Dollmaker’s Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION
August 2007 Issue 69
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Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.

August 2007 Issue 69

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Copyright 2007 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,

It's the dog days of August here in the United States. Therefore, since 98% of all households buy ice cream, this month we have a question about that favorite summertime treat. Many of you send answers to July's quiz from the new Harry Potter book, and the winner is from Spain. Congratulations, Rosa, on your prompt response. We'll be curious to see how many can find the answer to this month's question. Remember, there is always something fun, always something new, and always something free at Dollmaker's Journey.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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AUGUST SALE

We're taking 20% off our vast collection of mermaid patterns for our AUGUST
SALE. Be sure to treat yourself to some of these sen-sea-tional projects!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/

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JULY QUIZ WINNER

Question: What was Albus Dumbledore’s brother’s name?
Answer: Aberforth Dumbledore
Question: Who is R.A.B.?
Answer: Regulus Arcturus Black

Source: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Congratulations to Rosa from Spain. Your name was selected at random from all of the correct quiz entries, and you will receive a $10 gift certificate from Dollmaker’s Journey.
Watch for your name in a coming month!

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AUGUST QUIZ QUESTION

In 1985 the world’s largest ice cream sundae was created in Anaheim, California. How tall was it?

Everyone who emails in correct answers by the end of August will be entered into a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Dollmaker’s Journey. The winner will be announced in the next newsletter. Email your answers to Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com Put August Quiz in subject box.

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CHARITY CORNER

Last month we mentioned a new charity project called Comfort Dolls. You can read more about the project in the current issue of www.cqmagonline.com. The first dozen dolls were delivered to "Stepping Stone", a battered women's shelter in Michigan City, Indiana. (A pictures of dolls can be found at http://dollmakersjourney.com/confortdolls.jpg ) Consider starting a Comfort Dolls project in your area. 

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SEWING MACHINE CARRYING CASE

Nancy Jo Hill writes: I also have the Brother that you suggest that is great for classes and I will second, third and fourth that. I also found a rolling case to carry it in. Rite Aid drug store has a beer case that is padded and rolls on wheels with a handle. Just like a suitcase but so much easier to transport. The good thing also is that on sale it was only $15.00 and not on sale it is only $20.00. Can't beat that with a wooden spoon. I am sure that other drug stores or Wal-mart might have one.

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CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS

Who Am I? Challenge by Sherry Goshon has ended. The winners are:
Sponsor’s choice (most interesting use of pattern) – David Gust (#1)
Judge’s choice (best costuming/story) – Marla Tomlinson (#14)
People’s choice – Natalie Hamade#16)
You can see all the dolls at:
http://www.letterstokelsey.net/WhoAmIChallenge.html

All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition 2007 – Theme Celestial Reflections
Deadline: August 31, 2007
For more information go to: http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm

Antique Wooden Doll in Cloth Challenge
Deadline: September 15, 2007
For more information go to: http://thedollnet.com/woodendoll/

“Gypsies of the Sea” 2007 sponsored by Treasures of the Gypsy
The challenge packets are available now, and finished dolls are due in September. To enter, send $15 to:
Pamela Armas/Treasures of the Gypsy, PO Box 748, Mountainair, NM 87036.
You will receive a packet of fabric, trims, and trinkets to use on you Gypsy doll. You may add additional fabrics of your choice to your doll.

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

August 16-20, 2007 - Tidewater Treasures: Doll Artist’s Journey to the Chesapeake Bay
The Queen’s Ink in Savage Mill near Baltimore, Maryland
Classes from Sherry Goshon and Jean Bernard
For more information, email help@paverpolusa.com, or call 877-661-1559. Information can also be obtained at the web site, www.paverpolusa.com.

August 16-25, 2007 – Master’s at Marooochydore (MAM) 2007
Beerwah Q., Australia
Fabric figures and character artists from Australia and Canada
Applications closed June 1, 2007
E-Mail: dillydolls@netaccess.com.au
Website: www.dawnsdillydolls.com.au for on-line application & general information

May 13-20, 2008 (tentative date) – WOW New York
New York
More information will be forthcoming

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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NEW DESIGNER

We are always delighted to bring your attention to a talented designer. This
month we are welcoming Canadian LAURIE WAGNER and pleased to offer her
fantastic first pattern "Mini Mannequins 1/12 Scale." You won't believe the
amazing detail she has achieved with these dollhouse scale dolls! The
potential these bodies have for doll pins staggers the imagination.
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/wagner.html

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TURNING TINY FINGERS
By Nancy Gibb

I've turned many fingers! By far the easiest way is to use turning tubes--which are little brass cylinders that are available at Dollmaker's Journey (http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html) or you can make your own. (Buy the tubes at a hobby store.) They are varying sizes, each one fitting inside the next larger size. (Editor's note: If you cut your own, make sure you use a tube cutter for a smooth edge, and sand the cut edge so it won’t snag your fabric.)

Stick the largest one possible clear to the top inside the finger (which one you use depends on the size of the finger of course), and then place the next smaller one on the outside at the tip of the finger. (Editor's note: It helps to fold over the tiny seam allowance and place smaller tube on the folded fabric to prevent "blowouts".) Twist the fabric slightly and pull the finger up around the smaller tube. Don't try to push the smaller tube downwards--always pull UP on the finger so it encloses the smaller tube until you can feel the tip of the finger at the palm area. Then do the next one and so forth until all are finished. Then use a pair of hemostats to pull the whole arm right side out, pulling each finger gently out to its full length.

Make sure that you've trimmed the fingers closely and clipped your corners
well--you may want to spread some fray preventer or Grrrip glue on the seam allowances before turning.

A few suggestions--make sure you're stitching with very small stitches and
trimming closely. That's why I suggested using some fray preventer on the
seam allowances. Then don't ever push DOWN with the smaller, outside tube.
Pull the finger UP around the smaller tube instead.

You will probably need to twist it gently, and sometimes I have to dampen
slightly if it's a very small finger to get it to start turning back on itself. Hold the larger tube down against a table or your stomach, something like that. Just make sure you haven't gotten the bottom of the hand/arm stuck underneath the tube so it's not free to move.

You can find some of Nancy's wonderful patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/gibbs.html

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DESIGNER DOINGS AND CUSTOMER KUDOS

In the latest issue of Art Doll Quarterly, a letter from Executive Managing Editor Michelle Flores said: "I think of the big-name pros like.......Jean Bernard, Sherry Goshon and (insert the name of your favorite doll artist) as rock stars setting out on concert tours. They spend weeks fulfilling teaching engagements and visiting doll clubs around the country to generously share their own special techniques and to provide buckets of inspiration and insider tips to fellow doll makers of all skill levels." Congratulations to Jean, Sherry, and our many other designers who take the time to share their knowledge and skills with us.

Maurine Adrezin's doll, "CHAYA NESSA: LOVER OF FLOWERS" has been
accepted into the newest book to be published by Lark Books - "500 Handmade
Dolls". You can see her doll at: http://maurinesfiberfriends.com
under the section WOVEN FABRIC DOLLS.

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SPECIAL GIFT FOR YOU

Laurie Wagner from Canada has a free mini baby pattern you can make that goes with her mannequin set. To give you a taste of her thorough pattern writing style you can download the pattern, make the baby, and then buy her pattern to make the rest of the family. Do stop by and take a look. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/babymannequin.html

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NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS

Sure wish we could bottle VICKI RILEY'S energy! "Addison's" younger brother
"Lil Anthony" is another great pattern sized for American Girl shoes and
accessories. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/riley.html

SHERRY GOSHON has decided to give her "Hanna Kat Pressmold" its own 24" body
and has dressed it in a lovely old-fashioned bathing costume that can also
be used with the "Victorian Rabbit" molds. It's always great to be able to
mix and match molds and bodies! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

Knitters are especially going to love JAN HORROX'S "Rachel Raggs," an easy to make wire wrapped doll. If you haven't tried this method of doll construction, now's the time! http://dollmakersjourney.com/horrox.html

The lovely woodland nymph "Ruby Fruiticosa" is a wonderful addition to the pattern collection of England's MADELEINE SARA MADDOCKS. http://dollmakersjourney.com/maddocks.html

We'd love to know what's in the water Down Under that stokes the fertile imaginations of their designers! Check out RHONDA MCGINNITY'S "Gargirl" - sort of a Goth fairy and "Coral Atoll" a distinctive undersea character. http://dollmakersjourney.com/mcginnity.html

DELYS BRADY treats us to "Catch a Falling Star" - a truly unique celestial character. http://dollmakersjourney.com/brady.html

We are just squealing with delight here at Dollmakers Journey because
ALLISON MARANO has released her "Vernal Muse" as a pattern. We had the
exquisite joy of seeing several versions of this doll in person at AFIC and
we were in awe. We're going to have a very hard time keeping this one in
stock! http://dollmakersjourney.com/marano.html

It's getting harder and harder to keep up with all the new patterns from the
very prolific MARY TRESSLER! We're adding 4 more that we know you
are going to love as much as we do - a perfect "Plus Size Body Basic," an
enchanting wall doll "Allura," "Reza" a captivating dancer in a unique
position, and the perfect male doll of a certain age and attitude "Bubba
Katzman." http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html

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CUSTOMER QUERIES

Q: I make small fantasy dolls. They have hair and fiber embellishments that crush easily. My home is somewhat dusty and I have a kitty. What is the best way to store these dolls for several months until I can sell them?

A: I use clear salad containers in many different sizes available at the grocery store to store small dolls, accessories, hats, etc. I place the doll in the clear plastic container, close the lid, and them place them in a large Rubbermaid tote box. I have stored dolls, fabric, hats, etc. this way for years with no problems. If you are concerned about the doll touching plastic and becoming discolored, wrap it in acid free tissue paper first. If the dolls are too large to fit available containers, just wrap in tissue and put in the tote. With the lid securely in place the dolls will be safe from dust, cats, grandchildren, etc. I like the salad containers because they aren't completely air tight (so the doll can breathe), they are free, and rigid enough to protect fragile dolls from being crushed. You can also find these containers in the produce section of the grocery store, where they hold strawberries, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, etc. Just wash and dry them well before using. The totes are great because they can be stacked quite high and take up very little space.

Q: I found this free pattern Elfin on your site and just had to try it. I have printed everything out and can't find the rest of the directions. There are only directions for the body, arms and legs. I haven't tried doing this type of head yet so what do I do?

A: Because this pattern was meant to be a challenge, there are no directions for the head. However, here is how you make it. Cut a head pattern out of freezer paper. Place two pieces of fabric right sides together and iron pattern on wrong side (shiny side down). Sew around entire head EXCEPT the side labeled "keep open". Cut out head leaving 1/4" seam allowance. Turn right side out. Stuff head almost to top. Gather top of head and pull to close top. Turn top of neck (after body is stuffed) to inside and stitch closed. Place head on the front of the neck and stitch in place. The back of the head and neck will be covered by hair, etc. To see what others have done with this pattern, go to
http://www.letterstokelsey.net/WhoAmIChallenge.html

NOTE: If anyone has other questions or suggestions, please email them to EnchantedR@aol.com and I will include them in a future newsletter.

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SUPPLIES

Pimatex Cotton has always been the favored doll body fabric of designers
BARBARA WILLIS and PATTI CULEA. This 100% woven cotton had a beautiful
silky finish and we now have it available in the "Parfait" color only.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html

LESLIE MOLEN put us on to using Decorating Chalks to color and enhance faces
and we think you are going to like the effects you can get. Be sure to practice on scrap fabrics first to develop the right touch. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

The special triangular tips of John James Assorted Leather Needles make hand
sewing leather a breeze. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Dollmaker's Journey is going on the road again – this time to New Jersey to participate in "A Day with Dolls." We hope to share new techniques for working with Angelina Fiber, Fantasy Film, Paverpol and Apoxie Sculpt. We will also bring a limited supply of some of our newer patterns and books. It is always fun to meet our customers in person.

The day after we return from New Jersey Bonnie will head for Utah for two family reunions and to help her siblings settle her mom's estate. Then she drives to Boston to see her grandson Zachary get baptized. Maybe in September she will have time to play with dolls!

Mary Ann has been keeping her contractor busy building more shelves to accommodate more pattern cabinets in the office. He also put down some flooring in her crawlspace so she could store some little used items up there and open up more space for merchandise. It’s always a challenge to find new places to store the stuff that keeps our customers happy. Please remember Mary Ann’s sister Barbara Cantrell in your prayers. After almost 5 years of being clear her stage three brain cancer has returned. The tumor has been removed and she’s waiting to find out what her course of treatment will be this time around. We’ve heard that the drugs have greatly improved in the past five years and we are all hopeful that this time it will be knocked out for good.

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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, etc.

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Copyright © 2007 Dollmaker’s Journey