Oh, Those Beautiful Dolls : (NAPSA)—Doll collecting, the second largest hobby in the United States, can be child’s play if you know how. To help, the makers of the world famous Barbie doll have come up with a few simple tips to get you started: *Become knowledgeable about your hobby. Start reading books and magazines about doll collecting. Visit Web sites, such as magazines. Internet auction sites such as eBay (www.ebay.com) also can provide you with valuable secondary market pricing information. www.barbiecollectibles.com, to learn more about dolls you’d like Jill Nordquist, senior product manager at Mattel, advises, “Col- to include in yourcollection, how to care for them, collector’s termi- nology and edition classifications. Answers to some of the most frequently asked doll collecting questions also can be found on various collecting Web sites. About.com (www.colleetdolls.about.com) is another great place to begin your search for additional doll collecting information. *Trust your own judgment. Collect dolls and themes that appeal to you. Deciding which dolls to collect is very personal. Created specifically for new collectors, Grand Entrance Barbie comes packaged with a guide to collecting. tor’s clubs present the world of doll collecting on a grander scale. Doll shows and conventions are additional fun and exciting venues at which you can learn more about collecting. Clubs, shows and con- Somecollectors gravitate towards ventions are also great ways to childhood, others choose dolls that yourinterest. dolls that remind them of their remind them oftheir favorite literary characters. *Join a collector’s club. Collec- appreciate in value over time. What begins as a hobby may actually turn into an investment. When purchasing a doll, think about the doll’s uniqueness, quality and workmanship. The best sources for doll valuation information are collector books and meet new friends who share in *View your collection as an investment. Dolls, like other investments, have the ability to leeting is as much about aequiring dolls as it is collecting memories. That’s why Mattel has created the Grand Entrance Barbie doll that can empower and educate the most novice enthusiast on how to collect and care for dolls—no matter what age. Madefor thefirsttimecollector, this doll comes with an escort—a special educational guide to collecting. New and seasoned collectors are sure to appreciate the guide’s tips on how to begin—or care for—a collection.” From the very beginning, your new-found hobby can be fun and rewarding. With collecting, you’re not just collecting dolls, but beautiful new memories and, perhaps, long-lasting friendships.
