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

September/October 2012 Issue 124

******************************
Copyright 2012 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 Dollmaking Friends,

Here at Dollmaker's Journey fall is in the air. The leaves are beginning to change to gorgeous reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. Children have gone back to school, and now is the time for you to go back to school too. Take advantage of the many online dollmaking courses offered, or just for fun go back to real school for free. I just discovered a website called Khan Academy where you can take any class from kindergarten to college for free – and best of all, you don't have to leave home to learn.

When I was in school I took Algebra I and Geometry, and then in 9th grade they decided to teach us "New Math" which was everyone's nightmare. I opted out of math and took Bookkeeping and Accounting instead. Now my grandchildren are struggling with Calculus, and I can't help because I never had it.

I checked out the Academy and every math class was there, along with English, Science, History, Foreign Language, etc. etc. There are even courses in Finance for those who want to organize a business. They have over 3,500 different videos and courses they offer for free, which are used worldwide. The best part is if you don't understand something, you can go back over it again and again until it makes sense. The program won't let you advance to the next level until you have mastered the one you are on. This is not only perfect for adults, but children can use the concepts taught here to help with their schoolwork. It is great if you are homeschooling your children too.  See their introductory video at http://www.KhanAcademy.org 

There are many websites with free tutorials from cooking to crochet, jewelry making to sculpting with clay. We are excited to bring you more video tutorials offering you tips, "Tricks of the Trade" and product information that will enhance your dollmaking experience. Stop by Mary Ann's studio today for her first "Tricks of the Trade" video with three great stuffing tips and also view designer COLLEEN BABCOCK'S super stuffing technique video. We have more coming soon and don't be shy about letting us know what aspects of dollmaking you would like a tutorial on - http://dollmakersjourney.com/Tips-and-Techniques.html 

Be sure to visit the site on October 10th for an exciting announcement regarding PATTI CULEA'S newest DVD!

Happy learning, no matter what you decide to do.

Bonnie and Mary Ann

******************************
2012 UFO CHALLENGE FROM DOLLMAKER'S JOURNEY

The goal is to spend 2012 minutes this year clearing the decks for new projects and challenges. Recently there has been a discussion on FOCD about ways to focus on one project at a time, and clearing out all the UFOs (unfinished objects) in your life.

So the challenge remains. Work 45 minutes a week, 6 minutes a day, or 2012 minutes this year finishing your UFOs. How are you doing?

******************************
OCTOBER SALE

You’ll find a great array of patterns in our two sale categories for October – WALL DOLLS and STUMP DOLLS.  Be sure to check them out and enjoy the 20% discount all month long.

Remember, visit our website at http://dollmakersjourney.com at the beginning of each month to see what our new sale will be. That way you won't have to wait for a newsletter.

******************************
WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" - Anne Frank

******************************
AUGUST ANSWER

Q:  How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

A: The guard walks 21 steps, stops, turns toward the tomb, stands for 21 seconds, and then walks 21 steps the other way. This alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. http://www.bugmanweb.com/c6/c6files/main/unknownsoldier.pdf has a beautiful pictorial of the men who guard the tomb. They have to promise never to drink on or off duty or swear in public for the rest of their lives.

Stacy Ryall adds: You got me curious, so I asked Google about memorial tombs for unknown soldiers. Wikipedia has a listing of 43 countries with at least one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier

From Wikipedia:
The United Kingdom and France conducted services connected with their 'monumental' graves (as presumably newly conceived, and in any case approved, by their respective armies) on Armistice Day 1920 (the burial itself taking place later in January of the following year in France). In Britain, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was created at Westminster Abbey, while in France La tombe du soldat inconnu was placed in the Arc de Triomphe. The idea of a symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier then spread to other countries. In 1921, tombs were unveiled in the United States, Portugal and Italy. Since then, other nations have followed the practice and installed their own tombs. In the United States, further tombs have subsequently been created in order to represent different wars seen as key in its history. In Ukraine, a second tomb was unveiled to commemorate The Unknown Sailor.

Congratulations to Sonja Hatfield from Oklahoma. 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!

******************************
SEPTEMBER QUESTION

Q:  October 13 is National Face Your Fears Day here in the United States. What is Anatidaephobia?

Everyone who emails in the correct answers by November 15th 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 September Quiz in subject box. Please include your full name and where you live (state/country) in your email.

NOTE: Several times in the past a winner was drawn with no name or state/country included. When that happens we have to draw again. So please, make sure you include this information with your answer.

******************************
CHARITY CORNER – THE WAYBACK MACHINE

One of our patterns recommended for charity is no longer available at the link we provided. However, due to the Wayback Machine, things once posted on the internet are never really lost. To print the pattern Bear Hugs and Dolly Hugs by Antoinette Cely, go to http://wayback.archive.org/web/20050315000000*/http://www.nonidolls.com
Click on May 14, 2008 and on the first page click on Dolly Hugs to get the pattern.

This is a great website to bookmark when searching for other patterns that no longer seem to be available on the web. Go to http://wayback.archive.org, enter the original website and click "Take Me Back."
Just for fun, I checked on http://dollmakersjourney.com and it had all our archives through October 1999. Of course, if you go to our Customer Connection archives you can access all our patterns and newsletters listed since issue #1. Sometimes in our "Special Gifts for You" section where we list free projects found on the internet, the link has expired. It might be worth searching for it through the Wayback Machine.

Ann Catelli writes: The Wayback machine is on the archive.org site.  If you love books of the past--look above the Wayback banner to the unobtrusive search box.  Search subject:dolls (the syntax required is subject:NoSpaceSubjectName) or subject:knitting or subject:dressmaking or .... 

Select Media Type = Text in the box next to the search box.

The books are out-of-copyright, many from the collection of the Library of Congress.  In the nineteenth century, when an author or publisher copyrighted a book, they'd send two copies to the Library of Congress, and these books, some of them, are scanned versions!

WOW! I followed Ann's advice and entered subject:dolls and came up with hundreds of books that are now out-of-print. I even found all the original Cabbage Patch Adoption Papers and information they sold with the original dolls. Impressive!

******************************
ORGANIZING INDIVIDUAL DOLL PROJECTS

Estelle Katz writes:  Here is an idea.  For about $1 you can get plastic files that can be closed with a string.  I put all the supplies in this container and make it a rule never to start the doll until I have every last button and bead.  There is nothing more frustrating than starting a doll and not being able to find something so that you can't finish it. 

Bonnie Lewis adds:  I like your idea of putting everything for a doll into a file folder. However, I have lots of unfinished doll parts, etc., so I use clear plastic sweater boxes and put everything to finish the dolls inside, labeling on the outside of the box on a 3" x 5" card taped to the end which dolls are inside. Then as each doll is finished, I replace the 3" x 5" index card with a new list of dolls. That way stuffing, hair, stuffed body parts, fabric, embellishments, and the pattern are all in one place. Hope this gives you some new ideas.

Mary Ann adds: I love to use the clear plastic zippered cases that household linens come in.  Depending on the size they can usually hold all the fabrics and trims etc…  I use a large one for my collection of rejected heads!

******************************
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

October 20-21, 2012 – Forget Me Not class with Barbara Willis
Make a free standing ground fairy(no wings) with fully soft sculpted face from knit fabric, wired hands for posing and fabulous leather shoes that compliment the fairy couture costume.  18 inches tall.
Cost: $300 The price goes down, the more people we have registered!! Please send your cheque to secure your spot to Edwina at: 1276 Wellington Street, Ottawa K1Y 3A7

January 2013 – IDEX
More information coming at: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=942999

July 26-31, 2013 – National Doll Festival #26 (NDF)
Georgetown University Conference Center & Hotel, Washington, D.C.
For more information email Rowbear or Faith Loman at DollFestival@aol.com or NatlDoll@aol.com
or call them at (831) 438-5349 (phone) or (831) 439-9142 (fax)

July 2013 – UFDC
Hilton, Connecticut Avenue, Washington, D.C.

July 2013 – ODACA
Hilton, Connecticut Avenue, Washington, D.C.

To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll related events at
CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION:  http://clothdollconnection.com/

******************************
SPECIAL GIFT FOR YOU

Jessica Hamilton writes: I just discovered your Customer Connection newsletter today. Such a treasure trove of information! I design doll projects and release a newsletter once a month with a free project. My most recent newsletter teaches doll makers and collectors how to make aviator style goggles for their dolls. Here is a link to my most recent newsletter:
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f57f59e7121450117bd77ffc3&id=632bc32eda&e=[UNIQID]

If you click on the Blythe tutorial link you will see an example of the free projects I send out. 
http://dollproject.squarespace.com/storage/BlytheGoggles.pdf
Free monthly projects for dolls and more sent out the first Friday of every month. Sign up at http://dollproject.com

******************************
TEN IDEAS TO DESIGN YOUR OWN FABRIC USING KITCHEN SURFACE DESIGN
by Julie B. Booth (author of Surface Design News)

1. Empty cereal boxes are great for stencils. Use an X-acto™ knife to cut bold designs and apply fabric paint with stencil brushes or a rolled foam dauber.
2. Hand dishwashing liquid is an amazing fabric resist. Apply directly or with brushes, print blocks, sponges, stencils.
3. Freezer paper is awesome. Cut designs and iron onto fabric (waxy side down). Apply fabric paint with a foam or bristle brush, foam brayer (roller), stencil brushes or a rolled foam “dauber”. You can also create amazingly sturdy stencils by ironing two pieces of freezer paper together.
4. Sprinkling table salt on fabric covered with wet transparent fabric paint will result in star burst designs. Let the salted fabric dry and wipe off the extra salt. Use print blocks to print the fabric with opaque fabric paint for an interesting speckling effect.
5. Empty Cling Wrap™ rolls can be cut to size, wrapped with rubber bands or string and slipped over foam or soft rubber brayers (rollers). Apply opaque fabric paint and roll out on the fabric.
6. Incise Styrofoam™ plates with a pen or pencil to create a print block. Cut a flat section from the plate, create your design and then use a foam brayer to apply opaque fabric paint to the block.
7. Make a great fabric resist by mixing a one-to-one ratio of wheat flour to water. Mist your fabric with water and spread the paste on the fabric with a plastic spreader. Draw designs in the wet paste with a wooden skewer before it dries or let the paste completely dry before cracking it. Apply transparent fabric paint to the dried paste with a foam brush.
8. Many thin plastic food containers can be cut with an X-acto knife to create stencils.
9. Corrugated cardboard makes excellent print blocks. Glue on textures such as crumpled tissue paper, toothpicks, rice, lentils or wrap with rubber bands, string or the plastic netting from fruit bags.
10. Cook up your morning oatmeal but instead of eating it, use it as a fabric resist. Mist a piece of fabric with water and spread the oatmeal with a plastic spreader. Let it dry and paint with transparent fabric paint.

Julie followed up her article in our August Customer Connection Newsletter by making flags of peace to honor her friend Martha who recently passed away. You can see them at:
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/09/peace-honoring-friend.html
Read more about her friend Martha here:
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/04/hamsa-for-my-friend.html
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/04/finished-hamsa.html About Martha
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/08/mourning-glory-in-memory-of-martha.html
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/09/walking-and-thinking.html
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/09/prayer-flags-for-peace.html
http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/09/lost-found.html

While there be sure and sign up for her free newsletter on making fabulous fabric using things found in your kitchen. Just think, you can make custom fabric for that OOAK doll using some of her techniques.
Check out Julie's kid-friendly patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html#Booth

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

JUDY SKEEL'S exotic "Destiny" may look almost Goth, but with alternate fabric choices she can be transformed into something quite different. Take a look at this beautiful doll and see what you might envision - http://dollmakersjourney.com/skeel.html

We have three more fun patterns from GINI SIMPSON. "Midnight Ride" and "Boo Cats" are super Halloween projects and there is still time to get "Chilly Willy" on sale. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/simpson.html

We found the loveliest book with 24 projects stitched with ease to give, use and enjoy. It's called "Zakka Style." It isn't doll related but if you like to sew you'll find wonderful uses for your favorite bits and pieces. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

Come meet the oh-so-beautiful "Lola and Nelson" another smashing new pattern from dear JILL MAAS. You'll find Lola lounging on an elegant "Classic Couch" that was designed by JILL's friend LIZ FISHER and the pattern for it is also available for purchase. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/maas.html

We welcome new designer LAURA HAKES of Fiddlestix Designs who has a charming mix of vintage style patterns we think you will enjoy. We are starting off with "Effy & Mimz" an elephant and mouse duo, a lovely "My Little Peahen Pin Keep" and "Winter Friends" - an amiable snowman and owl. Check out her nice variety of patterns with more coming soon - http://dollmakersjourney.com/hakes.html

Designer JUDY SKEEL had a profound experience during a serious hospital stay and upon recovery felt called to design the most exquisite angel she is calling "Paisley Praise" because of the fabrics she chose for the amazing costume. Treat yourself to a look at two versions of this gorgeous doll - http://dollmakersjourney.com/skeel.html

"Madame Rosa - Gypsy Fortune Teller and Booth" is the newest release from our favorite man on the dollmaking scene - ARLEY BERRYHILL. You are going to love this great project and ARLEY'S top-notch pattern presentation. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/berryhill.html

You'll always get great needle sculpting instruction in a MARILYN HALCOMB pattern and her newest "Stitchy Witch" is no exception. Learn how to create wonderful expression in the face AND body of your dolls. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/halcomb.html

From the always whimsical GINI SIMPSON we have "Santa Claws" a purr-fect holiday project for cat lovers and her delightful "On Santa's Knee." The good news is they are both on sale!  "Emma's Dolly" is a sweet set of dolls that would make such a special gift. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/simpson.html

 "Lisette - A Gift Bag Doll" by BILLIE HEISLER is definitely a gift that keeps on giving! Can easily be hung on the wall or lain on a bed holding pajamas. Come take a look at this lovely project. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/heisler.html

Halloween is quickly creeping up on us and MAUREEN MILLS' "Fall Stuff" is going to get you right in the mood! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/mills.html

 If you have been a fan of BARBARA SCHOENOFF'S exotic and colorful "Victorian Carnival Series" you are going to LOVE "Bettina the Ringmaster!" If you are not familiar with this amazing collection of patterns treat yourself to a look! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/schoenoff.html

You'll be using up your bits and pieces of hardware on the wacky "Robot Ornaments" from our Steampunk Queen SUSAN BARMORE. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/barmore.html

 ******************************
SUPPLIES

We have just put together a wonderful package of sixteen 4" x 6" Fabric Swatches so you can have a great reference for color and texture right at your fingertips when selecting fabrics for your doll bodies. Check it out - http://dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html

MICA FLAKES will give a wide assortment of holiday projects a fabulous winterized look. One of those products every stash should have! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

You'll find a variety of wooden plaques for making your own doll stands along with wooden dowels. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

We are very happy to announce that we now have everyone's favorite glue/sealer/finish - MOD PODGE! We have both Matte and Gloss finishes in several sizes. Be sure to check out our Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints and other finishes while you’re browsing in that department. –
http://dollmakersjourney.com/paints_finishes.html 

"Dimensional Magic" is a super Mod Podge product that creates dimensional special effects making it perfect for coating eyes, lips and fingernails on your dolls. The stay put formula won't sag or run. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/paints_finishes.html

We have a really rich new color of TIBETAN LAMB and we are calling it "Burgundy." The "Fuschia", Pink, Dark Brown and Dark Auburn is now back in stock. = http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html

BACK IN STOCK: the 3-5-7" Needles and the Natural Button & Carpet Thread - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

BACK IN STOCK: 3-Piece Stuffing Fork Set with wooden handles - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html


******************************
JUST FOR FUN – CHRISTMAS PROJECTS AND PAST SWAPS (From Doll Net)

Angel and Santa Swap (FOCD - 2000) - http://dollhugs.com/focd/2000swaps/christmas1.html

Christmas Memories Swap (FOCD - 2000) - http://dollhugs.com/focd/2000swaps/cmasmemory.html

Christmas Baby Swap (FOCD - 1999) - http://dollhugs.com/focd/1999swaps/cbaby.html

Santa Swap (FOCD -1998) - http://dollhugs.com/focd/1998santas/index.html

Santas on Ebay - http://thedollnet.com/ebay/santa_dolls.html

Mrs. Claus on Ebay - http://thedollnet.com/ebay/mrs_claus_dolls.html

Reindeer on Ebay - http://thedollnet.com/ebay/reindeer_dolls.html

Gingerbread Dolls on Ebay - http://thedollnet.com/ebay/gingerbread_dolls.html

We of Angels.. Many Classic Angel Crafts - All Free - http://craftycollege.com/webofangels/

Crafty Visions Christmas Edition - All Free Crafts - http://wwvisions.com/christmas_crafts/

Classic Mr. Clause - E-Pattern Format - http://dollnetmarket.com/product.php?productid=217

Classic Mrs. Clause - E-Pattern Format - http://dollnetmarket.com/product.php?productid=227

******************************
NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie's husband decided to surprise her and update her computer with the new Windows 7 program. Unfortunately the update disabled her mouse, keyboard and printer so she couldn't work on the newsletter for several weeks. The good news is that everything is working again, faster and better than ever. Between typing 2012 recipes for her church cookbook, updating this newsletter, delivering prescriptions for her son-in-law's pharmacy (this takes about 4 hours a day), the only doll related thing she did was create a Christmas Troll for the G Street Doll Club annual sale and show. She is also using the Swatch Buddies to organize her huge collection of fabric. She has started with the purple pattern box (only 30 more boxes to go!) You can see a great video on how these work at http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

Mary Ann made a quick trip out to California to meet her new granddaughter Nakoalani Mae and enjoyed spending a little time with son Michael, his wife Kyah and 2-1/2 year old grandson Kainoa.  There is no greater joy than tickling and giggling with a grandchild!  The family will be traveling to New Jersey for the baby’s baptism at the end of October so that Mary Ann’s parents can meet their great-granddaughter.  What a wonderful celebration it will be!  Daughter Ana has helped produce three more videos for the site so be sure to keep an eye out. 

******************************
WEBSITES:

Listen to a tiny child tell the story of Jonah and the Whale. She is delightful!
http://vimeo.com/16404771