Hi Gary, I received Miss Scarlett. It appears you restored more than we agreed upon initially. I guess you realized that after the fact, so I get the benefit of the mistake. Which says a lot for your integrity and I thank you for sticking with the agreement. Having said all that, I've gotta say I was delighted with the results; everything was way beyond what I expected. The hair, eyes, repairs and particularly the repainting with such attention to the eyelashes, lips, eyebrows and 'rosy' highlights ... well, the word "Wow" leaps to mind! Needless to say, I'll be sending my next doll (a vintage Shirley) to you very soon for a makeover. It's always a gamble trying an unknown, especially an online contact; but when it works out well, you hold onto that contact. Thanks for your great work, Jim Cosman (see photos below)

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Hi Gary, Hope that you like the pictures. I know that the clothing is dated earlier than my doll but I like the style. This doll is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. You are so talented. Thank you for giving a memory of my mother that I would never have been able to share with my sister had it not been for you. We both consider our dolls priceless as are your talents. Thank you, Christine O Donnell (see photos below)

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Hi Gary, After going to your site, and reading through letters you receive, I saw myself in them. I am a graduate of San Francisco art institute and have some general knowledge of restoration background, but do not have the experience with the knowledge of dolls that only many years of "doing it" can bring. You are a Master. When I get her, I'll know more, and can decide how far I want to go, repair or restoration, and then send her to you. I also read the info on packing for shipping - sleep eyes need a lot of special care. Again, thank you, and I will be back in touch as soon as I get the doll. Regards, Janice

Dear Gary and Louise, How can I ever thank you? There aren't words for me to express to you how I am feeling right now. You did an amazing job restoring my little girl. She looks so absolutely beautiful. You are both indeed masters at what you do. I came home from a short trip to the market today to find a notice in my mailbox of attempted delivery by the postman. I jumped back in my car and drove through our little community trying to find him. A few blocks away I spotted his truck and beeped my horn until he stopped. I told him "You have something in your truck I have been waiting a very long time for." I brought her home and called my husband because I had promised him I wouldn't open the package until he was home with me. He came home and we opened the package together. It is a moment I will always remember, there was so much emotion I could hardly believe the way I felt. Thank you both again. And if you ever come across a Lenci that someone is willing to part with let me know. I would love to have another as I have two grand-daughters. With my deepest appreciation, Arlene Fried (see photos below)

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Hi Gary! This is just a note to let you know that we just received Shirley today ... she is beautiful!!! Gary, my mom wants me to tell you that you're THE BEST!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Take care, AJ Lonif

Gary, My baby doll arrived while I was out of town visiting with ill relatives. My husband claimed it for me, at the post office. I am so very pleased with the finished product; she is wonderful. It is apparent she was restored with loving care. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into her restoration. She is going to one of my adult daughters, and eventually to her daughter, my granddaughter. Beckey Turner Blair, Nebraska

Dear Gary,       WOW! To say that I'm pleased with the restoration work you did on my Jerry Mahoney ventriloquist doll would be the understatement of the millennium! You are a true artist. I can't see where the repairs are in the composition, no matter how hard I look. Thank you for your fast service and artistic craftsmanship. I have a large collection of puppets and marionettes and many need some restoration. With your permission I'd like to ship another one to you for an estimate. Thanks again for the professional service. Sincerely, Tommy Goodwin

Dear Gary, I just want to thank you again so much for the beautiful restoration job you did on my mother's 1940s MaMa doll. I am not sure who was more excited for her to receive the gift -her or me! As you can see, from the picture I've included, she was completely thrilled with receiving her doll for a second time. My mother is so proud of "her first baby" and makes a point to show her to everyone that will take the time to look (both the before and after). This has truly been the most meaningful gift that I have ever been able to give my mother (other than her three grandchildren!). Please keep up the wonderful work - you must know how much joy your talent brings! Sincerely, April Gagnon P.S. And yes, she did cry when she saw her! Below is a quick note that my mother had written you after she received her doll. Dear Gary, I was amazed at the wonderful job you did on my doll that I got as a gift at age 7! My sister got a doll at the same time, unfortunately she let her grandchildren play with it, and after the fact, thought it wasn't worth saving. She just couldn't believe it when she saw my repaired doll, as my doll was in worse condition than hers! She is really kicking herself for that! Thanks again for the wonderful reconstruction on her - she looks new at the age of 58 years old. I have friends and relatives alike that couldn't believe it after I showed them the pictures of what she looked like before you worked on her. Please keep up the wonderful work that you must truly love! It will make so many people happy, as I am! Sincerely, Irma Griglak (see photo below)

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Hi Gary, She took my breath away! She looks so beautiful! I only wish my mom could have seen her looking this way. And, I didn't know that she cried. That was a nice surprise. What a difference the teeth make in her appearance. I'm going to give her to my only granddaughter when she gets a little older in remembrance of her greatgrandmother. But I will be enjoying her until that time. I can't thank you enough for the restoration work that you have done. You did a beautiful job and really brought her back to life. Thank you again. Best wishes for a happy holiday season. Sincerely, Marie Blasi (see photos below)

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Dear Gary, Thank you for the excellent job that you did with my doll. She is so beautiful. Every thing is perfect. The dress is just wonderful. The work on her body and face is just so very masterfully done. You take me back to 1947 and the way she looked on that Christmas. Thank you. Betty F. Coger (see photos below)

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Dear Gary, I received my doll, and I want to thank you for the beautiful job. She looks brand new. She is on display in my home. Thank you again, Elin McCormick (see photos below)

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Dear Gary, I just wanted to let you know my Shirley Temple doll got here in great shape today. She looks just beautiful! You did a wonderful job on her. Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure doing business with you. Sincerely, Terri Hutton (see photos below)

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Hi Gary, I just got home from the post office and couldn't wait to see Snow White. She looks beautiful again. I finally did something right when I chose you to do her repair work. She looks exactly as we discussed she should look. You are a "master" and I'm sure you are very proud of your talent. As you should be. I would certainly refer anyone to you, should the opportunity arise. Thank you, I am very happy. Beverly

Gary, I apologize for not writing sooner, but I wanted to wait until my photos were developed to share some of them with you. As you can see from the photo of my Mother opening the box, she was in tears when she saw how beautiful the doll was due to your extraordinary workmanship. You restored the doll in such a marvelous manner that my mother thought we had purchased a new doll. When we showed the doll to my 95 year old grandmother (photos later), the original owner of the doll, she just kept stroking her face and hair in disbelief. She too could not believe that it was the original doll and was almost giddy when she saw the doll's eyes open and close again. She explained that the eyes were plastered in place after her brother had poked the doll's eyes out in a childhood spat. As I had mentioned before, the hair for the doll's wig was from my greatgrandmother. Everyday when she brushed her long hair, she would remove the hair from her brush and place it in a bag until she had enough to make the wig. Just a little history! Gary, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for making both of these moments so memorable -- they were truly priceless. Thank you!! Karen Moody and the Bolander Girls (see photos below)

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Dear Gary, My Whistler doll arrived safely Monday May 8. He is exquisite! Wish I'd taken a "before" picture but it didn't occur to me at the time. I'm very happy with him, your workmanship is wonderful. I'm so glad I never lost his sailor suit. I'll await his new sailor hat. Sandi Challoner (see photos below)

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Gary, Just to let you know that my "Hair Loop Bow" doll's head arrived today safe and sound. I am absolutely speechless as to the beautiful restoration job you did on this head. She is gorgeous! Thank you again for your wonderful work, and keeping me informed of the process along the way. After stringing her jointed wooden body and attaching the head, I will have a beautiful heirloom and prized addition to my Joseph L. Kallus collection of wood-jointed dolls. Thanks again, Suzi (see photos below)

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Gary! She turned out so beautifully! Thank you for your services. I knew I'd be pleased but when I opened the box and uncovered her I must say that I was taken by surprise by her beauty. This doll was given to my grandmother as a young child. The family were early settlers of Washington state and Alma's first home would have been on a houseboat, as the family business was oystering. Where they would have kept such a beautiful doll is beyond me! Thanks again for restoring her. Sincerely, Ruth Borrelli

Gary and Louise, Shirley is absolutely beautiful. She has truly been adored by everyone who has visited my shop since she came home. I received her on Christmas Eve so it was really like a Christmas Present. My mom and dad gave her to me in 1936 when I was four years old. I have always been a doll lover. Mom loved dolls,too. We (Mom and I) have looked for a doll hospital for several years and it was only after she died last April that I found your place. But, Mom left me the money to have Shirley restored, so, you can see how very special she is to me. I have Mom's German bisque doll that she received in 1912 from her parents and I plan to have her restored this year. She has her very, very old dress and hat on, but, her hair and eyes are gone. I will be talking to you very soon about her. Thanks again. I couldn't be more pleased. Jane Peterson (see photo below)

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