| Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
October 2004 Issue 37
******************************
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.
******************************
Dear dollmaker friends,
The Hot Flash Challenge is over, and we want to thank all of you for voting for your favorites. The race was close, but below you will find the winners. Pamela Hastings, the designer of the Hot Flash doll, said it was very hard to select her favorite, because she liked them all. Pamela is presenting a slide show at the International Quilt Show that will feature some of the contestants. She is also writing an article for Art Doll Quarterly about the challenge, and the dolls will appear in a Hot Flash book she is currently writing. Way to go, everyone!
We love showing off the fabulous dolls you are making in our SHOWCASE. Stop by and see what our international customers Natalie Hamade, Irene Pichard, Holly Zarcone and Anja Asenjo have been up to! http://dollmakersjourney.com/showcase.html
Mary Ann and Bonnie
******************************
AND THE WINNER IS….
The voting is over, and the Hot Flash Challenge winners are:
#8 - Best Embellishments
Created by Cheryl Netter from Colorado
Cheryl writes: "I made her up in plain white cotton muslin, stuffed her, and then directly dyed her using Procion mx fiber reactive dyes. The poor thing then went through the washing machine to get the unreacted dye out. She was then painted and embellished with Lumiere paints and beads. The face was done with sharpies and colored pencils."
#9 - Most Creative Fabric
Created by Kimber Fenili from Texas
Kimber writes: "I made the fabric by drawing out my design (front and back) on paper, coloring it and then sending fabric through my printer. I enhanced the colors with gel pens and markers. Her face is polymer clay with gel pen used for highlights."
#12 - Strangest
Created by Cynthia Calabrese from California
Entitled "I Am Woman"
Cynthia writes: "All the fabrics, except the base fabric, is hand dyed by myself which includes her body, her head piece and her breasts. I designed her head piece to represent flames. Her face and breasts have a beaded outline. Her breasts were done by Trupunto. Her face is actually my mother's. She has great cheek bones and it gave a little more touch in the black and white theme. The doll was an absolute joy to make."
These three ladies will each receive a book written by Pamela Hastings.
#14 – Designer’s Choice picked by Pamela Hastings
Created by Annicka Greborn-Holmquist from Sweden
Entitled “Reborn”
She will receive a $50 gift certificate from Dollmaker's Journey
Pamela wrote: "I finally chose #14, Reborn, because the face is so hopeful, as I hope all of us feel coming into this time of our lives and the box was a unique, thinking out of the box way to do the display."
Annicka wrote: "Facts of my doll:
Name: Reborn - or you never know what happens behind your back...
( Translated into Swedish : Pånyttfödd eller ...)
Fabrics: Made of white fabric painted with "Lumiere & bourgeois" textile paint, stamped. Beads, yarns and ribbons.”
You can see all the Hot Flash dolls at http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflashchallenge.html
**************************
DESIGNERS OF THE MONTH
There’s still time to treat yourself to a 20% discount on all the patterns of our talented October Designers of the Month PATTI LAVALLEY http://dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html
and MELINDA SMALL PATERSON
http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
******************************
CHARITY PROJECT
We are thrilled to announce the opening of the newest area of our website - CHARITY CORNER! Here you will find a wonderful collection of free patterns to use for your service projects. If you are involved in a project we should know about and could add to the site please contact Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com. Let’s all find a way to use our love of doll making to serve others! http://dollmakersjourney.com/charitycorner.html
One of our customers, Kathy Muller in New York, sent us a picture of a few of the 26 dolls her club L.I. Cloth Dollinks made and sent to Hlabisa and S. African U Thando Project. They called it "Hugs for Kids" instead of 'charity dolls'. Some used A Cely's Dolly Hugs pattern. You can see a picture of the dolls they made at the Charity Corner link above.
******************************
CHALLENGES
OUTSIDE THE BOX Doll Challenge
To be displayed at the Creative Festival January 27-29, 2005
Denver Merchandise Mart, Colorado
For rules and entry form check out our September 2004 Customer Connection Newsletter.
CC23 CostumeCon Doll Costume Competition 2005
Convention dates: April 29 – May 2, 2005 in Ogden, Utah
For general information about CostumeCon visit their website at:
http://www.costume-con.org
For information about the doll competition, go to: http://www.crossroadsutah.org/doll.html
Color Challenge dolls MUST pre-register. They will give you two colors to use in costuming your doll.
Challenges In Time: Japonism
Deadline: June 30, 2005
For details go to: http://kukulla.tripod.com/cit2004/japonism.htm
******************************
NEW DESIGNERS
GEORGIA MANNING LEWIS of Buckets Gone Wild! has devised the most fantastic cover that turns a 5 gallon pail into a "Tote-All-Bucket." This pattern delighted her doll club so much they insisted she sell it. You won't be able to stop at just one because there are so many things to use it for and it's such a great gift to make. Check it out!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
******************************
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
November 12-14, 2004 – Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Virginia
http://www.emgshows.com/A_Nvcm.htm
Judy Skeel, one of our designers, will be there
November 20, 2004 - The 13th Annual Dolls of Color on Parade
Ramada Inn, 8500 Annapolis Road, New Carrollton, Maryland
http://www.dollsofcoloronparade.com
January 14-17, 2005 – Southern Doll Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
For more information check out: http://www.kringlecreek.com
April 28 – May 1, 2005 - Santa Fe International Figurative Art
1875 Brandon Drive, Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031
http://www.sfifa.com
April 28 – May 1, 2005 - 6th Annual Canadian Doll Artists Association Conference
Holiday Inn, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Call 519-539-7598 or visit their website at: http://www.dollartists.ca
April 28 - May 1, 2005 – Artistic Figures in Cloth (AFIC)
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/AFIC/AFIC.htm
To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll related events at CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION: http://clothdollconnection.com/
******************************
SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU
In our FREE Pattern Section we’ve added a charming Country Wall Angel named “Monique” by SAMANTHA GROUT. http://dollmakersjourney.com/freepatterns.html
Along with the many FREE patterns on our site, we offer several Pattern Modifications. Come see how you can use CLAIRE-ELLEN'S "Ladykin", "Mannikin", "Kiddikin" and "Accoutrement" patterns to make a spectacular set of old-fashioned Christmas Carolers. http://dollmakersjourney.com/freepatterns.html
If you’re feeling adventurous, over in our new HAIR section you’ll find FREE instructions to print out for dyeing your own Bleached Tibetan Lamb. http://dollmakersjourney.com/dyeingmohair.html
******************************
DISASTER RELIEF FOR CRAFTERS
CERF offers financial support in the form of grants and loans, access to resources, booth fee waivers at participating craft shows and discounts on and/or donations of craft supplies and equipment.
CERF’s Disaster Relief Fund provides grants of up to $1,000 to qualified applicants who have been directly affected by significant disasters.
For more information about CERF, go to their web site at: http://www.craftemergency.org
or contact them directly at:
Craft Emergency Relief Fund
PO Box 838
Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: (802) 229-2306
Fax: (802) 223-6484
Email: les@craftemergency.org
******************************
Teaching Beginners the Dollmaker’s Art
By Bonnie B. Lewis
When we created our Charity Corner, we realized that most of the Charity Doll patterns were designed for Doll Clubs or people who were experienced in making soft dolls. Therefore, directions were brief or non-existent.
I was asked to attend a woman’s conference this weekend where I will be teaching over 200 women how to make Charity dolls. I suggested that they pre-sew the bodies so we only need to turn and stuff them and add faces, hair and clothes. After about the tenth long-distance phone call, I realized that they didn’t know the first thing about doll making. They asked what a template was, how large a seam allowance to use, how do you turn a doll right side out, how do you sew around small parts, what stitch length to use, what supplies did they need, etc.
I knew then that we needed a guide for those of you who wish to teach or those who are just beginning to make dolls. Therefore Mary Ann and I have created a handout entitled “General Dollmaking Instructions” located at our Charity Corner. Feel free to print it out and use it whenever you are teaching classes.
We are also adding further information to our charity patterns. I made up each pattern and wrote down any problems I encountered and how to solve them. I also took pictures of each doll so you can see a picture of the finished doll, along with variations and size. We will also be adding an additional pattern, a “Bereavement Doll” that is an adorable baby in a cute bunting and bonnet.
Also check out a fabulous chart detailing how to embroider or paint ethnic faces that works perfectly if you wish add features, hair and clothes to the hospital or Johns Hopkins doll. Just go to http://dollmakersjourney.com and click on Charity Corner.
Feel free to use these wonderful patterns not only for your favorite charity but also for gifts for your loved ones. Remember, a gift from the heart is a gift that lasts forever.
******************************
NEW PATTERNS
BUNNY GOODE has come up with the most delightful pin cushion/paperweight that has endless possibilities and would make fabulous gifts! Stop by to meet "Sewnya and Friends" at http://dollmakersjourney.com/goode.html
If you are searching for a wonderfully wicked witch, then SUSAN BARMORE'S "Bat Hair Day" is just the pattern for you. If you are brave enough to take a peek http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
New Zealand's JILL MAAS treats us to a most charming gentleman named "Wilfrid" who could easily become a wide variety characters. We know you are going to love him! http://dollmakersjourney.com/maas.html
From PAMELA HASTINGS we have “Icons” an assortment of simple shapes for creating small works of art and just in time for the holidays “In Disguise” five fabulous masks to whip up.http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/hastings.html Be sure to check out the extraordinary entries in our Hot Flash Challenge made from Pamela’s free pattern. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflashchallenge.html
Speaking of upcoming holidays, ELLEN HAYTAS and KATE ERBACH have released a spellbinding witch called “Devilla Von Gruelle” that has no less than THREE bonus patterns with it including the most bewitching earrings! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/erbach.html
MARY TRESSLER adds to the holiday spirit with her delightful goblin duo “Gerda and Beaux. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
We now have “Arca” in stock the magnificent box that holds PATTI CULEA’S Stitchery Tome. You are sure to enrich your creative skills whether you select one or all twelve patterns in this amazing series. We’ve also added two more of Patti’s doll patterns the wildly popular “Dancing Chubettes” and her new “Kessa - A Study in Surface Design.” http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html
******************************
HOLIDAY GIFT SUGGESTIONS
It’s hard to believe we’re almost to the end of October and the Holiday Season is fast approaching. If you are looking for imaginative gifts to make be sure to check out the following categories in our search engine: Amulets, Beaded, Holiday, Miniature/Pindolls, Pincushions and Specialty for a wealth of ideas to spark your creative fancy.
Speaking of gifts – what is the best gift you ever MADE for someone and why? We’d love to know. Drop Bonnie a line at enchantedR@aol.com and we’ll include a selection of your answers in the next newsletter.
********************************************
CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: Exactly what is in the kit for the Santa /wizard?
A: The Santa/Wizard mold works like this - the resin mold for the head is purchased separately and you use it to make a clay mask that is baked or air dried depending on the type of clay you choose. The pattern for the body is also purchased separately and the head will be attached to it. This method is much less time consuming than making a porcelain doll. We have quite a few of these face molds on the site. You can see the entire collection by choosing "Molds" in our category search engine.
******************************
JUST FOR FUN – Especially for Kids
Bonnie had some of her grandchildren over all day while her husband was in Seattle. She took out the book Felt Wee Folk (http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html), and here is a picture of what they helped make. (http://dollmakersjourney.com/weefolk.jpg) Timothy, age 7, helped make the knight. He was very picky about how the helmet should look. Jordan, age 5, created the wizard. He wanted a wizard looking like Ron Weasley complete with red hair. He is holding Trevor, Neville's toad, which is lost again! Adele, age 3, helped choose flower petals for the flower fairy in pink. Just before she took pictures, she discovered Adele had painted her doll’s face green using markers. She had to quickly paint flesh over the face and give her a new face. Adele kept taking her doll to the highest part of the sand castle begging for someone to rescue her - both the knight and wizard took turns. Her daughter, Juventa, not to be outdone, created the red flower fairy, and put so many things on her that she began to look like a Madame. They just used the simple pattern for a child that is only 2-1/2" high. Bonnie photo reduced the clothes patterns to fit these dolls, since they were created for dolls that are 4" high. By using the simple children's version, both the 7 and 5 year old were able to help make their very own dolls.
******************************
SUPPLY NEWS
Mohair - We are thrilled to be adding the marvelous mohair of Sleeping Monk Farm to
the site. To start off we have Natural White and six vibrantly dyed colors
packaged in 1 oz. Bags. Along with the mohair we have added the most
beautiful light and dark brown Tibetan Lamb. We know you'll be pleased
with these wonderful hair products. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html
Needles - Stop by our Supply Department for a new array of needles - John James Darners in 2 sizes are perfect for soft sculpting (the higher the number, the finer the needle). The Craft needle assortment will take care of all your crafting needs, from beading, millinery, candle wicking, dollmaking, tapestry, plastic canvas, etc. We have doll jointing needles in three sizes, as well as our popular felting needles for easy hair application. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html
Epoxy Molding Compound (as seen at WOW in New Hampshire)
http://www.avesstudio.com/index.html
******************************
NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie was so excited about the new Charity Corner that she decided to make up each of the dolls and photograph them so you could see what the finished dolls look like. She was also asked to attend a religious retreat this weekend and teach the dolls to a group of women who will donate them to a favorite charity.
Mary Ann’s daughter Ana is now officially engaged to her long time love Nik Raval. A beachside wedding in Hawaii is being planned for next summer. Thank goodness both Ana and her father have a wealth of event planning experience. Mary Ann will surely find something creative to contribute to the experience.
Please keep our dear accountant Gerry McDonald in your prayers as he undergoes prostate cancer surgery on the 26th.
******************************
OTHER SITES TO SEE
Doll U 2004 pictures
http://www.canada-online.org/
Go to bottom of page and click on Doll U link.
Dress form miniatures, tiny mannequins and Historical costumes
http://www.alldressforms.com
NYC map of supplies for dollmakers compiled by Threads magazine
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/nmt034.asp
Make your own Victorian cutwork dolls – makes great Christmas ornaments
http://www.victorianornaments.com
******************************
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….)
******************************
To subscribe to Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection, go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/subscribe.html
To unsubscribe, go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/unsubscribe.html
To change your address, subscribe the new address and unsubscribe the old address.
******************************
Copyright © 2004 Dollmaker’s Journey
|
