May 7, 2010

Doll making has been around since prehistoric times. Through the ages, dolls have been crafted from a variety of materials including wood, stone, clay, papier mache, wax and fabric. Perhaps the most popular and beloved type of doll is the porcelain doll. Porcelain was introduced in the early 1800s and is formed from china or bisque fired at unusually high temperatures. Plastic became a popular material for dolls around the time of World War II. These days, plastic dolls are the most popular in toy stores (thanks to Barbie) while porcelain collectible dolls are sought after by doll collectors of all kinds, from the hobbyist to the investor.

One of the most appealing things about collecting dolls is the incredible variety from which you can choose. Some folks prefer a selected style or kind of doll. Others collect many different sorts of porcelain dolls. You’ll find dolls designed to appear like babies, youngsters, and adults. You can find international dolls and dolls that are designed around a particular theme. There are even dolls modeled after famous stars and fictitious characters. As an example, you can undoubtedly find porcelain dolls modeled after the characters in Gone With the Wind. You can even be in a position to find a few different Scarlett O’Hara porcelain dolls in numerous styles of dress, as she was quite the fashion guru.

You’ll find new dolls to gather, like those offered from Marie Osmond and Madame Alexander. If you are a fan of the QVC or HSN shopping networks, you may be able to find programming on there devoted to porcelain dolls where each doll is introduced and offered for sale. Maybe you want to collect antique dolls. If that is so your method of shopping might be a bit different. Good places to look for antique dolls include antique stores, secondhand shops and the web. Ebay is often a treasure trove of collectible dolls from most any time period imaginable.

It is important to keep your porcelain collectible dolls in good condition so they will retain their value or even gain value in the future. Dolls that will not be displayed should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and packed away in a box. Store your dolls in a cool, dark location some distance from heat, light and moisture. For dolls that are on display, ensure they’re out of the reach of children and pets. You might need to put your best collectibles in storage when children are around and put out the dolls you do not mind them playing with. For display pieces you need to keep safe and clean, consider a strong display case.