Next to stamps, dolls is the second most popular collecting hobby in the world. Find out how to start your own collection with these tips and ideas.
If you're considering starting a doll collection, you may be interested to know that dolls are the second most popular things that are collected in the United States. So, if you're going to be a doll collector, you'll join the company of many, many people across the land. Therefore, it would be a good idea to take advantage of these other people's knowledge and experience. You'll probably make a lot of friends in the process too!
To hook up with these other collectors, you can join one of many doll collectors clubs. There might even be a club right in your home town! There are also expositions, shows, and other events that you can enjoy too. Check the Internet for available clubs and events that would interest you.
But before you think about joining a collectors club, you'll need to start your own treasury of dolls.
The first step you'll need to take is to decide if you're going to collect one certain type of doll. These include dolls from the sixties, cloth dolls, baby dolls, porcelain dolls, miniature dolls, dolls from a certain ethnic background, and more.
Or, you may decide to purchase only a certain name brand such as Ashton-Drake, Avon, Barbie, Bradford Exchange, Department 56, Disney, Hamilton, Lenox, et cetera.
You can also choose to have an eclectic, or mixed, treasury that includes any and all kinds of dolls.
Whatever dolls you place in your collection, you'll be glad to know that, just like stamps, which is the most favorite item to collect in the United States, dolls often increase in monetary value. That means, you could actually spend one hundred dollars on one or two dolls and end up with their values being far above that!
Keep in mind, though, the dolls that are worth the most money are rare, meaning there weren't many made. And, dolls that are in their perfect, original condition also are more valuable .
Now that you've decided what type of doll you want to have, you'll need to do some research. That is, you'll need to learn about the type of doll you have chosen to collect. You'll need to know how much they are worth used and new; about the different conditions of a doll, (new, used, fair, good, needs repair, et cetera); about their availability, and what their history is.
You'll also need to be able to differentiate the different types of materials that dolls are made from.
There are dolls made from hard plastic, porcelain, china, bisque, vinyl, wood, cloth, and more.
And finally, it's time for you to start collecting!
If you're looking for new dolls, you can perform a search on the Internet for the brand or type that you want. You can also check on eBay, which is known as the "world's largest online auction" to see what's available there.
Used dolls can often be found on eBay too, as well as at auctions, garage sales, swap meets, second hand stores, and in classified ads in your local newspaper.
Be sure that you let your family and friends know about your new hobby, and exactly, if any, what type or brand of doll that you are looking for. Now only will that give them a hint on what they can get you on your birthday or at Christmas, but they may also know other collectors you can hook up with.
After you have collected at least one doll, you'll need a suitable place to store it. The best place is in an enclosed cabinet that has a glass front and sides. The cabinet should be located in a room that is dry and cool. It should also be located so that it's out of the direct sunlight at all times.
