The Nostalgic Hobbyist

I’m Paige, I’m 41, and I collect dolls among other things. I have a number of hobbies, but fashion dolls will likely dominate the content of this blog. If that’s your thing, drop a comment and follow!

So, dolls! I had more or less quit buying fashion dolls around 1999. I did get an occasional special doll, like the 2009 Ladies of the 80’s Debbie Harry Barbie. Other than that, not much. My love for Barbie returned with a fury in December of 2025. I had been watching restoration & custom videos for a while and I think that’s what did it. I began feeling sad again because I hadn’t seen my dolls (and other cool 80’s & 90’s toys) in ten years after my family moved house, so I thought they were lost. Now, looking at their basement, I have a little bit of hope that they’re someplace in that mess. I found a few things I thought were gone, so I’m going to wade into the clutter and see what I find. You’ll absolutely hear me shrieking if I find them!

I must credit the book that made me really appreciate Barbie, in a collector sort of way. I got it at Sam’s Club in 1996. Even though it turns 30 this year, I find it as valuable now as I did then.

I fell in love with 60s & 70s Barbie. Marlo flips, rooted eyelashes, and mod fashion. And of course, the beginning of the iconic Superstar era. It’s my favourite face sculpt probably because I grew up with it! The Casey face is another favourite, it’s so unique and cute!

Barbies are not the only dolls I collect. There are lots more I’ve recently discovered! There will be plenty about them as well.

And another important topic of this silly blog; Miniatures!! I have always gravitated towards tiny versions of big things. Minibrands and Miniverse are catnip to me. Tiny foods are probably my favourite. I have…SO many little drinks. Cocktails, soda cans/bottles (particularly Coke, which I love. McDonald’s Coke is magical. But I digress.) and a lot more! Aside from Minibrands and similar, Temu/Aliexpress are a goldmine for tiny drinks. Tiny realistic bread (baguettes!) is another favourite.

I originally wanted to do larger 1:6 scale dollhouse rooms. I realised that it can be difficult to find 1:6 dollhouse furniture and that most seem to be 1:12. I started to feel a bit discouraged because I’m not at a skill level (for the most part) to make my own furniture and jus could not find what I wanted. I serendipitously found my way into the world of dioramas. Seeing all the tiny, atmospheric scenes others create in various scales makes me want to capture my own nostalgia & silly ideas in miniature! I’m already planning one in 1:24 and am looking for the right parts. It has been very difficult to track some things down, but I just got one of my favourite pieces for it. I am also currently mapping out a 1:6 Pizza Hut diorama! If you’re curious, head over to the Projects page to see some of my ideas.

Finally, I have to clarify that this blog is for older/adult (16+ is reasonable) collectors and hobbyists, and definitely isn’t intended for kids. Vamános, children! Play outside or do your homework! Have your mom make you some Hot Pockets.

I hope to meet others who share these passions with me! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment.

I hope you enjoy my posts.

~ Paige