known as grandma gets real, tonya ruiz has gathered a large following on social media with her realistic versions of barbies. the former model has been collecting dolls and miniature props to recreate different real life situations in a 1:6 scale. during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she began the quarantine barbies project with the aim of creating a barbie doll everyone could relate to while at home.

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie kits
images courtesy of tonya ruiz

 

 

‘I had always wanted to make spoof barbies like I had seen on the ellen show,’ comments tonya ruiz on a youtube post where she shares behind-the-scenes footage of the project. ‘when the quarantine started and I saw a couple of funny pandemic barbies – I thought that I should make a barbie that everyone could relate to. I created the quarantine starter pack – curvy doll in stretchy pants. she was so well liked that I continued creating spoof / parody barbies.’

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie kits

 

 

the dolls are presented inside a transparent ‘starter pack’ box, accompanied by a collection of miniature objects that reinforce the personality of the character. for example, the quarantine break baking barbie includes a mixer, flour, sourdough starter, eggs, bananas, butter, and milk; and a doll that is probably making a flour disaster around the kitchen. or the zoom ken that’s dressed from the waist up while wearing only red-hearted boxer shorts.

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie kits

 

 

‘the what time is it? quarantine edition barbie went viral on facebook – and it’s been funny hearing all the reactions to my dolls,’ ruiz concludes. ‘there is a proverb that says – a merry heart does good like medicine. I’m happy to hear that my one-of-a-kind quarantine barbies have amused you and made you smile. I wish you good health.’

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie kits

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

grandma gets real creates relatable quarantine barbie starter packs

 

 

project info:

 

name: quarantine barbie

designer: tonya ruiz / grandma gets real