I discovered Rebecca, aka Squirrel Junkie, after I bought my first Kenner Blythe one month ago. From many different sources, her name came right after I started to search for an expert who could help my new girl get her body back! And I am feeling very lucky that she accepted this mission 
But Rebecca is not only a Kenner expert, she is also a talented artist, who always likes to try new ways of expression.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Rebecca and Squirrel.
Hi Rebecca! Can you introduce yourself?
Hello my name is Rebecca. I am 33 years old. I live in Northern California with husband and two girlie-dos (almost 13 and 10). I am a graphic designer and teacher (I home-school our girls). I love sewing, knitting, building custom cars (we have built many cars, one was in 5 magazines world wide and now lives with a car collector in NY), pin-striping, jewelry making, and of course Blythe! I have been sewing for 18 years now, knitting for 10, building cars with my husband for around 7 years….
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Vintage sign.
How and when did you discover Blythe?
I discovered Blythe from uploading knitting pictures to Flickr. I kept seeing them and thinking “OMG, what are those things?!” Yes, it is true. Over time I fell in love with them and told my husband “I need one…just one, honey”. So, I bought three. From the first second my first girl arrived, I was smitten and bitten by the Blythe bug all at the same time. The rest is history.
How many Blythe dolls do you have in your own collection?
I currently have 21 girls: 1 Kenner, 13 SBLs, 6 RBLs, & 1 ADG.
Photo. Squirrel Junkie. Helvetica (Peony/MSR Hybrid) on the left and Sugaroni‘s Skylar (HOM/MSR Hybrid) on the right.
Where and how do you store your own dolls?
My girls live in various places. Sometimes they are in the house on the vintage buffet in the living room, in the studio on “their” bookcase, or on my customizing table. They tend to move around a lot depending on who I want near me.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie.
What kind of Blythe do you prefer?
That is a hard question. I honestly love them all. My favorite though would be SBL, only because that was the first Blythe I ever owned. They hold a special place in my heart.
When and how did you get your first Kenner Blythe?
I got my first Kenner through a miracle and the kindness of another Flickr member. ~Aprilxoxo (April) won a Kenner on ebay and asked me to restore her for her. I responded that I could do it and if she ever decided to sell her I would buy her in a heart beat. So, long story short, I ended up with her and since then have restored her. She has been my saving grace in a lot of ways over the past few months. A Kenner brightens anyone’s day!
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Patience and Squirrel.
Why are Kenner Blythe dolls so unique in your opinion?
They each have their own story. Each and everyone of them is different. There is something so magical and absolutely wonderful about them. You look into their eyes and can’t help but get stars in yours.
Why did you start to restore Kenner yourself?
I started restoring Kenners January of 2009 because Marrlow (Maggie) contacted me asking if I could restore a Kenner she just got and I very happily said yes! The rest is history…
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Chopin – Kenner Blonde. Mom: Marrrlow.
How did you learn how to do it?
I wouldn’t say I “learned” to do it. I use techniques and skills I have learned my whole life. I have been artistic since I could pick up a crayon. Each and every skill and lesson I have learned has presented itself as something used for restoration work. Even some of the odd stuff you don’t think you are ever going to need, want, or use. Life is funny that way.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. What an impressive tool box!
What is the worst condition in which you received a Kenner?
Hmmm, they each seem like they have something (even if it is a tiny thing) really wrong. One girl I restored had hair falling out really bad and many missing plugs. Another girl’s face was so very, very yellow and required a lot of work.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Lulu – Before and After – Kenner Redhead sidepart. Mom: Blythechic.
Is there anything Kenner owners should be particularly cautious with?
Depends on the condition of the girl. If she has missing plugs you obviously wouldn’t want to brush her hair a lot or wash it roughly until plugs were either secured or repaired. If a girl had a big crack you would want to be careful of that kind of thing too. I think the most important thing is just to keep in mind that they are 37+ years old and that they need to be treated with care, respect, and love.
Why did you start to customize Blythe dolls, and can you list your skills?
I started customizing back in July 2008 when I received Squirrel (my girl I did 365 with). I wanted her to not be so stock and shiny and to have different eye chips, so I decided to give it a go and customize her. My skills would be: Re-rooting (both mohair and saran. I also custom dye both), lip carving, boggling, gaze correcting, make up, etc..etc.. The next thing I would like to add to the list is airbrushing. I got an airbrush for Christmas and hope to offer this service soon!
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Rebecca and Squirrel.
How did you learn how to do it?
Totally by trial and error. Like I said Miss Squirrel was the first girl I ever customized. I was so nervous opening her or doing anything. I thought I was going to break something! I struggled, but got her open and customized. She has a few “battle wounds” but they are minor and not noticeable. They give her “character”. The next girl I opened I had no problem with and now I don’t even really blink an eye when I do it. Again, just like with Kenner restoration I use skills I have learned all my life in doing custom work. The two go hand in hand in many ways.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Annika (Custom Silver Snow for Marrrlow).
What gives you inspiration?
All sorts of things. I like to absorb life — each and every bit of it. Some inspiration comes from my kids, others, traveling, art, etc. etc..
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Domino (Custom Ashletina).
What is your work rhythm?
Honestly slow. I treat every girl (Takara or Kenner) as my own. I don’t rush and give up most attention to detail. I refuse to work on a girl if I am in a bad mood as I don’t want to put that energy into them. Although sometimes working on a girl gets me out of a bad mood.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. Bunny (Re-root and restoration work for Morganannie)
How do you like to work?
I like to work with music on and wearing comfy clothes.
Photo: Sugaroni. The Maestro at work!
How does your studio look like?
I recently moved my studio out of the house and now have over 500 square feet of work space. It is wonderful, but I am still settling in. There are lots of bright happy colors in there and items that I love. It is a hodgepodge of stuff from the years.
Photo: Squirrel Junkie. The new studio.
What are you working on these days?
Currently I am working on making more things available for my Etsy shop. I make wire Blythe hangers, knitted bunny nuggets, capes, etc. etc. I am hoping to really start to expand what I am able to make an do now that my studio is done. Lots of exciting things should be coming in the near future!
Photo: Sugaroni. Bea and Squirrel with their Bunny Nuggets.
Photo: Hejog. Bitsy and her Bunny.
Photos: Squirrel Junkie. The Alien Cape
When it comes to Blythe, Rebecca can do anything! She is definitely one of the best experts, and I am really impressed by her multifaceted talent. Thank you so much, Rebecca, for your time and telling us about your Blythe love. Each and every doll that goes between your hands becomes a real beauty, and I love your refreshing creativity and sense of humor!
Related posts:
wonderful interview! congratulations rebecca i cannot wait to see what else you have in store!
Wow! Great interview! This is such an awesome series. I can’t wait to see who will be interviewed next!
WOW…such a great interview! I really enjoyed reading more about Rebecca!! She makes magic with the girls!! AND she is a very sweet person!
I should mention that Rebecca is SO FIERCE, that she took an 11 hour train (ONE WAY) *just* to come to a HOUSE OF PINKU Holiday meet from Chico, California to Portland, Oregon! After the meet, she slept on my couch, and the next day took ANOTHER 11 hour train back home! She is a lovely & kind human being who I am honored to have met!! See you again soon sweetie!! xox