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

Fall 2013 Issue 132

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Copyright 2013 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,

Time has flown with lots of new babies arriving, and the September newsletter has become a fall issue.  There is still time to take advantage of our special Christmas sale, and make a darling witch (free pattern) for Halloween. Our doll club is having a paper challenge next spring, and the links are amazing. Leftover Halloween candy can be sent to soldiers overseas, and the new Hoffman challenge fabric is in stores. We know you are busy preparing for the upcoming holiday season, but take time to enjoy some of the fun websites in this issue. Enjoy! 

Bonnie and Mary Ann

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ATTENTION ALL DOLL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS!

We are establishing a LIST of every Doll Class we can find. We want to know about the classes in your local stores, doll clubs etc... We will post for FREE the information about each class AND we will issue each teacher a specific coupon code so that all of the students can get 20% OFF THE REGULAR PRICES FOR ONE ENTIRE ORDER. Our goal is to connect interested dollmakers everywhere with exciting classes and we are relying on you to help us make that happen! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollmaking_class/index.html

Our list of exciting Dollmaking Classes is growing!  Be sure to visit this page as often as possible to see what wonderful classes may be coming near you! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollmaking_class/index.html

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OCTOBER SALE

Our OCTOBER SALE is underway on three big categories: CHRISTMAS, ANGELS AND SNOWPEOPLE to get you started on your holiday projects with a 20% discount.  http://dollmakersjourney.com/

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.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Break the unreasonable down into little reasonable chunks. A big goal is only achieved when every little thing that you do every day gets you closer to that goal."  Maren Kate, from her blog "Escaping the 9 to 5"

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CHARITY CORNER - HALLOWEEN CANDY AND FREE CHARITY DOLL PATTERNS

After Halloween, donate your leftover candy to Operation Gratitude. They will ship boxes to our service members across the sea. Click here for the address or to donate online.
http://www.operationgratitude.com/halloween-candy-buy-back-2012/

Go to http://dollydonations.blogspot.com to get free patterns. Use them to donate dolls to Haiti, for Operation Christmas Child, the Uthando Projec, or any other charity you wish. Lots of free patterns and some really cute fairy tale patterns for sale too. Also check out the free patterns on our Dollmaker's Journey website at http://dollmakersjourney.com/charitycorner.html

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AUGUST ANSWER

Q:  Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) was once challenged to write a book using less than 225 different words every 6-7 year old should know. One of his most popular books was the result. What was the book and how many different words did he use?
A: 'The Cat in the Hat' used 223 words that were included in the list given to Theodor Geisel, and 13 extra words. It uses 236 words, 54 words occurring once, 33 words twice.  The word "another"  has 3 syllables, while 14 have 2 and the remaining 221 are monosyllabic.  Longest words are something and playthings.   The book took him 9 months to write. Many of you mentioned Green Eggs and Ham (50 words) and Hop on Pop, but The Cat in the Hat was written especially for this challenge.
Congratulations to Anita Keeton from Waterford, New York. 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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OCTOBER QUESTION

Q:  What were the first words ever spoken on the telephone?

Everyone who emails in the correct answers by November15th (I've given you more time) 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 October 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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TIPS FROM JUDI WARD

A note for those "haunting" the costume areas of the stores and the thrift stores. This is the time of year for HAIR!!! The costume hair is cheap and Sooo varied. Some is really nice and if you watch and wait till the day or so before Halloween it will be on sale too.

Another note about products....The Buffalo Snow stuffing is back in the stores. Our ACE, BIG LOTS and K MART have it.  I just finished my last bag and had to start on the last of 2 bags of my expensive German stuffing and found I like the Buffalo Snow a lot better!  I am going to stock up.

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JUST FOR FUN

I just got this recipe from Isabel de los Rios at http://beyonddiet.com and it is fantastic. Quick and easy too! I used large Red Delicious apples and it made 4 pints. I put three in the freezer and kept one out to eat.

Apple Butter in the Crockpot (Bonnie Lewis - safe for diabetics too!)

12 apples (I used Red Delicious)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3 Tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup raw honey

Start by peeling, coring and dicing your apples. (I ran mine through a food processor.) When you're finished dicing the apples, toss them all into a crockpot. Sprinkle the spices and drizzle the honey on top. Cook on low for 6 hours. When 6 hours are up, mash the apples with a potato masher or a fork. Cook for 2 more hours. When the apple butter is finished in the slow cooker, pulse a couple of times in a food processor. (I put mine in a blender.) Let it cool completely before storing in your refrigerator.

Here's what you can do with apple butter:
Add it to your oatmeal
Spread it on a piece of bread (sprouted whole grain preferred)
Dip sweet potato fries in it
Use it as a sauce or glaze on chicken or pork
Mix it up with Greek yogurt.
Make a smoothie: 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 Tablespoon apple butter, 4 oz. Greek yogurt, a little water. Blend until smooth.

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CHALLENGE UPDATES

The Hoffman Challenge has just announced their challenge fabric for 2014. You can see it with 10 coordinating fabrics here:
For more information on the Hoffman Challenge rules and deadlines go here: http://hoffmanchallenge.com/

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

October 3 - November 3, 2013 - Persons of Interest by TAODA
Hanson Galleries Centre at Post Oak .  5000 Westheimer #106,  Houston, TX 77056
Hansen Galleries  is hosting an exhibition of new works by the members of the Texas Association of Original Doll Artists (TAODA).  Persons of Interest, a unique collection of one-of-a-kind costumed sculpture, will feature work in various media including clay, porcelain, wood, fiber, and other materials. Each piece is unique in character and design reflecting the style of the individual artist.  Hanson Galleries Post Oak location is open Monday through Friday, 10 am - 8 pm and Saturday 10 am - 6 pm.  For a map and directions, please visit www.hansongalleries.com or call 713-552-1242.

July 13-17, 2014 - 27th Annual National Doll & Toy Festival (NDTF)
Pavilion of the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel
111 E. Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
For more information go to their website and click on download for invitation https://www.dropbox.com/s/keq6grgjwmiis2l/NDTF%2327SanAntonio.Info.dsc.pdf?m 
Or contact Rowbear Lowman     Email:  DollFestival@aol.com    (831) 438-5349 phone

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

Edwina Sutherland just made a new blog post. It has 5 great articles of doll making tips for you, especially helpful to beginners. Here's the link:
http://www.edwinasutherland.blogspot.ca/2013/10/5-articles-on-doll-making.html

Patti LaValley writes: If you love Halloween, you will love Goulianne. She is an 18" Halloween wall doll, and is a FREE mini class right now on my blog!
http://patti-lavalley-designs.blogspot.com/

Did you ever wonder how the pressmolds are used to make a doll's face? Our "Pressmold Queen" SHERRY GOSHON made us a great video to show how quick and easy it is to do. Why not take a look - http://dollmakersjourney.com/Tips-and-Techniques.html#pressmold

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PAPER PLAY
By Bonnie B. Lewis

A few days ago I was asked to participate in career day for my granddaughter's kindergarten class. The teacher agreed to give me one hour (although she didn't think I could hold a 5-year-old's attention for more than 10 minutes!)  I brought in about 50+ dolls, assorted hats and shoes, the books we had written, and a doll magazine. As I entered the school another teacher noticed my dolls and asked, "So are you a doll collector?" I told her no, this was my career, and I made every single doll.

I began by telling the children that when I was their age our teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wanted to be a farmer's wife, the first lady on the moon, and a writer. The farmer's wife was an abysmal failure. I can't even grow squash and tomatoes in a grow box on our deck! I could theoretically be the first lady on the moon, but I have long since passed the astronaut age of admission. I told the girls this was still a viable goal - as far as I know there hasn't been a single woman on the moon. However, I did accomplish my third goal - I am a writer.

We went around the room and all the children shared what they wanted to be when they grew up. Most of the girls and boys wanted to be policemen or sheriffs, one girl wanted to be a queen (my granddaughter) and another a princess. What happened to teachers and a happily married mom?
I explained that I worked my way through college as a magician, and started making dolls after I graduated, got married, and had 8 children (6 girls). This career enabled me to stay home and raise my children (a luxury many young women don't have today).

I then proceeded to show them dolls I made out of many different materials. I brought cornhusk, paper twist, paper, origami angels, porcelain, cloth, dolls made entirely with beads, clothespin dolls (using doll clothespins and stands and jointed dolls using many clothespins), wooden carved dolls, clay dolls, dolls made from nuts and seed pods, yarn. etc. The hit was the washcloth ninja that I made that morning out of two washcloths. I used fun foam and beads to make the weapons. (Directions from my friend Ann Cox are in the 2013 November Soft Dolls and Animals). I told them when Elizabeth and I were on St. Lucia there weren't any normal dollmaking supplies available, so we made robots out of egg cartons, dolls using plastic bags for braided hair, spoon  dolls, paper dolls, paper plate dolls, and anything else we could invent. The children gave me a list of impossible objects to turn into dolls, and I must admit I haven't turned a couch, toilet, or house into a doll, although I have made dollhouses with handmade couches, toilets, etc. inside.

I then talked about two books I wrote with Mary Ann Kaahanui on making hats and shoes for dolls. I showed them how we used mouse pads for tennis shoe soles, feathers, buckram and beads for showgirl hats, and then I passed around two hats (hard hat and samurai helmet) and asked what they thought I used for them. Answer: a Slurpee cap and plastic lid for the hard hat and a cup and plastic container for the samurai helmet, along with iridescent beetle wings for decoration.

I then showed them some of my art dolls, including a pilgrim and Indian, George and Martha Washington, my pioneer ancestors (I transferred their faces onto cloth from an old picture I had), a gargoyle, dragon, and frog prince (I warned them if they kissed him they could turn into a frog). We passed these dolls around and everyone wanted to check to see if they had underwear, so I gave them a brief history of undergarments (none, split crotch, pantaloons, modern). I stressed that everything I had ever learned I could use in making a doll, including history, math, sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, shoemaking, millinery, reading, etc. It was a delightful day and the teacher was surprised when it was time for them to go home.

Now for the title of the article, "Paper Play."  Our G Street Doll Club is having a challenge for next year to create a doll dress completely out of paper. I have made many dolls of paper, but not an entire dress with no fabric allowed. Our president sent us some links to incredible paper dresses that I thought you might enjoy. Two of the videos use cheesecloth and lace to strengthen the paper mache, which we won't be allowed to use, but I thought you might want to explore the many wonderful things you can do with paper.

Pinterest page for Isabelle deBorchgrave (my inspiration for our challenge)
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=isabelle%20de%20borchgrave&rs=ac&len=11

http://www.isabelledeborchgrave.com/en_home.php   (Click on "Creations")
Scroll through each one of these categories.  There are numerous costumes within each one:
     * Splendour of the Medici
     * The World of Mariano Fortuny
     * Les Ballets Russes
     * The Kaftans
     * Orders for Museums
     * Haute Couture

Flickr pictures from a show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845961@N02/sets/72157623559946880  
 
Go to Google Images and search Isabelle deBorchgrave for a couple of examples.  Everything is paper, including the jewelry and the lace, and the costumes are hand painted. She makes paper shoes also.
 
Links to YouTube for making your own paper  dresses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z17JuGFH1yw   (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NVwBXujDz0   (Part 2)

For additional inspiration:
http://youtu.be/oTPQ7qtH8Cc
http://www.kellbellestudio.blogspot.com

There are other videos that you'll see on the YouTube sidebar, as you play, including these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uOhii5BgDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaD54yZYyEU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZFyyd9_3lo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6yENMk3B_o

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

We are thrilled to bring you JAN HORROX'S fantastic new book "Making Fantasy Cloth Dolls!"  Learn how to give your dolls a magical quality as JAN guides you through the construction of a variety of delightful characters from fairies to Steampunk.  This book will surely be another great addition to your reference library.  Click here to read more about it  - http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

Fall in the Northern Hemisphere is finally here and MICHELLE ALLEN'S "Harvest Greeter" would be perfect for any doorstep. "Sweet Emily" is MICHELLE'S charming version of a raggedy with a vintage style. Stop by and take a look - http://dollmakersjourney.com/allen.html

Did you ever make an apple-headed doll when you were a kid? Designer CAROLINE ERBSLAND has a fresh new take on this old style doll with her "Serena, The Apple Headed Witch Doll CD." It's surprising how lovely and apple-headed doll can be! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/erbsland.html

BARBARA WILLIS never disappoints! She has such a wonderful way of combining fabrics and trims into gorgeous dolls and other projects such as her newest doll "Prilly" and the exquisite "Petite Slipper Thimble Holder" that could be such an enchanting gift. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html
  
The attendees of Day with Dolls in Boonton NJ on 17 August were treated to seeing all six of STEPHANIE NOVATSKI'S extraordinary "Divas" in person. This CD is so jam packed with costuming techniques, it is sure to keep your creativity sparked for a very long time. Come see how STEPHANIE turns one doll body into six amazing characters - http://dollmakersjourney.com/novatski.html

CINDEE MOYER has retired her mixed-media "Heart, Soul and Sanctuary" class into a marvelous pattern for your enjoyment. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/moyer.html

The very whimsical "A Crow's Hallows Eve" is the newest pattern from LAURA HAKES of Fiddlestix Designs. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/hakes.html

GINNY LETTORALE has done it again. We love her "Prim Little Elephants Ellie & Elvin and Company" and think you will, too. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/lettorale.html

Leave it to MAUREEN MILLS to come up with a "Giant Snowman Head and Pumpkin." There's no tellin' where these two items might turn up! - http://dollmakersjourney.com/mills.html

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SUPPLIES

Over in the HAIR DEPARTMENT you'll find some fabulous new colors of STRAIGHT WOOL such as Pecan, Henna and Light Gray along with Earthen Blend CURLY WOOL. We also found a gorgeous LUXURY ALPACA/SILK BLEND in Dark Brown. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html
PLEASE NOTE: All of the colors are in limited supply as they were purchased at a yearly Wool Festival.

We are so happy to report that the GRRRIP GLUE and both STUFFING FORKS are back in stock. - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html You'll also find more Steam-A-Seam, Straight Black Wool and Curly Wool in Washed White.

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CUSTOMER COMMENTS

Doris Benz wrote about the August issue of Customer Connection Newsletter: " I ALWAYS enjoy your newsletter but today you surpassed yourself with the inclusion of Mary Maxwell's prayer at her retirement home. Having been the Art Director of Friendship Village in Chesterfield, Mo. retired now since 1996, it brought such marvelous memories. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember the fun I had teaching out there. Needless to say my job was one that  the residents had pleasure in attending. Since the art room is one by choice most came to me expecting to have fun and I too wanted that to be my vocation and reward"

Sue Kesby sent a warning about the hand sanitizer recipes: "I would like to send a warning to anyone who is interested in the hand sanitizer recipes - I would be very wary of using any which have tea tree in their makeup if I had cats and dogs. There have been several well-documented cases of cats being bathed with a tea tree shampoo, or ingesting it by grooming themselves after being handled by someone using tea tree oil, and being severely ill (in some cases, they died). I found this article on Google which you might find interesting.
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/tea-tree-oil/
Thanks you, Sue, for your timely warning.

I wrote about Tanya Montegut and techniques she taught at Day with Dolls for working with hair to create wigs. She wanted to add this postscript:  "With the world's ever changing global diversity, hair types are no longer defined by racial makeup but by textures and curl pattern." Please view quick YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRVl3WmQz2k>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRVl3WmQz2k
Thank you, Tanya, for that great update.

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie had another grandson born Sunday, October 20, 2013, at 7:22 a.m. He weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and was 21" long.  This makes 27 grandchildren, most of who will be coming for Thanksgiving in November. Bonnie has been busy knitting lots of baby blankets for car seat covers (they have a hole in the middle to accommodate the seat belt buckle) and crocheting Humpty Dumpty rattles. This makes 1 granddaughter born in July, a grandson in October, and two good friends also had babies the same week Ethan William Lewis was born. It will be nice when the last blanket is finished so she can get back to playing with dolls.

Mary Ann has been up to her eyeballs over the past month moving to a new house!  A change in her relationship led to the sale of her previous home, but she found one every bit as wonderful with an even better space for Dollmakers Journey just a short distance away.  The business and the household were moved on 2 different days to keep the 2000+ products from getting mixed in with household items.  The business was back up and running in 2 days.  She really appreciates everyone's support and patience during this incredibly hectic time.  This past week she and her daughter Ana attended the tour of one of their favorite TV programs "So You Think You Can Dance!"  If you are a fan of the show and the tour comes to a city near you it is well worth the price of the ticket.  The incredibly talented dancers performed 47 numbers!

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WEBSITES:

Watch an amazing automaton built 249 years ago.
http://www.chonday.com/Videos/the-writer-automaton

Watch this incredible dog jump and do other tricks
http://www.youtube.com/embed/5I_QzPLEjM4?rel=0

Go on a Halloween Ride with your children here
http://thepixiepit.co.uk/scrabble/halloween_2012.htm

Inside the isolated world of Huguette Clark: Heiress refused to leave Fifth Avenue penthouse where she hid with thousands of DOLLS she dressed in custom-Dior and kept in elaborate homes. Make sure you watch the video.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2418246/Heiress-Huguette-Clark-refused-leave-Fifth-Avenue-penthouse-hid-DOLLS.html

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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.  Thanks!