It's A Knock-Down Inauguration Day!

Well, what can I say? Controversy never goes out of style and that was the inspiration behind creating a Donald Trump version of my popular Knock Down Doll! Dressed in presidential red, white and blues, our new leader is ready for the games to begin... are you? His official presidency begins today, but he's already causing conflict among world leaders, politicians, and we the people!

Whether you love to hate him or hate to love him, our orange-toned, yelling-faced, comb-over-haired leader was setting himself up for a good old fashioned knock-down. So I took that to heart and made him part of my Knock Down Doll collection. Of course I had to take a whimsical approach when designing this likeness of our fearless leader. That was the fun part!

I even made a design for the reverse side—complete with a "KNOCK ME DOWN" sign taped to his back—this whimsical arcade game throwback has so far amused both Democrats and Republicans alike. Funny thing is, I actually came up with the idea for a President Trump version of these dolls when I turned off the television. Yup, that's right. I wanted to relax a little more and spend some time on my hobbies, like drawing. So my mind got all empty and my hands were drawing pictures, and I was totally being in the moment when my brain was like, "OMG! You should totally do a Donald Trump version of your Knock Down Doll!" So I did.

The design process takes quite a bit of time for these faux furry friends. I need to stay within my current template, make them resemble my other Knock Down Doll styles, make it actually look like The Donald, complete with appropriate hair and wardrobe. I do it all by hand and then I scan it into Photoshop and colorize it for optimum visual impact. But I do love the challenge of it all. It really is fun.

If you are interested in purchasing one of my limited edition Trump Knock Down Dolls, they're available in my Etsy shop. They'd make the perfect addition to your boardwalk, carnival or political collection! Make America Great Again... and buy handmade!

Knock Me Down! A More Colorful Solution...

For about 6 years now I've been making these Tillie version Knock Down Dolls in fun, circus-themed colors. The seafoam version was to match the color of the Palace Amusements building in Asbury Park, where Tillie's smiling countenance watched over children of all ages for decades.

An orange version was perfect for clowning around. Bright and cheery and colorfully circus-y.

And a royal blue version gave nod to a spiffy, more dressed up Tillie. And in all those years, I've sold over 100 of them.... with no complaints from the crowd.

Then, one day... I was like, "Hey! How about some new colors?" which was quickly followed by, "Duh!" and a head-slap. So, I decided to try out a pink version, to perhaps appeal to the ladies out there... a dusty lavender version, because I was feeling dandy... and a teal version, well, just for something different.

The exciting part was that I had just been contacted by someone who previously purchased one of my Knock Down Dolls and wanted to buy 5 more — in all different colors — to make a boardwalk themed display. And with the 3 new colors, I just so happened to be able to give her exactly what she wanted. A more colorful solution!

And since I was already fiddling with faux fur, sitting at the sewing machine, had hammer and tacks handy, and ribbons galore to rummage through... I made 2 whole sets. One for my patron and the other for you! To see all my Tillies in their fabulously amusing glory, you can visit my Etsy shop and click on Knock Down Dolls in the sidebar.

What a Knockout.. I Mean Knock-Down!

A few months ago, I created a custom Knock Down Doll order for a couple's wedding reception. They were having a boardwalk-themed event and wanted a bride and groom doll — as well as a pack of Georgia Bulldogs — for an actual arcade-style game they were going to set up. These particular dolls were actually modeled after the real bride and groom... but the assignment gave me an idea!

My longtime Tillie-style Knock Down Doll should have a bride!

And so I went to work on a design, giving him a tux and tails with a striped vest and boutonniere. The new bride was dressed in white with bow detailing, ruffle edging and a bouquet of pretty red roses.

The fun part is always when I get to see them come to life. Adding the little details like a handmade ribbon bow for the groom...

...and real lace trim for the bottom of the bride's gown.

I created a new-style couple...

...and a distressed bride and groom (hey, we all know one of those, right?), made to look aged and worn-in (or out)!

But I have to say that the most fun I had was posing these Knock Down Dolls in... well... shall we say.... appropriate positions for my photo shoot. This one just cracked me up to no end. It pretty much sums it up.... what a knockout!

The bride and groom Knock Down Dolls are now available in my Etsy shop. Choose from new style, a distressed worn-in duo, and I can also take custom orders for civil union couples! Makes a great engagement or wedding gift for that boardwalk, circus or carnival-loving couple.