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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1970-12-17, Page 54 4c w 4, Change in the last 40 years. r (4. Dolls. rc.fhct Reading children's minds can be a tricky business, but those who seem to have mastered that business are toy manufacturers. Among them are Regal Toy Company Limited and Mattel. . Canada Limited. One way in which Regal keeps up with the latest trends is in the changing of materials used in the manufacture of dolls. "There has been a change in dolls in the past 40 years," said S. Frank Samuels, president of Regal, himself in the industry for 50 years. "Before, the dolls had composition - heads, ' sawdust filling in the bodies, and mohair hair. "T.hen plastics were introduced in. 1942 and came .into full limelight in the 1950's. "Now, dolls have vinyl heads, polyethylene bodies and nylon hair." Bodies and lei ' on the dolls are' blow -molded of polyethylene resin. Arms on some of the dolls are also made from polyethylene. ' Much of the polyethylene resin and polypropylene film . used by Canadian toy makers is supplied by Canadian Industries Limited. Dolls have grown up over the years. Teeri-age . dolls are replacing baby dolls in popularity.., Wardrobes .. are chosen with relation to fashions of the day; before it was the mini and maxi looks that were popular, next. see-through tops and pant suits. and presently the midi. The wet look is still "in" in the world of fashion.: . • "We're working on the 1971 designs now", said Mrs. Judy Gray, chief designer at Regal. "We change ° once a year, basically, but during; the year, bring in appealing new designs," She said that the styles are adapted and simplified so as to be suitable .for the dolls. Mrs., Way said that two -of approximately 1.00 designs are Chosen. The decision as to which are to be used is made by company executives. Mr. Samuels said that there are five different types of the same dolt so as to give children a choice. Regal also manufactures the "Afro" doll, in keeping with the "Black is Beautiful" trend. Mr. Samuels said he has had children visit Regal and that he observes them in stores to see what they enjoy. "Judging what they like is a matter of common sense and experience," he concluded. One large market for Regal , dolls is Australia, where Mr. Samuels feels, Regal has something differentto offer. The company also makes large plush animals, often sold to teen-agers as mascots and mobile" toys made of polyethylene. Ches Macey, director of industrial and public relations of Mattel Canada Limited, said research into children's likes and 'dislikes takes place' at. Mattel Incorporated in Los Angeles. "We halve 400 designers, engineers, market researchers and psychologists there." he said. "We even have a good number of ideas coming to us from outside. We pay out royalties_to inventors. Also, a concept will come up ,and a team of experts will work on it." Mattel will then test the reaction to the toys of a group Of children from the Los Angeles area, considered to be a Glitter personalizes those Christmas gifts •A typical Christmas Eve scene — midnight — mother and father caught in a tangle of ribbons, wrapping paper, bows, name tags and tape! Sound familiar? Well, here's a novel way to avoids the last minute wrapping dilemma. Wrap presents.' in a plain, dark colored paper and personalize them by writing the lucky recipient's name in silver or gold glitter. This exercise takes much less • t4% time than you'd think, especially when you use a household -cement to help you along. This transparent glue comes packaged ° in a slim tube, with a pin sized opening to allow the glue to 4 'flow evenly. 4Use it as a pen to write the name, and sprinkle bright glitter over the wet surface. Allow it to set for a few minutes, shake off the excess glue — and you're finished! Merry-go-round makes Christmas centrepiece A merry , merry-go-round makes an eye-catching table decoration. A dowel, sharpened at both ends, is anchored in a base of plastic foam. Next, a foam ring is placed ,over the dowel to rest' on the base and a cone cup of paper put ion the other end of the dowel and sprayed with enamel paint. Ideal for the purpose are spray paints which are available in 14 -ounce containers in mandarin, avocado, antique gold, Spanish blue, turquoise, melon and prairie gold. Felt or velvet streamers • are .current fashion trends representative sampling of children in different parts of the world. Child psychologists will study their reactions in a laboratory Setting.. The research and design staff are now working on the -''1973 line. The most popular category of toys for boys is ,the "Hot Wheels", introduced in 1968, featuring the excitement of grand prix racing, and the teen -aged "Barbie" dolls for girls. "The family unit is not the same today," Mr. Macey said. "Dolls are now" aimed at career -minded girls. It has something to do with 'women's lib movement.'_' Mattel works on categories of toys. For example, the company will make a Barbie doll, then add similar dolls, such _as the "Julia" line. M Added interest is given sev rat ' toys assembled and packaged by Mattel in Canada, including model hobby kits, through use of polypropylene skrinl vi rap. "We try to build play value into our toys," said Mr. 'l¥tacey. "We don't like `gimmicky' toys. r CLARA STEWART We prefer toys with a lasting attraction for children ans r believe in building a high quality prodet." CLARA STEWART Suggests GIVE HER ARPEGE •i or MY SIN Perfumes & Colognes RIECK PHARMACY OQ ER CH SIGN,M4, AR, 'J SPAY, DECEMBER rt, 1 7 I)A EtectrOn c controlled ' Supermatic Open Arm Swks Precision Built To Sew Perfectly On All Fabrics Larry Rieck, PHM.B. Archie Barber, PHM.B. HIT MODELS START AT '600 'FREE HOME DEMONSTRATION USED Treadles, Consoles l'&. Portables Prom $10" SERVICE- TO ALL MAKES, ALEX REED • 197 BAYFI ELD GODERICH 524-8465- ,,, ' . v °Pz Agyea " rsa " 'vams it rAi:mm5ms-u+ 'YturetzwarAmgr mCaK'. 'YSc'.ozommu 5' i'1 tauga fi' oscs " ac mors ' '1 9P. £ Tatars rA ' 9s5' tS ozysas + 9 maoa o+ r4mv4 11 then glued to the inside of the cup at one end and to the ring at the other, and the ring studded with sequins and beads, then topped with multihued w Christmas tree balls in lieu of animals. Put your money where you get your mortgage Most of the money invested in our high interest paying Guaranteed Investment aitificates has a priority in mortgage loans we make in the same area. Your investment in Victoria and Grey Certificates not only helps you, it helps your community to grow and prosper. The senior Trust Company devoted entirely to serving the people of Ontario. 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COMPARE AT $34.95 95 1 1 COMPARABLE SAVINGS ON ELECTRIC CORN POPPERS, ELECTRIC GRILLES, COFFEE PERCS, FLOOR CARE PRODUCTS 3 ONLY Westinghouse Dishwashers $269 8$279 +++ PLUS + FREEREE with every purchase of small appliances SALE CONTINUES WHILE STOCK LASTS, AND OF COURSE SALE PRICES APPLY ONLY TO STOCK ON HAND, ON A CASH & CARRY BASIS — NO CHARGES. 2 WESTINGHOUSE LIGHT BULBS JEWELL BROS. APPLIANES And TV LTD. ON THE SQUARE GODERICH