Make Over: Step 2

Remember this face? She's a 1993 My Pretty Topsy Tail made by Tyco, in case you missed seeing it before.

Well the face had a wash! I used 100% Acetone (available at Bunnings) with Swisspers make up remover pads to wipe off most of the paint, then Swisspers cotton tips (both available from the pharmacy), and finally to get into the really tight crevices, I used Mr Hobby GT69 tips (available from Brunel Hobbies).

The eyes came up okay, but as much as I tried, I could not get it all out of the mouth, if you look closely you can see some deep in the creases.

Next was a quick wipe over with Isocol (Isopropyl Alcohol from the pharmacy) just to remove any residue, then once dry (only takes a few seconds), a fine spray of Mr.Hobby Super Clear UV Cut (also available from Brunel's). Later this week I will begin her face up.

P.S. I also removed the paint from her shoes.

Make Over: Step 1

The two dolls arrived today and after looking at the hair on the both of them, this one got a shave, a darn good wash and a lovely curly wig.

I was surprised the shoes didn't come off, and are actually part of the doll.

She probably won't stay this way as I am thinking of toning down the pink lips and shoes. I mean I love pink, but honestly, they are really bright!

I may even wipe the face completely, not sure yet.

The other gal went to the spa ~
After carefully parting her hair into sections, then brushing and combing each one, until I managed to pull the brush straight through. Once all the hair was untangled, I washed the hair with shampoo and added a conditioner.

Seeing her fringe was very crooked, I took the scissors to it and cut it straight. I also trimmed off any fuzzy ends. Then I plaited her hair in sections, hopefully when it's dry it will give it a nice wave.

If the worse happens and the hair looks awful, I shall use my straightener to smooth it out. Oh you may also have noticed the streaks of orange hair ran in the wash, but I kind of like it. :)

Next on the list for these two is some decent clothes, so tomorrow will be spent trying on some I already have, and seeing if any of my dolly stash has any shoes that fit this little gals feet. 

Happy weekend everyone!

X

2/7 P.S. The final hair looks great, though I think I should have just ran my fingers through it rather than brushed it. Excuse the nudity . . . she's been framed. :)

Seeing her naked like this with her hair down, I am thinking she has rather a large head for the size body she is on. I wonder if I can find another body somewhere that would suit her head better???

Two for a Make Over

I recently found this pair on eBay for a song and I couldn't resist bringing them home to have a make over! Their faces looked almost as good as the day they were made and they still had most of their original clothes and their earrings, which are usually one of the first things to disappear.

I had absolutely no idea at all who the dolls they were, so I began to research. Information on the gal on the left was quickly found. She's a 1993 My Pretty Topsy Tail made by the American company Tyco. Standing 34cm (approx. 13.5") tall with decal or painted eyes, she's quite a sweetie. I have all the clothes for this doll as shown in the photos below, but not the accessories for styling her hair.

I found the photos below on the internet and you can see the original Topsy Tail had beautiful long blonde hair that could be styled. I am hoping with a good wash and added conditioner I can smooth her fuzzy ends. My fingers are crossed the hair will respond well and be simple to restyle.

Looking at the two boxes, there may have been two separate releases of this doll. Although the one on the right in the bottom photo, who's hair looks like it may have been played with, could have just been repacked in a different box.

TYCO HISTORY: Tyco is well known amongst collectors for it's steam engines and train sets. By the mid 1980s, Tyco dominated the market in electric racing, also producing "slot trucks" as well as radio controlled vehicles. It made a hit in 1991 with their Disney's Little Mermaid dolls that were released in conjunction with the movie. Tyco's Sesame Street line increased dramatically in popularity in 1996, when the plush doll Tickle Me Elmo became the most sought-after toy of the Christmas season. When Tyco was purchased by Mattel on March 27, 1997, it was the third largest toy company in the United States. The Tyco brand survived into the early 2010's as a division of Mattel.

The other doll I purchased, proved to be much more of a challenge, and it took quite a while to find anything at all relating to this doll. However, my persistence paid off and the research finally produced results. She's a 1993 Pretty & Me Doll by ToyBiz.

This very cute doll was seen in the 1993 J.C.Penny Xmas catalog. She stands 36cm (approx. 14") tall, and comes with pink earrings, coloured streaks in her beautiful blonde hair, acrylic fixed eyes with real lashes, eye shadow, painted lips, toe nails and finger nails.

Her original outfit consisted of pants with printed hearts, a pink top with heart centre front, an over skirt and matching pink sandals as shown in the photo. Mine, unfortunately, is missing her pants and sandals.  As the doll herself is quite a rare find, I will probably have to make replacements myself.

TOYBIZ HISTORY: ToyBiz originated in Montreal, Quebec as Charan Industries's American brand. ToyBiz later went on to become ToyBiz/Marvel Toys, in 2007 they dropped the ToyBiz branding which to me seemed rather odd as it was in January of 2007 that the Marvel licence was obtained by Hasbro. Marvel Toys continued to produce non-Marvel trademarked brands until late 2007, after this time, the division quietly dissolved with their website going down in 2008.