Childhood Revisited

The second Saturday in June is recognized as World Doll Day.

The day was established in 1986 by Mildred Seeley

to spread the universal message 

of happiness and love around the world.

It is a celebration of caring, nurturing love.

Dolls have been a traditional tool for teaching these skills.

Although the day is an opportunity to give a doll

 to someone close to you,

World Doll Day was also intended to be a day to exhibit dolls.

In that spirit, I am showcasing

one of my dearly loved childhood dolls.

Do you remember Tiny Tears?

 Tiny Tears was one of the most popular baby dolls

 during the 1950s and early 1960s.

In this close-up photo you will notice the two holes

 on each side of the bridge of the doll's nose.

This feature allowed Tiny Tears to cry real tears.

After feeding her a bottle of water,

a gentle squeeze of her tummy would result

 in tears streaming from these openings.

My doll is dressed in a silky blue coat and bonnet.

Beneath her coat, she wears a simple pink dress.

The button hints at the original brighter dress color.

The fabric has mellowed to a soft salmon pink.

Tiny Tears will always be a special keepsake of my childhood. 

Do you still have one of your childhood dolls to cherish?

Thanks for stopping by to visit!

Until next time, live and love well.

Join me this week at:

Let's Talk Vintage at Bella Rosa Antiques
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Slow Dance

This week I received an e-mail that included a poem written by a teenager with cancer in a hospital in New York.  This young girl has less than 6 months to live and wanted to spread the message telling everyone to live their life to the fullest since she never will.  She'll never make it to prom, graduate from high school, or get married and have a family of her own. Please take a moment to read this beautiful message, share it with your friends and family and pass it on as her last request.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day

On the fly?

When you ask how are you?

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,

Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,

Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time

To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last..

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....

Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music

Before the song is over.

--------------

Until next time, live and love well.

Join me this week and meet some lovely people:

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Medium Skin Tone Dolls Again Available!

We are pleased to announce

that dolls with Medium Skin Tone are again available.  

Earlier this year, the inventory of medium vinyl

had been depleted at our supplier and we had experienced significant delays in obtaining this product.

Those supply issues have been resolved and

once again, we are able to create your special doll

in a Medium Skin Tone!

Just look at the charming toddler

who showed up in our garden this week.

This doll was created with the Guppy expression.

Her face is framed by waves of dark brown hair.

How can you resist those chocolate brown eyes?

Extra Light, Light and Medium Skin Tones are available for creating your special doll.

Sample dolls are shown in the photo below:

                          Top:  Extra Light (Very fair, pink)

                          Middle:  Light (Suntan)

                          Bottom:  Medium (Soft Brown)

Send Doll in the Looking Glass a photo

of your cherished baby or toddler

and we will create a doll that resembles your child.

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Where the Boys Are

February is the month of love.

Wouldn't this wide-eyed fellow be the perfect choice

to cuddle as your Valentine?

Doll in the Looking Glass creates boy dolls too.

We are featuring Dress-Up Bailey, 

one of our toddler dolls that you can customize

with the clothing of your choice. 

Today this handsome lad sports a blue sweater

that highlights the color of his eyes.

But he doesn't like to wear his shoes and socks.

So he can wiggle his toes

Oh, my!  Now he took off all his clothes.

This will give you a chance to see the Nimbles body style.

This body style features more cloth on the arms and legs 

which makes him all the more softer and hugable. 

Doll in the Looking Glass doll boutique is the place

Where the Boys Are.

Where The Boys Are 

Signature Song of Connie Francis

Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield 

Where the boys are, someone waits for me
A smilin' face, a warm embrace, two arms to hold me tenderly
Where the boys are, my true love will be
He's walkin' down some street in town and I know he's lookin' there for me

In the crowd of a million people
I'll find my valentine
And then I'll climb to the highest steeple
And tell the world he's mine
Till he holds me I wait impatiently
Where the boys are, where the boys are
Where the boys are, someone waits for me

Till he holds me I wait impatiently
Where the boys are, where the boys are
Where the boys are, someone waits for me

Until next time, live and love well.

This week I'll be joining:
You're Gonna Love It at Kathe with an E

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Window Shopping

Remember those bygone days when you would 

stroll down Main Street in your community

to do a bit of window shopping?

You can recreate that relaxed browsing experience

 with your on-line shopping.

Victorian Heart Shoppe has brought together a group of 

web-based merchants who provide an assortment of 

Victorian inspired products that are certain

to satisfy your gift-giving needs.

Participating merchants provide personalized service

 that small businesses are uniquely 

capable of offering.

Doll in the Looking Glass is privileged 

to be included as a member of the

 Victorian Heart Shoppe community.

  The display we have in our storefront window

 features our two newest dolls

 that are available in our boutique.

Wouldn't you love to stroll through the

Victorian Heart Shoppe on-line shopping community? Simply browse the storefront displays and when you find something interesting, enter the shop for a closer look at the treasures that are available.

  Please visit soon!

Until next time, live and love well.

Joining the conversation at:

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Inspirational Shopping Guide

Do you have an on-line boutique?

Won't you join me in listing your business in this guide?

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Keepsake Bride Doll

Delicate white lace styled into a classic gown

Elegant attire for a bride doll that was custom made 

for a young lady who will soon be a bride

Dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes

with just a hint of a smile

A doll made to resemble the bride-to-be

when she was two years old

A floral wreath secures the veil

A bouquet with red roses

Accents for the exquisite gown

The sumptuous gown features embroidered net lace over taffeta

With accent medallions of venise lace

White Roses to signify a new beginning

The deep emotion of Red Roses whisper "I love you"

A wish for happiness expressed by accents of Baby's Breath 

The veil is like a cloud surrounding a crown

of shiny shoulder-length hair

A special doll that will serve as a focal point

for prenupital festivities 

and a keepsake of the happy event

Doll in the Looking Glass was privileged to play a small part

 in a family's very special celebration

Wishing Happy Ever Afters to the bridal couple!

Until next time, live and love well.

Joining 

Monday Marketplace at Common Ground
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Dolls Featured at Victoria Etc.

The July issue of Victoria Etc. magazine has been released.

Two of our Dress-Up Toddler dolls

are featured in this publication.

You may be wondering what we mean

when we reference our dolls as Dress-Up Toddlers. 

You control the personality of your doll! 

Pick your favorite facial expression from our in-stock dolls

and then browse our wardrobe closet

for the perfect clothing to dress your creation.

Want ruffles and lace?  We have party dresses.

Want contemporary?  You'll find casual styles too.

The dark-eyed, dark-haired beauty pictured above

is created from the Sammy expression. 

She is dressed in a cute print jumper

with scenes of the city of Paris.

Her attire is finished with a striped shirt

and a perky headband to accent her hair.

Don't you want to pinch the cheeks of this sweetie

as she gazes up at you with her blue eyes.

She was created from our Jordan expression

and wears a rosy pink shirtdress

accented with cotton lace at the sleeves.

The girls have found a shady spot in the garden

the perfect location for sharing a sweet treat.

This photo of the two dolls together

 provides a good illustration

of the skin tone differences between

the Light and Extra Light skin tones available.

The doll on the left has Light skin tone which 

gives her a suntan appearance.

The doll on the right has the Extra Light skin tone

which has a pink glow.

Shop our boutique at this link

to see other dolls that are available.

If you are not familiar with Victorian Etc.,

their articles cover history of the Victorian people, 

as well as their lifestyle, customs and crafts.

You can read the current edition of Victorian Etc. here.

Doll in the Looking Glass advertisement is on page 24.

The July edition of Victorian Etc. has special

feature articles on old-time Hollywood stars 

and is titled "Hurray for Hollywood".

This on-line magazine is free and

you can provide your e-mail address at their home page

and receive future issues directly into your inbox.

I'm sure you will enjoy reading it.

Until next time, live and love well.

Sharing with
Monday Marketplace at Common Ground 
Market Your Biz at Homemaker on a Dime

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

New Clothing Added to Custom Doll Boutique

New clothing selections to dress your custom doll

 have been added to our boutique.

An adorable navy romper is now available.

Pale pink binding accents the leg openings,

front pocket and straps.

The romper is accessorized with a cream sweater

featuring a pink poodle applique.

The pink toy poodle is included with this clothing choice.

Black and bright pink make a striking statement.

The jumper is black corduroy.

Accent stripes of pink plaid are at the hemline

with a heart applique of the same fabric on the front bodice.

The pink shirt features a collar of matching plaid fabric. 

Our model for the navy romper is one of our Dress Up Toddlers.

Dress-Up Guppy has Blonde hair and Blue eyes. 

Dress-Up Keiko models the black jumper.

Keiko has Dark Brown hair and Chocolate Eyes.

When you purchase

Dolls that Look Like Your Child

or Dress-Up Toddlers,

you choose your favorite clothing outfit

from our current selections to dress your doll.

Your doll will be delivered lovingly dressed

complete with coordinating shoes and socks/tights.

Visit our custom doll boutique

and create the doll of your dreams!

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Victorian Inspired Dolls Featured

The April issue of Victorian Etc. has been published.  

Victorian Etc. seemed an appropriate venue to showcase some of the

Doll in the Looking Glass creations.

Here is a peek at the artwork we submitted for publication.

The sweet toddler in the aqua dress is one of our Dress-Up Toddlers.

This expression is named Chipmunk.

She has Extra Light skin tone with Tiger Brown eyes.

Her shoulder length Blond hair has soft curls on the ends. 

She is dressed in a Victorian inspired ruffles and lace dress for this photo

but there are lots of other clothing choices available in our boutique.

The baby dressed in ivory lace is one of our ready to love baby dolls that look real.

This creation with Auburn hair and Chocolate Brown eyes

is named Cream and Honey.

A special Inner Glow technique gives another level of realism

to her Extra Light skin tone.

If you are not familiar with the free on-line magazine, Victorian Etc.,

their articles cover history of the Victorian people,

as well as their lifestyle, customs and crafts.

You can read the current edition of Victorian Etc. here.

Doll in the Looking Glass advertisement is on page 24.

The April edition of Victorian Etc. has a feature covering the

lovely 19th century resort, The Grand Hotel,

located on Mackinaw Island, Michigan.

If you don't already subscribe to this on-line magazine,

you can provide your e-mail address at their home page

and receive future issues directly into your inbox.

 

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Tika in the Spotlight

Tika wanted to stop over and meet

 all of the friends who visit 

the Doll in the Looking Glass blog.

Tika is a lovely toddler

with Ocean Green eyes and Chestnut Brown hair.

Her hair is pulled back and falls in a cascade of wavy curls.

Like every little girl, she loves to play dress-up!

For her visit, she picked out a couple of favorite outfits

to model for you.

She looks picture perfect for dress-up occasions

wearing a pastel yellow crystal-organza dress

that is trimmed with white beading lace.

Tika can also be ready for play

in a casual brown corduroy jumper

with a giraffe applique on the front.

The outfit has a coordinating turtle-neck shirt

that repeats the markings found on the giraffe applique.

Tika is one of the Dress-Up Toddlers

available through Doll in the Looking Glass,

a custom doll boutique.  

Purchase Tika 

-- or any of the other Dress-Up Toddler dolls --

 and choose your favorite clothing outfit

from our current selections to dress your doll.

Your doll will be delivered lovingly dressed

 complete with coordinating shoes and socks/tights.   

Tika was fond of the color yellow for this photo shoot

but there are lots of clothing selections available.

You  are certain to find a special outfit

to make your doll uniquely yours.

Tika sends her love!

Until next time, live and love well.

Participating at Monday Marketplace at Common Ground

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!