Let's make rag dolls!

Some are stylish, with a hint of sultry energy gleaming between the tiny stitches. Others are humbler, with yarn for hair and button eyes. There's a collection of outrageous witches regarding you with wise, yet tired eyes. At least one has outfits and accessories to spare. Another draws inspiration for her bright traditional dress from Yamaya, Orisha Goddess of the Sea. But she is not the only ambassador for cultural fashion. A personalized gift pokes fun at the trials and tribulations of the aging female body. Here and there, a cloth cat or dog. Or a blast from the past - a rag doll from long ago that represents love and distant memories. There are Viking maidens, baby dolls and even a plush and pink elephant lady. It is amazing to see how much individualization is possible with rag dolls. Many probably reflect the unique characters of their makers. 

Members: 7.1k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Barbie Vintage, Silkstone and Reproduction Collection

 As an icon of the 20th century, Barbie the intrepid trendsetter represents a role model to millions. But her global appeal is no longer limited to brand-conscious adolescents. Whole industries and online platforms have sprung up to support the numerous adult collectors of Barbie dolls. This Facebook group is one such entity - dedicated to showcasing and exploring the many faces of Barbie. Special attention is paid to the newer Silkstone range of fashion dolls, created to accommodate collectors with a skin texture and feel that mimics more durable porcelain. Posts show-case Barbie in dioramas with her plastic friends, ranging from wedding parties to popular media re-enactments and even historical guises. You will see Barbie modeling hand-made prom dresses, rocking a vibrant Italian style, showing off period cocktail dresses, designer edition dresses or even wearing the identity of the equally iconic Audrey Hepburn. One post shows what laundry day in the dollhouse looks like. Another shows Barbie looking stylishly demure in one of Ken's garments. There are even rescue stories of dolls found in distressing circumstances. 

Members: 76k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

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Haunted dolls, teddys and more

Oh, cool, I thought when I spotted this one. A niche paranormal rabbit hole. Probably full of stories. And yes, this did turn out to be really interesting. A few posts featured super-creepy stories about thrift store finds, and there are horror themed dolls that will put Chucky to shame. I'm talking about that ultra realistic, fanged baby doll with the red eyes of course. Some dolls are hauntingly beautiful, but there are also unexpected rarities I've never seen before, such as the vintage magic skin baby doll and the grandpa and grandma doll that seemed to attract a lot of bad karma. There were also one-eyed franken-teddies that were surprisingly cute anyway. There are a few links to other haunted media, and also a few horror themed dolls and jewelry items posted for sale. 

Members: 12.4k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: horror themed media

Go here to visit or join. 

Enchanted Doll

Toys, they most definitely are not, but these dolls are indisputably works of art. The gallery of this group contains some of the most amazing images of the creations of the Russian born porcelain doll artist Marina Bychkova. Ball jointed and anatomically correct, and with features that could include nose-rings, freckles and scarification, to name but a few, the dolls are about as far removed from Barbies as Courtney Love is from a nun . Male and female dolls, artistically tattooed dolls and costumed dolls, are photographed in posed settings, which showcase their incredible possibilities. No threads on the discussion board and not that many wall posts either, but I believe strongly that beauty should be shared and that is why I am sharing this.

What's great about this group: It celebrates the art of a very talented young woman.

A word of caution: If your concept of a doll, is that of plastic, but safe image of a mass-produced Barbie, avoid this group.

Update (29 April 2024)

I don't think this group exists anymore.