Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer

(Stacy Holbrook/FAN – Vanessa McDaniel’s Valentine’s Day display)

Barbie is loved by girls of all ages, including Vanessa McDaniel.  

As a little girl, McDaniel enjoyed every Barbie and Ken she received.  As a woman, McDaniel has evolved her childhood enjoyment to a creative outlet. Owning more than 400 Barbies from every vintage, she restores, recreates and designs. Using her imagination, she also tells stories with staged dioramas.

Every outfit is hand designed and hand stitched. Occasionally a Barbie may need a new hairdo, and McDaniel has the skills to stitch new hair for that Barbie.  Props and accessories are crafted from recycled items.  If McDaniel can imagine it, she will design it.  

McDaniel said, her husband is one of her biggest supporters, and that her mother is her promoter, and her sons encourage her as they grow in creativity and imaginations of their own.  

Her friend, Mary Lynn Pettit, suggested she put up a Valentine’s display at the Pettit Hardware store. McDaniel created a love story for Barbie and Ken. Every item on display was created through imagination, hand crafted with recycled props, right down to the chocolate candies in the heart boxes.  This display brought joy to many visitors at Pettit’s Hardware store.

When asked what is next, McDaniel said, “Next will be an Easter display that will be arranged on March 18 or 19 at Pettit’s Hardware on Main Street, Eaton Rapids.  

This story will have an egg hunt in the display; it will be curious what story the community will create.”   

Another story for the future will include an Airstream display: Barbie will have a handmade, special designed Airstream of her own.  

McDaniel has other ideas forming in her thoughts, with a possible booth at the Eaton Rapids Farmer’s Market or other locations around town.  Maybe, there will be a search and find activity for a fun community event. 

There will be more displays and more stories to tell as McDaniel is open to creating more stories for people and for businesses. Send an email to McDaniel at  Nessmcdaniel06@gmail.com. 

Remember, this year America celebrates 250 years, now that would be a great store front design.