DOLL & BABY CHAT, RESEARCH TRICKS, GERMAN ANTIQUE DOLL MAKEOVER | Come hang out with us!

Join Rachel, Linda, and Stanley in the doll shop for a fun day in our life. In this video, we try and research a doll with strange eyelashes, talk about doll collecting and research, and chat with Rachel about life in the shop. Holland Diane makes a lot of appearances, too! We love having you on all our videos, thanks for joining!
The book we use for research with German doll marks is German Doll Marks Identification Book by Jurgen and Marianne Cieslik. (There are TWO versions, make sure to buy the updated one if you can!) (NOT SPONSORED!) I just found the UPDATED version of the German identification book we used in the video on Florence and George on sale for only $5.00 from $29! Here is a link: florenceandgeorge.com/collect...
Link to doll abbreviations: www.dollreference.com/doll_te...
Another awesome resource is The Collector's Encyclopedia of Dolls Book by Dorothy S. Coleman, Elizabeth A. Coleman, and Evelyn J. Coleman
Doll Shop Website: www.rare-dolls.com/
eBay auctions: www.ebay.com/str/elegantes
Selling Dolls? www.rare-dolls.com/sell-your-...
Linda's Website: www.uniquelyyoursporcelaindol...

[@yusephlb]

You're a great person Rachel, your mom had raised you very very well, and you'll raise this gorgeous baby the same way with lots looots of love. Dealing with grief made you stronger, and this baby was the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going! We love you! ❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for the kind words. ❤️

[@DollHearts777]

Dear Rachel, I remember that I was feeling lost during that time . I remember watching you for the first time, and I thought “ This person is completely self aware and she has a way of communicating that makes you feel like you are standing right next to them “. You are absolutely right that we all came together and supported each other . I value that you shared such a difficult time with your viewers. I can only say the love we sent you was the powers that be telling you that you are needed, you are loved , and you make us feel the same way . I’ve never met you before, but I am so glad the the algorithms brought us together ❤️ All the love , Stan

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi Stan! I remember when you found my channel as your comments were always self-aware and kind and understanding. I appreciate you sharing your heart! XOXO Thank you for being you!

[@erinscott8]

Hello Rachel I love your videos and I love baby dolls

[@vickiromines1552]

I know it is not easy!!! My Mom was my world and passed at 64!!! One thing that I got thru was she would kick my butt if I went on mourning and crying. She would want me to live on and SMILE and Laugh. You are a Warrior! Great Mommy! Just LOVE Dolls and Barbies the most with Tiny Tonners starting!!! God Bless 🙌

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you SO much, Vicki!! I appreciate that and appreciate you sharing!

[@KimberlyM658]

I really enjoy watching these days at the shop videos! I particularly love doing the level of research that Linda was talking about, reading, cross-referencing, deep-digging, validating, and verifying. I enjoy observing every little detail of the doll. Since I joined the group, I don't think I've stopped researching Tonner's work. 😂 Having the content in digital format makes it much easier, but it's still so much fun!

[@kathleencarlsen6904]

Enjoyed the video. Maybe do a video sometime on Joan, her doll dresses, how she goes about making them, how long she's been doing this, etc.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Good idea!!

[@pattiscraftcorner3530]

Your daughter is precious so is Lynda. I have learned so much over the years watching. TFS your life 😊

[@carmencolon3520]

Holland Diane is my favorite doll😍💞🤗 Thanks so much for making sure the dolls are in great shape before they leave your store.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

The first thing I did when I started to collect vintage dolls was to get as many books as I could…still buy one if I don’t have it. I also have some on antiques, especially Jumeau…which I love.

[@galeholt3757]

I have a collection of books I love to look at. I am not into antique dolls..more vintage. And love patterns for my dolls and designing for them too. I have read several . Coleman books. Holland is adorable. We can see the bond between Stanley and Holland. I saw this somewhere..what doesn't break us makes us stronger..I am strong enough to bench press a semi...stay well and safe..from Tennessee

[@bbvintagedelights]

Doll repair is fascinating and I loved learning about the eyes.

[@sophiadiesel620]

Hi, Rachel! I don't comment much, but I watch all your videos for almost two years now here from Brasil! I love what you guys do at the doll shop, I have a small collection myself, including some Robert Tonner dolls. I love learning and having fun with you, and Holland Diane is so perfect! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

(NOT SPONSORED!) I just found the UPDATED version of the German identification book we used in the video on Florence and George on sale for only $5.00 from $29! Here is a link: florenceandgeorge.com/collections/doll-and-teddy-bear-reference-books/products/ciesliks-german-doll-marks

[@jennil7797]

Rachel, your mother is so proud of you and how strong you have been in dealing with grief, making changes in the store without changing its spirit and ethos, pregnanncy, motherhood, starting the Grace and Ellowyne series and continueing running the VDC. So many achievements!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

This means a lot, thank you so much!

[@thefemalesquidward]

My grandma was my best friend and second mom, and navigating Alzheimer’s with her completely changed everything. It really breaks your heart slowly. You’re a strong person and your love for Holland shows. I always look forward to your videos. ❤️

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@silvergirl7810]

You’re right - watching my mom have that and pass away- it’s like you lose them a little every day 😢

[@marcellix]

Omg sooo cute 💕🧚‍♀️💕

[@debbiesmith6293]

She is so adorable.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!!

[@chanteebrown8436]

Linda is fascinating she knows a crab love everything that Rachel is doing with all the doll knowledge love learning about the new little princess Doll world is so lucky to have Linda Linda is a genius thank you for letting me share

[@staceysteele7128]

@Chantee Brown What do you mean by “she knows a crab”? I agree Linda is a genius and Doll World is very lucky to have her!!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Guessing it is a typo. Linda is amazing. ❤️

[@chanteebrown8436]

Forgive me for the mistype I meant to say Linda is fascinating she's above all her peers when it come to her craft she knows her stuff she is a master she is a genius I just feel like the doll world is so blessed just to sit to listen to her at one of her seminars I can't praise her enough doll world is so lucky and also what I meant by little princess was beautiful Holland Diana And Rachel thank you for sharing your family and I think about family I think about your family of quality and thank you for all that doll knowledge I know I'm taking my pencil to paper and I'm taking notes thank you for letting me share

[@wantingoneangel8976]

Rachel, I so LOVE seeing Holland Diane with Stan:)!! I can see the love Holland Diane has for Stan when she smiles:)!! And I so know what you mean by loss and how it changes you. I lost my Dad in 2008 to Alzheimer's Disease and it is a devastating disease. My Brother lost his Wife who had Lupus and Covid-19 on Christmas Day, 2021. My Niece lost her Mom and my Niece is 24 years old. And I lost my Cat, Mr. Spratt, on April 29th, 2020 to possible thyroid cancer. So, I know how precious life is for us all. I am so happy for you that you have Holland Diane to love and cherish:)!!! Holland Diane is so blessed to have so much love surrounding her, including her Dad, Dereck, your Dad, Stan, and Linda:)!!! And as for Holland Diane watching T.V., my opinion is don't worry about it because I watched some T. V. as a child and as a result I grew to have good conversational verbal skills. And my Mom always says when your child learns to talk, always answer when she asks, "What is this?" because that is how a Child learns to talk:)!! And as for the German Doll, WOW:)!! Linda and Stan really have talent:)!! I LOVE what they both did:)!! And I appreciate all the information on the Doll Books:)!! Although, I am not a Doll Maker, I am interested in the types of Dolls and who made them:)!! I so LOVE what Linda was teaching us about the flat and round eyes and I LOVE what she showed us about how the German Doll was "repaired" with silly putty:)!!! And it was so interesting how Linda sees all the details, like how the eye lashes are painted different:)!!! And as for the wise ass who called Linda "an elderly woman", well, all of us including me some day will be "elderly" and Linda as well as Joan ( the 93 year old Lady who makes beautiful Doll clothes) show the world how valuable, intelligent, and how we can ALL learn from older people)!! Rachel, thank you so much for sharing Holland Diane's smiles and bright eyes with us as much as Linda and Stan's Doll talents:)!!!! You all make my life brighter and I am learning from these videos about the different Dolls:)!!!!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for your wonderful comments!!

[@peterpeterson3266]

You are a dear dear soul Rachel. Your upenness and gift for sharing grace us all. Thank you for your terrific educational vids and ability to help us all enjoy our lives even more!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your wonderful comment. I am so glad you are here!

[@xiloaperez453]

Any day that we get to see you and your shop and that precious doll baby of yours, it's a good day.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!

[@tonywild1963]

I love watching your videos and is so interesting what you and your staff are doing In your shop. You have a great book collection. I have many older dolls and some vintage playmates baby so beautiful dolls but don't seem to find any books or information on them. Thank you Rachel for sharing and see you soon

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much, Tony! I am thankful you were able to join us on this video!

[@heididepotter8136]

Sorry for your loss. You will meet her again, soon. Lots of hugs XXX

[@lucyposton5032]

I never comment but Holland and all the lovely dolls have brought such joy to this old lady , I had to let y' all know how grateful I am for your videos .

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi Lucy! I am so glad that you commented and very happy that you are here!! Thank you for tuning in and enjoying with me.

[@kathleenwhite2236]

Thank-you Rachel for having the link where to order the book! Just ordered it! Your video has so much information plus Holland Diane is always a joy! I like watching Linda work and make the dolls look so gorgeous! :)

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

So glad you scored that book!

[@lorraineniess116]

love the doll in the pink dress...my favorite are large dolls the larger the better... I will be attending the St. Louis Mo, doll show in August.....can't wait!

[@kimberleyfraser7800]

Wow, you have the baby police on you. I wish people would put that much energy into children that are being abused and neglected and who truly need them. You are doing a wonderful job. You are a wonderful mother. In the whole scheme of things Holland watching cartoons or having her shoes off indoors really is not important. You are her Mother. Your mommy gut will tell you if you need to fix something. Ignore them. Hugs

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much, I needed that! You are appreciated!

[@silvergirl7810]

Rachel, There’s so much beauty here- this really put a lump in my throat watching but in a good way. I’ve been collecting dolls for a longggg time - by myself though- not sure what got me hooked originally. My mom past away in October 2020 of Alzheimer’s- I’d been taking care of her for years along with my dad who also just past away and you’re right it’s learning to live a different life. I have to say at the very end I actually got some precious quality time with my mom where even though she was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s she was docile, peaceful and happy to be with me in her condition- it was golden time that I treasure. I admire your strength and love your videos - can’t say I’m not jealous of you having a mom that collected dolls and had doll stores- good Lord! ❤But, you, your precious baby and staff are so loved by many and do far more for us than ‘just dolls’- 🙏 you are a light in our lives. Wishing you all the very best in life.❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for your wonderful comment. ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so sorry for your loss as well, and very thankful you are here with us. Take care and big hugs!!

[@shannastech389]

Oh I felt lost when I lost my mom. I broke down for a bit. Took some me time. You are so strong. Love your shop and all your videos. Omg holland is getting so big. Soooo cute. I would be all over her. She's so happy. Like my little girl. I was reading a vintage nancy drew book tomy daughter to get her to sleep. She's. 2 but she loves it and she falls asleep. Enjoy every moment in your shop, with holland and with your family and friends.

[@crystallynndavisart8309]

I have been watching all your videos. I just came across a german doll that is at least 100 years old and I have never been into dolls but I enjoy things of the past and am beginning to find the antique ones very endearing. Now to figure who made my doll.

[@bettyboop4263]

Rachel you are a very honest and inspiring person. Holland Diane is the sweetest baby. Love her little hammock❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you! Hugs!

[@bltperky]

This was an awesome video! Linda shared some great facts about antique doll eyes and the restoration of the doll turned out beautiful! I love her doll costuming. Amazing work and inspires me to keep practicing doing the insertion lace on dresses. Rachel, the love and care you give your baby, Holland Diane, just shows how much she is treasured. Thank you for sharing with us on KZbin! 😊

[@evekankam6744]

That was so interesting to watch,thank you.Holland Diane is awesome,just like her mum.Thank you for such a wonderful video

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for watching!

[@lizcarol8000]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Rachel. I enjoy listening to you. I understand what you say about loss, I lost my husband of 45 years, several years ago. You are a great mom and Holland Diane is lucky to have you, especially in this time and this crazy world. Continued success and hello to all your wonderful staff that are like family!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Liz. Thank you for being here and understanding. ❤️

[@melsmith5833]

Watching these videos is like being at home. Just the daily routines that bring peace and harmony to our souls. You have a precious little assistant now and gems of team members. You all truly are a treasure! I enjoy research of many kinds but Dolls is high on the list. I do have the Collectors Encyclopedia of Doll Clothes, I find it fascinating! Love and prayers to you all!

[@mooncakerabbithender7203]

Dear Rachel, You are such a inspiration in so many ways .You speak from your heart with words that really go beyond helping others. through the years I know listening to you has helped me in many ways. Miss HeeBee SheeBee is so adorable , and uncle Stanley is just amazing .I reckon her first words will be dolly!!! I really enjoyed listen to Linda, such wisdom ,and turning that doll into a stunning looking doll. The dress looked perfect on her. I did enjoy today being in the shop today. Thank you Rachel for being such a special woman, sending love from London xxxx

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

This means a lot to all of us here, thank you SO much!!! Take care and see you on the next video.

[@helmaschine1885]

Was that happy feet in the background with Diane? That's such a funny movie for kids AND adults :)

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Haha yes!!!

[@icya6175]

Love that Big Doll... love her Brown eyes too and the long hair but Holland Diane takes the Dolly Prize.

[@AnneMLdell]

She is soooo cute. Greetings from Finland, EU-Europe, Scandinavia ...

[@dianabadillo2646]

Thank you for sharing and opening up about your loss. I can empathize with you. I lost both my parents 7 months apart. My Mom went with the Lord in 2003. She died right in my arms from cancer. I'm still grieving her loss much, she lived across the street from me n we were close. I'm glad the Lord blessed you with Baby Holland Diane. Enjoy her much, take care. We love u Rachel. 🙏🙏

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for sharing. It means a lot that you’re here. ❤️

[@terrysiegwald6830]

My copy fell apart as well. I found a small 3 ring notebook at Walmart and page protectors and put the pages in it. I did that with my Ideal and American Character books as well.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

I just got two new copies (and the newest edition!) through Florence and George for only $5.00.

[@terrysiegwald6830]

I heard you say that. That's great.

[@terrysiegwald6830]

I paid $25 for my copy. I found it in a used bookstore. I didn't want to waste that hence why I did what I did.

[@zenamorgan1754]

Rachel, I so love these videos with all my heart. A while back I had mentioned that I too have lost my mother in 2020 and how it was absolutely devastating for me. I felt so alone in my grief. However, seeing you and love that you had for your mom made me realize that there are other people out there too going through the same grief process.I can’t tell you enough how much I adore that delicious little baby, she is just such a little light for a lot of us. I also don’t think that a little bit of television to entertain her is not going to be bad for her. She gets so much interaction with uncle Stanley and Auntie Linda that she’s fine. It’s when you use your television as a complete babysitter that’s when you have a problem.

[@cherubinaferri2988]

Bellissima bambola ed ottimo restauro ad un corso dipinsi le ciglia delle bambole antiche sono difficilissime

[@cloudninetherapeutics7787]

"If you're going through that and it's horrible and hard, you're not broken." That's the gosh darn truth right there. Thank you for saying that Rachel. Dolls have become a sweet escape for me, as I put all I can into navigating each day seeing my son endure pain and suffering with his heart failure since 2019 and just struggling to breathe with COPD, grief is a constant. I feel broken, weak, wrecked, and wonder if I'll start sewing again. I do know about inner strength, how I'm eeking by. Until I can even take baby steps, I know I can breathe. One day at a time. Thank you for your energy, your positivity and your enduring messages of love of family and life.❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I appreciate you. ♥️♥️♥️

[@cloudninetherapeutics7787]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls I appreciate you too!❤❤❤

[@silvergirl7810]

Your comment got to me- I hope you’re hanging in there

[@rogerlloyd1897]

Linda? Elderly??? I'm glad you both can have a good laugh. I'm too sensitive to laugh it off 😆

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

I hear you! It used to hurt my feelings, the internet can be savage but now I just delete it!

[@kellysmith8269]

Love this content! Well done :-)

[@jsanders2993]

You, Stanley, and Linda rock, and Holland Diane rules! Regarding the "baby police" referenced by another Commenter, yes, there's always someone who knows everything about everything, and feels the need to educate the rest of us poor, ignorant rubes. Hooray for them, I say, as I proceed to ignore them! You are doing a terrific job!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!!

[@tanyaischenko421]

Holland Diane is so adorable and cute, such a pleasure to watch her. And you, Rachel, are doing a great job, being a mom, and running such a great doll shop. And a question to Linda on the eyes' re-setting. Why didn't she put the corret type of eyes- the sleep eyes- when having a chance to reset them? Originally, most of German dolls are supposed to go with the sleep eyes, and by not doing so, you are basically down valuing the doll?!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! Thank you for the kind words, we appreciate you watching. I get what you’re saying about the eyes but adding sleep eyes was an investment I didn’t want to make with this particular doll. It was a business choice with a lot of things in play such as cost of eyes, Linda’s time, and what I think I can sell the doll for.

[@jessicawidmeier2862]

Your Daughter is a cute little doll as well. I agree with the grief changes you, my Husband died almost 8 months ago and I have changed because of this, you can't watch someone pass and feel the same as you were before it and people who haven't had that yet don't really understand.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

I’m so so sorry for your loss Jessica. I’m thankful you’re here with us. Thank you for sharing.

[@priscillastannells6740]

She is beautiful an amazing job

[@julieking5151]

That’s what your hair is for 😂 so cute 🥰

[@louisehunter6900]

You & your gorgeous baby girl 😍

[@cindyyoung3605]

I love your videos, Rachel. Thank you so much for sharing your life, your wonderful doll shop, and little Holland Diane with us. Your doll library looks like mine, and I wholeheartedly agree about reading and studying everything you can find, whether you are a beginning collector or a longtime collector. I have a great book that I didn't see on your shelves (though you may have it) that I'm sure Linda would like: Sewing Victorian Doll Clothes by Michelle Hamilton. There are great photos, sewing techniques, and patterns for china and bisque lady dolls from museum collections (many from the Wenham museum). Check it out! Cindy

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for the wonderful comments, Cindy, and for the book suggestion! You rock!

[@cherubinaferri2988]

Bellissima anche la tua bimba ✨🌸

[@traceg2903]

Excellent intro..lovely words from a lovely lady and her sweet babe. I will one day buy a old German doll like I use to have, all I remember of her is she was bisque, made in1910 with beautiful brown glass eyes. I can hardly wait to see how the blue eyed doll turns out...she s pretty. I have a question for Linda...what kind of sewing machine do you use? I'm wanting to start sewing...what would you recommend?

[@Mia-lb1ii]

You're baby girl is soo cute❤❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Rachel..I must confess I covet your ring!

[@lauraleecreations3217]

❤❤❤❤

[@jenifermarcolin3184]

Gostaria de trabalhar na ruby lane doll gosto muito de bonecas antigas,E incrivel esse lugar e um sonho.😘👏👏👏👏💟

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤

[@sheilamackenzie3869]

Linda mentioned she would need to stabilize the neck. Could you please share what she did?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! Great idea for a future video but unable to share this one. Thanks so much for watching!

[@dianes_view]

❤🍼🌹🌼

[@metaphoricallyspeaking45]

I have a doll 23 inches, it says Special Germany. 5 1/2. And a weird mark that look like NN attached. Who is she?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Google it! You’ll likely come up with Adolf Wislizenus as the maker. I got this from Google, and it took me to the Doll Reference website as a result.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

That comment was very catty! A good example of why to keep your mouth shut if you have nothing intelligent or good to say!.