| Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
May 2004 Issue 33
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Copyright 2004 by Dollmaker’s Journey
Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection newsletter is a free e-mail newsletter. Tell your friends, family and fellow dollmakers about us, and feel free to forward this newsletter to those who might be interested. You can visit our companion website at:
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/
**Notice!**
You can read all the past issues online. Go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/archives.html
The archives include an easy to follow index to all the past issues.
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Dear dollmaker friends,
The cicadas are chirping and swarming everywhere here in the eastern United States. They burrow underground and only emerge every 17 years for 4-6 weeks. Trees and sidewalks are covered, and the sound at 100 decibels has to be experienced to be believed. My relatives visiting from Utah and California were disgusted, but I think they are beautiful. One got caught on our windshield wiper, and I was enthralled by the glorious wings. They have iridescent copper and gold lines on a transparent base that glow in the sunlight. I grabbed a piece of paper and drew the design. It will be perfect for fairy wings! Nature is ever the inspiration for art.
I have decided this month to include in the newsletter a sneak preview of upcoming products we will be carrying on our website. Check out the section “Coming Soon” for more details.
Time is running out for our Funky Flamingo Challenge. You should see some of the pictures we have already received. See rules under CHALLENGES below. In addition to our flamingo challenge we are pleased to announce a new Hot Flash Challenge created by Sherry Goshon. Check out the free pattern on our website by Pamela Hastings at http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflash.html and then following the rules below under “FREE GIFT WITH A CHALLENGE ATTACHED” to create a prize-winning doll. Fabulous prizes including some of Pamela’s great books could be yours.
Mary Ann and Bonnie
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COMING SOON
You asked for it. Dollmaker’s Journey will soon have complete online classes available on CD-ROM. These are classes that were taught online several years ago, and now the instructors are making them available on computer disks to use on your computer. Just wait until next month to see the fantastic classes you can take in the privacy of your home at your own convenience. Courses will include patterns, color photos, and step-by-step directions to help you create amazing dolls and learn new skills.
We will soon premier SUNSET SELECTIONS - a bundle of classic patterns available on a first-come, first-serve basis at a greatly reduced price. If you order more than one, we will try and make sure each pattern you receive is different. This is the ultimate grab bag for doll pattern collectors, each pattern by a different designer. If you already have one of the patterns, give it to a friend. At these prices, it will be the best present you can give yourself.
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DESIGNER OF THE MONTH
You only have a few more days to take advantage of our May Designers of the Month ALLISON MARANO (http://dollmakersjourney.com/marano.html) and LINDA MURPHY. Enjoy a 20% discount on all of their patterns through May 31.
Beginning June 1 we will feature designer BECKY HOLLOWAY. Any orders placed after June 1 will receive 20% off all Becky’s fabulous patterns. Check them out at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html
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CHALLENGES
Dollmaker’s Journey announces The Funky Flamingo Contest!
Now’s your chance to become a featured designer on Dollmaker’s Journey. Create an original pattern for a sexy flamingo doll. Our customer, June Pierceall, describes the doll as follows:
“I can see this flamingo made of pink satin or a pink glittery lame fabric. Really tacky!!! On top of the head would be some pink feathers or something spiky. She would need long eyelashes, eye makeup and sun glasses down on her beak. There would also need to be some sort of stuffed bra top to give her some big boobs. This would be of some glitzy fabric also. The legs would need to be really long and skinny encased in black lace. A sitting doll could have some sort of high heel shoe. This might be more difficult with a standing doll.”
The object is to see who can create the ultimate tacky flamingo adhering as closely as possible to June’s description above. The finished size is up to you.
1. Dolls must be finished and photographs sent to Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com by June 15, 2004. Pictures will then be placed on our website for judging. One of the judges will be June Pierceall, the customer who created this pattern idea.
2. There will be three winners to be announced by July 1, 2004. The first place winner will have her pattern marketed by Dollmaker’s Journey and it will be available for sale on our website.
3. Each designer will retain all rights to their pattern, except Dollmaker’s Journey will reserve the right to market the pattern first. The winners will provide Dollmaker’s Journey with complete instructions, drawings, and pattern pieces to recreate their flamingo. If you need help doing this, we will be happy to assist you.
4. This contest is open to everyone – beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Even our designers can enter. Remember, the tackier the better.
Have fun, and we can’t wait to see what our customers dream up!
OTHER CHALLENGES
Myths and Legends: Past, Present and Future
Deadline: August 31, 2004
For information check out http://www.fiberartsconnsocal.org
Anne Copeland, 2350 W. 250th St. #14, Lomita, CA 90717, 310-539-5087
Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge 2004
Every year Pamela Armas has a challenge. You send her $15.00 and she will mail you a packet with pieces of wonderful fabric, trims and embellishments which you must use to create a doll based on that year’s theme. To see pictures of some of the 2003 dolls and get more information, go to http://home.comcast.net/~marion.bolson/Gypsy.html
Kits containing fabric, trim, and trinkets to use in your Gypsy doll will be mailed beginning in April (cost $15). Dolls (18" or smaller) made for this challenge will be displayed at the Houston Quilt Festival. For more information email her at: gypsytreasures@cs.com or call (505) 847-0963. To receive your kit (which includes shipping instructions), mail a check to: Treasures of the Gypsy, P.O. Box 748, Mountainair, NM 87036.
Sherry Goshon, one of our designers, has a challenge entitled “Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 to Art Deco 1920 – 1930’s.” Pictures need to be sent to Sherry by July 1, 2004. For more details contact Marta Santiago Jimenez at: msjbaal@infonegocio.com
Website: http://cit.momadolls.com
Beaded Art Doll Competition: Create an original beaded doll representing the five seasons. You may view Official Rules online at http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm
Or you may obtain a copy of the Official Rules by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition, Land of Odds, 522 East Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. Deadline is August 15, 2004.
Hoffman Challenge: The new fabric for 2004 is now on their website. You can see it at: http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/
For information about the 2004 Hoffman Challenge (deadline August 6, 2004)
http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/2004%20Challenge/2004_Challenge.htm
2004 Sulky Challenge (deadline July 31, 2004)
http://www.sulkyonline.com/challenge/rules/rules.shtml
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NEW DESIGNERS
WHOOPEE! Our shipment of VIRGINIA ROBERTSON'S newest book "Needle Sculpting Cloth Doll Faces" has just arrived and it's every bit as wonderful as we knew it would be. It's jam packed with color photos and step-by-step instructions with inspiration galore on every page. Yesiree - a definite GOTTAHAVIT - for every dollmaker. http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
June 24 – 27, 2004 – Enchanted Doll Artist Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico (Albuquerque Hotel)
For more information visit: http://www.enchanteddollartistsconference.org/
July 22 – 25, 2004 - Doll Camp 2004
Meadville, Pennsylvania
For more information visit their website at: http://www.dollcamp.com
September 3-5, 2004 – Dimensions in Doll Making
San Diego, California
Each year the San Diego doll club IOLCC (Imitation of Life Construction Company) stages a doll exhibit within the San Diego Quilt show. It was seeing this show in 1997 that set Mary Ann on her journey to become a doll artist so it is very dear to her. This year’s theme is “Celestial Dreams.” You can get all the details on the club website http://www.iolcc.com
September 30 – October 3, 2004 – Camp Doll U 2004
Seattle, Washington
Every other year Doll U will have a mini conference for people on the west coast who are unable to attend ITS on the east coast.
For more information visit their website at: http://www.dollu.com
October 21 – 24, 2004 – In the Spirit Doll Conference (ITS)
Windsor, Connecticut (Marriott Hotel)
http://in-the-spirit.org/
January 14-17, 2005 – Southern Doll Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
For more information check out: http://www.kringlecreek.com
May 2005 – Artistic Figures in Cloth (AFIC)
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/AFIC/AFIC.htm (still has 2003 information)
To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll related events at CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION: http://clothdollconnection.com/
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FREE GIFT WITH A CHALLENGE ATTACHED
PAMELA HASTINGS is treating us all to another FREE pattern called "Hot Flash" which we think will make a perfect project for a challenge. Download the pattern and get your creative juices going at http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflash.html
Designers Sherri Goshon and her mom Jacque Uetz have suggested the following challenge:
Use the free pattern "Hot Flash” by Pamela Hastings
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/hotflash.html
You HAVE to design your own fabric...either dye it...felt it...weave it...discharge dye it...stamp it...bead it…sew it…quilt it…or change it in some noticeable manner…you can make the face like Pamela did or you can use clay...and embellish it.
There will be three categories - best embellishments...most creative fabric and strangest! You do not have to sign up....just make sure to e-mail your pictures by September 1st to Bonnie B. Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com. There are fabulous prizes...so let the creations begin...the top three dolls will be mailed to Art Doll Quarterly and we’ll see if we can get them published.
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INFORMATION ON VIRGINIA ROBERTSON’S NEW BOOK
Several customers have written and asked if they need to get Virginia Robertson’s new book, “Needle Sculpting Cloth Doll Faces” if they already own her old book, “How to Draw and Sculpt Cloth Doll Faces”. I took a class from Virginia just after her first revised book was printed in 1996. It has the best directions for painting ethnic faces I have ever seen, and I refer to it every time I make a new doll. So when her new book came out in 2004, I compared the books to see what was different, trying to decide if you really need to buy both. Here is what I discovered:
The titles and covers are different, but much of the same material is in both books. Chapter 1 is expanded and has additional information on how to dye knit fabrics. The new book has additional information on using watercolor pencils, decorating chalks, and acrylic paint. There are a few additional faces you can trace. The old book has information on creating cartoon faces and different expressions, and a whole section from Patti Culea on painting on silk that is missing from the new book. However, the new book has ideas for faces, doll face pin, updated knit section with Sally Lampi face, Velour sculpting with Ernie the elf, how to use faux suede with a Jester face, and some new tips for creating faces. The old book had a complete pattern for a Tabetha doll by Virginia Robertson. The new book has a pattern for a 16” seated doll by Virginia Robertson. Both books have the wonderful ethnic step-by-step drawings for creating perfect faces.
My recommendation: If you have the original book, keep it. I love the Tabetha doll. However, I highly recommend you also get the new book. It has a lot of information on using the new modern fabrics dollmakers love, such as faux suede and knits. It also has detailed photographs on how to sculpt different kinds of heads. Don’t despair if you don’t have her original book. (It is currently unavailable and out of print.) Most of the information it contained is in the new book also. Both books have 64 pages, and they will become the best resource book in your library. You can find the new book here: http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html
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NEW PATTERNS AND MORE
We’ve added four more patterns from the marvelous BECKY
HOLLOWAY. "Midnight Medwyth" is an enchanting weather witch riding atop a weather vane, and “Anna” is a sweet young girl and her goose. The “Song of Lorliegh” is a unique water creature and “Jingle All the Way” is a charming elf riding a magnificent Moon Sleigh. Both are soft sculptures incorporated with paper structures. Treat yourself to a peek at these wonderful designs http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html
We have an exotic new pattern from BARBARA WILLIS called "Time Flies" that's much more than just a doll. Check out this delightful project at http://dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html
Designer JACQUE UETZ has been one busy lady and we’re just loving all of her new items. First there is a Face Mold and a Body pattern for an exotic “Santa/Wizard” arrayed in velvet, silks and more. JACQUE proves that she is the Rag Doll Queen with two new rag doll sets – the ethnic “Eliza and Willie” and the old fashioned “True Love Ann and Ande.” Last but never least is a beautifully embellished wearable shoe pincushion that would make a fabulous gift. Stop by and see them all at http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
The Summer 2004 ART DOLL QUARTERLY magazines have arrived – such an exquisite treat to the senses. http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html#Art
Some of the most beloved classic patterns were created by KEZI MATTHEWS. Kezi has decided to get out of the pattern business and now writes children’s stories. The Doll Net has permission to reprint some of her favorites for a limited time only. The first pattern, “Dollmaker’s Angel”, sold out very quickly and is no longer available. The second offering, “Baby Anne”, is a 14” soft sculptured baby in a beautiful vintage Christening dress. Check her out at http://dollnetmarket.com/
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: I checked out the website you mentioned in the April Newsletter about adapting high heeled shoes for fashion dolls. Where can I purchase inexpensive high heels for Barbie, Kitty Collier, Tyler Wentworth, and other fashion dolls?
A: For Kitty Collier shoes, the official website is the Robert Tonner website - click on accessories for a selection of shoes http://www.tonnerdoll.com/kittyacc.htm
However, these seem kind of expensive at $10 each. So I searched further.
I went to http://google.com and found lots of sets of shoes available on Ebay for $5 to $8 for a set of three or five pairs. I entered Kitty Collier doll shoes in the search box, and there were over 1,000 websites that sell shoes that fit her. One website, A Dolly’s World, has many high heels that fit lots of dolls. Check http://adollysworld.com/high_heels.html
I have also found bags of shoes that fit Barbie sold at Walmart in the toy department. You could easily cut off the tops of these and make shoes to fit Barbie. The whole bag of accessories is only $1.99, and it includes lots of shoes. Check Toys R Us and other toy stores also.
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DESIGNER DOINGS
JUDY SKEEL, one of our designers, is the new owner/editor of elinor peace bailey’s newsletter (Association for People Who Play With Dolls). elinor will mail out issue 40 and 41, which will be kind of a farewell issue, and Judy will begin with issue 42. She will continue reporting on clubs and is looking for articles, reviews, etc. This newsletter will be published quarterly. For more information or to subscribe email Judy at skeelhaven1@yahoo.com You can see Judy’s patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/skeel.html
KATHLEEN CHRISMAN has created a wonderful magazine called Dolls United that arrives on CD-ROM. You can find out more about it at: http://www.dollsunited.com/
Upcoming issues include Swimsuit, Asian, and Stage and Screen. She is always looking for writers and designers to include in her magazine. You can see some of Kathleen’s designs at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/chrisman.html
PATTI LAVALLEY will be teaching a new online class called “Jessee Jingles”, an 18” jester. The class begins June 4, and you can register for it at: http://clothdollconnection.com/Classes/lavalley.html
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SUPPLY NEWS
Clay shaping tools recommended by Noni Cely - http://www.sculpt.com/catalog_98/CLAYTOOLS/clayshapers.htm
Pro Sculpt Light – Just like Pro Sculpt, but a pale shade perfect for fairies, and it should never get “moonies” Also available in Caucasian Flesh, Ethnic Brown, and Translucent White. To order go to: http://www.artdolls.com or call 1-800-290-9998
Swiss Cotton Broadcloth used for Noni Cely’s doll faces – http://www.waechters.com/
You can email them to order this fabulous fabric. They also have a cute bumper sticker for $2.00 that reads: “I have the most fabric and I’m not dying ‘til I sew it all!”
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DYEING HATS
One of our customers wants to spray paint a lot of store-bought hats for an upcoming Hitty and Friends Reunion Convention to be held in Williamsburg, Virginia this October. I have experimented with different methods of dyeing existing hats, and here is my advice to her:
Just a hint. When you use regular spray paint on the airy hats the paint causes the holes to clog and the hats collapse because the solvent removes the stiffener. Try using the floral sprays such as Design Master. They don't cause the underlying fabric to go limp and provide excellent coverage. You can find them in the floral department. I found some at JoAnn's Fabric. I have even molded hats out of buckram and sprayed them for a straw hat look.
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie recently returned from a trip to California, Idaho and Utah. She dropped her daughter Amy off at BYU Idaho where she is taking part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition for college credit. 200 years ago Lewis and Clark found a water route from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and Amy is retracing their steps along with 12 other students. This involves a lot of canoeing, hiking over snow-covered mountains, and sleeping in the wilderness. Since Amy’s idea of “roughing it” includes heated log cabins with running water, this is really a new experience for her. To help prepare her for the trip they went to Yellowstone where she encountered lots of buffalo, bald eagles, deer and elk. (Fortunately the bears, wolves, coyotes, and snakes were in other parts of the park.) They saw a movie at an IMAX theater about the Lewis and Clark expedition, with Indians on the cliffs making bets which canoe would capsize first in the rapids on the Columbia River. The trip is over June 12, and I will let you know if she survives. LOL After seeing the beaded flowers mentioned in the web sites (below) Bonnie bought lots of beads at an Indian trading post in Idaho. Now she just has to find time to use them.
Mary Ann’s greatest treat to herself is a visit to her beloved hairdresser who never fails to make her feel like a million bucks. She always used to bring him baked goods, but then the stinker went on a diet and asked her not to bring food. This week she designed and made a special doll for him called “The Goddess of Great Hair” to hang on the wall in the salon. It was a simple shape with a lot of beading. We’ll try and get it into the Free Pattern section in the near future.
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OTHER SITES TO SEE
Canadian Doll Artist Association Conference – See prize winning dolls at: http://www.dollartists.ca/mediaconference/2004/index.html
Great Quilting Site
http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/QuiltingLessons.htm#Border
How to make beaded flowers
http://home.earthlink.net/~jennrasm/jennifer_beadwork.htm
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We’d love to hear your thoughts about our Customer Connection newsletter.
Contact the editor Bonnie B. Lewis at
enchantedR@aol.com with any comments, suggestions, address changes, etc.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to any of your friends. Help us spread the word about Dollmaker’s Journey! All we ask is that you forward it intact, with all the subscription information included.
Thanks! (By the way, you might want to print this out and put it into a binder to keep for reference….)
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To subscribe to Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection, go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/subscribe.html
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Copyright © 2004 Dollmaker’s Journey
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