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Be sure to see the new DOLLS magazine on line at http://www.dollsmagazine-digital.com/dolls/200904/.

IDEX in Orlando in January is one of my favorite places. The weather was sunny and 60 and although many people were complaining how cold it was, I had to smile when I compared it to the 6 degrees we left in Milwaukee.

The show was almost as large as usual although I noticed a few artists that were absent. Attendance was light which didn't seem to surprise anyone.

I like to pick a favorite doll that I've found at IDEX but this year I've found a couple that I really love and then many that I think you will enjoy. I'll start with the ones that most impressed me. Maggie Iacono's Polly's Tea Party was wonderful. This doll is limited to 30 and because Wendy and her Trunk were so popular last year this doll will surely be chosen quickly. She'll be available late this year so you have the chance to pay her off with a layaway. She's pricey at $3000 but so charming with Polly, a gorgeous trunk with an extra outfit, a hand painted (by Maggie) Tea set and 2 little dolls to go with it. This set is just exquisite. I also liked her Once Upon a Time doll but I'm biased towards Little Red Riding Hood dolls I think.

Erica Catellani's little 6 inch Amy was another favorite. She's all in white and sits on a silver sled. She comes with open and closed hands but I liked the one with the closed hands best. There is something so appealing about this Swiss wood doll. And speaking of wood dolls, I loved Eva Beytra's Sally. The antique linen dress is perfect on this wood doll.

Hildegard Gunzel's Tonja is definitely going to be another popular doll. Her face is just the best and reminds me of Hildegard's wax over porcelains although she is resin. Her blonde hair, floppy hat and gorgeous embroidered dress is the perfect winning combination. I also like Katharina. The navy dress with blonde hair works really well. Of course, Hildegard's wax over porcelain were gorgeous as always. Antoinette is wearing the most beautiful clothes I've ever seen on a doll. The detail is outstanding and her little lamb will make you smile. I also loved her Xenia doll and the story behind it. 

Heidi Plusczok's Kati is darling and I suspect will be one of her most favorites this year.

Sofia Zawieruszynski's Anika was my favorite. Sofia won 4 DOTY awards and Anika was one of them.

I liked the Finhold Gallery bears as always and my favorites were Ingo, Calotta, Antonio and Mirko. The small size of these bears suit most collections well.

And I always have to spend a lot of time looking at Zwergnase dolls. Nicole always outdoes her self with the collection and 2009 is no exception. It's hard to pick a favorite although it would have to be either Linchen or Davida. And if you like Linchen, Mildred is the bear to go with her. I liked the size of Linchen and always gravitate toward brunette dolls. You can see Linchen to the right in the photo of Sybille and me. Linchen's in pink.

So now, go to the web site and enjoy photos of these and other dolls.

Thanks for reading. 

Marge