The major difference in size between the Tawny Nix doll and Magic Attic is the feet -- Tessa has rather large feet and it was a stretch (literally) to get her to fit even into shoes intended for American Girl dolls. Unlike American Girl, though, her feet are very pretty and well-sculpted. They also help her to stand quite well, even without the aid of a doll stand.

In the picture on the left, you can see Tessa wearing a Just Pretend, Stardust Classics gown made for Laurel the Wood Fairy who is standing to her right. As you can see, it fits her as though it was made for her. And with her pixie-like looks, especially her ears, I think she makes an excellent Wood Fairy.

Tessa's original dress, a mauve floral pinafore over a off-white, subtly printed dress, is of outstanding quality materials and construction. The dress' many layers, slip and pantaloons are accented with very lovely trims. Everything is finished extremely well and there are only snaps and hook-and-eyes used, no damaging Velcro. Tawny's hair and clothing styles remind me of the work of Linda Rick: old fashioned and with big hair in fancy styles.

Tessa's vinyl, wig and eye quality are all excellent; noticeably better than the Stardust Classics and Magic Attic dolls I'm comparing her to in these pictures. She does have flange-jointed limbs (unlike those dolls' strung limbs) which makes her a little stiff and makes it hard to get her arms into some clothes, but her joints seem sturdy and likely to hold up very well to play. The dolls' painting, including subtle shading on the limbs, is very natural looking and well done.

All of the 18" vinyl dolls share the same face mold. An option that makes these dolls very affordable is the Dress A Doll that is available only through the company website. She is only $50 and you can chose your own hair color and eye color.

I'm very happy with my Tawny Nix Tessa. She's a lovely, great-quality doll who fits in well with a variety of other dolls in my collection. I'm very pleased that Tawny decided to try her hand at vinyl dolls I expect and hope that she'll do very, very well with them.

Copyright © 2006 Maria Greene All Rights Reserved