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

November 2012 Issue 125

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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.

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Dear Dollmaking Friends,

In a previous newsletter we had an article written by Julie Booth about a wonderful couple who create memorial quilts. In a follow-up on her blog she has pictures of one of their recent quilts created in memory of one who has passed away. To learn more about Sue and Gene Greer's quilt visit http://www.threadbornblog.com/2012/09/memorial-quilt.html

With the approaching holidays our thoughts turn to family and friends, both near and far away. I don't know how many of you are aware of "Frankenstorm" Sandy, a hurricane super storm that devastated the eastern United States a few weeks ago. Dollmaker's Journey was spared. Bonnie only got a little water in her garage while the eye of the hurricane hovered over her house about 6 hours; but thousands are homeless in New Jersey, Delaware, and New York City. When her children from Boston drove to Florida several days ago, the navigation system in their car routed them far west of New York City. Fortunately, this meant they had to travel on a road that goes right by her house, and she was pleased to have them visit on their trip down south. Our hearts go out to those who have lost everything. Maybe some of those baby hats Bonnie keeps making will end up in New York at one of the hospitals. Check with your local Red Cross or church to see what else you can do to help.

Bonnie and Mary Ann

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2012 UFO CHALLENGE AND COOKBOOK

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?

SPECIAL  HOLIDAY OFFER!

Bonnie spent almost the entire year compiling a recipe book for her church. It is called 2012 Recipes for 2012. She collected recipes from her congregation and also included many pages of essential information, like how to care for a Dutch Oven, how to cook over an open fire, how to sprout grains for extra nutrition, as well as over 500 handy hints, ingredient substitution charts, quick and easy recipes, etc. The book is now at the printers and is 280 pages long, with over 2,500 recipes and hints, etc. The book itself is NOT FOR SALE. She is only printing enough for members of her church that contributed recipes.

How could you put a value on such an amazing collection of favorite recipes, classic recipes, and cherished family recipes passed down for generations in her congregation!  As a special gift, Bonnie will make this priceless book available on a CD-ROM (PDF format) for FREE to all Dollmakers Journey customers who place a minimum order of $50 of products in the month of December.

Bonnie has included in this newsletter a family favorite that she made sugar-free since both she and her husband are diabetic. Also check out in our archives issue 106 - October/ November 2010 of the Customer Connection Newsletter for a recipe her daughter-in-law introduced which is now part of every holiday dinner called Cran-Raspberry Mousse. We hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we like eating them.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!  Place your $50 order in December and enjoy this extraordinary collection of recipes that will nourish you for years to come!

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NOVEMBER SALE

In November you can take 20% off everything in our Stump Dolls and Pincushions categories.

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. Make sure you take advantage of the free cookbook CD-ROM offer in December.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

"I try to end each day saying, 'I am glad I did,' rather than 'I wish I had.'" Barbara J. McMorrow

"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day."   Robert Caspar Lintner

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ANSWER

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

A: Anatidaephobia is defined as a pervasive, irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. Here are some other interesting phobias that I found.

Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
Ergasiophobia is the fear of work. It may be related to performance anxiety and fear of failure.
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of.... long words
Agoraphobia is the fear of going out into public places; occurring with or without panic attacks.
Food neophobia is defined as avoidance of, and reluctance to taste, unfamiliar foods
Xenophobia is an excessive and irrational fear of anything foreign. This fear is most often of foreign people, places or objects.
Acrophobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of heights.
Photophobia is excessive sensitivity to light and the aversion to sunlight or well-lit places.
Iatrophobia is a fear of going to the doctor or just afraid of doctors.
Athazagoraphobia is the fear of (or strong reaction to) forgetting, being ignored, or generally anything dealing with the idea of forgetfulness.
Coulrophobia is an abnormal or exaggerated fear of clowns
Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty glass.
Cryophobia is the fear of cold, extreme cold, ice or frost
Ergasiophobia 1) Fear of work or functioning. 2) Surgeon's fear of operating.

Congratulations to Angie Fisher from Indiana. 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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NOVEMBER QUESTION

Q: Where is the world's largest nativity scene? (This includes dolls/figures/sculptures. This does not include live pageants!)

Everyone who emails in the correct answers by December 1st 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 November 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.

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CHARITY CORNER

Happy Birthday FreeRice.com

In 5 years, the very fun, very addictive online game has resulted in 5 million needy people being fed. Join the celebration by playing right NOW, and check out the new subjects. For each right answer, rice is donated to the UN World Food Program, so you can't lose. http://freerice.com/category

Knit/Crochet hats for Newborns

One project Bonnie is involved in this year is making hats for at-risk babies at the neonatal clinic in Winchester, Virginia. Each year babies are transported here from local hospitals that are at risk from low birth weight, medical problems, etc. Each baby that comes to the hospital needs a hat to retain body heat. Bonnie and others in the community are making hats for babies weighing from 1 pound to 10 pounds. She thought you might enjoy seeing if there is a need at your local hospital and join in the fun. A typical hat can be completed in as little as half an hour, and the smaller ones are also perfect for dolls. Below is a list of patterns available on the internet. The ones marked with an * are her favorites, although she has made all of the patterns.

Crochet:

*The Left Side of Crochet - Basic Infant Hat 4 sizes (2 lb, 4 lb, 6 lb and 8 lb baby)
http://dishclothdiaries.blogspot.com/2009/10/basic-infant-hat-4-sizes. Html

SLK Baby Hat Size Newborn to 3 months
http://susan.kraus.net/pages/pattern5.html

Free Crochet Pattern - basic preemie hat
http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-basic-preemie-hat/

Half-double crochet preemie baby cap (5 sizes)
http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/yarn/pat-premcap.html

Crocheted Baby Hat
http://www.geocities.com/dtdrpep4me/BabyCap2.html

Newborn Berry Hat
http://www.craftown.com/Nwborn-Berry-Hat.html

Larger Preemie Hat Size
http://thedaintydaisyblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/larger-preemie-hat-size.html

Preemie Hat pattern
http://thedaintydaisyblog.blogspot.com/search/label/preemie%20beanie

*Gotcha Covered #2 - All sizes from preemie to adult - One of my favorite
http://www.coatsandclark.com
In search engine enter Gotcha Covered #2 LW1269

*The Dainty Daisy: Shell Stitch Beanie for Preemie to 1 year  Really beautiful and quick
http://thedaintydaisyblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/shell-stitch-beanie.html

Knit:

Ribbed baby hat - sizes preemie to 4 years old
http://knitting.about.com/od/patternsforbabies/p/rib-baby-hat.htm

Striped baby hat fits newborn (5 lb), 6 lbs and normal birth weight
http://knitting.about.com/od/patternsforbabies/p/stripe-baby-hat.htm

Hat for Newborn baby
http://knitting.about.com/library/nbabyhat.htm

Preemie Cap & Booties
http://www.fibergypsy.com/pmkn/preemieset.html

Preemie Hat (Knitting)
http://www.hood.edu/carewear/patterns/generated/p2.shtml

*Gotcha Covered #1 - Hats from Preemie to adult all sizes - one of my favorites!
http://www.coatsandclark.com          
In search engine enter Gotcha Covered #1 Pattern LW1268

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GREAT PRICE ON RIBBON

Check out Gifts International (http://www.giftsintl-us.com/products.php?cat=42) for a great price on organza ribbons. Perfect for gift-giving or dolls.

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

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

April 17-20, 2013 - Big Belly Babe with Ankie Daanen, NIADA Artist
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Limited space - 12 students - sign up early
For more information go to:  http:/www.aforartistic.com/big-bell-babe.html

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/

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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

Fun tutorials for making yarn curls and fat ringlets from Ree.
http://tipsyteacup.com/Tutorials.htm   Just click the Pencil Curls link.

Here's how to sew yarn hair onto a child's doll.
http://dollydonations.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-sew-yarn-hair-onto-your-doll.html

Use Martha Stewart's Glitter Eyelash Yarn to make spectacular wigs for your dolls. Mary Ann will show you how easy it is in her newest "Tricks of the Trade" video http://dollmakersjourney.com/Tips-and-Techniques.html PLUS there is a handout for you to print out.

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SHELLY THORNTON, NIADA ARTIST

I met Shelley Thornton the year she was inducted into NIADA. She makes wonderful cloth dolls, and is one of the few doll artists in NIADA to work with cloth. There is a great article about how she creates her dolls that I think you will enjoy.   http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tsaconf/66/
Be sure to click on download to see this PDF file with information on how she makes her unique dolls.  To see some of Shelley's creations, go to her website: http://shelleythornton.com/

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

"Fishy Flossie" is another whimsical creation from the fertile imagination of JILL MAAS that is guaranteed to make you smile! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/maas.html

STEPHANIE NOVATSKI has just released her eagerly anticipated pattern called "The Men" that includes three very distinct characters. This jam packed CD will take you a very long way in creating wonderful make dolls.  Her "Soprana" is one of the most gorgeous mermaid patterns we have ever seen overflowing with extraordinary embellishment techniques. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/novatski.html

"Camille" is a lovely new seated fairy from JUDY SKEEL. Pattern includes in depth instructions for making and posing beautiful hands. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/skeel.html

Australia's SUZETTE RUGOLO has a delightful new pattern called "Babushka" that will surely add a touch of whimsy to any decor. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html

PRICE REDUCTION: "Creating Faces: Needle Sculpting from the Beginning CD" by BARB OWEN remains one of the best needle sculpting tutorials on the market. It is now available for $12.50 instead of $17. Truly a "must have" for every reference library. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/owen.html

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SUPPLIES

Designer PATTI LAVALLEY loves the strength of "Gorilla Glue" for her projects and we now have it in both 2 oz. and 4 oz. bottles - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html We've added another size of wooden dowels - 5/16" that come in packages of 8.  Always great to have on hand! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

Over in the FABRIC DEPARTMENT we've added White Kunin Plush Felt - the perfect fabric for all those quick and easy snow people projects.  Not only is it soft, it is an eco-fiber made from 100% post-consumer recycled bottles! -http://dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html

Check out the yummy MARTHA STEWART GLITTER EYELASH YARN that you can use to make spectacular wigs for your dolls. Mary Ann will show you how easy it is in her newest "Tricks of the Trade" video http://dollmakersjourney.com/Tips-and-Techniques.html PLUS there is a handout for you to print out. Check out this beautiful yarn in five sparkling colors - http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html

After a long, long wait we are thrilled to announce...GRRRIP GLUE IS BACK!!! We also have all 4 sizes of covered buttons back in stock along with the Size 01 Brown Pigma Pens and the Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Be sure to check out our ever expanding SUPPLY DEPARTMENT for other things you need. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

Now that we've added paints and finishes to the site we finally have some paintbrushes! Thanks to the guidance of expert KAT LEES we have a flat, an angular and a fine liner and an assortment pack for you to choose from. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/paints_finishes.html

We're adding a new shade of TIBETAN LAMB and it is a nice, bright, vibrant RED. We are changing the name of the red we've had to "Cardinal Red" and crossing our fingers you won't be
too confused by this! http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html#tibetan

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JUST FOR FUN

Thanksgiving Day here in the United States isn't complete without turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. Since Bonnie and her husband are now diabetic, she invented a special recipe for sugar-free Cranberry Sauce that ended up sweet, thick and delicious. (This is one of over 2,500 recipes and tips in Bonnie's new 2012 Recipes for 2012 Cookbook.)

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce (Bonnie Lewis)

1/2 cup water                   
1/2 cup Xylosweet or sugar substitute
2 cups raw cranberries, fresh or frozen

Place water and Xylosweet in saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cranberries and cook until berries pop and are soft. Let cool and refrigerate. Thick, fantastic sauce, and best of all, it's sugar- free.

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

In addition to writing a cookbook, Bonnie has been busy making pinecone skiers, carolers, ornaments; turkeys from Oreo cookies to give friends on Thanksgiving Day, snowmen and Santa stuck upside down in a chimney from flowerpots, and other assorted gifts for the upcoming holiday season. She also just received her new Hoffman Challenge fabric from http://quilt-kits-online.com. It is perfect for the doll she envisioned a year ago that got sidetracked by the cookbook. If you want to see the cutest turkeys and pilgrim hats, check out this link:  http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/11/oreo-turkeys-and-cookie-pilgrim-hats/

Mary Ann's family gathered on 21 October for the baptism of her granddaughter Nakoalani Mae.  It was thrilling to have a family celebration that encompassed four generations.  On 23 October Mary Ann's farther Paul suffered a stroke and she immediately returned to NJ to help care for her mother Marion.  Her Dad is working hard in a rehab hospital to regain his strength while Mary Ann and her siblings work towards making important decisions about the long-term care for their parents.  Her incredible assistant Lucia has been working hard to get the orders out everyday while Mak is away but Dollmakers Journey is NOT a one-person job.  Mary Ann gets home for a few days at a time to help catch up.  We ask for your patience during this time if we are not as quick to answer emails and phone messages.  We will continue to strive to give you the very best service possible as we deal with these life challenges.

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WEBSITES:

If you like to crochet, there are many dolls and accessories at this free crochet website:
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Toys/16-Crochet-Dolls-How-to-Make-Cute-Dolls-and-Accessories/ml/1

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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.
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.
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