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About: Jan's Antique Dolls-Presenting ONE-OF-A-KIND
Museum quality Reproductions, of “another place and time”.
Hi there, I'm Jan Bayless. Welcome to my Web site! I have collected and sold dolls since 1982. I remember when it all started. A friend of mine desired a doll to go into an antique buggy, and offered to pay me to make her one. She was aware I had a background in fine art and that I worked in all media, and she was certain I was quite capable of producing the desire of her heart. And so, guess what? I became addicted to the doll world. I have never lost the sense of wonder I get when looking at antique dolls, more importantly - I love seeing their wonderful faces, some funny, some beautiful, but each one unique; each one is so special as it comes to life, they become a perfect and beautiful work of art.
I love sharing information and research on antique dolls almost as much as any other aspect of this important, relevant and unique part of my life. And so… I decided to share "My God given talent with the all the doll lovers out there." Pictures of my private collection have been used in numerous other articles, and some even have blue ribbons." I get excited when I find something unusual, or when I find the answer to a question that has been a mystery to me up to that point.
I think it's important and imperative, actually for advanced collectors and dealers to share what they learn with less experienced collectors. I have always felt the more informed you are, the easier it is not only to communicate to others, but to nail down for yourself your particular tastes when you start creating a new doll.
When the doll bug bit me, I was very fortunate to be befriended by a learned, advanced teacher who did not mind mentoring a very inexperienced creator and collector. My mentor guided me in the right directions. I read everything she suggested and everything else on the subject that I could get my hands on. She took me to many important estate sales, as well as private shops owned by long time dealers who also generously shared with me their private collections and information. I saw many dolls in person ("hands on") I would never have been able to see otherwise. It was an exciting time for me! I also learned quite a bit from all the books I read. I began to be able to decipher valid information from misinformation (There were, and still are, books that contain incorrect information). But I can honestly say that I learned even more by actually seeing many dolls in person than I did from the books. That is why I can attest to the fact that nothing can take the place of seeing, touching and experiencing the art of creating antique dolls right in your own hands! This is why I also know that I am the best at what I do! I have been fortunate over the past 25 years to be able to touch and create, what I call, "Antiques of the future generations." I literally, put my heart and soul into each and every one I create. I do for research for each one, I check estate sales, private home sales, and sometimes even run across a rare find that someone feels the need to sell, and seeing dozens of grand personal collections, I have learned exactly what "the best" looks like!
From the beginning, I have specialized in what my motto states: "the rare and elusive." one of kind creations.
Mine is NOT the site to visit if you are looking for "average dolls" of mediocre quality. However, if you want THE best example of the doll you are seeking (regardless of how much you are willing to spend), the rarest and most original doll, an unusual doll, or a doll with the best quality bisque, etc., you have come to the right place. If you do not see your "dream doll" on my site, please DO tell me what that is! I have an uncanny way of creating the exact doll you are seeking. It happens between me and my customers all the time! I consider it not only a challenge but a privilege to make them, "The Desire of their heart" the very doll they have wanted for SO long! Just try me!
I will never have the site with the "most" dolls! It is just not my goal! If I was looking to simply "fill in many empty spaces," I would not care which dolls I put in those spaces! Every doll you find on my site is a special winner! Even if it's relatively inexpensive, it will be the best example of that mold that can possibly be acquired. This is my promise to you, and you can count on it!
EMAIL or Call me with special requests or join my mailing list. I promise to respond.
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