Interview with angelsslaughter!

Interview with a Collector - ggsdolls blog Series    

    I decided to start something new on my blog and share some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and creatives, that have become friends of mine on my blog and share with you what they collect and why?

    For my very first blog interview, I am talking with angelsslaughter on Instagram or commonly known as Alam.

    Alam is from the beautiful country of CDMX, Mexico. He is currently a student and 19 years old. His first vintage rubber face plush was found back in 2018, and it was a Mexican brown bear, lying down. He had already seen these types of bears on Tumblir and always wanted to find one, because it was an esthetic of Nicole Dollanganger and Mark Ryden. When he first looked the bear over, he realized that the bear was not a Rushton. I asked him if he collected anything else? "I also collect hair and teeth from people who are important to me, it's like having a small piece of them and a physical photograph of a special moment and their age." 

    Since Alam was very young he connected with things that were scary and at the same time things that are adorable. Stuffed animals are a mixture of both to him. This makes them more special because they represent his personality completely. What is it about the vintage cute kitsch aesthetic that distinguishes it from other novelties of the same era? "I consider it something very special and innocent, something that will never return." He first started collecting Mexican bootleg rubber faces and squeaks at the flea market in Mexico City. He loves pastel colors like pink and blue, and began surrounding himself in this color theme. He than began selling clothing on Instagram and started having enough income to purchase vintage stuffed animals and toys from the United States. These items were impossible to find in Mexico. So he was happy to be able to afford them and add them to his collection.

    It was always his dream to own an Edward Mobley sleep-eyed Bear and he was able to get one. Back then,  he thought they were uncommon and rare, but later found out they were more common than he had thought. Still, this item is very special to him and today the bear is still in his collection. What are the reactions from your parents and friends about your vintage collection? "My parents have not told me anything good or bad about it. My sister only told me that she thinks rabbits like 'Molly Cottontail' are scary because they have red eyes. In particular, I have never found them scary. My friends have not given me a concrete opinion either, only some people have told me that the Rushtons are terrifying and that they do not know how it is that I manage to sleep with all of them in my room!"

     Alam's most favorite item is Peter Cottontail by Rushton Star Creations. He says, that Peter's colors are three of his favorites, pastels blue, yellow, and pink. He loves rabbits and Peter's sick expression and adorable face is what he feels expresses him more. You run a shop selling great vintage rubber face plushies — how (and when) did that start and what have your experiences been like? Have there been many surprises? Is it sometimes hard to let go of a vintage  plush at a really great piece? "I Started in 2019 approximately, after finding several vintage stuffed animals in the flea markets. I dedicated myself to restoring and selling them. I found many and they are very similar to the Rushton. Many times it was difficult to get away from them because although they were not as expensive as the Rushtons. They are also special and were handmade by the love and talent of a Mexican housewife." 

     Describe some of your best-selling items — things you know that as soon as they hit the shop, they’ll sell straight away. "Usually they always prefer those that are in pink, also what seems more similar to what Melanie Martinez shows in her videos and photos since many users began to look for them under the influence of this singer." I asked him if he could have any Rushton for free, what would that be, and he said it would be a Rushton sleeping rabbit, because it is the cutest to him of all the Rushton creations. He believes the reasons this esthetic is so popular is not just because of a famous pop singer, but because they are easy to fall in love with and their color palette alone is a visual orgasm. Interesting way of putting it Alam! Nice! Alam's shop icecreambear10 on Instagram sells Antique-style stuffed animals with vintage rubber faces in pastel colors. You can find Alam on Instagram, TikTok, and his products at icecreambear10 and also milkbunnycult his clothing shop. You can also find his vintage rubber face plush creations in my Etsy shop!!

     Thank you so much Alam for allowing me to interview you!! Be sure to follow and check out next month's, "Interview with a Collector" Series continues!!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls 

The Journey Continues...

 

An update on my Breast Cancer journey...

I finally had my MRI done 2 weeks ago. While my husband was being seen by our physician, the doctor saw that I was in the waiting area. So he had his nurse call me in. Basically, it was for the results of my MRI. According to the Radiologist, there is still a 2.2 cm mass at the front center of my right breast. Left breast was fine. Ultimately, I will have to have another ultrasound done and then another breast needle biopsy. Since the mass is so small, they are hoping that this procedure will take all of it out, without having to go through another surgery. 

I was planning to travel for Spring Break and visit family. But, that trip will have to wait now. This needs to be done first. The good news is that it can be removed and done with out major surgery. So, I am trying to stay positive. 

Make sure to get your mammogram annually, it can save your life! Breast Cancer Sucks!!

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

Warning Rant!!

 

Warning Rant to follow!!!  On my actual birthday, I was scrolling Rushtons on eBay… I bought this adorable cream Rushton Happy Bear for a jaw dropping price! I saw it after it listed and 5 mins in, I knew what I was looking at and hit the 'buy it now' button, and with no hesitation I completed the transaction.  About 30 minutes later, I get a dm on Instagram from 2 fellow collectors. (They know who they are… )  

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

 

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

What is Fair in Collecting? Updated

 

Over 50 years of living this life, and sometimes things don't surprise me. But this recent experience did! I've posted before about what is fair in collecting back in 2018 in my original blog post here. Though it is out there in cyberspace, many have not read it or know of it. Especially, those who are new to collecting and don't read blogs much, because it's easier to youtube it or tiktok it. So, I will share it again!!

 - 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

Did You Know?

 I made this quick vid to talk about "Plastic Degradation" also called, "Vinyl Plague" from a fellow collector. Basically, it's rubber/plastic degrading over time. Some say it's not a disease and can't be passed on to other dolls or toys, but from my experience, it can!

As with everything, time, temperature, and sunlight can degrade vintage items. Rubber/Plastic is one of them. So, it may not be a disease, and can't be caught by other dolls or toys, but, it can affect them if they are stored in the same plastic container or enclosed container. 

Thanks to "Wakarimasen" on Instagram who shared her knowledge about what can happen to Furga Dolls. "They develop darker spots that grow over time. It can be temporarily cured by exposure to sun with a mixture of oxy cream, but will come back eventually. They say it's an additive that degrades due to the lack of airflow, (typically dolls stored in closed containers.)"

From my experience, I left a vintage German made rubber doll in the same bin as the same type of rubber doll in perfect condition. One was a bit darker, but that was before I knew what was happening to it. After about a year, I took them out because I decided to sell one of them. Upon inspection, the other doll that was perfect, had soiling on her clothes, and her face and body started to become dark just as the other doll was before. So, does this mean the "Plastic Disease" can be a disease? Possibly or perhaps, because they were in the same container and in close proximity to each other, the degradation of one doll possibly contaminated or increased degradation of the other doll in the process as well.

Maybe someone in our community can experiment and tell us what their results wield. But ultimately, don't store degrading dolls with perfect ones, is the answer from my experience! Haha!

As with all things in time, they degrade. So enjoy them while you can! Generally, they should last your lifetime!

Thank you for watching! ~ ggsdolls

A Great Many Things...

 It has been a busy month and a blessing I must say. Truly it is. Today, is a special day and after turning another age, I am blessed to have the things I have, the family I have and the life I am living. For that, I thank God, my family and my dear friends...

Here are some of the finds I got the past month!

I found this huge tiger cutie from Canada. A fellow collector friend helped me to acquire him. Definitely a good luck charm for the Chinese New Year of the Tiger!! He is made by Allied Toys, Canada. I also found this adorable pink bunny by Arnart. I listed in my shop and he sold a week later. This adorable clown rattle toy I couldn't resist buying. I love his painted features too!

Another Canadian find, this pajama bag is a furry cat named, "Doodles"! He is already listed in my shop! Love the fabric at the back side too!! Below, this adorable plastic duck rattle safety pin. I've seen often, but only just got myself one. I added a pink satin bow and he will be great in my vintage doll scenes!! I caved and got myself one of those blow mold ice cream cones! Yup, it's a lot bigger than I thought, but just like the duck rattle, they will make good props in my photos!!

Another previous find, was this lovely vintage plush musical baby doll. She is also animated!! When her musical box plays, she moves her head ever so slightly. Just too precious too! One of my fave finds so far!! Ken Elephant, released a set of Roly Poly dolls in other colors similar to the ones from the Nostalgia set. I have a few in my shop already and I plan to get more in soon!!

This adorable wall decor is by the lovely Lepetitcherie shop on Etsy. Alvina gifted this cuteness to me!! I love it A!! I was in shock to find this adorable Miss Priss tea pot!! Missing her lid, she is still in amazing condition! Even with her manufacturer's flaws, like the missing paint area above her left eye. Talk about windfall, I found another two Roaring 20s Mattel Talking dolls!! I listed one and the other with the blue satin wrap I will keep. In pretty awesome condition considering their age.

Lovely, wall decor of Rushton advertisements! I added satin bows to them and now, they are up and looking gorgeous in my room! Meyercord decal from Candybunnytoy! Here are the Rushtons I found and restored...

The red bunny was adopted back in January. The bunny above, I only recently gave a whole makeover too Last, the one below, restored her and she is already adopted! I am trying to convince myself that the bunny with the hat needs attention, that I can not give her!! So, she will be available soon too!! Haha!

Found this adorable white Trudy Co. plush kitty! Another plushy I am trying to tell myself I don't need!! LOL Below, an adorable sad bear that is also a musical and animated one. I adopted from Icecreambear shop on IG!! She is quite unique and she moves too!!

Adorable wood Valentine's conversation pieces, I bought for my props in photos and besides Valentine's is coming up too!!

I hope you all find your dream goodies too! Happy Hunting!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls