Leeann Doll, Great Alternative To Barbie! By tinkerbell on Jan 11, 2008 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

Leeann is a cute, rather impish looking doll of the vinyl variety. Sold online by Affordable Designs, Leeann was designed by Denis Bastien.

Standing about a foot tall, Leeann has an unusual face. She may not appeal to everyone, but I am particularly fond of her. She makes me smile.

While Leeann was originally created, I believe, for older children and doll collectors, I feel Leeann is a great alternative to Barbie.

I find Leeann's girlish figure and simple body design make her easy to dress. Accessories do not get lost quite so easily as Barbie's and I find Leeann is a nice size to sew for and create accessories for. Dolls, clothes, accessories, and patterns, are also sold on Leeann's website as well as online auction sites through private sellers.

I love the soft silky rooted blonde hair on this Leeann doll, but some newer Leeann's may be purchased bald to use with the many changeable wigs at Affordable Designs. You may also purchase wigs to fit Leeann, from Doll Supply sites.

Leeann's head, arms, and legs are jointed, so she will hold a variety of simple poses. Her vinyl is hard, not soft, so she is durable.

Leeann's World would not be complete without friends, so Lenny (a boy), and Leneda (an African girl) were created at Affordable Designs.

Leeann's head and body mold were originally sculpted by MaryAnn Oldenburg around 2003-2004, for one of her beautiful Oren Village Dolls, Lilly. The three Oren Village dolls (Aiden, Lilly, and McKenzie) are no longer made, but it's fun to find them. Leeann can't have too many friends, can she?

Dolls can be an important part of a child's life. They create memories that last forever. Leeann is affordable and fun. I am happy to have found her.

I don't know what secrets Leeann is hiding, but her elfish expression reminds me of Tinkerbell. Who knows, maybe she is!