My name is Thomas. I live in the New York City area. I've worked as a professional graphic artist for years, and a designer of miniature clothing and accessories for as long as I can remember. I recently re-discovered my childhood passion for dolls and action figures, as well as clothing and accessory design and construction. Thanks to the internet, I discovered there are many other grown up folks out there who share my fondness for this type of nostalgia, and I have met some great people here. I say "grown up folks" because many people think that dolls and figures are playthings... for children. (This site is definitely not for them.) No, no. This site is intended for those "grown up folks" among us who are in touch with our inner children, and who truly appreciate the joy that quality miniatures can bring. In fact, because of some small parts used, it is recommended that all items shown here not be purchased for children, but for mature collectors, ages 14 and up. I've always loved fashion dolls and action figures. In fact, they provide some of my fondest memories of being a kid in the sixties. I played for hours and hours with GI Joe, my sister's Barbies® and friends (never had any of my own until the 90's), and one of my all time favorites,Johnny Hero. For those who don't recall, Johnny was a 12" pose able foam fellow who was the athletic counterpart to GI Joe, America's movable fighting man. A few years ago, I was walking through a toy store in NYC, and I stumbled upon a 12" GI Joe. He was a Hall of Fame Gung-Ho Dress Marine. The detail of the uniform and the figure were fine and I was overcome with nostalgia. Needless to say, I bought him. About a year later, I was at FAO and saw that the #1 Ponytail Barbie had been re-issued. That same feeling came over me again. I bought her. For a long time, those were the only two in my collection. But the feeling never faded. I wondered if examples of those original dolls and figures were still intact anywhere out there. About two years ago, I visited an open air flea market. A dealer there had a one-legged QuickCurl Barbie from 1973. I bought her for $20, as well as a straight-leg Allan for $35. That is how my vintage collection began. Missing wardrobe pieces led to the need to innovate and create my own. So I fired up the old sewing machine, and began creating my own designs. Here I am, three years later, knee-deep in nostalgia, and having the time of my life. Oh, I almost forgot. Below is a Thomas Original design that appeared in the pages of Barbie Bazaar, October '98 issue. Life is good. ;) For other Thomas Originals media mentions follow this link: http://www.thomasoriginals.com/media.html |
It was Christmas morning, 1966. I still recall
the excitement and anticipation I felt as I slowly
unwrapped that oblong box. After months of begging,
for him, my prayers were answered. My very own Johnny Hero.
As I recall, the next package on top of that stack to my left, still
waiting to be unwrapped, was a NY Yankees uniform,
followed by a football uniform. It was the happiest day of my life.
I recently acquired three Johnny Hero figures and that elusive Yankee uniform to add
to my collection. (The second happiest day of my life.) ;)
