What would you put in this year’s time capsule to channel the essence of our current moment for future generations?
Yesterday I discovered Tree Change Dolls—remodeled, refreshed and re-styled—rejected Bratz dolls by Australian artist Sonia Singh from Tasmania. Bratz dolls are everywhere. They are styled on high rock fashion with heavy make-up. The look alone was enough for me to refuse to ever buy one for anyone. My other problem is the name Bratz. It is not something I want to encourage in anyone. For the same reason, I could never buy the clothing brand No Rules.
Sonia decided to redesign the dolls into something her children wanted to play with, because of her love of playing with dolls. She found the rejected dolls in the second-hand shops and breathed new life into them. The result is beautiful natural looking dolls that children can associate with as their faces remind them of friends and people they knew. The photo below is the same doll—originally harsh looking, bordering on scary then given a new make-down—looking soft, gentle and angelic.
Photo Credit: Sonia Singh
Sonia’s transformation involves removing the original makeup using nail polish remover. She then paints on new eye brows, eyes and lipstick. Her mother knits little tops for each doll and sews some pants or a skirt—giving each doll an individual homemade feel. When the outfit is complete Sonia then moulds boots for their feet that match their outfits.
Photo Credit: Sonia Singh
Below is a sample of Sonia’s Tree Change family playing in the great outdoors—where kids used to play.
Photo Credit: Sonia Singh
Since Sonia created a Facebook page and Tumblir for her Tree Change Dolls in a no time they went viral. Everyone wants their own natural doll—the problem is she wasn’t expecting this level of support and isn’t sure what to do about it. Personally I think this is a great way to move froward. Reverting back to kids being kids and not the sexualised images of the original Bratz dolls. It has my support and is the reason I would put it in my time capsule today.
This is very cool! My girls also never had the Bratz dolls, I did NOT like them and my girls didn’t either
They are awesome aren’t they.
Loved your pictures and the results of the re-birthing of those dolls. Yes, they were quite dreadful. I am so glad you found a much more delightful way to appreciate the figures.
They aren’t mine but I really like their rebirth. They belong to an Australian artist Sonia Singh.
How refreshing!
Yes they are.
I love that. They are so sweet looking. Hopefully she will find a way to keep them coming.
At present she is starting to sell them on e bay one at a time as she figures out how to manage the demand.
I will have to go over and look for them.
Love this, and if I had daughters, I would be contacting her in a heartbeat! 😉
Definitely I believe demand id great.
What a great idea that is. I have a grand daughter and like Sonia (great name, lol) I wouldn’t have bought one for her and I know her mother wouldn’t have either. Thank you for putting it out there.
Maybe there will be enough interest that we see a new doll in the future. Here’s hoping.
Here’s hoping indeed!
Awesome transformation–they look way much better than the Bratz dolls 🙂
Definitely. I hope she continues to make them.
I discovered them, and Sonia’s blog the same day as you did and was very inspired too!
Great post! Those dolls are fabulous–what a transformation. They look much happier.
They definitely look happier. Much better role models for our children.
I love the idea of dolls looking like real girls without all the garish makeup and clothes. Kids should be kids.
I can’t believe it is as simple as changing their makeup.
Ooh I saw a video on these not long ago – a woman made different clothes for her Bratz doll too! They look so much better! Stopping by from my blog party – thanks for participating!
Love this! Such a great idea.
Love the idea of remaking those dolls into something better!
Found your blog on Suzie81Speaks Blogiversary party (4/11).
It’s a great party isn’t it.
This is fabulous, thanks for posting! About time dolls our kids play with resemble people in real life. I hope she has a huge amount of success!
I think she is. Thanks for stopping by.
Obviously because I’m a middle-aged bloke and my doll playing days are well gone I didn’t realise that bratz dolls are so sexual. God they are awful. Much prefer tree-change dolls. Suppose that says more about me than either product.
No I think that is definitely a common opinion. They are awful. Hopefully young girls will be able to buy a tree change doll in the future.
This is awesome! What a wonderful idea. Love it.
thanks for bringing this to our attention…leaves me baffled.
I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the Tree Change Dolls.
We never had Bratz dolls in India. I can see why 😉
Or maybe some old lady bought them all and took em off the shelves altogether!!
But it is nice to see a “make under” of the dolls. I would, perhaps, still not buy them – never was a doll person; I’m more a run-over-the-dolls-with-a-humvee person.
🙂
They are probably safer away from you.