Dollmakers Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION

Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come

Dollmakers Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION

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July 2005 Issue 46

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Copyright 2005 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,

This month we have been experimenting with the new Neocolor II Watersoluble Crayons. Our newest mermaid, Merina Bearing Gifts from the Sea, the August Doll for All Seasons Costume Pattern, uses these crayons to dye her velour and net tail and yarn hair. The crayons blend together to create endless combinations of color. For example, mix orange, yellow and a little brown to create Ochre. We carry the basic set of 10 crayons you will need to create any color and complete this project. We feel like we are back in Kindergarten again. We also played with Tyvek to create fantastic seaweed. You never know what will happen when you place it between parchment papers and iron it. All sorts of shapes emerged! Best of all, the pattern includes directions for dyeing pearls and buttons in your microwave. Bonnie did it wrong the first time and had an explosion! Dye all over her kitchen. Hint: NEVER use an old sealed film canister. Learn to do it right in the pattern. You can see the results at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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DESIGNERS AND PATTERN OF THE MONTH

No one loves Harry Potter more than Bonnie so in honor of the release of the newest book we’re putting all of the patterns in our ELVES/WIZARDS category on sale this month. Be sure to take advantage of the 20% discount all month long.

Don’t forget Merina - Bearing Gifts from the Sea, our August COSTUME ONLY pattern debuts at half price - $4.50. A limited number of kits are also available. Patterns will be half price until our September doll is ready. http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html

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NOW AVAILABLE

At long last PATTI CULEA’S “Creative Cloth Doll Faces” is now back in stock. http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

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NEW DESIGNERS

Dragon lovers are going to get a real kick out of “Bug Breath” from our newest designer DE RUE JOHNSON. There will be several more wonderful patterns from DeRue coming soon so watch this space! http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html

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INVISIBLE BUTTON JOINTS

We now carry Dritz metal buttons with teeth in many sizes to be used in jointed doll arms and legs as described by our designer Patti LaValley:

“I use the invisible jointing method that I learned from Judi Ward. The joints never slip. It is in many of my patterns and Judi’s as well. You insert a mental shank button, the kind with teeth that you cover with fabric, into the inside of each arm and leg, at the top after it is stuffed, with the shank toward the fabric. Then you run strong joint cord or button/upholstery thread through the doll with a long jointing needle. (Dental floss will also work.) You use two strands of jointing cord and tie a knot through one of the shanks, which creates 4 cords. Then you pass all 4 cords through the body. You will have 4 cords coming out the opposite side. You run two of the cords right to left through the shank of the opposite limb, with 2 hands to cinch up the joints, then while holding one set of the cords tightly, wrap the other set around the joint and tie off. It's easier to understand if you have pattern with the technique which will also have a drawing of the technique.”

NOTE: You must snap the front and back of the button together before using this method. Use buttons a little smaller than the width of the arm or leg top. You can see Patti’s designs at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html

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DOLLMAKER’S JOURNEY HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE UPDATE

We've decided to have a HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST for our Doll for All Seasons. We're inviting you and challenging you to create the Halloween costume of your dreams to fit our doll body. You can use any clothing pattern we sell for her, and adapt it. For example, August is a mermaid. You can use any body parts that have appeared in any Doll for All Seasons costume patterns (ears, face, special legs, tails, etc.) or create your own. You can also create an entirely new outfit using your own design. You can turn the Snow Queen into a witch, or the Japanese Bunny Girl into a cat. Of course there will be lots of prizes and a surprise for everyone who enters. Send pictures to Bonnie Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com before October 15th. Our customers will help choose their favorite costume. We would also love to see pictures of any of the dolls you have made from this pattern to date. We’re dying to get them in our Showcase for everyone to enjoy. Please send them to Bonnie also. If you want them entered in the Halloween contest, just put Halloween contest in your subject line in your email.

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CHALLENGES

Make Your Own Fabric Doll Contest for Kids and Adults Who Sew
Deadline: September 15, 2005 (3 photos per doll)
Details at: http://www.craftsofchaddsford.com/dollcontest.htm.

Adventures of the Gypsy – 2005 Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge
Deadline: October 1, 2005
Details will be included in your entry package of goodies. To participate in this unique event, sent $15.00 for US participants and 18.00 US for participants from Australia to:
Pamela Armas
Treasures of the Gypsy
P.O. Box 748 Mountainair, NM 87036
505-847-0963

Doll for All Seasons Halloween Party Challenge
Deadline: October 15, 2005
Email photos to Bonnie B. Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com or contact her for mailing address. For more information go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com and click on Halloween Challenge

Art Doll Challenge: Celebrity Look-Alike Dolls
Deadline: December 12, 2005
Submission requirements on back of Summer 2005 Art Doll Quarterly
Direct questions to Sharilyn Miller, Editor-in-Chief, ADQ, 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 or e-mail adqeditor@artdollsquarterly.com.

Through the Looking Glass Doll Challenge (Fairfield Polyfil Challenge)
Deadline: December 31, 2005
For details and entry form, go to: http://www.poly-fil.com/contests.asp

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

September 17-18, 2005 – Magic Doll Exposition
Las Vegas, Nevada
For more information email Lee Bryant at dollbryant@aol.com

September 21-25, 2005 - Art and Soul
Hampton, Virginia
Mixed media art retreat
http://www.artandsoulretreat.com

September 29 – October 1, 2005 - Original Sewing and Quilt Expo
Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Virginia
See the Hoffman Challenge doll winners
Go to http://www.sewingexpo.com or call 800-699-6309 for more information.

September 29 – October 2, 2005 - Camp Doll U 2005
Trinity Lutheran College, Issaquah, Washington.
http://www.dollu.com

In the Spirit - October 6-9, 2005 – In the Spirit
Hartford/Windsor Marriott, Windsor, Connecticut
http://www.inthespiritllc.com/

October 24-30, 2005 – International Quilt Festival
George R Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas
http://www.quilts.com

January 13-16, 2006 – Southern Doll Conference
Holiday Inn, Deland, Florida
http://www.kringlecreek.com

April 27 – 30, 2006 – Canadian Doll Artists Association: Celebration 2006
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
http://www.dollartists.ca

July 27-31, 2006 – NIADA Conference 2006
Bloomington, Minnesota
http://niada.org

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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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

Designer KATE ERBACH has just contributed the very charming “Dilly Dolly” to our FREE pattern section. This little sweetie is perfect for package decorations, ornaments or as a companion to a larger doll. Be sure to stop by to download this or any one of our terrific FREE projects.

Print a free ebook called “Dollmaking for Beginners” on DI McDONALD’s website at: http://www.dyzee.com (under Freebies section)
The ebook is for sharing, so if you can use it in any way to promote cloth doll making then please do. The only rules are that you use it in its complete form including links to her site please. There are also a couple of free mini online classes amongst other things. Check out Di’s other patterns at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/dimcdonald.html

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TALKING ABOUT YOUR DOLLS
By Several Doll Artists from FOCD

A customer wrote that she was asked to give a talk to a group about her dolls, and didn’t know where to begin. Here is some advice from several different designers.

Mary Ann Kaahanui (http://dollmakersjourney.com) writes:

Bonnie and I have spoken about the dolls we make many times. If you haven’t done it before you might be surprised at how easy it is. Think of yourself as sitting down with a close friend or doll club member and doing Show and Tell. I’m willing to bet that each doll you make has its own story.

Perhaps you started out to make one thing and the doll convinced you to make something else entirely. Did you use any household or found objects to make a terrific accessory? Where did you find that perfect piece of fabric or trim that was just what the doll needed? Did you cut up a piece of clothing or find something at a thrift shop or garage sale?

People who do not make dolls are fascinated by what we do. Be sure to pass the dolls around if you can and let people touch them – that way the dolls will do most of the talking for you.

Perhaps at the end you could encourage your audience to ask questions. When you are finished get ready for all the wonderful compliments you will receive. The one we like the best is when they say “I didn’t think I would be interested in this topic but I loved it!”

Kathy Mueller from FOCD adds:

I have to do the same type of talk. I plan to show several patterns...art dolls, pancake dolls, vintage, etc , then fabric with perhaps a freezer paper pattern piece ironed on, Fiberfil, an arm or head, stuffed, the 'tools of our trade' and also some completed dolls of different types. The talk should then care of itself as there will be questions with our spontaneous answers. I may show my album of dolls and if time allows show them how easy it is to make a doll.....will use a simple 2 handkerchief doll technique. (aka: church doll, plantation doll)

Patti LaValley (http://dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html) writes:

I have given a lot of trunk shows, talks and lectures, even taking over for Susanna Oroyan in Michigan when she was too sick to go. Just be yourself and you should be ok! People are interested in you, how you started making dolls, your first doll, any humorous stories involving your journey, etc. You can talk about creativity, inspiration, how you find it, etc. creative freedom to express ourselves through our dolls. Bring some of your dolls and let them do some of the storytelling. Make it a trunk show with your dolls and their stories.

And Cyndy Sieving ( http://dollmakersjourney.com/sieving.html ) sums it up as follows:

Many years ago the first time I gave a lecture on dolls I must say I was so nervous. It was not like I had not taught before, I just did not know what to say. I did this exercise and it all came out just fine.

1. I got out all the dolls I was going to take to the lecture (when you have props it is much easier especially your first time out)

2. Look at each one and decide what you want to say about that piece. Sculpted face? Flat face and painted, fabric pens? Why don't you use ballpoint pens? Remember you are a fountain of information - you just don't know it.

3. Make little note cards and when you set up your display before the speech have each card under the doll so even if you get out of order because of your nerves your cards will be with the right doll

4. I like to pass my dolls around the room. But before I start I hand out hand wipes so everyone can get the oils off there hands and they will not be absorbed into the fabric. This also alerts your audience that these are special Art dolls and not your throw in the toy box dolls.

When you are speaking if you know your subject it is much easier than you think. You will do great.

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NEW PATTERNS

Above the equator August is also called “The Dog Days of Summer.” At least in the Eastern United States this means hot, humid, and altogether miserable. What better way to “keep your cool” than going to the beach? And if you happen to see a mermaid bearing gifts from the sea… Our August Doll for All Seasons costume “Merina Bearing Gifts from the Sea” is an undersea fantasy come true. Learn to dye her tail and hair using our newest product, Neocolor II Water-soluble Crayons. Dye pearls in your microwave. Make fins and scales with Angelina fiber, and use Tyvek for seaweed. The optional Kit has 13 different items needed to create this fabulous mermaid, including miniature seashells, dyed pearls, Tyvek, Angelina fiber, wire, tail fabrics, and 60 yards of assorted cotton yarn for her hair. Kits are limited, so make sure you get yours today. http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html

Mermaids seem to be very popular this month and MARY ANN HULL’S delightful “Mermelade,” the first in a series of fabulous “Dessert Dames”, is sure to tickle your creative fancy. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hull.html

There’s been a lot of talk about mermaids lately and BARBARA WILLIS’ “Shore Maiden” has a very Victorian air about her in that wonderful Barbara Willis Style. http://dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html

Autumn is just around the corner and that brings thoughts of witches and goblins. SUE CHAFFEE SIZEMORE’S “Spiderella” is a delightfully wicked Fall project for you to enjoy. http://dollmakersjourney.com/sizemore.html

We were just blown away by SHELLEY HAWKEY’S lovely “His Greatest Gift” a wonderful seated Jesus gently holding a beautiful baby a truly special project. Shelley also has two more new patterns “Bella” a great witch and “Jewell” a positively irresistible baby troll. Watch for a unique collaboration from SHELLY and SHERRY GOSHON in an upcoming Doll Crafter Magazine. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hawkey.html

BARBARA SCHOENOFF has released “Sylvie” an adorable felt baby doll you are going to love. http://dollmakersjourney.com/schoenoff.html

That naughty ELLEN HAYTAS has just released her “Muffin Man” that caused quite a stir at Doll Camp this year. Be warned - this doll comes with more than just buns! http://dollmakersjourney.com/haytas.html

JACQUIE LECUYER dressed her “Quiet Quilter” in a Victorian outfit made with modern, vibrant fabrics with wonderful results. This lovely doll is definitely not quiet at all! Stop by and take a peek. http://dollmakersjourney.com/lecuyer.html

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SWEET SEWING

Sue Wing shared a great tip for sewing. For those of you with tile or wood floors (her studio has a cement floor) here's your sewing tip of the day.......Put your sewing machine foot pedal on top of an old mouse pad and your foot won't have to chase it anymore. You can also purchase a Rubbermaid Shelf Liner (sort of like a rubber mesh) and cut it to fit under your foot pedal. This even works on carpet. Bonnie has used this tip for years.

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SUPPLY NEWS

INVISIBLE GLOVES - With all the craft materials we use, most of us are waging a constant battle with dry and cracked skin. We have found a super remedy “Gloves in a Bottle” a unique new lotion that forms a barrier on your skin, acting like an invisible glove to keep the natural moisture in. Works great on elbows and other areas as well. We’re really loving this product and now have it available in both 8 oz. and 2 oz. sizes. You’ve got to give it a try! http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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DESIGNER NEWS

Sherry Goshon (http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html) was asked to do the front cover of the November 2005 Doll Crafter. She teamed up with Shelly Hawkey (http://dollmakersjourney.com/hawkey.html) to make a baby in an egg (gourd). Shelly made Picle (pattern in magazine) who is peeking over the egg at the little one asleep. The issue goes on sale August 22, 2005. Congratulations to both of you.

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Friday, the day before the new Harry Potter book came out, Bonnie’s family (15 people in four cars) drove 4 hours to Richmond, Virginia, where a local book shop was hosting a Harry Potter party. Not too original, you say? But they set up 32 shops straight from Diagon Alley. Everything was in tents behind the book store in an Alley. Everything was lit by lanterns or candles - no electricity allowed. Lots of people were in costume - she met Professor Lockhart, the Malfoys, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Dumbledor, Hagrid (he really was over 7 feet tall) and of course her grandchildren went as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. (They won a prize for best group.) She went as Professor Vector, who teaches Arithmancy.) The Hogwarts choir was there singing "Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble". (They were actually a Richmond children's choir.) Many tables were set with Wizard chess, and lots of people were competing. Food was from the Leaky Cauldron, and you could taste many of the things mentioned in the different books. They even had butter beer - recipe is at http://www.mugglenet.com/misc/rosmertas/butterbeer.shtml
At the Magical Menagerie there were some fantastic puppets from Florida you could perch on your shoulder. A small rod held in your hand caused the puppet to open and close his eyes, rotate his head, and raise and lower his head. There were very realistic unicorns, dragons, gargoyles, etc. The hatchling dragons were sitting in eggs, and you could make them yawn, stretch their necks out of the egg, and look around. They even had Fluffy, the three-headed dog, who was manipulated by three different rods so each head could do something different. The puppets she saw in Richmond were from Midsummer Knights Dream in Ocala, Florida. Their website is http://fantasypuppet.com/Dragon.htm
If you go there you can actually see one of the puppets in action. She would love to learn how to make their armature/rod mechanism. I understand it is done with rods and rubber bands. Her daughter bought her a Hogwarts sorting hat that is also a puppet and can move its mouth. It fits perfectly! They had people travel from many different states to make this night one to remember. Her grandchildren will never forget the night they met Harry Potter and Hagrid. Diagon Alley was only open Friday night and Saturday. However, Diagon Alley will reopen in November when the new Harry Potter movie comes out.

A little less than three weeks to go until Ana’s wedding. Mary Ann found the perfect outfit one evening when she and Ana were shopping for something else. Ana saw it on a rack and insisted she try it on - a beautiful deep pink silk suit with a floor length skirt, fitted jacket with ¾ sleeves and rhinestone buttons. It fit perfectly, and it was on sale! Needless to say, it was purchased on the spot saving Mary Ann at least a day of her life she would have devoted to dress shopping. Now to find some silver sandals. Son Mike will be flying in from California with his new girlfriend Kyah . Mary Ann’s sister Sharon met her a few weeks ago and thinks she could very well “the one!” Time to get back to work embellishing the wedding gown with red crystal beads and silver thread. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!

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OTHER SITES TO SEE

Great costume ideas (including Lord of the Rings)
http://alleycatscratch.com
Also check out their great article on making faux leather
http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Leather/FakingLeather.htm

Sock doll, elephant, bunny and monkey free patterns
http://www.clothdollconnection.com/FreePatterns.html http://lennytaylor.freeyellow.com/
http://breezeb.tripod.com/craftingindex.html.

There is a cute Raggedy Ann Christmas Ornament at
http://breezeb.tripod.com/crafts/raggedyann.html

Let color stir your imagination at
http://www.spiritisup.com/colors1.swf

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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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Copyright © 2005 Dollmaker’s Journey