Feel free to comment
The recent blog template upgrade meant that my comment box has disappeared! I am going to dig into my archives to see if I can retrieve all of that information, but in the meantime, if you have questions or comments about any of the dolls, or dolls in general, please comment in any of the posts in my blog. I will be notified and will respond as soon as I can. - Melanie O.
Hi Melanie, I just found your blog, because I was looking for information on repairing some Madame Alexander dolls that my mother in law gave my girls. I think, just judging from the style of clothes at least one was wearing, it was vintage 1980's, and I really can't tell the age of the others. I think my MIL collected them from eBay and other online sources. She gave the dolls to my 3 daughters, and wanted them to be enjoyed and played with. My daughters have done this; alas, the dolls have not held up well to it.
ReplyDeleteMy daughters have not been rough, but the legs and arms are coming off--I understand that is common in older dolls, and I have found where I can buy replacement bands online. But the dolls also seem to have a design flaw--the seam that runs alongside the head down to the neck is starting to separate on one of the dolls, and on another it has become chipped, there where the head meets the neck. The doll with the most damage belongs to the daughter who treats her things the most gently, so I really cannot blame this on my daughter. Unfortunately, my MIL does. : (
I thought I would try to fill in the crack at the neck a little with glue, to keep it from getting worse. Is there a glue you would recommend that will not damage the plastic head? I see in your previous Madame Alexander repair post that you mention a clay-like product for serious doll restoration; I don't think I have the time or talent to try a real restoration, and am just aiming for damage control.
I would love to hear your suggestions. Thank you!
Hi Blessed
ReplyDeleteOh, that is sad to hear that your Madame Alexander dolls are separating on the seams. I wouldn't use a normal glue to fix the hard plastic, as over time, you will just wind up with the same problem. Instead, you should use a jeweler's epoxy (available online or from many home improvement stores). Mix the epoxy and apply to the seam. You will need to use a vise or something similar to apply gentle pressure while the epoxy sets. Because this is a clear epoxy, if it's not perfectly applied, it shouldn't be too noticeable. Be careful not to get any in the doll's hair, however, as it will not come out. If you're feeling really brave, you can paint over the repair using an acrylic that has been mixed to match the doll's skin tone.
I think the most difficult part of the repair will be to make sure the doll's hair doesn't get in the way (I am assuming that the hair is rooted.) Tie it back and cover it the best that you can. And best of luck. I'm really glad to hear that you're fixing up the dolls. :)
Thank you, Melanie! I could not find this info on the web, and so to hear it from a friendly expert means so much. I will be very careful with the hair. : )
ReplyDelete