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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Vintage Wednesday - Barbie's Collectors Cards

I have had this item for a while now - it's not vintage, it's from 1992, but reminds me of a good time, it's like so long ago, a precious time, a vintage time, something unique - and I would like to share it with all of you.

My father-in-law is a big non-sports card collector, so I always see him and my husband spending a good deal of time looking over cards, cards, and more cards.  Some of them are very interesting, with "sketches", unique pictures, and different drawings, which sometimes draw me into looking at them as well.

Well, last Christmas he gave me a box of cards as a present - and to be honest, I never even thought that Barbie cards existed, I haven't opened the box yet, I don't know yet if I will...  But, I really, really want to...

Anyways this got me to look around and around and I began finding all kinds of nice card sets all over the place...  including a number of Barbie sets...  I wonder what I might get next Christmas...









 

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Let's Play Barbie?

This were one of the best Mattel/Barbie creation, it's like going back to 1959, i want the whole collection!!! I'm so excited to buy this!!They look so awesome!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Celebrity Monday - Marta Mozo Interview - Barbie is more than just a doll, represents an ideal world

I'd like to start a new segment in the cafe' that I am very proud to introduce to everyone...

First of all, Marta is our celebrity for today :-)

There are many people whom I have had the pleasure to meet and converse with that have shared some of the same fascination and love for Barbie as I have.  Not just these feelings, but this community has drawn us all together like threads in a beautiful gown.

With such talented people and voices, (even the quiet ones), I had a great idea to introduce our unique views of Barbie and share some of our wonderful ideas that have contributed to the growth and love for this diverse community.  This segment is meant to not only share the love and respect we have for our fellow members, but to share in the strength and pride of the spirits in these amazing individuals.

This segment is for the warmth and beauty of what a true Barbie Girl is...

Having said all this, I would like to introduce with the warmest and happiest of open hearts to Marta, a true Barbie Girl!

Marta is an incredible individual that has created an unbelievable spin on Barbie that holds such high prestige and talent.  You can view her work at...


http://all4barbie.blogspot.com

In Marta's blog, you can find such highly detailed scenes straight from the creator, made picture perfect.  It's really fun to see!  








Tittle: Barbie is more than just a doll, represents an ideal world - Marta Mozo

First off, I want to begin by telling you how amazing your creations turn out! I really appreciate the work that you do and find myself starring at some of these scenes not really able to voice anything but to simply put a big smile on my face. I wanted to take this initial moment to really thank you for the work you do and to let you know, I find it a pleasure to have this chance to “speak” with you, thank you so very much.

1.- I think the first real question I have is the same one that is on the minds of many of your fans, Just by taking a look at any of the scenes you have done, you can see a lot of detail and thought going into these, from clothing, lighting, props within, to even the way the “model” is positioned, just how long does it typically take for you to make a scene? What has been the longest so far? And the shortest?

The truth is it depends on the difficulty but estimated about three or four hours from the start until the scene is taking shape and I can do the photographic evidence. However, there are dioramas that I take several days, depending on the availability of time I have.

No doubt the former, with lack of practice, having fewer materials, and not finally seeing some light that I could see, I could not reach the required quality. But those little 'failures' helped me to improve my system for developing the playsets.

Usually those that have more characters, both dolls and pets, are easier to make the compositions in the diorama.

2.- Most importantly how do you “imagine” up these scenes? Do you look through magazines, or watch television for inspiration, do you sketch out ideas, or are these all just from a vision, like a dream?
Delivery of real life, but only the most enjoyable parts of it. So I want my characters to do normal things; cook, eat breakfast, go shopping, travel, what we would normally like to do. I attach great importance to relations between them, particularly Shelley Barbie, Barbie, and Ken .. the family. I try to capture our everyday life situations.
3.- Do you have all the material at hand? Or do you find yourself shopping around, constantly looking for different things and materials. As I said before, it’s certainly visible that you really pay attention to quite a bit of detail, and you clearly have a sense of fashion and design.
Since I started doing dioramas, it is what I see at home, I use in the kitchen, I see in a magazine, even that which would be discarded as packaging, everything can have some utility. There must be an ability to see more before throwing something away.
There are also materials that I purchased in stores either alone or from another doll manufacturer. Mattel has already had many different furniture for over 20 years when brought from the differing doll lines in each box of Barbie clothes and variety of accessories.
4.- How long have you been collecting Barbie?
My first Barbie was a Christmas gift when I was 7. Barbie was the SuperStar. I even have the dress she had. I had many more Barbie dolls, a couple of friends of Barbie and Ken, until about a dozen years ago my then boyfriend, now my husband, surprised me with the Pilot Barbie and a ticket to go on a trip to the Costa Azul. It was at this time, as an adult, when I really started to 'collect' Barbies. Finding and Rediscovering all the new and older Barbie collections. Now it has become a custom that on my birthday, Christmas or Valentine's Day, not only do I receive the traditional gifts, such as clothing, shoes, and handbags but there are also items from new Barbie collections. Now I have more than 100 Barbies and always save the case. Two years ago, there arrived in Spain the Basic line and then the fashionistas collection this holiday season and the overall collection has increased significantly. To me it represents perfection in an ideal world.
5.- Where does all of your inspiration come from?
I try to capture our everyday life situations. I am inspired by people, everyday customs in what surrounds us ...
6.- Let me ask you this, is this a hobby, or do you have your typical 9 – 5 job, I only ask, because your work makes me think you are an interior decorator, or a makeup artist, or something related to the fashion industry.
Yes it is a hobby that gets me and takes all my free time. This hobby helps me to unwind from my day job. It reminds me of my childhood, the world of glamor representing the Barbie, which is always perfect, her clothes, her hair, her accessories ... The fantasy that everything is possible for her. I love fashion, I enjoy decorating the dioramas but my profession is in journalism.
7.- What do you find most difficult to make – in terms of the scene itself: natural, home…
No doubt the floors and walls, it seems unimportant but in the end it is the envelope that defines the diorama. For me it's the most difficult to recreate.
8.- Let me next ask you a really important question… G. I . Joe or Ken?
No doubt Ken, but the better models are during the 80's Mattel. I think it was the golden age of that company. These men were perfect Kens. Ken was handsome, virile and yet able to be courteous and respectful to Barbie. Sports fan and refined. The ideal man. In contrast, GI Joe is a soldier, but in the world of Barbie, so perfect, there is nothing he can't do.
9.- How did you become involved with this? Do you ever have help when you create a scene?
It started as a game and little by little I wanted to share it with many good friends / followers. Before creating the diorama scenes I already did likewise but only saw my family. After going around and looking through other blogs I decided to put up my dioramas.
Sometimes I ask my family's view, but each of the scenes reflect my own understanding of the Barbie Universe.
10.- I know you have mentioned, in the past, that you are from Spain, is Barbie as popular in Spain and other parts of Europe as it is here in the U.S. or are there any other dolls that have been as influential “overseas”?
Undoubtedly barbie has be the favorite doll of many girls whoa re mothers today. In fact it is not rare that mothers and daughters share a common love for Barbie. There are other dolls that are fashionable from time to time, (Cabbage Patch Kids, Nancy, Bratz, Monster High) but the only one that remains is Barbie. It is more than a doll is the ideal of beauty and perfection.
11.- Do you remember the first scene you ever created? Can you describe it?
Sure, I said that I had a hard time letting a kid, was the presentation of the blog and did not re-created the idea was visualizing in my mind. It was hard to decide who had finished.
12.- What have been some of the challenges along the way?
The challenge is to reach each blog supporter and continue moving forward to the next diorama, The participation of your comments, has been very useful in paving the way forward and to improve. Personally the further expansion of my collection of Barbies and accessories is also difficult.
13.- What has been the most important training for you to get to this point in your career?
No doubt, every day you learn something new almost always from the people around you, and you have to be bold and innovate, without fear or laziness.
14.- When you look ahead, what is the one thing you would like to see in the Barbie’s Future?
I wish Mattel would improve the distribution of news, and that the time it takes to get to Spain and other countries is less extensive. There are many creations that have never been sold in Spain. I would love to organize a Mattel Barbie Collectors Convention in Spain, as they do in other countries. We could invite the bloggers and collectors of Barbie in a meeting to exchange views and Mattel claim not to neglect the quality of the creations. I would also love to meet one of the designers in the latest Barbie collection, Robert Best, to exchange views on their designs.
I want to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to set up this interview. I find your scenes to not only be quite remarkable, but as you continue to do them, I find them to grow better and better. I really hope that you continue to grace us with your talent and wish you the brightest future ahead. Thank you and PLEASE keep doing what you do!! :-)



Entrevista en Español // interview in Spanish

En primer lugar, quiero destacar los maravillosos dioramas que creas. Realmente aprecio el trabajo que haces y a veces me siento identificada con las situaciones que reflejas. Algunas de estas escenas provocan una gran sonrisa en mi cara. Yo quería aprovechar este momento inicial, para realmente darte las gracias por el trabajo que haces y es un placer tener esta oportunidad de "hablar" contigo, muchísimas gracias.
Título: Barbie es más que una muñeca, representa un mundo ideal
1ª Pregunta.-
.- ¿Cuánto tiempo sueles tardar en hacer un diorama?
La verdad es que depende de la dificultad pero calcula unas tres o cuatro horas desde que empiezo hasta que la escena toma forma y puedo hacer la prueba fotográfica. De todas formas, hay dioramas que me llevan varios días, según la disponibilidad de tiempo que tenga.
.- ¿Cuál ha sido la más larga?
Sin duda las primeras, la falta de práctica, tenían menos materiales, hice algunas que finalmente no vieron la luz ya que veía no llegaban a la calidad requerida. Sin embargo esos pequeños ‘fracasos’ me ayudaron a mejorar mi sistema de elaboración de los playsets.
.- ¿Y el más corto?
Normalmente aquellos en que los aparecen más personajes, tanto muñecas como mascotas, son más fáciles de hacer las composiciones en el diorama.
2ª Pregunta.-
¿Cómo se imagina las escenas?
Parto de la vida real, pero sólo de la parte más agradable de la misma. Así quiero que mis personajes hagan cosas normales, cocinen, desayunen, vayan de compras, de viaje, lo que nos gusta hacer a todos. Doy mucha importancia a las relaciones entre ellos, Barbie y Shelley, Barbie y Ken,.. la familia. Procuro plasmar situaciones de nuestra vida cotidiana.
3ª Pregunta
¿Tiene todo el material a mano?
Desde que comencé a hacer dioramas, todo aquello que veo en casa, lo que utilizo en la cocina, lo que veo en una revista, incluso aquello que desechas como embalajes, todo puede tener una utilidad. Hay que saber ver algo más antes de tirar algo a la basura.
También hay materiales que he adquirido en tiendas bien solos o bien con alguna muñeca. Tengo muchos muebles de Mattel desde hace más de 20 años cuando las Barbies traían en cada caja ropa y variedad de complementos.
4ª ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva coleccionando Barbies?
Mi primera Barbie fue un regalo de Navidad cuanto yo tenía 7 años. Era la Barbie SuperStar. Aún tengo el vestido que traía. No tuve muchas más Barbies, un par de ellas y un Ken, hasta que hace unos doce años mi novio de entonces, hoy mi marido, me sorprendió con la Barbie Piloto y un billete para irnos de viaje a la Costa Azul. Ahí, siendo ya adulta, fue cuando realmente empecé a ‘coleccionar’ las Barbies. Redescubrí las nuevas colecciones de la muñeca. Ahora ya es una costumbre, que en mi cumpleaños, por Navidad, o en San Valentín, los regalos tradicionales como ropa, zapatos o bolsos siempre llevan como complemento alguna muñeca de la Colección Barbie. Debo de tener más de 100 Barbies y siempre las saco de la caja. Hace dos años llegaron a España las Basic y estas Navidades las fashionistas y la colección se incrementó notablemente. Para mí representa la perfección en un mundo ideal.
5ª Pregunta
¿Dónde encuentras la inspiración?
Me inspire en lo que me rodea. En la vida cotidiana. En las costumbres de la gente..
6.- ¿Es un hobby?
Si es un hobby, que me atrapa y absorbe todo mi tiempo libre. Este hobby me sirve para desconectar de mi trabajo diario. Me recuerda a mi infancia, al mundo de glamour que representa la Barbie, que siempre está perfecta, su ropa, su pelo, sus complementos... La fantasía a que todo es posible para ella. Me encanta la moda, disfruto decorando los dioramas pero mi profesión es el periodismo.
7ª Pregunta
¿Qué encuentras más difícil…?
Sin duda los suelos y las paredes, parece algo sin importancia pero al final es el envoltorio que define el diorama. Para mí es lo más difícil de recrear.
8ª Pregunta
¿G Joe o Ken?
Sin duda Ken, pero mejor los modelos de los años 80 de Mattel. Creo que era la época dorada de esa empresa. Esos Kens eran hombres perfectos. El Ken era guapo, viril y al mismo tiempo capaz de ser atento y respetuoso con Barbie. Amante del deporte y refinado. El hombre ideal. En cambio, GI Joe es un soldado, pero en el mundo de Barbie, tan perfecto, no hay nada que él pueda hacer.
9ª Pregunta
¿Cómo te involucraste en esto?
Todo empezó como un juego y poco a poco me apetecía compartirlo con muchos y buenos amigos/seguidores. Antes de crear el diorama yo ya hacía las escenas igualmente aunque sólo las veía mi familia. Al ir adentrándome en otros blog me animé a plasmar mis dioramas.
A veces pido opinión a mi familia, pero cada una de las escenas refleja mi manera de entender el Universo Barbie.
10ª Pregunta
¿Barbie es popular en España?
Sin duda lleva muchos años siendo la muñeca favorita de niñas que ahora son madres. De hecho no es raro que madres e hijas compartan la afición por Barbie. Hay otras muñecas que están de moda alguna temporada (Repollo, Nancy, Bratz, Monster) pero la única que permanece es Barbie. Es más que una muñeca es el ideal de belleza y de perfección.
11ª Pregunta
Te acuerdas de la primera escena?
Claro, ya te decía que me costó mucho darle el visto bueno, fue la de la presentación del blog y no daba recreado la idea que estaba visualizando en mi mente. Me costó mucho decidir que la había acabado.
12ª pregunta
¿Retos en el camino?
El reto es que cada uno de los seguidores del blog sigan con interés los dioramas, que participen con sus comentarios que me son de mucha utilidad para ir avanzando y mejorando. Personalmente seguir ampliando mi colección de Barbies y complementos.
13ª Pregunta
¿Cuál es la enseñanza más importante para que pueda llegar a este punto de su colección?
Sin duda que todos los día hay que aprender algo nuevo, casi siempre de las personas que te rodean, y que hay que ser valiente e innovar, sin miedo, sin pereza.
14ª Pregunta
¿Qué le gustaría ver en el futuro de Barbie?
Me gustaría que Mattel mejorara la distribución de las novedades, que el tiempo que tarde en llegar a España y otros países sea más reducido. Hay muchas creaciones que nunca llegan a la venta en España. Me encantaría que Mattel organizara la I Convención de Coleccionistas de Barbie en España, como lo hacen en otros países. Que podamos reunirnos las blogueras y coleccionistas de Barbie en un encuentro para intercambiar opiniones y reivindicar a Mattel que no descuide la calidad de las creaciones. También me encantaría conocer a uno de los diseñadores de las últimas Barbies, Robert Best para intercambiar puntos de vista sobre sus diseños.
Quiero darte las gracias por la oportunidad que me has ofrecido para conocer más en detalle tu hobby. Considero tus escenas maravillosas, y deseo que a medida que continúes haciéndolas, sean cada vez mejores. Realmente espero que sigas honrándonos con tu talento y te deseo un futuro brillante por delante. Gracias y por favor sigue haciendo lo que haces! :-)

 


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Vintage Wednesday - Barbie's Color 'n Curl Hair Salon

During my usual searches and discoveries I happened onto quite an interesting find... 

What a WONDERFUL, (and very rare) Barbie Accessory!  Since I stumbled onto this, I have been scouring the Internet and looking through some of my Barbie books just to get some sense as to how rare this item actually is and have only found two auctions, (currently on eBay), that have any real pictures of the elusive "Barbie's color 'n curl" accessory set - one going for a "firm" $100.00 and the other one an actual auction, already bidding up at $9.99 with a couple days left!  I'm not very surprised considered that this dates back to a cool vintage date of 1965, so not only a gem among rocks, but also an actual battery operated blow dryer with "color magic fashion wigs"! 

Seems kinda fun, huh? 



Photo from:http://www.dolls4play.com/accessorieslist.html



 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Barbie New Catalogue - Spring 2012

The new Barbie catalog is out, go get yours... - http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/catalog

This beauty is in the cover.


 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Celebrity Monday - Elvis Presley

One time I watched a movie about Elvis Presley's life and it gave me a little insight into the amazing talent that this person was gifted with - I don't listen to him, and I don't know anything about his music, heck, I couldn't even engage into a real conversation about him or his work... thank all that there is benevolent that there's an Internet... I don't have any books at my house about him...  no recordings, no magazines, articles, documentaries... nothing...  All I really know is that with a certain, "something" and given the right time...  A celebrity... A real star was born... There are even some who claim that he never really died...



Elvis Aaron Presleya (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley)
Well, all I do have to say is that his handsomeness, his poise, and that certain "something" set him into the same status of what would later become the perfect visage, a Ken doll...  a perfect set all in one package. 



Found this from a fan of his on YouTube:



Mattel, celebrating the "King":

1998  Elvis Presley Doll


Mattel commemorates the 30th Anniversary of Elvis' 1968 TV Special, one of the celebrated events in his legendary career. The raving response he received in this TV show firmly entrenched Elvis Presley as the King of Rock 'n Roll. The crowd roared and swooned as Elvis sang and danced in a black leather outfit that will live forever in the minds of everyone who saw him. Authentic in every detail, this doll recreates Elvis' trademark sideburns and costume and comes complete with "guitar."

1999 Elvis The Army Years - Timeless Treasures




2001 Elvis Presley in the Eagle Jumpsuit  - Timeless Treasures




2001 Elvis The King of Rock'n Roll - Timeless Treasures



 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Elvis' passing, the King of Rock 'n Roll® is back, and looking better than ever! This Elvis® doll wears a original gold lamé suit with a holographic foil dot print around the lapel, pockets, and down the side of his pants, a version of the outfit he wore during his successful 1957 Chicago performance. He's wearing a silvery shirt with silver ruffles and collar, and a golden ribbon bowtie. Even his shoes are golden! Doll comes with a "microphone" and album plaque commemorating his gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards.

2008 Elvis and Priscilla Barbie Doll and Elvis Doll Giftset - Designed by: Sharon Zuckerman - Pink Label




 One of the greatest love stories of the 20th century, the romance between the King of Rock 'n' Roll and Priscilla is legendary. Priscilla Beaulieu captured Elvis Presley's heart and he swept her off her feet! On May 1, 1967, Las Vegas wedding bells rang for Elvis and Priscilla. Dressed in a black paisley print tuxedo and black boots, the groom is ready to once again exchange rings with his beautiful bride.
2009 Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock Doll - Designed by: Linda Kyaw - Pink Label


2010 Elvis in Blue Hawaii Doll - Designed by: Linda Kyaw - Pink Label 









2011 Elvis Barbie Doll - Designed by: Linda Kyaw - Pink Label











Friday, February 17, 2012

2012 Holiday Barbie

As We Know the Holidays Barbies are usually released before March, for 2012 here she is...








Are the Rockers back? For my hapiness...