Doll Collection

Doll Collection

How to Start a Fantasy Doll Collection

Copyright (c) 2010 Ian Campbell

Fantasy has never been more popular; films based on fantasy literature have become chart-topping must-sees, particularly amongst the teenage audience who are queuing up to catch the latest in the Twilight series.

As well as books and movies, fantasy is entering every area of life, and it's an interest that lends itself well to collections, with sets of characters to complete and many particular areas in which to specialize your collecting

If you live in a good-sized community you will more than likely find a store specializing in fantasy. Try comic book stores which often double as outlets for all sorts of memorabilia and collectible items related to the fantasy genre and will have fantasy dolls and figurines from such popular series as The Lord of the Rings and the Twilight series.

Also take a look at toy stores. Although a fantasy doll collection is fine and respectable hobby for people of all ages, the dolls and figurines are often aimed originally at a teenage and pre-teen market.

As items often bought for children, fantasy dolls have great chance of finding their way into thrift stores and charity stores: growing up is a great time to cast aside childish things and a college student might well be embarrassed by their previous enthusiasm for dungeons and dragons figures and be all too keen to see the back of them, while having little idea of their potential value to other collectors. Keep your eyes open at all times and don't forget yard sales too.

Anyone shopping these days will know that the Internet is one big marketplace where you can find pretty much anything you want.

Shopping online may help you save money by going directly to the manufacturers of fantasy dolls. There are also many message boards and forums for collectors with marketplaces for collectors to swap or sell extra or duplicate items from their collections.

You can also hang on to some of your money by taking a good look at non-specialist auction sites - eBay is just the most obvious example, there are lots more - where fantasy dolls will crop up in all sorts of categories.

Many fantasy dolls are sold to be painted to bring them into their full beauty. However, bear in mind that to keep their future value at an optimum it's a good idea to keep your collection in its original packaging, as pristine as possible.

About the Author

The Ashton-Drake Galleries and Integrity Toys are proud to announce
The Brides of Dracula
, the first issue in our new Couture Fantasy line partnership. Couture Fantasy blends high fashion with imaginative story lines. For The Brides of Dracula this means re-imagining Bram Stoker's beautiful, sultry, and dangerous vampire brides in stunning outfits made of rich, sumptuous fabrics. Visit Dracula's Brides at
http://www.draculasbrides.com/