American Girl Barbie!

 I recently found a lovely 1958 Mattel Japan American Girl Barbie with blonde hair. I don't generally collect Barbies, well at least not since the early 2000s when I first collected Francie. But, I was searching to find an American Girl, and too my surprise, there was one, at a reasonable price. I bought her and when she arrived. She just needed some cleaning up!

When she arrived, the seller had included a Peewee doll, and a Knickerbocker Kewpie Bunny plush in the box. I was very surprised! I immediately took the pajamas Barbie had on and washed her hair and cleaned up her face. She had no green ear, just a little lipstick rub. I was very happy. I thought about keeping her, but, I have decided not to collect dolls if I can help it. I told myself, if I did find dolls, I would get them to resell. Haha! She originally came with an original Barbie fashion called, "Slumber Party". I was able to find an original American Girl swimsuit via Ebay. She turned out lovely after her shower. I then, relisted her via my Etsy shop and she sold about a week later.

It was nice to see her adopted. I then, took the Knickerbocker Bunny and washed him next...   I restuffed him. Sewn the areas that had holes, and added a bow along with a working wind up music box inside his zipper compartment. It plays, "Easter Parade". A fitting song for him. He turned out quite lovely and is listed in my Etsy shop. I also received this lovely artist wall decor of Rushton's Omar Octopus made by KewtKitsch on IG. I love her packaging!! She made me laugh so much, as I opened up the box!

KQ made him to look just like the original Omar. I love the style of lace and ribbon combo! Quite unique and he will be a great addition to my wall decorations. I was able to find some dolly fashions made for Kikipop, that could fit my little Japan Bisque doll, Betty! I just need to find the jumper I have. I know it is some where in my storage containers... LOL

I also received from Japan, via DHL, these lovely Nesting Bento boxes by Chocoholic. I got three sets. One with a poodle, one with cute animals and the last, with adorable girls. I will list two and keep the animal set for myself. So check my Etsy shop soon! These will be great for lunch boxes or just to use as storage for your cute things!!

I also received this lovely blue My Toy plush bunny. She just needed a bit of cleaning up. She looks so cute with the red one as well. I just sold the red bunny this past week. The blue one is listed in my shop! I forgot to mention also in my box from DHL, are these ceramic teal puppy figurines. I have been wanting a set since seeing them a few years back. To my surprise, there was a set up for grabs recently. So, I was very happy!! They are quite unique and adorable too! Just look at those chubby puffy cheeks!!

Sara and I had decided we'd spend last night at our family friend's condo. She is off island. So we've been checking in at her place to make sure her mail is picked up and other things. Our initial plan was to go swimming in the pool. But sadly, we had to make a change of plans. So, instead we just relaxed and lounged around. It was very meditative. I took some friends with me, and this morning we left early for the Post Office, and I picked up new ones. It was a busy Saturday!!

We left the condo by 11:30am and headed home. I hope you are all staying safe and enjoying your weekend!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Look at This Restoration!!

 I recently won this vintage plush that was dingy and the rubber face has already started to turn dark. But, it was a plush that I've been searching for, because of this lovely vintage baby gift card I found...

First, let me show you the card that inspired me to find the plush! I found this lovely vintage baby gift card while doing my usual searches, and what caught my eye was the adorable plush on it. It's a Gund bunny with sleep eyes! He's just too cute. These Gund plushies are very hard to find and when you do find them they can sell for a lot. I have not seen any for a little over a year and just a week ago, one shows up. I bidded, won and I knew he would need a lot of work... I told myself I could do it, not knowing whether I could restore him or not...

I didn't take a before photo myself, so the one above is borrowed. This guy was filthy dirty, that he was gray and sadly his rubber face already had 'dark rubber' or plastic degradation disease. I knew that I may not find another for quite some time, so I decided to take on the task of trying to fix him. When I began, I immediately took out his stuffing and threw it out. I washed him first in the washer, and when he came out, well, he was not clean enough. He still had stains everywhere. So, I decided to hand wash him. Below, in cold water with a tide pod and some scent beads. I used a tooth brush and gently to somewhat vigorously, I scrubbed the areas that had stains on his fur. Afterwards, rinsed him, wrung him out and took him to the washer and use the drain n spin cycle to wring him out completely. Then, laid him out to dry.

While, he dried I worked on another plushie. By the afternoon, he was pretty much dry, so I restuffed him. After stuffing and sewing him up. I decided to work on his face. I cleaned his face with Mr. Clean Magic eraser. I thought to myself, "Do I want to just leave his rubber face as is or repaint it. I decided to repaint. It took several layers of paint, and in the end, I was pleased with the complexion. Next, I touched up his eyebrows, lips and added blush. After sealing, I replaced his satin pink ribbon jumper straps. Added wires to his ears and a satin bow around his neck in blue. He was done!

These were the other vintage plushies I worked on along with the bunny above. I received this lovely vintage DDR made in Germany pink and white bunny. I repainted his eyes, to make them less cat-like. I added some sunflower green buttons to his jumper and a pink dotted satin bow. He turned out lovely. I added him to my Etsy shop and was adopted and is already on his way to his new Mommy Stateside! Love when my vintage restored plushies get adopted. For me, it means they will continue to be loved by someone. That touches my heart.

I also got several pastel pink and baby blue tees done with adorable bunnies on them. They have already been added to my Etsy shop! They are great for your vintage Rushton, Gund or other plush bears, etc. to wear! Next, I ordered some adorable mod dolly fashions made by Matilda Pink! I knew they would fit my Francine doll too. Just love Diana's Mamzelle de Paris doll fashions so much!! They remind me of a time long gone. Then, I received this vintage Rushton sad bear. He needed to be restored as well.

He had his stuffing removed before wash, a restuff, repaint and I added a pink satin bow. He turned out lovely too! I will need to take photos of him with my Happy Bear as well! His fur is actually yellow and not the dingy white you see in the before pic. I also adopted another cutie made by Suiberry on IG. This time she made an Omar Rushton style mini. I couldn't resist getting one, and so he is just adorable along with my little mermaid dolly. Sui even added a few little gifts. Thank you again dear friend!!

Last for this post, is this lovely vintage ceramic pup, that I made into a furry pup! I used bubble gum pink fur on him. He has adorable big eyes and definitely a great candidate for furring. So, he turned out lovely and his pink colored fur is just yummy on him too! I almost made him purple!! Lucky I didn't!

Have a great week all, and try to keep cool no matter where you live!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls