I am so glad to hear from so many of you! To answer some of your questions, the only dolls being manufactured at this time are the birthday dolls….new baby through twenty one and the bridal set (bride and groom piece, flowergirl and ring bearer. We do hope to offer some of the specialty pieces in the future. Don’t hesitate to let me know which ones are your favorites and we will consider all requests. Please remember that when Josef Originals, Inc. was sold, it was with the understanding that no NEW pieces would be designed with the Josef name. When additional pieces are added to the line, it is an original mold, still in usable condition that is being used to create additional figurines. Many of you probably remember the first communion, confirmation, new mother, graduate, sweet sixteen, birthstone dolls, dolls of the month, etc, etc. Make sure to stay tuned to the JosefDolls.com site. Our site, the newsletter and blog will have the latest in Josef Doll information for you. Thanks again…have a great holiday season and enter the next monthly contest for December…just post your comments about the special traditions that your Josef Dolls have created in your family.  Thanks and have a great day!   Pam Semp-JosefDolls.com

Pam Semp

JosefDolls.com

JosefDolls.com wishes one and all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Keep your comments coming and don’t forget there are only 4 days to enter our “Win a Josef Doll” contest.  If you haven’t entered, there is still time.  Post your comment on the JosefDolls.com/blog and you’re in the running to win a FREE Josef Doll….you’ll receive whatever number you select!  Watch for the December contest to debut Dec. 1st.   We hope to hear from you regularly.  Thanks again for your support and interest in Josef Dolls.  Have a great holiday!

Pam Semp-JosefDolls.com

Were you aware that doll collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States? It’s really not hard to figure out why. Dolls take us back to when we were young and they bring those feelings we had of simpler times to the surface.

Every girl can probably remember her first doll, or that favorite doll that she hated to part with when she went off to school for the first time. I know most girls had that extra special doll that she wouldn’t play with. These dolls would have a special place in a girl’s room like a high shelf or dresser. These dolls weren’t meant to be played with, but admired.

Sadly, ever girl goes through a time in her life when she thinks it’s time to put her dolls away. This usually happens in adolescence. You know, that painful time when girls are starting to look at boys and they no longer want to be looked at as a little girl? So, they pack away their dolls and dream of one day giving them to their own daughters.

Sometime in a woman’s 20s she’ll go back to her old dolls and unpack them for a look. As she looks at her loved ones from the past it’s then that she often realizes that no one is too old to display dolls. Often this awakens something in the woman and she begins doll collecting. Others prefer to collect porcelain figurine dolls, instead.

If you’ve been feeling the urge to collect dolls welling up inside of you, don’t push it down! Let it out! Most people collect something. Some people collect hats, others collect stamps, buttons, magazines, pipes, records, tea sets and so on. If your thing is dolls, collect them and do it proudly!

There are numerous ways to collect dolls. You can collect newborn dolls, porcelain faced dolls, dolls that have moveable eyelids, dolls that talk, limited edition dolls, Barbie dolls, rag dolls, porcelain figurine dolls, antique dolls and more. You can limit yourself to a specific type of doll, or collect dolls of all different types. The sky’s the limit. Just keep in mind that doll collecting is addicting!

The popularity of doll collecting is not going away anytime soon. If you want to join the ranks of countless others who collect dolls, it’s easy. There are many clubs and message boards dedicated to doll collecting. You can also read up on dolls at your local library and perhaps meet someone who shares your interest. The good news about doll collecting is you’re never too old to do it. Well, someone between the ages of 12-15 might disagree, but you get the point!

If you’ve decided to plunge into the wonderful world of Josef Doll collecting, you’ll need to prepare your home for all the wonderful little dolls that will soon fill it up. Josef Dolls are very precious—both the rare, older dolls and the new ones. Preparing your home for their arrival, even if it’s just one little doll at a time, will ensure they are kept safe.

If you live alone, it’s a lot easier to showcase your Josef Dolls. You can put them anywhere you want to see them. Just make sure it’s a safe place and not a place they can easily get jarred around or knocked over. Those that don’t live alone may find it a bit more work to get their homes prepared for Josef Dolls. After all, your partner may not like seeing your Josef Dolls all over the house. Kids are another consideration, too. If you have children, you want to make sure your collectibles are somewhere out of the reach of little ones. If you have furry family members, you should take them into consideration, too. A cat that likes to sleep on shelves, or a dog that likes to jump, won’t be fazed by your dolls.

Most people find that a display cabinet with locking doors is the best way to showcase their Josef Dolls. Not only does it protect them from small hands and furry feet, but it keeps dust down to a minimum. Your partner may also be more welcoming of your doll collecting if they are kept in a cabinet, too, instead of being all over your home. Until you find a proper cabinet for your Josef Dolls, keep your dolls stored in their boxes or other safe containers.

When shopping for a display cabinet, you’ll need to know the amount of available space you have in your home for it. You should also keep in mind how many dolls you plan to have in your collection to ensure the cabinet you’re purchasing will house them all. Browse through magazines and catalogs until you find the cabinets that appeal the most to you. Take notes on each, this will help you narrow down your choices. Make sure any display cabinets you are considering gives clear views of your dolls. Many people opt for cabinets that are made of glass, or ones that have lights and mirrors in them. Once you’ve made your purchase, make sure the cabinet is stable. You don’t want it rock.

If you’re fortunate enough to have extra rooms in your home, you may find that making a room just for your dolls is ideal for everyone in the household. In addition to displaying your Josef Dolls however you wish, this room can be where you display all of your collectibles. Nothing is more relaxing than having a room decked out with all the things you love. Just be sure you make room for yourself! You can place your desk in this room, or a nice cozy loveseat or recliner. Escape to your doll room anytime you feel the need to get away from it all.