The Portland Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show

We were pleased to have a couple of tables at the recent doll show in Portland, Oregon where we displayed some of my mother-in-law’s antique dolls that she wants to sell as well as some of my own dolls and the workbook CDs by Goodie Two Shoes that show how to make all manner of shoes and accessories for the antique reproduction doll, as well as custom modern doll shoes.

As always, on our arrival Dorothy Drake, the gal who organizes the Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Shows, had everything running smoothly and we were quickly signed in and shown to our area. It didn’t take long to get the things arranged since we planned to put the dolls themselves in place the next morning before the doors opened, which left us time to roam about and greet friends and acquaintances who were getting their own booths ready. It’s always exciting to see what everyone brought and to note a few things that we might be interested to take home with us.

Early Saturday morning our dolls were quickly put in place, and we were free to scope out the new arrivals who hadn’t made it in the previous night. We were delighted to find ourselves sandwiched between Sal’s Pals’ booth and Old B Dolls, and our friend, Sandie Ulmer, was just across the aisle with her doll shoes and numerous other items. One advantage to having early set up time is that it not only gives you a chance to do a little early picking and choosing, but helps you know who has what for sale so you can direct customers to the area that has the items for which they are searching. I mean why not be as helpful as possible? If you don’t have what they want to buy, it doesn’t hurt to direct them elsewhere, which not only helps out the other dealers, but makes the customers feel well cared for and happy. And I was especially happy to see some vendors present who hadn’t been at this show before, or at least not recently.

As is usual for Oregon at this time of year, it was rainy, but in spite of that the turnout was good. There were a surprising number who admitted to being at a doll show for the first time, and who were really surprised to find it so much fun. That has to be a plus for the doll community in general. THERE IS an increase in interest in dolls. Many were carrying their childhood dolls, or more recently acquired dolls that had been popular during their younger years, and were trying to outfit them in new dresses, shoes and socks, or maybe replace a wig that had seen too many styling attempts.

It’s true that the shows aren’t as profitable for the vendors as they were in the past, but still, in spite of the economy, people were buying things. I was pleased to see so many vendors still hanging in, bringing their wares to the show and trying to have a part in the revival of interest in all things dolls. I went home feeling that it had all been a whole lot of fun and very worthwhile. Kudos to each one of you vendors who have continued to pack up and travel to our shows, and still be able to show interest and enthusiasm in spite of slow times.