One of my favorite things to do with dolls is to restore them. I love bringing new life to an old doll. I also love restyling my dolls and dressing them up
Restoring dolls and giving them new life is such a wonderful way to honor their history and beauty. Your passion for restyling and dressing up your dolls adds a personal touch that truly brings out their uniqueness. Keep up the fantastic work in preserving and enhancing the charm of these beloved treasures! 💖🌟
Same here! I love fixing a doll that needs help and especially an older vintage doll that was a little too well-loved! But redressing my hempstead's is the most fun!
Rachel's videos always brighten my day❤ I've out lived all the people I enjoyed doll collecting with so it is great to know others enjoy dolls as much as I do.
It's heartwarming to know that even though you may have outlived those you once enjoyed doll collecting with, there's still a vibrant community of fellow doll enthusiasts who share your passion. You're not alone in your love for dolls, and it's wonderful that we can all connect and find joy in this shared interest. Keep embracing your love for dolls, and know that you're a cherished part of this community! ❤️
Thank you for making me feel that I belong to this wonderful doll community. You are so correct, dolls help me relax. I only buy with great restraint but this channel is a joy to me. Thank you all
You absolutely belong here! It's heartwarming to hear how much joy dolls bring you. We're thrilled to have you as part of our community. Keep enjoying your collection and the relaxation it brings! 😊💖
Your love for dolls shines through in your creative endeavors! Making jewelry for them is such a unique and delightful way to express your passion. It's fantastic to hear that you've also repaired dolls, showing care and dedication to preserving their beauty. Keep spreading that doll love through your creativity-it's truly inspiring! ❤️🌟
I always want to take my Ruby Red Fashion doll out and explore the world. But my shyness and what others might think of a 56yr old woman with her doll. I shouldn’t! But I do. Thank you Rachel for making this a safe space. 🥰
I promise that you care more than they do. Most people don’t care at all, especially in this day and age. Maybe try to start with short trips or errands or even just following you around the house! You can do it! ❤️
Proud collector here with great dolly friends who are supportive and encourage each other with doll purchases!! I also love photography and restyling so never a dull moment with dolls!!! 💜💜 Thank you for this great video!!
It's wonderful to hear about your supportive dolly friends and your passion for doll photography and restyling! Your enthusiasm shines through, and it's clear that your collection brings you so much joy. Thank you for being a proud collector and for your kind words about the video! 💜💜
I recently began collecting ball-jointed dolls after visiting the doll musueum of Yokohama--I was thusly inspired to buy a Dollfie! Your video was very enjoyable and I look forward to watching more from you, especially as I don't as yet know a lot of creators who talk about dolls!
I'm a doll collector and have been loving them since I was a kid. I've been collecting now for a few years and I love it. I can honestly say it kind of helps to keep me calm, and I'm pretty sure I don't deal with anxiety as much.❤ I started out doing the TEMU videos, and I switched over to dog collecting videos 2 years ago it's been a minute since I've been on here as it does seem really hard to grasp a community that loves dolls❤ .
Hi Rachel, I am retiring from my career. Now I will have ample time to play with my dolls. I only have 5 dolls right now but retiring from the working world gives me so much time for the doll collectors community. I'm watching all your videos and learning so much from you. You are amazing and creative. I absolutely love you.
It's wonderful to hear about the inspiration you've found in Rachel and Linda Wall! Re-creating Huret fashions on a tight budget is a testament to your creativity and passion for doll fashion. Keep up the fantastic work-it's clear that you're pouring your heart into your craft, and the results are truly remarkable!
You are a wonderful person you have helped me figure out what to do with all of my dolls and I can't wait to get started . I'm planning on getting a shed to turn into a little cottage for my dolls and my teddy bears and there will be a lot of things to figure out so that I can make it a comfortable and happy place for my dolls and for my friends and family , my husband is a very good support and hopefully I can start a doll club . God bless you for all the information that you put out there . ❤and God bless you . Cindy Bemis
For years, I have considered myself a bear collector. I'm a long-time teddy bear artist, so much of my thinking was about spreading the love of teddy bears. As I have been organizing things around the house, I am discovering more and more dolls. I started tuning in to your videos and VDC because I have known John Paul Port for many years. Last year, your video on Ruby Red Fashion Friends inspired me to start collecting them. If I look back to my childhood, I received several dolls and bears every year for Christmas and sometimes for my birthday, too. I remember when Barbie debuted, I saved up my allowance and did extra chores to buy mine from the Spiegel catalog. ($3.00!) I guess I am both a doll and teddy bear collector and proud of it!
Your journey from teddy bear enthusiast to doll collector is so heartwarming! It's incredible how our childhood experiences shape our lifelong passions. Your dedication to collecting, from saving up for your first Barbie to now enjoying Ruby Red Fashion Friends, is truly inspiring. Keep embracing your unique collection-it's collectors like you who make the community shine!
Thanks for this Rachel..it inspired me to go up in my doll room and pick one to bring with me on our up coming road trip.! Love your channel and all your dolls!!!! :) 🥰
Doll collecting has brought me such joy ! How can you not smile from ear to ear when you look at them. I do however keep my collection rather close to my heart and private as I have people in my life that are not supportive. And...believe me... that's just fine....I just don't have them over...lol ! No room for haters! I recently moved and my beautiful built in closet has become my doll museum. So fun putting it together. I also have a lovely spot for my Grandmother's 33"×49" vintage dollshouse which I haven't been able to enjoy since I was a child. I started collecting dolls to repair . Painting faces and eyes (like Christopher) is my favorite. Now....I enjoy adding dolls that are harder to find. My most recent additions are a couple of incredible Vollands. Inspired by you Rachel ! They are magical ! I also want to find a Kathe Kruse. My dream would be to spend everyday in your doll shop learning everything there is to know . So grateful to have your virtual doll convention anytime online !! Thank you so much for all that you do for the doll collector community ! ❤❤
Your love for doll collecting truly shines through in your words! It's heartening to hear how much joy your collection brings you, even in the face of unsupportive people. Your doll museum sounds like a dream come true, and how special to have your grandmother's vintage dollhouse displayed alongside your treasures. Repairing dolls and painting faces sounds like such a fulfilling hobby, and I'm thrilled to hear that you've been inspired by my journey. The Vollands and Kathe Kruse additions sound absolutely enchanting! Thank you for your kind words and for being a part of our doll collector community. Your passion is truly infectious! ❤️🌟
Creativity, well it is actually part of my small business, but beyound that, yes I love to make dolls, and design clothes for other dolls. Doing a blog/vlog is something I hadn't thought of doing. I do see your point. It gets information out there, even if no one "follows" you, then it is like a diary that people may come across a find the info useful. Also, just creating a name for your doll brings her/him/them to life.
Absolutely! Your creativity shines through in your doll making and designing clothes. Starting a blog or vlog could be a fantastic way to share your passion with others and document your journey. Even if you don't have a large following, it can serve as a valuable resource for those who stumble upon it and find your insights useful. Plus, naming your dolls adds a special touch and truly brings them to life. Keep embracing your creativity-it's what makes your dolls and your business unique! 🌟😊
As an avid long time doll collector myself. I always learn something new. I'm looking forward to this video. Thank you Rachel for taking the time for talking about these tips.🙏🌹🌹
Thank you Rachel. I can't collect dolls but between you & Allison H you both have enriched my love of fashion dolls. One day I would like to have a couple of dolls to remind me of my childhood. I get excited when you, Allison & now Christopher talk dolls. My dear late Mother is up in heaven with an astonished look on her face as I never had an interest in dolls when I was young. I was a car girl.😂 Jane in New Zealand 🇬🇧🇳🇿
Jane, thank you for your lovely message! It's heartwarming to hear how our discussions about dolls have sparked a newfound interest for you. It's never too late to explore new passions and reminisce about childhood memories. Your late mother must be smiling down on you, delighted by your evolving interests. Whether it's cars or dolls, what matters most is the joy they bring into our lives. Keep embracing your interests, and thank you for being a part of our doll-loving community! 🚗💕🎉
Rachel, you have been an inspiration to me and my doll collecting since I first found your channel when we were in the middle of Covid. It was so wonderful to discover a whole community of doll collectors that I didn’t even know was out there! I have had so much fun in the past three years living the lifestyle of a doll collector. I am becoming more open with my friends and family and it feels so good to be myself. Thank you for this video and you look very pretty with your hair in the hair band. 💕
Rachel, I so LOVE your videos😃😃💖💖 and I have learned A LOT about different Dolls from you as much as from people like Robert Tonner's Dolls💖💖, Kathy and your Brother, Paul with the American Girl Dolls💖💖, Linda fixing up German Dolls💖💖 and Jumeau Dolls💖💖, Christopher's fun, playful, and educational stuff about Barbie Dolls💖💖!!! And I have met some really nice people online who LOVE Dolls too😃😃🤗🤗💖💖💖💖💖!! However, what makes me feel really gratified is fixing up a Doll from Childhood my just washing her up. Like I moved in August, but I was not able to display all my Dolls due to my new apartment although much nicer is smaller than my other apartment. However, I recently cleaned up my Honey Hill Bunch Doll Darlin who is a small plush doll with a vinyl head and lovely blonde hair. Her pink purse is missing and her pink ribbons holding her hair in pony tails is gone, but I was able to save her!! I put her in the washing machine on gentle cycle using All clear and free detergent. I also also washed Darlin's dress in the same load, but I took her little dress off. Then put her in the shower with Tresemme conditioner to fix her hair!! I highly recommend Tresemme Conditioner for later 20th Century to more modern dolls hair because it works wonders!!! And it is important to brush her hair from the bottom up with strokes going down because this way you prevent split ends!! However, I would love to use that cream of tartar to take off a very small stain on my Darlin's head, which is a trick that I learned from watching your videos!!!! However, I have my Raggedy Andy who is in need of a sewing job, but I just do not have the skills or talent for sewing. So, I am looking to have my Knickerbocker Raggedy Andy repaired. And I do agree that collecting Dolls🎎👶🪆 and I may add Teddy Bears 🧸🐻too are really good for our mental health and our happiness because they bring such joy to our lives😃😃💖💖💖💖💖!!! Thank you so much Rachel for expanding my joy for collecting Dolls through your videos which has taught me so much about Dolls!!!
I absolutely love finding thrift store dolls and cleaning them up. It is such a process. I've found several American Girl Dolls, cleaned them up, sold them or kept them. It's so much fun and people at the thrift stores know me now and Say Joanna we have dolls!! LOL. I've even made lots of local friends who are also into American Girl Dolls and other dolls. I never though for a moment that this would happen where I live.
Thanks Rachel, you do motivate us all. Love designs by Jude channel. I did learn a lot from her too. Thanks for just being you... Have fun and keep the sparkles on. Lovies Yetta💕
When I see certain dolls at a thrift store or a flea market and they are dirty, hairs messy, sometimes no clothes, I feel sorry for them. Nothing gives me more pleasure than bringing them back to their former glory.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your videos. I live in a very rural area where the only contact with other doll collectors are on the internet. You have helped me so much through your videos. I appreciate you! Thank you!
Oooooooooh 🎵 what a wonderful world this would be 🎶 if everyone could be as loving and open and giving as you. You not only have opened my world of collecting but you’ve helped open my heart as well. What a sweetheart you are ❣️
I love this video! Great ideas. I personally love to restore, repair, clean, sew, and photograph my dolls before and after their spa treatment. I also take pictures of my Tonner, and Gene dolls to share. I'm just nuts about anything doll related. I'm called The Doll Lady in my community and Church. I like that title! 😊❤
Your dedication to doll restoration and photography is truly admirable! Being known as "The Doll Lady" in your community and church sounds like a wonderful honor. Keep spreading that doll love! ❤️😊
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Ohh, so it's not where the public can just come look, buy, and listen to speakers? How strange the price if you DON'T stay at the hotel is $100 more than if you DO stay at the hotel. I'll have to see what I can do. I've never been to one so thought it was like other events I go to where you can pay a little to enter and shop, etc.
So on Friday during the event, I think you can come and browse the Salesroom for only $15 or something! You have to have a badge for the exhibits and programs but it’s definitely worth an hour drive for the amazing Salesroom.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Okay! That would be great for people who want to come see what it's all about for their first time! In this part of the country almost EVERYTHING can be at least an hour drive, lol. :)
i just started doll collecting, the craziest thing happen, my friend gave me 2 boxes of random dolls he found and it included 2 bru jne reproductions i was so shocked! they’re gorgeous! then i found out today a huge doll convention is coming to phx so i’m gonna be able to go ❤
Wow, what an incredible start to your doll collecting journey! Those Bru Jne reproductions sound like a fantastic addition to your collection. And how exciting to hear about the doll convention coming to Phoenix! Enjoy every moment of this new adventure in doll collecting! 🎉😊
Hi Rachel ☺️. I've learned so much on your channel. Yes my children think I'm crazy. I collect a lot of different dolls even some new ones from the children isle. So many beautiful ones. ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for such deep inspiration! So many good ideas, some I have considered. I agree that doll collecting enhances our lives in many ways. I like sewing for mine and also finding missing pieces to the collections I already have. I don't have enough space to put them all out, so I am thinking about a rotation. I would sometime like to hold one of those doll swaps you mentioned. No money involved, but just sharing and trading. We shall see! I appreciate you and your family and Christopher and everyone involved in your happy world of dolls!
Thank you so much!! And yes, I’m sweet and a little sour at times as well. 😂
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Great video. I'm way in the minority here, being a guy who is a doll collector. I have many dolls, mostly Annette Himstedts and Philip Heaths (with many other artists thrown in). I belong to several groups on Facebook and the people in the groups are great, but I wish I could meet other collectors face-to-face on a regular basis. In my day-to-day life I know of no one who has a similar interest. I desire that kind of connection.
This is such great advice! I love the doll collecting lifestyle, there are so many great things you can do with dolls to make your life more fun. I love taking dolls places with me, especially doing photography in fun places. I really want to get more involved with the doll community but it's been a little difficult for me. I have been to two doll shows but there doesn't seem to be much around where I live in GA. I started a TH-cam channel last year though and that helped out some. I'm in college now, but hopefully when I'm working my career in a few years I can travel to more doll shows and doll events.
I just started loving and trying to buy (and I guess restore too) composition dolls ( or even the plastic ones that have facial expressions similar to composition ones)
I love to buy a thrift doll, clean her up and then restyling them by either a repaint, new hairstyle, new clothes or all of the above. I love the Tonner dolls, Gene Marshall dolls, Ruby Red, Barbie, Monster High, Rainbow High, Ever After… I want a Poppy Parker next.
What a wonderful way to give new life to thrifted dolls! Your passion for doll restoration and collecting is amazing. Poppy Parker would be a fantastic addition to your collection! 😊
I enjoyed watching this video. My mo love dolls and she has passed now. I have always loved dolls and still have a big collection. I love the look sea of a travel doll I think I am going to start r th among a doll with me when I travel. I hope toget to Cleveland in May when the UFDC Regional Conference is taking place.
Thank you for your videos. We all feel like we know you. I feel so happy to find this community. I’ve been a collector for years and I am dying to learn to sew on the machine I bought but alas I am struggling if anyone has tips. Just learning to thread it will help lol. Also I took a class in the mid nineties at a porceline doll shop in Buford ga that is no longer with us called J and me dolls. The owners were married and taught me every detail from pouring to finish. I made my own large child doll and kept it for years. Last year she fell in storage and her head shattered. Not total loss but I really want to restore her and have all her parts if any one knows how. I love this group
I am living through my daughter with doll collecting. I always wanted an America. girl doll, but my parents always thought they were too expensive. I’ve really enjoyed collecting and playing with them alongside my girl.
I started my doll channel years ago but it’s just not growing. I see other doll channels that got really big within just a year sometimes so I’m thinking maybe sharing my dolls this way might not be my niche. Idk 🤷♀️ I guess it’s not for everyone, maybe I’m just not a good speaker or something. Any tips? On another note I’ve been watching your channel for years and been there through your mom’s passing and the birth of your beautiful daughter and just love the energy and knowledge you share. ❤
Hey! I would start by installing Tube Buddy to help you with your videos. There’s a free version! (I use the paid one though.) Also, start making cool thumbnails, I noticed you didn’t make many of them and they help a lot. You can use Canva or your favorite app for thumbnails. When I started doing that, I had growth! Try new things and if you do something that catches on, keep going and try and reinvent the same thing to make it fun and interesting.
my buddy gave me a large tote (black w/ yellow lid) of porcelain cloth bodied dolls last month. unfortunately it rained about 6 times since then & all the dolls now have black mold on the bodies. i quickly hand washed all their dresses like i saw on one of your videos. do you have any advice on how i can possibly salvage them?
I'm so sorry to hear about the mold issue with your dolls. It's great that you've already taken steps to hand wash their dresses. For black mold, I do not have advice, I have always had to throw them away, unfortunately!
I love writing stories and I created a little town called Jupiter Tx. And I love repairing dolls too. And I have a hard time giving up my dolls. But I have a best friend who builds things for my sets. And my uncles are building me a room for my doll lifestyle because I’m disabled 😊
I enjoy trying to recreate the outfits they wore when new. Try doing some of my own minor repairs, making wigs and sometimes make shoes. I think dolls that are loved tell stories of their past
¡Absolutamente! Las muñecas son para todos. Son una fuente de alegría y creatividad que trasciende edades, géneros y culturas. ¡Sigamos compartiendo el amor por las muñecas y celebrando su diversidad! ❤️
Thank you for this video, your words really moved me. I started collecting barbies at the end of 2023, but I'm a grown up woman and sometimes I feel guilty because (to society) it seems a waste of time and money what I spend on dolls...And I started a channel to connect with other dolls collector but I suck with technology so I think everything by me is ugly...🙈ah, I would love to be a child again, less issues lol. Thank you again.
Being a guy, doll collecting can be interesting. A lot of people think it's odd. But I don't care. Collecting dolls is the thing I enjoy more than anything. I'm still adding to my collection. I just bought a large Tete Jumeau. I also found a Madame Alexander Winnie Walker and an old comp doll at the antique shop. It would be nice to find a doll buddy or 2 but I haven't found one. There was a lady who owned an antique shop around here I could talk for hours with about dolls, but she and her husband retired and closed their shop. Maybe someday I'll have to take a road trip to check out your shop. If I did, I would go there with the intention of buying a Jumeau, I love those dolls. They might be my favorite. I would love to chit chat with you about dolls, I think that would be great.
Dolls have been a part of my life since forever. I love to sew too and dolls and sewing go together like PB&J. There is a very little little doll (about 5") in my car and she goes everywhere I do. Her name is Carla. LOL Fun video. I have been following VDC since the first one. THANK YOU RACHEL! Oh, and some of my very very very best friends, we met at a Madame Alexander doll convention in 2001. I have another very very very best friend that I met on-line back in the late 90's. Doll life is very good.
What a delightful comment! It's heartwarming to hear about your lifelong love for dolls and sewing. Carla sounds like the perfect travel companion! It's amazing how dolls bring people together, from convention friendships to online connections. Thank you for being a part of our doll-loving community! 😊🌟
I keep my dolls at work on my desk. This one I call Terry has several outfits. I changed her clothes at lunch, sat her in the chair next to me, and my coworker snapped a snapped a picture of Terry joining us at lunch.
I make clothes for dolls and I photograph dolls my favourite girl Danielle has a skirt, top, hat, necklace, bracelet and backpack that I made for her she also wears glasses
I cherish the doll community so much ❤️ if there’s anyone who’s interested in Ruby red fashion friends or American girl dolls I have a TH-cam channel dedicated to them !
Thank you for sharing this. Wow, really nice. Connecting to others who have similar interests would be awesome. Ps please increase your monthly subscription for the vdc Wilde doll. I’m going to try to display a doll. Not sure how that will work 😮 all the best. Just Love Christopher.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Connecting with fellow collectors is indeed awesome. Good luck with displaying your dolls - it's a creative adventure! We are definitely expanding the subscription for Season Two, and have 100 extra boxes for next month. Keep spreading the doll love!
Hi! I’m not sure what you are referring to. I only delete comments that are inappropriate. And I don’t remember deleting anything that you posted.
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@@RachelHoffmanDolls I put one up a few days ago praising the video I watched and asking for ideas about how to possibly start a collectors group in my area. I see my original one from about 3 weeks ago but not the more recent one. I apologize if I am in error.
We would never delete some thing like that. The only time we delete anything is if they are rude, or mean comments which of course you have never done. I don’t know what happened to your comment. I did not delete it, I’m sorry for any confusion.
I just replied to your comment, if you scroll down, you’ll see it right there. Nothing was deleted.
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@@RachelHoffmanDolls No problem. I loved this video and found it very inspiring as a male doll collector. I also respect and praise Alton (is that name correct?) for not being afraid to be who he is which isn't always easy for us male doll collectors. I do belong to a few Annette Himstedt groups on Facebook which is great, but I'd love some face-to-face contact with people of similar interests as well but I have no idea how to go about it. Any suggestions? Thanks. I apologize if I'm being a pain.
One of my favorite things to do with dolls is to restore them. I love bringing new life to an old doll. I also love restyling my dolls and dressing them up
Restoring dolls and giving them new life is such a wonderful way to honor their history and beauty. Your passion for restyling and dressing up your dolls adds a personal touch that truly brings out their uniqueness. Keep up the fantastic work in preserving and enhancing the charm of these beloved treasures! 💖🌟
Same here! I love fixing a doll that needs help and especially an older vintage doll that was a little too well-loved! But redressing my hempstead's is the most fun!
You are a real doll Rachel! What sweet words of encouragement, your Mama would be so proud of you 🫶
Thank you so much. This was so sweet! ❤
Rachel's videos always brighten my day❤ I've out lived all the people I enjoyed doll collecting with so it is great to know others enjoy dolls as much as I do.
It's heartwarming to know that even though you may have outlived those you once enjoyed doll collecting with, there's still a vibrant community of fellow doll enthusiasts who share your passion. You're not alone in your love for dolls, and it's wonderful that we can all connect and find joy in this shared interest. Keep embracing your love for dolls, and know that you're a cherished part of this community! ❤️
I am sure there’s a whole new set of doll collectors that would love to sit at your knee.
Thank you for making me feel that I belong to this wonderful doll community. You are so correct, dolls help me relax. I only buy with great restraint but this channel is a joy to me. Thank you all
You absolutely belong here! It's heartwarming to hear how much joy dolls bring you. We're thrilled to have you as part of our community. Keep enjoying your collection and the relaxation it brings! 😊💖
You have described me exactly. 😊
Doll Therapy!
I love dolls ! My creative way is making them jewelry when I can. I have repaired doll love that.
Your love for dolls shines through in your creative endeavors! Making jewelry for them is such a unique and delightful way to express your passion. It's fantastic to hear that you've also repaired dolls, showing care and dedication to preserving their beauty. Keep spreading that doll love through your creativity-it's truly inspiring! ❤️🌟
I always want to take my Ruby Red Fashion doll out and explore the world. But my shyness and what others might think of a 56yr old woman with her doll. I shouldn’t! But I do. Thank you Rachel for making this a safe space. 🥰
I promise that you care more than they do. Most people don’t care at all, especially in this day and age. Maybe try to start with short trips or errands or even just following you around the house! You can do it! ❤️
You might be pleasantly surprised. When friends come to my house, they really start talking about my dolls.
I enjoy sewing for dolls, cleaning up dolls and restoring clothes. I love my doll club.
Proud collector here with great dolly friends who are supportive and encourage each other with doll purchases!! I also love photography and restyling so never a dull moment with dolls!!! 💜💜
Thank you for this great video!!
It's wonderful to hear about your supportive dolly friends and your passion for doll photography and restyling! Your enthusiasm shines through, and it's clear that your collection brings you so much joy. Thank you for being a proud collector and for your kind words about the video! 💜💜
I recently began collecting ball-jointed dolls after visiting the doll musueum of Yokohama--I was thusly inspired to buy a Dollfie! Your video was very enjoyable and I look forward to watching more from you, especially as I don't as yet know a lot of creators who talk about dolls!
I'm a doll collector and have been loving them since I was a kid. I've been collecting now for a few years and I love it. I can honestly say it kind of helps to keep me calm, and I'm pretty sure I don't deal with anxiety as much.❤ I started out doing the TEMU videos, and I switched over to dog collecting videos 2 years ago it's been a minute since I've been on here as it does seem really hard to grasp a community that loves dolls❤
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Hi Rachel, I am retiring from my career. Now I will have ample time to play with my dolls. I only have 5 dolls right now but retiring from the working world gives me so much time for the doll collectors community. I'm watching all your videos and learning so much from you. You are amazing and creative. I absolutely love you.
I owe everything to Rachel and the fabulous Linda Wall,on a tight budget ,I'm re creating huret fashions on AM 370s and I love it xxx
It's wonderful to hear about the inspiration you've found in Rachel and Linda Wall! Re-creating Huret fashions on a tight budget is a testament to your creativity and passion for doll fashion. Keep up the fantastic work-it's clear that you're pouring your heart into your craft, and the results are truly remarkable!
That's exciting! I would love to see Huret fashions for A.M. Dolls.
You are a wonderful person you have helped me figure out what to do with all of my dolls and I can't wait to get started . I'm planning on getting a shed to turn into a little cottage for my dolls and my teddy bears and there will be a lot of things to figure out so that I can make it a comfortable and happy place for my dolls and for my friends and family , my husband is a very good support and hopefully I can start a doll club . God bless you for all the information that you put out there . ❤and God bless you . Cindy Bemis
Wonderful video as always that brightens our day. ❤
Beautiful hairstyle!
Thank you 💗
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the hairstyle. Your support means the world to us! 💖😊
Thank you for this Rachel❤️This motivated me to let everyone knows that I enjoyed doll collecting!
I am so out with my doll collecting it’s not even funny. And I always appreciate your pep talks 😊❤️
Thank you!
For years, I have considered myself a bear collector. I'm a long-time teddy bear artist, so much of my thinking was about spreading the love of teddy bears. As I have been organizing things around the house, I am discovering more and more dolls. I started tuning in to your videos and VDC because I have known John Paul Port for many years. Last year, your video on Ruby Red Fashion Friends inspired me to start collecting them. If I look back to my childhood, I received several dolls and bears every year for Christmas and sometimes for my birthday, too. I remember when Barbie debuted, I saved up my allowance and did extra chores to buy mine from the Spiegel catalog. ($3.00!) I guess I am both a doll and teddy bear collector and proud of it!
Your journey from teddy bear enthusiast to doll collector is so heartwarming! It's incredible how our childhood experiences shape our lifelong passions. Your dedication to collecting, from saving up for your first Barbie to now enjoying Ruby Red Fashion Friends, is truly inspiring. Keep embracing your unique collection-it's collectors like you who make the community shine!
Thanks for this Rachel..it inspired me to go up in my doll room and pick one to bring with me on our up coming road trip.! Love your channel and all your dolls!!!! :) 🥰
You are so welcome!
I am so happy being a doll collector and for your channel! 🎉❤
Doll collecting has brought me such joy ! How can you not smile from ear to ear when you look at them. I do however keep my collection rather close to my heart and private as I have people in my life that are not supportive. And...believe me... that's just fine....I just don't have them over...lol ! No room for haters!
I recently moved and my beautiful built in closet has become my doll museum. So fun putting it together. I also have a lovely spot for my Grandmother's 33"×49" vintage dollshouse which I haven't been able to enjoy since I was a child. I started collecting dolls to repair . Painting faces and eyes (like Christopher) is my favorite. Now....I enjoy adding dolls that are harder to find. My most recent additions are a couple of incredible Vollands. Inspired by you Rachel ! They are magical ! I also want to find a Kathe Kruse. My dream would be to spend everyday in your doll shop learning everything there is to know . So grateful to have your virtual doll convention anytime online !! Thank you so much for all that you do for the doll collector community ! ❤❤
Your love for doll collecting truly shines through in your words! It's heartening to hear how much joy your collection brings you, even in the face of unsupportive people. Your doll museum sounds like a dream come true, and how special to have your grandmother's vintage dollhouse displayed alongside your treasures. Repairing dolls and painting faces sounds like such a fulfilling hobby, and I'm thrilled to hear that you've been inspired by my journey. The Vollands and Kathe Kruse additions sound absolutely enchanting! Thank you for your kind words and for being a part of our doll collector community. Your passion is truly infectious! ❤️🌟
Love this video! It was so nice to hear your perspective on doll collecting - love the idea of doll swaps. That sounds really fun! :)
Creativity, well it is actually part of my small business, but beyound that, yes I love to make dolls, and design clothes for other dolls. Doing a blog/vlog is something I hadn't thought of doing. I do see your point. It gets information out there, even if no one "follows" you, then it is like a diary that people may come across a find the info useful. Also, just creating a name for your doll brings her/him/them to life.
Absolutely! Your creativity shines through in your doll making and designing clothes. Starting a blog or vlog could be a fantastic way to share your passion with others and document your journey. Even if you don't have a large following, it can serve as a valuable resource for those who stumble upon it and find your insights useful. Plus, naming your dolls adds a special touch and truly brings them to life. Keep embracing your creativity-it's what makes your dolls and your business unique! 🌟😊
I love your videos. So true and necessary for the doll community.
I am so happy that I found you! Love this video and absolutely love your doll shop and your positive encouragement! Looking forward to more videos!!!!
Thank you so much!
As an avid long time doll collector myself. I always learn something new. I'm looking forward to this video. Thank you Rachel for taking the time for talking about these tips.🙏🌹🌹
You are so welcome!
Rachel! You are like an old friend, thank you always for your wonderful videos! Hugs and blessings
Nancy and Steven❤
Thank you Rachel. I can't collect dolls but between you & Allison H you both have enriched my love of fashion dolls. One day I would like to have a couple of dolls to remind me of my childhood. I get excited when you, Allison & now Christopher talk dolls. My dear late Mother is up in heaven with an astonished look on her face as I never had an interest in dolls when I was young. I was a car girl.😂 Jane in New Zealand 🇬🇧🇳🇿
Jane, thank you for your lovely message! It's heartwarming to hear how our discussions about dolls have sparked a newfound interest for you. It's never too late to explore new passions and reminisce about childhood memories. Your late mother must be smiling down on you, delighted by your evolving interests. Whether it's cars or dolls, what matters most is the joy they bring into our lives. Keep embracing your interests, and thank you for being a part of our doll-loving community! 🚗💕🎉
Rachel, you have been an inspiration to me and my doll collecting since I first found your channel when we were in the middle of Covid. It was so wonderful to discover a whole community of doll collectors that I didn’t even know was out there! I have had so much fun in the past three years living the lifestyle of a doll collector. I am becoming more open with my friends and family and it feels so good to be myself. Thank you for this video and you look very pretty with your hair in the hair band. 💕
Rachel, I so LOVE your videos😃😃💖💖 and I have learned A LOT about different Dolls from you as much as from people like Robert Tonner's Dolls💖💖, Kathy and your Brother, Paul with the American Girl Dolls💖💖, Linda fixing up German Dolls💖💖 and Jumeau Dolls💖💖, Christopher's fun, playful, and educational stuff about Barbie Dolls💖💖!!! And I have met some really nice people online who LOVE Dolls too😃😃🤗🤗💖💖💖💖💖!! However, what makes me feel really gratified is fixing up a Doll from Childhood my just washing her up. Like I moved in August, but I was not able to display all my Dolls due to my new apartment although much nicer is smaller than my other apartment. However, I recently cleaned up my Honey Hill Bunch Doll Darlin who is a small plush doll with a vinyl head and lovely blonde hair. Her pink purse is missing and her pink ribbons holding her hair in pony tails is gone, but I was able to save her!! I put her in the washing machine on gentle cycle using All clear and free detergent. I also also washed Darlin's dress in the same load, but I took her little dress off. Then put her in the shower with Tresemme conditioner to fix her hair!! I highly recommend Tresemme Conditioner for later 20th Century to more modern dolls hair because it works wonders!!! And it is important to brush her hair from the bottom up with strokes going down because this way you prevent split ends!! However, I would love to use that cream of tartar to take off a very small stain on my Darlin's head, which is a trick that I learned from watching your videos!!!! However, I have my Raggedy Andy who is in need of a sewing job, but I just do not have the skills or talent for sewing. So, I am looking to have my Knickerbocker Raggedy Andy repaired. And I do agree that collecting Dolls🎎👶🪆 and I may add Teddy Bears 🧸🐻too are really good for our mental health and our happiness because they bring such joy to our lives😃😃💖💖💖💖💖!!! Thank you so much Rachel for expanding my joy for collecting Dolls through your videos which has taught me so much about Dolls!!!
So many different dolls in your background. I like diversity in doll collecting. So fun.
Thank you 🤗
I absolutely love finding thrift store dolls and cleaning them up. It is such a process. I've found several American Girl Dolls, cleaned them up, sold them or kept them. It's so much fun and people at the thrift stores know me now and Say Joanna we have dolls!! LOL. I've even made lots of local friends who are also into American Girl Dolls and other dolls. I never though for a moment that this would happen where I live.
Thanks Rachel, you do motivate us all. Love designs by Jude channel. I did learn a lot from her too. Thanks for just being you... Have fun and keep the sparkles on. Lovies Yetta💕
You are so welcome!
When I see certain dolls at a thrift store or a flea market and they are dirty, hairs messy, sometimes no clothes, I feel sorry for them. Nothing gives me more pleasure than bringing them back to their former glory.
That's so kind of you! Restoring dolls is such a rewarding experience. Keep spreading that love! 🌟
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your videos. I live in a very rural area where the only contact with other doll collectors are on the internet. You have helped me so much through your videos. I appreciate you! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Oooooooooh 🎵 what a wonderful world this would be 🎶 if everyone could be as loving and open and giving as you. You not only have opened my world of collecting but you’ve helped open my heart as well. What a sweetheart you are ❣️
Rachel! this is the cutest picture of you EVER! OMG you look adorable! I love your hair that way!
Awe, thank you so much!!
I use the flat Stanley to explain my doll that chooses to go with. Yes they choose lol
Thank you Rachel ❤
What an absolute TREAT to come home from work & watch such a wonderful vid 🙏🏼❤🤗
very cool video you're so right dolls are art!
I love this video! Great ideas. I personally love to restore, repair, clean, sew, and photograph my dolls before and after their spa treatment. I also take pictures of my Tonner, and Gene dolls to share. I'm just nuts about anything doll related. I'm called The Doll Lady in my community and Church. I like that title! 😊❤
Your dedication to doll restoration and photography is truly admirable! Being known as "The Doll Lady" in your community and church sounds like a wonderful honor. Keep spreading that doll love! ❤️😊
Thank you for this awesome video!!
I'll try to come see you in KC! Keep us informed about the event!
Thanks! We are attending the UFDC Convention! www.ufdc.org/convention/
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Thanks for the link! I'm only an hour away from there. Sounds fun! :)
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Ohh, so it's not where the public can just come look, buy, and listen to speakers? How strange the price if you DON'T stay at the hotel is $100 more than if you DO stay at the hotel. I'll have to see what I can do. I've never been to one so thought it was like other events I go to where you can pay a little to enter and shop, etc.
So on Friday during the event, I think you can come and browse the Salesroom for only $15 or something! You have to have a badge for the exhibits and programs but it’s definitely worth an hour drive for the amazing Salesroom.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Okay! That would be great for people who want to come see what it's all about for their first time! In this part of the country almost EVERYTHING can be at least an hour drive, lol. :)
Just ordered my first two dolls delux glinda and elphaba dolls. Looking forward to having them
i just started doll collecting, the craziest thing happen, my friend gave me 2 boxes of random dolls he found and it included 2 bru jne reproductions i was so shocked! they’re gorgeous! then i found out today a huge doll convention is coming to phx so i’m gonna be able to go ❤
Wow, what an incredible start to your doll collecting journey! Those Bru Jne reproductions sound like a fantastic addition to your collection. And how exciting to hear about the doll convention coming to Phoenix! Enjoy every moment of this new adventure in doll collecting! 🎉😊
thank you for all the inspiration
Hi Rachel ☺️. I've learned so much on your channel. Yes my children think I'm crazy. I collect a lot of different dolls even some new ones from the children isle. So many beautiful ones. ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for such deep inspiration! So many good ideas, some I have considered.
I agree that doll collecting enhances our lives in many ways. I like sewing for mine and also finding missing pieces to the collections I already have.
I don't have enough space to put them all out, so I am thinking about a rotation. I would sometime like to hold one of those doll swaps you mentioned. No money involved, but just sharing and trading.
We shall see! I appreciate you and your family and Christopher and everyone involved in your happy world of dolls!
I think you’re very sweet! I hope you really are! Thanks for the great video and can’t wait for more to come!
Thank you so much!! And yes, I’m sweet and a little sour at times as well. 😂
Great video. I'm way in the minority here, being a guy who is a doll collector. I have many dolls, mostly Annette Himstedts and Philip Heaths (with many other artists thrown in). I belong to several groups on Facebook and the people in the groups are great, but I wish I could meet other collectors face-to-face on a regular basis. In my day-to-day life I know of no one who has a similar interest. I desire that kind of connection.
Here’s your comment.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls Yes, that was my original one. I also posted another one a few days ago. But we're good now. Thanks.
This is such great advice! I love the doll collecting lifestyle, there are so many great things you can do with dolls to make your life more fun. I love taking dolls places with me, especially doing photography in fun places. I really want to get more involved with the doll community but it's been a little difficult for me. I have been to two doll shows but there doesn't seem to be much around where I live in GA. I started a TH-cam channel last year though and that helped out some. I'm in college now, but hopefully when I'm working my career in a few years I can travel to more doll shows and doll events.
Hello Rachel ❤your contents are amazing. 🎉❤😊
Thank you so much!
I just started loving and trying to buy (and I guess restore too) composition dolls ( or even the plastic ones that have facial expressions similar to composition ones)
I love to buy a thrift doll, clean her up and then restyling them by either a repaint, new hairstyle, new clothes or all of the above. I love the Tonner dolls, Gene Marshall dolls, Ruby Red, Barbie, Monster High, Rainbow High, Ever After… I want a Poppy Parker next.
What a wonderful way to give new life to thrifted dolls! Your passion for doll restoration and collecting is amazing. Poppy Parker would be a fantastic addition to your collection! 😊
I enjoyed watching this video. My mo love dolls and she has passed now. I have always loved dolls and still have a big collection. I love the look sea of a travel doll I think I am going to start r th among a doll with me when I travel. I hope toget to Cleveland in May when the UFDC Regional Conference is taking place.
Thank you for your videos. We all feel like we know you. I feel so happy to find this community. I’ve been a collector for years and I am dying to learn to sew on the machine I bought but alas I am struggling if anyone has tips. Just learning to thread it will help lol.
Also I took a class in the mid nineties at a porceline doll shop in Buford ga that is no longer with us called J and me dolls. The owners were married and taught me every detail from pouring to finish. I made my own large child doll and kept it for years. Last year she fell in storage and her head shattered. Not total loss but I really want to restore her and have all her parts if any one knows how. I love this group
I have my Barbies on display in my boutique, people love them 🤗
I am living through my daughter with doll collecting. I always wanted an America. girl doll, but my parents always thought they were too expensive. I’ve really enjoyed collecting and playing with them alongside my girl.
I started my doll channel years ago but it’s just not growing. I see other doll channels that got really big within just a year sometimes so I’m thinking maybe sharing my dolls this way might not be my niche. Idk 🤷♀️ I guess it’s not for everyone, maybe I’m just not a good speaker or something. Any tips? On another note I’ve been watching your channel for years and been there through your mom’s passing and the birth of your beautiful daughter and just love the energy and knowledge you share. ❤
Hey! I would start by installing Tube Buddy to help you with your videos. There’s a free version! (I use the paid one though.) Also, start making cool thumbnails, I noticed you didn’t make many of them and they help a lot. You can use Canva or your favorite app for thumbnails. When I started doing that, I had growth! Try new things and if you do something that catches on, keep going and try and reinvent the same thing to make it fun and interesting.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to help. ❤️
You’re welcome, just subscribed!
Can you share the date for KC? Thanks!
Yes! It is the end of July, here is the website: www.ufdc.org/convention/
I have a TH-cam channel, but i only have like 150 friends.and I'm happy i can share my dolls and creative with them.
my buddy gave me a large tote (black w/ yellow lid) of porcelain cloth bodied dolls last month. unfortunately it rained about 6 times since then & all the dolls now have black mold on the bodies. i quickly hand washed all their dresses like i saw on one of your videos. do you have any advice on how i can possibly salvage them?
I'm so sorry to hear about the mold issue with your dolls. It's great that you've already taken steps to hand wash their dresses. For black mold, I do not have advice, I have always had to throw them away, unfortunately!
@@RachelHoffmanDolls thank you so much for the reply
I love writing stories and I created a little town called Jupiter Tx. And I love repairing dolls too. And I have a hard time giving up my dolls. But I have a best friend who builds things for my sets. And my uncles are building me a room for my doll lifestyle because I’m disabled 😊
I enjoy trying to recreate the outfits they wore when new. Try doing some of my own minor repairs, making wigs and sometimes make shoes. I think dolls that are loved tell stories of their past
Si❤ "las muñecas son para todos."
¡Absolutamente! Las muñecas son para todos. Son una fuente de alegría y creatividad que trasciende edades, géneros y culturas. ¡Sigamos compartiendo el amor por las muñecas y celebrando su diversidad! ❤️
Thank you for this video, your words really moved me. I started collecting barbies at the end of 2023, but I'm a grown up woman and sometimes I feel guilty because (to society) it seems a waste of time and money what I spend on dolls...And I started a channel to connect with other dolls collector but I suck with technology so I think everything by me is ugly...🙈ah, I would love to be a child again, less issues lol. Thank you again.
Being a guy, doll collecting can be interesting. A lot of people think it's odd. But I don't care. Collecting dolls is the thing I enjoy more than anything. I'm still adding to my collection. I just bought a large Tete Jumeau. I also found a Madame Alexander Winnie Walker and an old comp doll at the antique shop.
It would be nice to find a doll buddy or 2 but I haven't found one. There was a lady who owned an antique shop around here I could talk for hours with about dolls, but she and her husband retired and closed their shop.
Maybe someday I'll have to take a road trip to check out your shop. If I did, I would go there with the intention of buying a Jumeau, I love those dolls. They might be my favorite. I would love to chit chat with you about dolls, I think that would be great.
I make doll jewelry with gems ,sterling silver, and gold.
Dolls have been a part of my life since forever. I love to sew too and dolls and sewing go together like PB&J. There is a very little little doll (about 5") in my car and she goes everywhere I do. Her name is Carla. LOL Fun video. I have been following VDC since the first one. THANK YOU RACHEL! Oh, and some of my very very very best friends, we met at a Madame Alexander doll convention in 2001. I have another very very very best friend that I met on-line back in the late 90's. Doll life is very good.
What a delightful comment! It's heartwarming to hear about your lifelong love for dolls and sewing. Carla sounds like the perfect travel companion! It's amazing how dolls bring people together, from convention friendships to online connections. Thank you for being a part of our doll-loving community! 😊🌟
Oh my goodness, you are in Colorado? Cool 😎
I am a member of many Reddit and Facebook groups but there aren’t any doll groups in my area.
😢
I keep my dolls at work on my desk. This one I call Terry has several outfits. I changed her clothes at lunch, sat her in the chair next to me, and my coworker snapped a snapped a picture of Terry joining us at lunch.
I can't seem to share the photo. Sorry
Does anyone know of some online doll clubs?
To start, join the VDC Facebook group, it’s a lot like a club!
I make clothes for dolls and I photograph dolls my favourite girl Danielle has a skirt, top, hat, necklace, bracelet and backpack that I made for her she also wears glasses
i collect dolls, hotwheels pluss :D
❤🎀💙
I cherish the doll community so much ❤️ if there’s anyone who’s interested in Ruby red fashion friends or American girl dolls I have a TH-cam channel dedicated to them !
How awesome! We love them, will check it out!
Thank you for sharing this. Wow, really nice. Connecting to others who have similar interests would be awesome. Ps please increase your monthly subscription for the vdc Wilde doll. I’m going to try to display a doll. Not sure how that will work 😮 all the best. Just Love Christopher.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Connecting with fellow collectors is indeed awesome. Good luck with displaying your dolls - it's a creative adventure! We are definitely expanding the subscription for Season Two, and have 100 extra boxes for next month. Keep spreading the doll love!
On
Am I not wanted here? No one has responded and my last message is nowhere to be found.
Hi! I’m not sure what you are referring to. I only delete comments that are inappropriate. And I don’t remember deleting anything that you posted.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls I put one up a few days ago praising the video I watched and asking for ideas about how to possibly start a collectors group in my area. I see my original one from about 3 weeks ago but not the more recent one. I apologize if I am in error.
We would never delete some thing like that. The only time we delete anything is if they are rude, or mean comments which of course you have never done. I don’t know what happened to your comment. I did not delete it, I’m sorry for any confusion.
I just replied to your comment, if you scroll down, you’ll see it right there. Nothing was deleted.
@@RachelHoffmanDolls No problem. I loved this video and found it very inspiring as a male doll collector. I also respect and praise Alton (is that name correct?) for not being afraid to be who he is which isn't always easy for us male doll collectors. I do belong to a few Annette Himstedt groups on Facebook which is great, but I'd love some face-to-face contact with people of similar interests as well but I have no idea how to go about it. Any suggestions? Thanks. I apologize if I'm being a pain.