Ashton Drake Archives - Collectibles
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Collectible dolls in San Francisco or anywhere else are more than a great investment

Collectible dolls in San Francisco CA, well, anywhere really, are worth the investment.  Of course, there are different strategies when choosing which collectible dolls in San Francisco CA.  You can focus on collecting more clothes and accessories for the dolls you have, assembling a wardrobe.  Or you can focus on collectible dolls in San Francisco CA that are antique that you stumble on for a great deal or that are modern with the expectation that they will increase in value.  Or you can buy collectible dolls in San Francisco CA just for the pure enchantment.

Here are some tips for collectible dolls in San Francisco, CA.  Collectible dolls still sell well at shows and on the Internet, but there seems to be an increased interest in clothes and accessories.  For the last decade, prices of old and new trunks continue to rise and the price of clothing in good condition has been rising, too.  Accessories like glasses, earrings, watches, gloves, socks and shoes are a great find.  Even when the doll manufacturer doesn’t make additional clothing for your collectible dolls, you can find clothing specially made through great websites.  One of those sites we, here at Better Everything, recommend.  You can purchase specialty clothing at Stella’s Treasures and even clothing patterns to sew your own.

Since dolls have been around, people have collected them.  So, when you stumble on those antique doll collections in mint condition, they are usually a considerable investment, but potentially worth it.  Buying modern dolls can be considered tomorrow’s investment, too.  Some modern collectible dolls do maintain or rise in value.  The more you collect, the more the value increases is a theory to combat those modern dolls for sale on e-bay or at near wholesale prices – both of which effects collectible doll values more than anything.

That’s where buying dolls for the pure enchantment is so important.  When you can walk into your room and enjoy your collectible dolls regardless of the value, you can be satisfied—whether you are transported back to your childhood or you can simply appreciate the beauty and quality of the modern collectible dolls with which you’ve surrounded yourself.

Again, we can recommend Stella’s Treasures where you can purchase some older and miscellaneous dolls, or a wide variety of modern dolls.  The modern dolls available include those from popular artists and doll manufacturers, whether you are looking for baby, theme, movie character, fantasy, paper, or other collectible dolls.

So, even if your budget is more restricted than it has been, you can enjoy the collection you already have, or add to it.  While you are adding to your doll collection in small ways, you can purchase a few well-thought out additions to round out or expand your collection.  That’s where Stella, at Stella’s Treasures, comes through once again.  With her expertise, she can guide you to a collectible doll that will fit it with your plans, whether you are searching for collectible dolls in San Francisco CA or those accessories or clothing.

Fine collectible dolls in San Francisco or anywhere else depend on your personal collecting choice.

For collectible dolls in San Francisco CA, a great choice might be an Ashton Drake doll.  The Ashton Drake doll manufacturer has a long history of making some of the most beautiful and collectible dolls you will find anywhere.  So, for anyone searching for high quality, meaningful collectible dolls in San Francisco CA and elsewhere, one of the Ashton Drake dolls is a good choice.

In your search for collectible dolls in San Francisco CA, you might like one of the Ashton Drake dolls by artist Dianna Effner.  As a child, Dianna created dolls from old socks and paper mache.  So, it seemed only natural she would study painting, sculpting and ceramics, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bradley University.  She began making dolls in the early 1970s as a stay-at-home mom.  With her unique porcelain (and later vinyl) dolls depicting emotion and sensitivity, within a decade, the professional world took notice.  In the late 1980s, she began designing for Ashton Drake and other doll manufacturers.  In 1990, she moved into a studio in Missouri, began teaching doll making and related crafts, then founded the Doll Dreamers Guild for the purpose of training instructors to teach the realistic painting techniques developed in her studio.

For Ashton Drake, Dianna’s Storybook Dolls are the first fully poseable, ball-jointed collector-quality vinyl dolls inspired by beloved children’s book characters.  The first in the storybook series was Little Red Riding Hood.  Her modern look, with hand painted features, silky auburn ringlets, and contemporary twist on traditional European clothing carries a basket of goodies and flowers for Grandma.  Twenty-five years later, what a way to celebrate master doll artist Dianna Effner than to find a first in an Ashton Drake gallery.

And just in time for the movie to be released March 11.  Here at Better Everything, we have to recommend the perfect virtual store for collectible dolls in San Francisco CA, especially when we can direct you to this collectible doll – Ashton Drake’s Little Red Riding Hood by Dianna Effner.  Stella’s Treasures is a great place to get started on Dianna Effner’s storybook dolls and other collectible dolls.

Things to consider when looking for collectible dolls in San Francisco, CA

For those who are looking for collectible dolls in San Francisco CA, getting familiar with doll manufacturers and their types of dolls through the years is important.  But, also important is identifying why you are looking for collectible dolls in San Francisco.  Knowing whether your collectible dolls will be played with or pristinely set aside, purchased to relive a childhood memory of your own or to create a childhood memory for someone else, or purchased as an investment, then determining your budget is the best way to start when looking for collectible dolls in San Francisco CA.

Once your interests and budget is clear, getting to know doll manufacturers and their history is next.  Take for instance The Alexander Doll Company and Madame Alexander Dolls.  The company was founded by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman eighty years ago.  Her love for dolls started as a youth watching her father repair dolls in America’s first doll hospital.  As she later created her own line of fine quality, handcrafted dolls, she became known for her many innovations in the doll industry.  Those “firsts” include making dolls based on movie characters, living persons, baby dolls, and full figures.

Any Madame Alexander doll made before the 1930s in considered to be an ‘antique Madame Alexander doll’.  A ‘collectible Madame Alexander doll’ are those made more than 25 years ago, but less than 75 years ago.  A “modern Madame Alexander doll’ has been made within the last 25 years and a ‘contemporary Madame Alexander doll’ is any doll in current production.

In the 1930s, Madame Alexander began making cloth dolls—one of the earliest is the Alice in Wonderland doll.  Composition Madame Alexander dolls were then introduced.  These are made of a mixture of several compounds (sawdust, paper, glue, and plaster of Paris)—examples are the Sonja Henie, Dionne Quintuplets, and Princess Elizabeth dolls.  In 1948, hard plastic Madame Alexander dolls were created.  The first of these had painted skin tones with later dolls being made of rose-colored plastic which were more durable and eliminated the fine cracking (or crazing) of the finish.  These had sharper features.  Examples include Cissy, Lissy, and Elise.  There are many excellent doll manufacturers.  The Alexander Doll Company is just one of them.

And choosing the right collectible doll, whether it’s a Madame Alexander doll or another one like Aston Drake, the usage, the era, the value, and even accessories are all important factors when looking for collectible dolls in San Francisco, CA.  We, here at Better Everything, can recommend Stella’s Treasures for a little more Madame Alexander Doll history, a great selection of doll manufacturers and dolls, accessories, books, and great advice.

Don’t get frustrated with local collectible dolls in Sacramento, CA – just expand your horizons and visit an online shop that treats you like a walk in customer!

It’s exciting when you find just what you are looking for – like collectible dolls in Sacramento CA.  There are dolls all right, but collectible dolls in Sacramento, well, that can be more of a challenge to find.

When you are having trouble finding those perfect collectible dolls in Sacramento CA, it helps to get a recommendation.  It’s a sure bet that you will find collectible dolls for Sacramento when you do your virtual shopping at Stella’s Treasures.  There is such a selection of collectible dolls and doll-related items that you are bound to find just what you are looking for at Stella’s.  And, if she doesn’t have it, she is sure to know where to find it.  Being in the business for years, she has developed an extensive knowledge of collectible dolls both old and new, doll manufacturers, resources and experts in related fields.

With so many doll manufacturers and artists’ dolls available in one place, you are sure to find just what you are looking for your doll collection.  If the collectible doll for Sacramento CA isn’t on this virtual shop recommended by Better Everything, or Stella can’t help you, well, we will be surprised.

If you prefer to find shops that sell Collectible Dolls in Sacramento as opposed to generic toy stores check this out

Known for its Camelias, not collectible dolls – Sacramento CA is not only the capital of California it is the Camelia capital of the world. That may be one reason why the super pages only lists two entries when you Google for “collectible dolls – Sacramento CA”.  Collectible doll dealers in Sacramento CA listed are Ely Enterprises and Toys’RUs.  These are great resources when you want a manufacturer of stuffed toys and dolls or a wide variety of toys and such.  It is true, there might be a collectible doll there, but chances are, you are looking for a wide variety of collectible dolls to choose from in one place.

If you are looking for a place that specializes in dolls that are collectible, your search might get a little more difficult.  Sacramento, one of the largest cities in California, covers nearly 100 square miles of land with its businesses spread out.  So, not only are you hoping to have a wide variety of doll manufacturers in the store, but you have to travel to find the store.

That’s where virtual doll shops for collectible dolls – Sacramento CA comes in.  Handy to “travel” to and, when you go to the right virtual store, you have the selection you dreamed of.  So, in this case, Stella’s Treasures, is the virtual doll shop for you!   A small representation of the types of collectible dolls available

A multitude of doll manufacturers with a great selection of collectible dolls is there for your collectible doll shopping.  Browse through Aston Drake, Vogue, Gene Marshall… for your fantasy, baby, contemporary, classic, ball-jointed, miniature, paper…doll.  If you have questions, an expert, Stella, is there for you – making your shopping for collectible dolls in Sacramento California easy.

Ashton Drake makes a lasting impression . . .

Ashton Drake, one of the major doll manufacturers, is carried by Stella’s Treasures.  Why Ashton Drake?  Well, there are many reasons.  Variety, high quality, artistry are just a few.

At Stella’s Treasures, while you can a wide variety of excellent doll manufacturer’s, Ashton Drake is a favorite.  Each collectible doll is made with infallible technique and style.  An Ashton Drake doll is sure to become a valued addition to any doll collector’s treasures.

From baby dolls to Brides of Dracula and Dark Hunter dolls, from Emily the Strange dolls to Hannah Montana dolls, from quirky Wizard of Oz dolls to the ball-jointed Delilah Noir dolls, by a variety of artisans like Dianna Effner, Ashton Drake is one doll manufacturer to include in your collectible dolls.

Make a lasting impression, add Ashton Drake to your collectible dolls!  And Stella, at Stella’s Treasures, will help you with your doll collecting questions.

Ashton Drake doll expert Stella at Stella’s Treasures

Ashton Drake has been carried by Stella’s Treasures for quite some time.  As a result, Stella is an expert in Ashton Drake and has a wide variety of Ashton Drake dolls.

Stella’s Treasures has had a special on the very popular Aston Drake Delilah Noir dolls.  Ball-jointed and 16-inch tall, this Aston Drake doll is like getting two dolls in one.  The Delilah Noir doll is versatile and lovely.  “Voted a Doll Reader Magazine’s Doll of the Year for 2009, Delilah Noir is one of the most innovative ball-jointed dolls on the market. Delilah is entirely hand painted and beautifully sculpted in lifelike vinyl for exceptional realism….”

Along with the Aston Drake ball-jointed dolls, Stella’s Treasures carries other quality dolls, including others that are ball-jointed.  There are also those adorable Aston Drake miniature baby and interactive baby dolls.  Doll supplies, accessories, patterns, older and miscellaneous dolls, paper dolls, and expertise Stella loves to share so you are happy with your choices.

Why not check out Stella’s Treasures for Ashton Drake—along with other quality popular doll manufacturers?

Looking for collectible dolls, old or new, from your favorite doll maker? Go to Stella’s Treasures.

Collectible dolls from your favorite companies like Aston Drake, Madame Alexander, Vogue, Integrity Toys, and other major brands are available at Stella’s Treasures.

Stella’s Treasures has collectible dolls that range from retired to newly released.  Stella  carries popular contemporary lines like Delilah Noir, Brides of Dracula, Dianna Effner, Emily the Strange, Wizard of Oz and Dark Hunter as well as limited stock items from the Gene Marshall and other collections.  Old or new, Stella’s Treasures is the place if you are looking for collectible dolls.

Check out this month’s specials at Stella’s Treasures.  Collectible dolls and related items are Stella’s specialties.  Stella would love to hear from you.  Very familiar with the best resources, Stella can help you find collectible dolls or those related items like clothing and accessories. Contact Stella’s Treasures for your collectible dolls needs.

Ashton Drake – Dolls that appeal to a wide variety of people looking for collectible dolls

Ashton Drake is a popular doll manufacturer, no doubt about it.  That’s why Stella’s Treasures has been a long time carrier of Ashton Drake dolls.  Since Stella has been going to doll shows, Ashton Drake has been among Stella’s Treasures selection of quality collectible dolls and other items.

That’s the great thing about Stella’s Treasures.  Being a long time doll enthusiast, Stella is knowledgeable in collectible dolls from many different doll manufacturers—including, of course, Aston Drake.

When you visit other sites, like Grandmother’s Attic, you may find Ashton Drake, but the selection and expertise may not be as extensive as Stella’s Treasures.  With a wide selection of collectible dolls from Aston Drake and other manufacturer’s, Stella’s Treasures can assist you with the perfect purchase.

That special collectible doll that will tug at your heart strings, whether it ends up being Aston Drake or one of the other many doll manufacturers, will no doubt be found at Stella’s Treasures when you hunt around on that site filled with Aston Drake and other collectible dolls and other items—hunting for that perfect treasure within your budget is exciting.  Check out Stella’s Treasures.

Aston Drake at Stella’s Treasures, where the experts and monthly specials are

Just in time for Christmas, it’s great to know Stella’s Treasures has Aston Drake included in her seven pages of “monthly specials.”  From Aston Drake to Alexander to Wish to Barbie and more, the “monthly specials” section is a great place to start your shopping for collectible dolls, clothes, and even some accessories.

Of course, you could just go to the “Aston Drake” section.  Filled with a variety of Ashton Drake collectible dolls, the “Aston Drake” section has dolls from baby to television character to exquisite traditional to contemporary.

At Stella’s Treasures, Aston Drake is just one doll manufacturer.  Stella’s selection is extensive and, if you have questions, Stella is knowledgeable and available.  Long time connoisseur of collectible dolls and treasures, Stella also shares “recommended links” to the finest craftswomen associated with collectible dolls restoration and clothing and patterns.  One such resource is even featured on Stella’s Treasures, La Petite Femme Salon Fashion Doll Clothing Patterns, where JoAnn Morgan offers patterns for doll dresses for fashion dolls such as Kitty Collier, Tyler Wentworth, Gene Marshall, Cissy and more.  When you visit JoAnn’s site, not only will you find patterns, but dresses, outfits and more.  Check out the “Christmas and Special Occasion” dresses available in a variety of sizes, too.

Christmas is all around.  With experts like Stella and JoAnn or those listed in Stella’s “Recommended Links” section, available for your every question, you will surely find that perfect dress or Aston Drake or other doll manufacturer’s treasure.

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