Carmel Doll Shop

Now, more about Carmel Doll Shop
and Michael and David's accomplishments over their nearly twenty years in business.


One of the creations for which we are most well known is the 1997 production of the video "The Romance," a musical, lushly romantic tale that features French Fashion dolls in the roles of actors and actresses. Early dolls of all varieties are the stars of the most recent creation from Michael and David -- "Belinda, The Lovely Cheat." Based on the Georgian wooden that once resided in the collection of John Darcy Noble, Belinda and friends offer a very touching tale. Then, there are those of you who remember "Mother's Little Angels," starring those devilish little rascals "Max and Moritz."

Michael and David are founding members of the Carmel Doll and Toy Study Group, a club with affiliation within the international organization, the United Federation of Doll Clubs.

An excerpt from Doll News, Fall 2005...
"...the Award for Exhibit of Dolls was bestowed on two members from Region 2-North this year, Michael Canadas and David Robinson, whose standard of excellence is legendary. An exhibit of dolls for the purpose of study and appreciation can require years of planning. In conjunction with the 2004 UFDC convention, this year's honorees mounted a magnificent exhibit of French fashion dolls, accessories, clothing and furniture at the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. The dolls for the exhibit at the museum were gathered from many collectors around the United States, and after the exhibit closed, the nominees traveled around the country again to return them to their owners. The honorees have presented many seminars, exhibits and special programs at UFDC conventions, conferences and doll clubs."

THE ROSE PERCY FOUNDATION

Miss Rose Percy was born in England in the year 1861 and shortly thereafter was imported to America. It could easily be stated that, today, she is the most significant doll in American history.

THE ROSE PERCY FOUNDATION, named for that very important doll, was established in 2010 by Michael Canadas and David Robinson to aid in the protection and preservation of historic Civil War artifacts that relate to dolls and other items from childhood. With that preface, it is understood that the primary asset of the foundation is Rose Percy herself. The goal of the foundation is to not only share Rose Percy with interested parties, but also to reveal and expand upon her remarkable record of charitable service to the United States of America.
The new mission that has been designed for Rose Percy is not unlike her first, which was to help raise funds for worthwhile causes. Primarily, funds earned by Rose and her events will be earmarked for veterans of wars, with a special emphasis on soldiers who have suffered brain injuries, and the resulting mental health issues that may accompany them. Rose will also work to help other charitable institutions such as protective services for women and children, food banks, holiday toy drives; actually any charitable cause that helps make the world a better place.
We at Carmel Doll Shop are proud of our not only our affiliation with this most hardworking of dolls, but also of what we have been able to achieve since the first day Rose Percy has been in our care. On top of many other responsibilities in the past year, Michael and David also wrote a book about Rose Percy and her fascinating history. The cover of Rose Percy, Duty’s Most Faithful Child is illustrated above.
With Rose as the star attraction, the UFDC club, the Carmel Doll & Toy Study Group hosted a fundraising luncheon in San Jose, California in May of 2011. The turnout was tremendous, and the very exciting day resulted in donations from the generous attendees that exceeded $25,000 when matching donations from several organizations were factored in. The day also marked the debut of the Rose Percy book, which acted as the event’s souvenir. Thank you to all who were in attendance.

Please visit ROSEPERCY.ORG to learn about upcoming Rose Percy charitable events in your area.

Additional information concerning Rose Percy can be found in the Winter 2011 issue of the UFDC publication DOLL NEWS.

A singular challenge, and one we are very proud to have met, is the Souvenir Journal that we designed and edited for the UFDC's 57th National Convention that was held in Dallas, Texas in 2006.
Inspired by the convention's theme "Tell Me A Story" we asked guest authors to contribute doll-related stories with one stipulation – all were required to begin with the words "Once upon a time...." Our writer friends did not disappoint and our journal was met with great enthusiasm by the UFDC membership.

Many of our close friends and clients are aware of our association with the peerless recording artist, director, and Academy Award-winning film star, Barbra Streisand. Those who have learned of our friendship also know that not only is Ms. Streisand an antique doll and dollhouse collector, but that we at Carmel Doll Shop have been privileged to work with her in order to help her collection grow.

Over the past few years, during our many visits to Barbra's Malibu property, we witnessed her latest labor of love take shape from the ground up, and that is her beautiful new home, The Barn. Barbra shares accounts of the design and construction of the monumental building project in her recently released book, My Passion for Design, which is a work of art in itself. In the book, Barbra takes the reader on a private tour, and along the way shares commentary that is delivered from a very intimate point of view. We are especially honored to have been included in the book in the chapter entitled Bee's Doll Shop, the one that obviously concerns her doll and dollhouse collection.

Barbra writes:

"I have two doll buddies, Michael Canadas and David Robinson, who own the Carmel Doll Shop, where I buy lots of things. The three of us have gone on shopping trips everywhere from Pasadena to Paris, where they've taken me to meet other dealers who work out of their homes. Sometimes I'll buy a doll with a great face and a great history, but her clothes will be ruined. Then, Michael, who is the best doll couturier around, will whip up a gorgeous outfit for her with delicate pin tucks and ruching."

"Michael and David come over every so often, and we work on my dollhouses. It's the perfect pastime for someone like me who loves decorating rooms because I can keep going even though I've run out of real rooms to decorate...."

In the beginning of her book Barbra shares -- "My whole life, in a sense, has been a search for beauty...." We are pleased, and relieved, that at the end of her lovely work, our dear friend writes -- "I am very grateful for all that has been given to me. All that's left to do now is to be in the moment...and enjoy it."

Thank you, Barbra, for your kindnesses, which have been countless.

Additionally, we are honored to be included in the publication "The Specialty Shop," a book by author Dorothy Finell.
In her very informative and idea-inspiring work she writes:
"The Carmel Doll Shop is a world of enchantment, like walking into a dollhouse filled with antique dolls, dollhouses and doll clothes. The other-worldly ambience of the shop is enhanced by unique displays, that interwoven with one another, produce a world of magic in this niche business."

Carmel Doll Shop
is a member of NADDA, the National Antique Doll Dealers Association, abides by the organization's Code of Ethics and participates in its national shows.

Please click here to view future NADDA Events
The NADDA Antique Doll Show and Sale
is coming soon.
Bellevue, Washington
October 21-23, 2011
We very much hope to see you there!

Carmel Doll Shop advertises regularly in Antique DOLL Collector Magazine, where readers can enjoy articles from Michael's collecting perspective in "From The Doll Cabinet."

Above is a very small sampling of some of the marvelous dolls that have passed through the door of
Carmel Doll Shop

It is our goal to offer here on these pages, antique dolls and assorted merchandise that will inspire and delight you. We hope to earn your confidence. We understand your time is valuable...we want you to enjoy your visits here. In order for you to visit often, we realize that we must keep the site up-to-date, freshly stocked and looking its best. That is our pledge.
We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Please email us at: michaelndavid@carmeldollshop.com

When visiting the Central Coast region of California, please include Carmel Doll Shop in your plans. The Monterey Peninsula is located two hours south of San Francisco and five and one-half hours north of Los Angeles. We are located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, on the east side of Lincoln Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, within Lincoln Court. Please click here for a map of our location
	*Our hours of operation are:* Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Friday & Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *Closed Sunday*
	Shop Phone: (831) 625-5360
	*Mailing Address:* Carmel Doll Shop P.O. Box 7198 Carmel, CA 93921

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISIT!

Photo by Sal Santamaura	Welcome to www.carmeldollshop.com! Carmel Doll Shop was founded in 1989 in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, by antiques dealers Michael Canadas and David Robinson. Please click here to view, through our eyes, scenes of Carmel – a beautiful village by the sea.
Over the years the shop has become known for stocking high-quality merchandise in a beautiful, imaginative setting. Special emphasis is always placed on attractive display, because we feel a visit to Carmel Doll Shop should be an inspiration to collectors. It is also our sincere wish to convey that magical atmosphere here, on our web site.



Click on the Doll News covers above to peruse The Letters to the Editors