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Collecting 18 Inch Dolls
Most girls who outgrow playing with dolls feel that pang of bittersweet loss. Moving on in life is an exciting time. However, losing some of those hobbies that characterize the innocent days of childhood can be a bit sad. Collecting dolls allows a way to recall those simpler times while still maintaining a mature adult life. 18 inch dolls are a very popular type to collect and are available in many styles and price ranges. They are perfect for the beginning collector, but sophisticated enough for serious doll hobbyists.
An 18 inch doll is grouped based upon size. All the dolls in this collecting genre are exactly 18 inches tall. Most are hard bodied and are child aged dolls, though there are a few that are baby dolls. The most easily recognizable 18 inch doll is made by the American Girl company. These are often designed around a historic period and come with books, wardrobes and plenty of accessories. They can even be made to resemble your favorite child. While this company is the most recognizable, there are dozens of other 18 inch dolls on the market, much of which are more affordable. These might be better for a beginning or young collector. Clothing is often sold with each doll collection.
There are several things that draw collectors to 18 inch dolls. One is the large amount of clothing and accessories on the market. Most 18 inch dolls are interchangeable between brands, so you can buy clothing from any line and it should fit on another doll. This makes it extremely easy to customize your collection. Besides the commercially available clothing and accessories, there are also plenty of boutique designers that specialize in 18 inch dolls. There are even dozens of patterns and books on the market if you are interested in sewing your own clothing and accessories. In addition, for a truly customized doll, you can actually buy a 18 inch doll kit and build her from scratch.
Collectors each have their own unique way to organizing their collection. Some focuson historical clothing, researching the historical eras which their dolls represent. Other collectors are more interested in the style of the clothing and accessories. Many people like to recreate a complete scene in the display. There are also several characters that are available in the 18 inch format, which include literary stars like Madeline, Fancy Nancy and Raggedy Ann. These are generally soft bodied dolls.
The quality of different dolls differs greatly. You can often tell what to expect by paying attention to price and warranty. More exclusive dolls such as American Girl sell for around a hundred dollars, while department store dolls are generally under $20. Starting with a cheaper doll is nothing to be concerned about, however. You can begin on the cheap and build your collection as you get more familiar with the market and quality that is available. It's also easy to buy a cheaper doll and splurge on nicer clothes. You'll eventually get a feel for what works the best for your budget.
Doll collecting, as a hobby, has been around for hundreds of years. 18 inch dolls provide an easy and enjoyable way to get back to your childhood. You should do some research before making your first purchase. However, ultimately, doll collecting is about what makes you smile, so there's really no wrong way to go about it.
About the Author Carpatina - Collecting 18 Inch Dolls Carpatina offers high-quality styles and collectible dolls with a stylish, romantic flavor. Dolls come with one full outfit. Carpatina Dolls and the Girlfriends Collection are available online and at select specialty stores. This article powered by http://www.netbiz.com
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