Hello Everyone

My name is Susan Brewer, though most people call me Sue, and I've collected things ever since I was little, when I stuck savings stamps into an album. The stamps bore pictures of Prince Charles and Princess Anne as toddlers, which gives you a clue to my age. I'm a lot younger inside, though, kept that way by my two 'children' in their twenties, plus all the gossip I glean from my colleague and friend Tracy Martin, whose Blog you will no doubt have already read.

Dolls are my main speciality, I don't know why, they just are. I've always loved them, right from childhood and am lucky enough to still have a few of my early dolls (the ones I managed to hide when Mum told me I was too old for dolls and they had to be binned!). However, over the years I've also collected - and gained knowledge of - many different kinds of collectables including ceramics, nursery collectables and babywear, children's toys, modern teddy bears, postcards, children's books and fun collectables. I am a great fan of themed collections, I love the way a doll, bear, book, ornament, cup and postcard can all come together to create a display.

I began my writing career in earnest in the 1970s; since then I have written for many magazines, including Collect It!, Doll Magazine, Collectables, Antiques and Collectables, What's It Worth?, Doll Showcase, Teddy Bear Scene, Collector's Gazette, Teddy Bear Times, The Sun, My Weekly, Woman's Realm and Best. At the moment I am Editor of Doll Magazine and also of Doll Showcase, and a regular contributor to Collect It! and Teddy Bear Scene. I've given talks on various aspects of doll collecting, and have appeared on television in shows such as Car Booty, I Love the 70s, I love the 80s and as guest presenter on QVC. I've been writing for the World Collector's Net for several years, and think it's a brilliant site - I admire the way it brings together collectors with many different interests, and is always up to the minute.

I've also written a book featuring the collectable dolls Tiny Tears and First Love, several booklets on various aspects of doll collecting, as well a child's first reader, Mike's Bike. I'm presently working on two books on doll collecting with a nostalgia theme plus a book on the history of playground games and toys. It's fun remembering all those skipping rhymes and chants, and has brought back many memories.

My Blog will tell you about the dolls I discover on my travels, and the people and collectors I meet. I'll also keep you updated on other areas of collectables which particularly appeal to me. Hopefully, I'll point would-be doll collectors in the right direction, and help established collectors by suggesting new ideas and trends. I'll let you know about special finds and pass on any doll-related gossip too - and as things tend to happen to me, I'm sure I'll have plenty of funny anecdotes to share, so please look in from time to time!

Sue X