I’m back for the moment. Yes, it’s the crazy Barbie collector again. This time I have no pics of new dolls at the moment because I found none in February. Sometimes this happens to a collectors and yes, it’s okay. It happens once or twice a year. So don’t worry. That’s no problems but it’s not that I haven’t tried to get some Barbie dolls. Call this real life. It’s okay with me but I used this month to find other little things for future works in February. Do you know where to buy these teeny tiny zippers and buttons Mattel used for Barbie clothes in the early days? I did not actually search for them but I found them in February.
I found out what else my goals are for 2020 beside the things I already told you. Maybe some of you have realized that I’m a lateral thinker. I question things if they don’t work out the way it want them to. I try to consider problems not just from one side but from all sides and then see solutions other people can’t or simply don’t want to see. It’s always been in my nature to try things out, see how they work, realize how I can change them or what can be done in a better way to improve them.
Combining hobby and professional work
This week was a very busy week at work and I was sitting in my bus to work when I saw it very clear. It’s not that my ride by bus is a very long one every day but the ray of sunlight I saw on Tuesday made it clear to me. I want to improve my skills, not just the ones to write here but also to do better videos, to cut better videos but also to gain more viewers so that I don’t have to fight with any stupid algorithms anymore. My plan?
I did it on Wednesday. I put my plan into reality and found a platform where can hopefully what I want. I’m very ambitious when it comes to learn something. The good thing is that I can not only use it for private stuff but also for my profession. I do all the Social Media stuff for my employer and he likes my ideas but I have to stick out from the mass to sell things. In my opinion from what I’ve learned and know so far little things make the difference but they are important. So what is better to combine areas of knowledge?
Good day my dear fellow collectors. The crazy Barbie collector is back with another crazy story to tell. In 2018 I bought several Barbie dolls. Among them is a Ultra Hair Whitney. She’s in good condition, has uncut hair but the crimp waves from her hair is almost gone.
Time for experiments
You know me. I love to do experiments to get good results. At first I thought I could restore the waves with hot water. This idea did not work out like I wanted it to. For a very long time I didn’t care about the waves but by the end of last year this project came into my mind again. Is it really a bad idea to try it again?
Before my vacation I started to check out places where you can buy used hair crimpers. In the beginning I was not very successful because I found only one hair crimper and it was sold during my vacation. Not good…
When I came back home another hair crimper was offered. I bought it for a reasonable price and had the chance to test it in the meantime. The good thing is that you can control the heat. The crimper is not immediately very hot. You have at least five minutes to prepare the hair. That’s very good in my opinion. In this way you can’t burn the hair of your doll.
I can definitively recommed you hair crimpers with temperature control for your experiments. I did several tests before I want to work on my Ultra Hair Whitney. The result is quite good for the first time. I’m currently testing the crimpers.
Yes, I have bought more than one. The technology has become better and I saw that they have often interchangeable plates concerning the size of the waves. This was impossible 30 years ago but now we have the chance to test which one works best. So why not try it?
Next steps
I’m a fan of testing things before doing videos but it’s not always possible. For me is the next step to get my second hair crimper. It was already delivered by a postal service. Unfortunately the company wasn’t able to tell me where to pick it up. Two days later the crimper was on its way back to the seller. I can tell you this was definitively not what I wanted. Obviously it’s not easy to get your parcels when you’re working full time. I called the company who delivered the parcel to my door step. Nobody felt responsible in any way. I also a e-Mail but nobody cared about my inquiry. For me the next logical step was to contact the seller and tell him the problem. He promised me to send me the parcel again. I hope that I have it by next weekend and can start my tests with the second crimper.
Important things to consider
What I’ve already learned is that you should work with wet Kanekalon hair. The moisture keeps the hairs out of the situation of ruining the hair. Don’t let them too long in there. Don’t use too much hair. I recommend rather to do little streaks. It’s easier for you and you get better results. Have patience and get a feeling for the iron. I know that I’m going to need some practise before I do my next video but nevertheless I can have lots of fun while practising.
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Here you can see what I’m talking about. The Locket Surprise Barbie has for example crimp waves ( like many Barbie dolls from the 1990s). My second crimper is going to have temperature control but it is not here right now but it’s on its way to me. I got a short notice today. Let’s cross our fingers that I may have it here by tomorrow evening. So curious to test how it works …
Believe it or not but I’m back from vacation. I took some weeks off and in my crazy Barbie world nothing happened. After one week back home I could start new things. For the first projects I needed some new devices that I had to win/order. These things ofcourse needed several days to arrive. Some are not even here yet. I started to develop new ideas for new videos but they’re going to need longer than in the last years because I work now full time and not part time anymore. That’s good concerning the professional experience but you will have to wait longer for new videos.
Another change that will be on my channel is the background research. In my mind I do have ideas for more complex videos. I mean you probably have more than 3 videos or more to shoot for a project but you need all parts to understand what I’m talking about. Bigger projects came into my mind much earlier but you need the money to do such things. Please don’t forget that I don’t earn any money with my videos. I also plan to film in another location and I have to check the dates because not everybody is there any time you need him or her and I have to find appropriate solutions for these problems.
As you can probably think … I need a lot more time than I did need before. I have to bring everything together. That’s sometimes not easy. It’s feeling at the moment like I have many construction sites and nothing is going on very fast. I don’t like but I can’t change it at the moment. I have to wait for parcels and for the weekend until I can start to work for my private stuff … you know thinking about articles for my blog, thinking about new topics for videos, planning videos, getting the stuff I need for them, doing tests for videos and so on. A week is literally nothing at the moment in the home of Busy B from Germany.
This week I have not very much to tell. The crazy Barbie collector is on vacation. The Santa Claus Ken I wrote about last week has arrived at my apartment in the meantime. Pic gonna follow in January when I’m back home. It’s my goal to enjoy the holiday at my parent’s. We see each other very seldom.
I had no adventures on my trip by train. Within 10 hours I arrived at the city where I was born once. New posts come in the new year 2020 and I hope you have a quiet Christmas without accidents and some time for yourself.
The enthusiastic Barbie collector is back with a new topic! Today, I’d like to delve into the fascinating world of Barbie variations. For some collectors, these variations are the icing on the cake, adding depth and excitement to their collection. For others, they might be less interesting, depending on their specific area of interest.
My ideas why to write about Barbie variations
Let’s keep in mind that the makeup was at least partly done by hand. Handmade is handmade, and there’s no doubt about it. Handmade items naturally differ because it’s in human nature to see and do things differently. It’s clear that each Barbie doll has some kind of sample or prototype. While I can’t prove it, I believe that each production plant has its own samples. However, due to potential differences in available materials, like colors, not every plant might have produced dolls in the exact same way. This seems to be the most logical explanation for how these variations probably came to be.
Some collectors like differences
With the emergence of the internet, buying Barbie dolls has become much easier. The range of Barbie dolls available worldwide has expanded significantly, offering more options than ever before. Suddenly, the whole world felt like a small village, making purchasing simpler and more accessible. The year of release no longer mattered; you didn’t need a magazine to find what you were looking for, as was the case before. Special offers could be shared with friends within minutes.
As I’ve mentioned before, the makeup of Barbie dolls can vary between countries, and it’s not uniform everywhere. There are differences in production plants and in the tastes of the local population. For instance, a shortage of a specific color can lead to variations in the appearance of Barbie dolls.
The internet has made it possible for collectors to notice these differences. Personally, I might never have seen these variations if we hadn’t discussed them. You could have one doll from three different plants, and they would appear as three distinct Barbie dolls. It might sound surprising, but it’s true, and I can prove it. Some collectors own the same Barbie model from various countries or factories, and the variations are often astonishing—and incredibly interesting.
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That’s my first Magic Curl Barbie. I found her on a flea market several years ago. She was produced in Taiwan. Have a close look at her eyes. #magiccurlbarbie #magiccurlbarbie1981 #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany #barbievariations
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That’s my second deboxed Magic Curl Barbie. She was also produced in Taiwan. She has still her original hairstyle. She is looking different than her sister. #barbiemagiccurl #magiccurlbarbie #magiccurlbarbie1981 #barbiemadeintaiwan #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany
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My third Magic Curl Barbie is still in box. She was produced in Taiwan too. Have a look at her face. The make-up is different again. #barbiemagiccurl #magiccurlbarbie1981 #magiccurlbarbie #barbiesuperstar #superstarbarbie #busybfromgermany
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My fourth Magic Curl Barbie is called Rizos Barbie and comes from Spain. Here you can see a big difference in comparison to her sisters from Taiwan. #barbierizos #barbiemagiccurl #magiccurlbarbie #magiccurlbarbie1981 #superstarbarbie #barbiesuperstar #busybfromgermany
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There are popular but hard to find Barbie variations/ Midge variations
I hope you understand what I’m trying to convey in the section above. Some of these variations are incredibly rare, and collectors often spend significant sums to acquire them. One of the earliest known variations is the very first Midge doll with visible teeth. I don’t know exactly how many Midge dolls were painted with teeth, but I estimate it was between 1% and 2% of the entire production.
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Put my Midge with teeth up for bid on eBay. $49.99 starting bid if anyone’s interested. SOLD. Rare VHTF Vintage Midge With Teeth – Original Swimsuit OSS – Japan #midgewithteeth #midge #dollforsale #MacWadeStudios #penelopescollection
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These rare variations, like the “toothy” Midge, have become highly sought after in the collector community. They represent not just a unique feature but also a piece of Barbie history. The rarity of such dolls often drives up their value, making them prized additions to any collection.
The thrill of the hunt for these unique dolls is a big part of what makes collecting so exciting. It’s not just about owning a doll; it’s about finding a piece of history, a rarity that few others have. The internet has played a crucial role in this, allowing collectors to connect, share information, and trade these rare items across the globe.
For example, finding a Midge with teeth can be like discovering a hidden gem. These dolls are often the subject of intense online bidding wars and are discussed passionately in collector forums. The rarity of these variations can turn an ordinary Barbie collection into something truly extraordinary.
The American Girl Side Part Barbie: Classic Elegance and International Variations
The “American Girl Side Part Barbie,” introduced in 1965, is one of Barbie’s most iconic dolls. Known for its elegant and timeless design, this Barbie features a distinctive side part hairstyle that exudes classic American charm. With its glamorous appearance and sophisticated fashion, the “American Girl Side Part Barbie” quickly became a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
Hair Color and Texture: One of the most apparent differences between the American and Japanese versions is the hair. The Japanese variant often features a slightly different hair color or texture. For example, the Japanese Barbie might have a different shade of blonde or a slightly different curl pattern, reflecting the manufacturing variations or local preferences.
Fashion and Accessories: The outfits and accessories of the Japanese “American Girl Side Part Barbie” may vary from those of the American version. The Japanese Barbie could come with different fabrics, colors, or styles that were tailored to fit the tastes and trends of the Japanese market during that period.
Packaging: The packaging of the Japanese variant might include unique elements, such as Japanese text or design features, which can make it distinct from its American counterpart. This packaging difference adds an extra layer of intrigue for collectors.
Collecting Significance
The Japanese “American Girl Side Part Barbie” is highly sought after by collectors for several reasons:
Rarity: The Japanese variant is rarer than the American version, making it a valuable find for collectors. The limited availability adds to its desirability and market value.
Cultural Reflection: Collectors appreciate the Japanese Barbie for its reflection of cultural and manufacturing differences. It represents how Barbie was adapted for various international markets while maintaining the essence of the original design.
Historical Interest: Owning both the American and Japanese versions provides insight into the global impact of Barbie and how the doll was perceived and adapted in different regions.
The European Side Part Bubble Cut Barbie: A Unique European Twist
The “Side Part Bubble Cut” Barbie, introduced in 1961, is a classic and beloved doll known for its iconic bubble-shaped hairstyle with a side part. This design quickly became a hallmark of Barbie’s early years, embodying the glamour and style of the era. However, what makes the European Side Part Bubble Cut particularly interesting is the unique variations found in its European releases. See pics here https://nanousan.com/bubblecut/473-european-sidepart-bubblecut-vintage-barbie-doll-blonde-from-1965.html
Key Features of the European Side Part Bubble Cut
Distinctive Hair Styling: While the American version of the Bubble Cut Barbie is known for its precise and consistent hairstyle, European versions often display subtle variations. These differences can include variations in hair texture, color, or styling, reflecting regional production techniques or local fashion preferences.
Fashion Differences: The European Side Part Bubble Cut Barbies sometimes come dressed in outfits that differ from those seen in the American releases. These outfits might feature different fabrics, colors, or styles, tailored to the tastes and fashion trends popular in European markets at the time.
Packaging Variations: The packaging of European Bubble Cut Barbies often includes distinct design elements or text in various European languages. This can add to the uniqueness of the doll and make it a prized item for collectors.
Collecting the European Side Part Bubble Cut
The European Side Part Bubble Cut Barbie holds particular appeal for collectors due to several factors:
Rarity: European versions of the Side Part Bubble Cut Barbie are rarer compared to their American counterparts. Less of them were produced. This scarcity increases their value and desirability among collectors who seek to complete their collections with international variations.
Cultural Insights: Collecting these European variants offers insight into how Barbie was marketed and adapted for different regions. The differences in hair styling, clothing, and packaging reflect the cultural and aesthetic preferences of European audiences during the early 1960s.
Historical Significance: Owning a European Side Part Bubble Cut Barbie provides a glimpse into Barbie’s global expansion and how the brand adapted its iconic dolls for various markets. It’s a tangible piece of Barbie’s international history.
Conclusion: A World of Barbie Variations
As we’ve explored, the world of Barbie variations is incredibly rich and diverse. From the unique “Long-Haired American Girl” and its Japanese counterpart to the distinctive European Side Part Bubble Cut, these dolls offer a fascinating glimpse into the global appeal and adaptation of Barbie.
However, it’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the myriad Barbie variations that exist within the Barbie universe. The variations in hairstyles, outfits, and packaging are extensive, reflecting not only different production techniques but also the unique preferences of collectors and markets around the world.
Exploring every possible Barbie variation would be a monumental task, as each doll has its own story and significance. The scope of these variations is vast and continues to evolve as new editions and international releases emerge.
