived safely into Narita, Japan and with a quick turn around we boarded for San Francisco. Once in San Fran, our next leg took us through to Houston, Texas. By then, we had already flown 17 hours by plane. When we got to our gate for the flight to Jacksonville, we found out the flight had been canceled. We spent almost 2 hours in line at the customer service counter. United gave us hotel and food vouchers. Sadly, our plane had technical issues, thus why our flight into Florida was canceled. Ugh. Quick mention, in the flight leaving Guam below, another passenger brought his plushies too! You can see them in the overhead bin!!

We had 2 nights to kill in Houston, because the next flight available for us, wasn't until Monday, June 27th. We were jet-lagged, hungry and so by the time we made it to our hotel, it was 11pm at night and most places were closed already. So, luckily, Sam brought snacks with him. We ate a bit and got drinks from a vending machine. We were in bed by 11pm. Next morning, we walked across the street to eat at the Waffle House near by. Still jet-lagged, we ended up falling asleep til' almost 4pm, realizing it was dinner time. So it was Sonic next. We ordered, and when we got our food we took it back to the hotel. It was really hot in Houston. I mean desert hot and dry. Sonic food was pretty good and so we had leftovers for the next morning. By the time we got to the airport, we took it slow and just relaxed. Finally, by 7pm we boarded and were in Jacksonville by 11pm at night. Whew! We finally made it to our destination. It was great seeing Kalani, Max and Jay.

Amercia's Best Hotel above, Sara's peanut butter waffles, and Sonic hotdogs for dinner!

Sara at the Houston airport, charging her phone, while we waited to board...

We got up by 9am and needed to pick up the rental car, and do some shopping. But first as a family we went to Cheddars for lunch. It was really good food. Surprisingly, I didn't take any photos, except for the yummy bread they brought out... LOL We stopped by this lake area and took a family photo. Sadly, not too long after that, we had gotten into a car accident. An elderly lady in a red Tesla decided to try to gun it and get into the inner left lane in front of us, which resulted in Kalani's car rear ending her. Airbags deployed and Kalani, myself, Max and Sara were a bit shaken up. Kalani, Sara and myself all got bruises an scrapes. The airbag and seat belt definitely knocked the wind out of me and my ears were ringing from it. Thank God nothing more serious. But, of course Kalani's car was not drivable because of the airbags being deployed. She was given a loner, thank goodness. Whew, because we were set to drive down to Orlando for Disney the next day.

 Above: Believe it or not, Brenavin, Taby's boyfriend, was taking video as they were listening to music and driving in the other car behind us. From the upper corner of his video, you can see when the red Tesla drove right in front of Kalani's car!! The video was given to the officers after the accident.

We were had to wait to pick up Kalani's loner car, so instead of leaving for our drive that morning, we had to leave later after 12pm. Once on the road to Disney, we arrived there about 3pm and made our way to our hotel within the park so we could check in and head to the Magic Kingdom park for our first day at Disney. Disney Pop Century Resort was a retro hotel, with each building representing an era, 50s, 60s, 70s, etc. Our rooms were in the 80s side. Because you can see Pac-Man characters on the railings of our hotel building. In the lobby, was a Disney shop, Caricature artist station, a small game room, pool, and others neat things. Along the walls of the check in counter were memorabilia from each era. Like walkman, records, the first Apple computer, yo-yo's etc. Sara and I looked through the glass cases as Sam, Taby, and Kalani checked in.

 

A little after 5pm we were in the Magical Kingdom and took a few photos in front of the castle before eating dinner and then onto the Buzz Lightyear ride. It was so much fun, we went to get ice cream next and while the family went on the Ariel ride, I was able to meet and talk with a fellow collector and friend, KewtKitsch!! We spent a few hours just talking and talking. While I was with her, there were a few people, stopping and telling her how beautiful she was and how they loved her style! It was the best just hanging out with her. I was definitely start struck!! We wished we could've saw more of each other, but she had to work the next day and we were only there for the 2 days. Darn. But maybe next time!! ILY Heather!!

Heather was just the best and even though we had only met for the first time, it was like we had known each other since high school! It was so funny, a lady went by and thought it was some kind of reality show, and was saying to us, "Oh are you guys doing a reality show like University Meetups?" Heather and I just looked at each other and laughed!! Kewtkitsch walked with my family and I until we got to the castle for the fireworks show. But had to leave by then because she worked the next day. It was definitely magical meeting her! 

After the fireworks, we made our way to the front of Magic kingdom and stopped by some of the shops and bought souvenirs of course. It was definitely a long day and we wanted to make sure we were rested and ready for the 2nd day here at Disney World...

Our hotel room, Sara ready for bed and the decor. Simple, and comfortable. We slept by 11pm. We did wish we had more time in the Magical Kingdom. Next post, Day 2 Disney World, Orlando.

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Check This Out!!

 My dear friend Kewtkitsch on IG was interviewed by Themothballpropheciess!! Yeah, don't ask, just listen!! You're welcome! Haha ~ ggsdolls

"If You Are Always Trying To Be Normal...

 ... You will never know how amazing you can be. " - Maya Angelou

I recall a former teacher telling me normal is boring, and that idea has always stuck with me. Hmmm, nice to visit old ideas perhaps...

I recently, found this love vtg dollhouse wooden closet, and it looked a lot like a closet I had purchased from MerryBee in Japan. Sure enough, it is the very same. Merrybee had upcycled the one I bought, and I decided I would do the same with this one!!

I repainted the doors on both closets, even the one I got from Merrybee. I changed the Happy Birthday decal that it had and decided to place these adorable small meyercord stickers onto them. A lovely choice of bears or fawn and lamb. I will keep the pink one and the blue closet is already listed in my Etsy shop! They each have working doors and drawer. Too cute and great for a mini nursery themed bedroom!

Then, I found this adorable vtg Ganz Bros. Toy Co. plush doggy with bone. He arrived to me safely from Canada. I almost didn't get him, because the seller had put the wrong box number. He was listed on my Etsy shop yesterday and was adopted fast! Just too cute and he just needed a good wash and I added the satin blue bow to him. I also found this box of Zany Zooful miniature plushies made for Montgomery Wards. They are sawdust mini felt animals, made in Japan. Sadly, four of them are missing, since the previous owner must have kept them. The hard part is deciding to resell them. LOL The box even has its original price sticker. I love NOS finds and can imagine when they were on toy shelves...

Next, this lovely vtg new baby greeting card, I found. Features a lovely Gund lamb. I sold one very similar to this one. Love vtg cards with toys and plushies in it!! A great addition to my collection! Then, I finally was able to snag this awesome Rushton pink Happy Bear brooch made by the famously talented and funny KewtKitsch on Etsy. Heather is so down to Earth and always makes me laugh. Thank you so much dear for the lovely note, I will treasure the brooch and message. You inspire me dear and now, I have something to remind me of your inspiration!! Love you!! Be sure to visit her shop on Etsy! She has many cute creations to add to your collection too!!

Alice won't give me the brooch back!! LOL 

Have a well rested 3 day weekend for those in the USA!! Around the world, I hope you all have a great weekend too!!

Thank you for visiting! ~ ggsdolls