Sonia, the creator of Tree Change Dolls from Tasmania, didn’t expect that she would cause such a change and make people rethink what kind of dolls they are buying for their children.
This woman likes crafting – she missed her childhood dolls and she decided to make them again. However, what is magnificent about this act is that she used popular Bratz dolls to bring her childhood back. By using alcohol, she took off the makeup and drew their faces again. This time, the dolls didn’t have a lot of makeup, they didn’t have those big eyes and lips, but they looked younger and more natural. Moreover, she changed their clothes and put them in a whole different surrounding.
A hobby that became a brand
When Bratz dolls emerged, everyone got crazy about them and Barbie dolls fell to second place. Bratz were different because of a lot of makeup, a thin body and a big head. However, it was only when one women who missed the nice dolls from her childhood transformed them into beautiful, natural dolls, that people noticed what real beauty is. Because of their natural look and influence on the toy market, Tree Change Dolls became viral.
Discarded dolls are again in demand
Sonia, the creator of the Tree Change Dolls, used the discarded dolls from the tip shops and transformed them into beautiful and down-to-earth dolls. At first, she didn’t want to make any statement, she just wanted to express her creativity through crafting and re-doing second hand dolls.
Before you throw away something, think about whether you can reuse it and, with a little creativity, give it a brand new look. It will not only save you money, but also, you might create something magnificent and, who knows, maybe you go viral.
How much do dolls influence our children?
It seems like kids’ toys are promoting a kind of superficial beauty to little girls. Naturally, every girl thinks of her doll as a friend and wants to be like her. They start thinking that wearing makeup is the only way to look beautiful. Moreover, a lot of makeup is not enough for the “glam look”, they also need to be super thin in order to reach perfection. As girls start thinking this way, they lose their individuality and just blend in with other girls. They dress alike, act alike and even think alike. There is no uniqueness in any of them.
The beauty of Tree Change Dolls lies in their simplicity and originality. They are all different, and special in their own way – just like all little girls around the world. These dolls teach girls not only to be unique and natural, but also to enjoy their childhood and to remain a child for as long as they can. These dolls unintentionally influence people to fight the beauty standards implemented by toy manufacturers.
Clothes and surrounding suitable for children
Today’s popular dolls usually wear clothes that are not suitable for children, such as tops and short skirts, and because of that, they look like they are really older. Some people even call them “trashy” and don’t allow their children to play with them. The Tree Change Dolls put a stop to the debate on the hypersexualization of dolls, because they show that the natural look is better and it positively influences young girls. However, don’t forget that the look of a doll depends on its manufacturers.
Dolls with knitted clothes in natural surroundings present the beauty of childhood. Also, dolls playing in the garden show what kids should do – playing in natural surroundings. Knitted pieces of clothes are something that little girls could wear too, which really makes girls relate to them.
Makeup doesn’t make us beautiful
Girls like playing with makeup, however, they shouldn’t be presented with dolls that wear too much make up, and have unrealistic and unproportioned face features. This sends a wrong message to children on how they should look and what is considered as beautiful.
Girls should know that they are beautiful just the way they are. The blonde doll which was transformed into a freckled ginger doll shows that one regular doll can become unique. This uniqueness comes from natural beauty, which we might end up forgetting how special it really is.
Tree Change Dolls are surely making a statement and influencing the toy market.
Are Bratz dolls to be forgotten?
Bratz dolls are known for their look and that is something that makes them special among other dolls and, as much as some people don’t like them, we mustn’t forget that the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They might present wrong standards when it comes to clothing and appearance, however, they are the product of someone’s creativity and there are people who like them. As tastes shouldn’t be discussed, I just want to state that the Tree Change Dolls are an alternative to the doll market and children should choose what they like. If there are more options to choose from, then it means that all styles are accepted.
As girls relate to their dolls, toy manufacturers might want to consider making proportional and more down-to-earth dolls, which will positively influence young generations. Girls should feel free to express themselves without the fear of not satisfying the standards that are made up by our own society.
Featured photo credit: http://treechangedolls.tumblr.com/ via treechangedolls.tumblr.com
