Hi, draw! pilgrim readers, this is Danielle Thompson and I’m honored to be posting on one of my favorite blogs while one of my favorite friends is away traveling to, well, my home, the States!
My post is about the collection of vintage vinyl doll cases that I seem to have accumulated without the intention of doing so…. ahem. Sometimes you love something so much that before you know it, you have a collection of them.

What draws me to these cases (other than their wonderful nostalgic charm) are the illustrations and graphics that adorn them. I’m a sucker for a vintage illustration especially from the 60′s and 70′s.
I’ve acquired most of these through ebay, but my newest one (and new fav) is one I found at an antique mall for $15 (the best deal I’ve gotten on one of these). I love the illustration so much! The girls’ outfits are pretty much perfect.

The key to these when you’re looking is that you find ones where their vinyl is in good shape (which can be hard since it can rip easily with wear) and also making sure they don’t smell (of course that’s a risk you take with any vintage item, but always ask the seller to make sure if you are buying online). I got a doozy from Ebay that smelled like an ashtray when I opened it up. Fun!

This one is quite lovely with the floral background inside!

The interiors of these vary from simply being a case for your dolls clothes and dolls (depending on what doll you collect), to more elaborate designs with fold-out compartments and illustrations that mimic what the interior would look like, like this “Barbie Friend Ship” Airplane case from the 70′s. I saw this case on my friend’s blog (thanks for the enabling, Karli!) and immediately neeeded it. I bought mine on Ebay (for too much money) and she found her’s for a couple dollars at a thrift. If you are patient and visit your local thrifts and antique malls regularly, you are sure to find one of these doll cases. : )

This is a semi-recent purchase, “The World of Barbie House”. The inside is pretty nifty. : )

You can see different ways I’ve used these doll cases here and here.
Thanks Pilgrim for having me!

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thanks danielle for sharing your enviable collection of doll cases. i wish i could travel about in such style! don’t forget to check out danielle around the web – this girl has the cutest stuff on offer! read her blog, visit the adorable etsy store, and take advantage of the cuteness on offer in her amazing digital kits shop!

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