CABBAGE PATCH KIDS: CAPE ART MART NEW ADOPTION CENTER FOR POPULAR COLLECTIBLES

Cape Art Mart, 21 Plaza Way, is the newest official adoption center for Original Cabbage Patch Kids.

"These are the hand-stitched, soft-sculptured babies from the Cleveland, Ga., Cabbage Patch," said Nancy Reppen of Cape Art Mark. "They are created by Xavier Roberts."

The latest Diamond Edition features a number of holiday kids that are available from the local adoption center, the only one in Missouri.

They include:

A selection of Kids dressed up as Indians for Thanksgiving.

A group of Kids in fancy holiday fashions.

Christy-Claus, a special creation, with her list of good and bad little boys and girls.

The Cabbage Patch Kids Collectors Club, now 5 years old, offers exclusive editions to club members. Some of the original babies from 1978 have become real collector items.

"People adopted these Kids for $30," said Reppen. "Some of them area now valued at $5,000."

The first Cabbage Patch Kids, developed by artist Roberts in 1977, were found at an arts and crafts fair in Georgia. A year later the Kids were the rage of the toy world.

"The dolls we have are all hand-made," said Reppen. "Adoption papers are available with each of them, and they are available only at Art Mart." Other Cabbage Patch Kids may be found in various outlets, but these are commercially manufactured." said Reppen.

The Kids range in size from 15 to 23 inches.

"Most are 21 to 23 inches," said Reppen. "But they do make a toddler size at 15 inches."

Mrs. Christy-Claus stands at 23 inches.

"We also have a Nick-Claus," said Reppen. "They were introduced last year, and only a few remain. Nick and Christy were limited to 700 each."