★kara★

Introducing Maritza, doll #22 in my collection! 💖

She’s been a dreamy of mine since I got back into AG in late 2022. For my first year back, I had a “no new dolls” rule where I could only buy clothes for my childhood dolls, with the intent of ensuring this wasn’t another short-lived ADHD hyperfixation.

By the time I was ready to buy my first doll in late 2023, Maritza had already been retired.

After nearly two years of watching secondhand listings that weren't so budget-friendly, I finally lucked out! I love her unique wig, her story, everything.

I love all the mischief these three get up to in Samantha's stories, so bringing them to life was really fun! ☺️

They both are just absolutely gorgeous, absolute icons in the AG historical lineup, and are so nostalgic to me, and I'm thrilled to have them in my collection finally!

For my mom's birthday, I decided to make her a custom doll meant to represent her when she was an AG character's age, 10 years old, and I had a blast creating a collection of outfits and accessories based on her favorite things at that age, all of which fit with her inside her Kirsten-inspired trunk to keep track of all the little pieces.

Not to mention her beloved dog, Sugar (how fun is it that the white sweater literally has "Sugar" embroidered on it - thanks, AG!)

She was totally surprised when I presented it to her, and is thrilled with it all just as I hoped she'd be! 🥹

1. Julie grooving it up in the dollhouse my grandma built and designed (all by herself, what a badass she was!) in 1971 for my mom.

2. a full look at the house feat. Corinne and one of my cats.

3. one of my favorite photos of Molly I've taken, with Molly being my tribute doll to my grandma.

Here's to having dolls as ways to connect with your loved ones in the present, and remember them after they've passed. 💗

🗼🌴⛲🦩

P.S. For those looking for mini doll clothes: Josefina's dress is from GumbieCatDollClothes on Etsy and Addy's overalls are from the early 2000s Madeline doll line by Eden!

While that unfortunately still hasn't happened, I was thrilled when I learned about Maplelea's Saila Qilavvaq doll! She lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, speaks English and Inuktitut, and shares her Inuit heritage through her journal, which takes place in present day. 

And now, I'm proud to say that she is officially joining my doll collection! Welcome, Saila!

We love to see beautiful Indigenous dolls, that's for sure. I can't wait to take more pics of her and learn more about Inuit culture. ❤️