02/14/99
Dial-Up Dolls Update
For all those hooked on the cable network shop-at-home channels, we will periodically update details on all the doll shows. For those who may not get these channels, I can provide item numbers and prices for specific dolls, phone numbers to call to order and, of course, the Internet sites where available. Just drop me a note and let me know in what items you might be interested.
Value Vision seems to have put a halt to their doll shows, at least for the moment. There have been no shows for months, none are scheduled any time soon, and I can't seem to get hold of anyone there who knows anything. Too bad. Carmela Richards is not only extremely knowledgeable about dolls, she gleefully presents every little detail about each one and has a wonderful time with the artist and viewers alike. And Value Vision offered some very unique lines of dolls seen on no other channel. Perhaps calls and cards are in order so that they know we miss the shows. Write to: ValueVision, P.O. Box 39196, Minneapolis, MN 55439, or call: 1-800-676-5523.
QVC continues to present their shows in a sporadic fashion, which makes it difficult to catch the artist you enjoy. Of course, they do have a bang-up Internet site where you can both order dolls and get the current show listings, but I wish they would set a regular time for their shows. For a long time, each show had a different host, some knowledgeable and others totally at a loss about the doll world. Mary Beth Roe seems to have become the doll lady recently and that has improved the shows immensely.
Home Shopping Network is, admittedly, the Big Daddy of the doll shows. And they continue to add new artists and new show times. In March, they are planning on adding a much needed element to their shows. They will be featuring display tips and items, working with the dolls on-air, helping the viewer to get the most out of their purchases. Trust HSN to expand the realm of the doll show genre! The recent Tory awards, voted on by the viewers, were presented to Rustie for porcelains and Fayzah Spanos, again, for all other medium. The HSN site is still only auction-type items, but they have had more and better dolls listed lately. Remember, credit cards only!
Shop At Home, a small station out of Tennessee, is continuing to build their shows from scratch. They recently presented a Pat Lovelss Campbell's Kid (sold out) and two USPS dolls by Linda Steele. I talked to Linda about these dolls and she was very excited that they were being offered. "The little boy, Isaiah, is black, wearing the summer shorts, blue shirt, black tie and shoes/socks, and a pit helmet. He carries a large leather postal bag with his puppy in the bag (Isiah CB-109 $89.95).The little girl (Carmen CB-108 $89.95) is Hispanic, long dark wavy hair with a section pulled up at the top and tied with a red and white checked ribbon. Her shirt is the blue stripe shirt with burgundy necktie and long blue knit pants. She wears gold rim glasses and has a pencil behind her ear. She comes with a miniature version of the doll stamps and the large white bag that they put the mail at the post office. She represents the counter workers." These dolls are the ethnic counterparts to Candi and Sandy, the first USPS dolls Linda did. The remainder of their stock of these two dolls should be presented on Feb. 21. The shows are Saturdays at 1 p.m. Central time.
Many of artist Patricia Rose's Paradise Gallery dolls are also available on Shop At Home, along with a few from Kingstate. Their buyer was recently in New York scouring the markets for accessories and display items for your dolls and his finds will be presented on future shows. The network is available 24 hours a day in Long Island, N.Y., Cleveland, San Francisco, Boston, Houston, & Raleigh, N.C., and new markets are being added. In other areas, it shares programming space. You might check with your local cable provider.
