Dollmaker's Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
January 2003 Issue Eighteen

******************************

Copyright 2003 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. Visit out companion website:
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/

** Notice! **
You can now 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 dollmaker friends,

We received a message from Sandy Sapienza last week that said:

“All good things must end. And it is time for We Folk to end. For a variety of reasons it is time to stop producing We Folk of Cloth: Doll Makers Gathering. Since the first We Folk in 1994 I have made many wonderful friends. I have special memories that will always be cherished. I hope that you do, too. NeedleArts Adventures, LLC, will continue to host other workshops and retreats. We hope that you will join us again in the future. Sincerely, Sandy”

We have attended We Folk of Cloth since its inception in 1994, and were privileged to teach at the last two conferences in 2000 and 2002. We are sad to see it finally end.

We have had several very informative discussions with Sandy and we are seriously considering expanding Dollmaker’s Journey to include event production. Just by chance Mary Ann’s daughter Ana happens to be a professional event planner! We discussed the matter with our doll club members today and came away with some truly exciting ideas to consider. We are open to any ideas or suggestions you might have and we’ll let you know what we decide. Please know how much we appreciate all of the supportive and encouraging messages we have received.

We hope you will enjoy all of the new items we’ve added to the site since our last issue, more exciting sites to visit and a terrific article by everyone’s favorite doll mentor Gloria “Mimi” Winer.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

******************************

SERVICE PROJECT

One of our readers, Darlene Wilkinson, started a project “Dolls for Sick Kids” over a year ago. “These are kids that have cancer and are beams of light in my life and the lives of others. The project is through Ronald McDonald House at TX. Children's Hospital. The dolls have to be hand made and the kids are ages 1 month to 23 years old. So if a dollmaker likes making art dolls, spirit dolls, healing dolls or kid dolls, anything goes. If a dollmaker is making a doll for a small child it does have to be child safe. I do also accept stuffed animals, these go over best with the boys and they don't have to be handmade.” For more information (her address has changed) contact Darlene at: darlenes6@lycos.com

******************************

NEW DESIGNERS

What better way to start out the New Year than by checking out these new designers at Dollmaker’s Journey.

JACQUE UETZ is SHERRY GOSHON'S talented mother. Jacque's exquisite "Maggie Rose" press mold and body is the perfect project for learning to make paper clay heads and attaching them to cloth torsos. http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html

Meet another talented Australian designer - MICHELLE MUNZONE. You will delight in Michelle's array of 15th Century Comedia Dell'Arte figures, her award winning jester, a wonderful dragon, an exotic genie, a futuristic diva, a delicate fairy and more. Clearly, Michelle has something special to appeal to just about every dollmaker. Treat your creative spirit to one of these exciting new patterns! http://dollmakersjourney.com/munzone.html

We are thrilled to debut the first cloth doll pattern from the talented Canadian mixed-media doll artist TRACY TREMBLAY of King's Court Creations. You're going to love all the imaginative embellishment techniques Tracy presents in her lavishly illustrated "Heart Bottom Girls." They come in 2 great sizes for making ornaments or pindolls. Don't forget to stop by and meet Tracy in our Designer Bio section.

******************************

UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Winter Registration has begun at Crafty College. Check out over 18 classes that are beginning soon. http://craftycollege.com/academics/dollclasses.html

March 8-9, 2003 Antelope Valley Dolls, Bears & Miniature Show
Lancaster, California
Go to http://www.avdollshow.org/ for more information

April 5, 2003 East Coast Tea Party
West Deptford, New Jersey

May 1-4, 2003 - Artistic Figures In Cloth
Columbus, Ohio
To view the brochure/application visit: http://www.cyndysdolls.com/

May 1-4, 2003 Canadian Doll Artists Association Conference
Niagara Falls, Ontario
For complete information go to: http://www.dollartists.ca

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

******************************

SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

Designer ALLISON MARANO has donated a fantastic FREE PATTERN called "Teeny Tiny Fairy Flora" a precious little creature emerging from a lily. If you haven't yet tried one of Allison's patterns, you will soon see why she is such an exciting and popular designer. http://dollmakersjourney.com/flora.html

Then check out our FREE PATTERN section for a terrific Pin Doll pattern from JEVNE EILT and you'll get a taste of her thorough designing style. http://dollmakersjourney.com/pindoll.html

SHERRY GOSHON has designed a Pernot Lapel Pin. Click on this link: http://www.clothdollconnection.com/Classes/Pernot/pernot.html
for the free pattern.

******************************

TIP FROM ONE OF OUR READERS

An ideal tool for stuffing is a kebab stick and a chopstick. Twirl small amounts of stuffing around the tip of the kebab stick for getting into small spaces such as noses, fingers and toes. Once the stuffing is loosely in place, use the blunt end of the stick to firm it up and shape. It’s especially great for faces but you do have to be careful when placing the stuffing in and watch the tip doesn't pierce the fabric. A chopstick is great for really pressing the stuffing into place in the body, legs and arms on bigger dolls. Both these sticks are easy to use when traveling or during your lunch break at work. I always keep a couple in my desk drawer. I have never owned or used a stuffer because I've always found these two sticks are so easy to use. And if I misplace one, I can always find another in my kitchen drawer!
Nicky Harrall
Otautahi Christchurch Waitaha Canterbury Aotearoa New Zealand

*****************************

Fabric Draping for Perfect Clothes
By Gloria J. “Mimi” Winer

I am in the process of making medieval and early renaissance male garments for a series of male figures for my next book.(PC) Last year while traveling I found some tapestry and upholstery fabrics that were in scale for my figures, but the fabrics were quite heavy and stiff. Here is how I "fixed" them:
I worked full strength Downey liquid fabric softener into the dry fabrics. There were six pieces of one-half yard and two of one yard each. After each piece was thoroughly saturated (by the way, I buy this by the half-gallon at Costco, you may find it this cheap at Sam's Club) I folded it up and stacked them in a plastic storage box. I let it all sit for four or five hours, The box was in the kitchen so I could check once an hour so see how it was working. Several times I unfolded each piece and refolded it another way.....After this much time I added cold water to the box, just enough to cover the stack of fabric. I smooched it around a bit and turned them over from time to time. After about 8 hours of so I hand wrung out each piece, so I could lift the box to carry it down to the basement laundry room.

I put the entire mess, all of it, into the washing machine and added no detergent or anything other than cold water and ran it through the entire cycle, then about 90 minutes in the dryer, warm for Perm Press.

It all came out lovely and soft, and made up into the cotehardies and pansied slops....You have to read the book to learn what that is.....They are medieval names for garments.

Another way to tame fabrics that won't drape...i.e., a velvet mantle, lined with fur. It sticks out in all directions as it is far too bulky to drape and hang as I want it to. I learned this trick from George Stuart:

Get some half-ounce and quarter-ounce fishing weights. (from the fishing dept of the Wal-Mart or a fishing tackle shop) Get the kind that have a hole up the center so you can put a straight pin with a glass head into it or "butterflied weights” that can be wrapped around the pin.
After you have the pin inserted into the weight use pliers to form the sharp end of the pin into a hook. (If the fabric is silk or leather hand the hooks inside at the hem so the pinholes will not be seen.)

Now, hang the weight all around the hem of the garment, while it is on the doll. Hang them about every quarter inch. (I made about a 100 of these weights and use 30 to 50 on each garment that needs taming.)

After the weights are hung use a long needle to manipulate the fabric into the drape you want then spritz it lightly with water, do not saturate it. Leave the weights hanging for several days to a week. This technique will tame any fabric to your will.

Happy dolling Gloria J. "Mimi" Winer mimi@mimidolls.com
(Check out some of her other patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/mimi.html)

******************************

NEW PATTERNS

SHERRY GOSHON’S latest design - the magnificent Erte inspired showgirl "Souline," is just dazzling in her wired trapunto skirt and the inspiration for Sherry's upcoming "Erte Challenge." (see below under Designer Doings) Her newest press mold “Cody” features the face of a beautiful African American child, which Sherry has presented as an angel. The pattern includes the teddy bear as well. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

Dragon lovers are going to flip over BARBARA GRAFF'S extraordinary fire breathing "Mother of All Dragons" - lovingly nick named "Mom!" You have to check out this true work of art! http://dollmakersjourney.com/graff.html

JEVNE EILT'S brings us three terrific new projects. Her "Ariana Face Mold" has been a huge hit and now Jevne has added a third beautiful body to use with it. The lovely, button-jointed faerie "Kryie" stands gracefully alone. "Three Faeries" is a wonderful mix and match pattern with three different poseable bodies and lots of trimming variations - quick and easy and fun! http://dollmakersjourney.com/eilts.html

The core of your creativity will surely be stimulated by PAMELA HASTINGS extraordinary 40-page book of exciting projects - "Pamela's Paper Doll Inspiration Book." Pamela's energy and enthusiasm bursts forth from each amazing page as she shows you how to "gag your Inner Critic" and "follow your flow." Best of all she has tucked some delightful surprises in between the pages just for you. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hastings.html

We have another delightful character from DOUG AND BARB KEELING - "The Story Teller" - who could easily represent any favorite older gentleman in your life. http://dollmakersjourney.com/keeling.html

JANE HOUCK has added 2 new patterns to her line. "Merriment" is the perfect female companion for her very popular "Fun" and "Frolic" characters using her clever felt over styrofoam technique. Her whimsical "Eyeglasses/Cell Phone Case" has a wonderful appliquéd face. http://dollmakersjourney.com/houck.html

We've got another fabulous pattern from Australia's SUZETTE RUGOLO - "Shamus O'Grady the Leprechaun" - the most dashing, free-standing, Irish charmer you've ever seen! http://dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html

And finally, designer JOANN LAW has released patterns for four of her wildly popular pindolls. Beading enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the spectacular "Beaded Dragon" and "Beaded Seahorse". "Ferguson the Frog" and "Olympia" are quick and easy and have always been best sellers for Joann. Check out these great new designs at http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html

******************************

DESIGNER DOINGS

Sakes Alive, I'm 75! One of our “youngest designers”, CLAIRE-ELLEN, writes:
“Just had to tell you-all about 15 of my wonderful friends who surprised me with a B'day party bringing 75 gifts. Imagine unwrapping all those packages! Guess it got out that I’m no longer "39". Recipe: Live well, laugh often, & eat chocolate! (Avoid mirrors) Don't feel a day over 40!” See Claire-Ellen’s wonderful patterns at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/claire.html

SHERRY GOSHON is sponsoring an Art Deco Challenge for 2003. If you love high fashion, this challenge is for you. Pictures are due by June 1, 2003. To find out more visit: http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid1552044

For inspiration, check out the following sites:
http://www.erte.com/
http://www.doubletakeart.com/cgi-bin/dtg/psearch.list?ac=00173

******************************

SUPPLY NEWS

Collectible Computer Mouse Pads - featuring “Dilley” by Kezi Matthews can be ordered at: http://thedollnet.com Click on the mouse pad for more details.

Art Doll Quarterly Magazine subscriptions are now available. Discount before March 31, 2003. Click on “For More Details” at: http://www.artdollquarterly.com

For all of you who have managed to stitch up your fingers in your sewing machine, check out the following tools in Nancy’s Notions Catalog http://www.nancynotions.com OR 1.800.833.0690
1. Bamboo stiletto @$6.50
2. Stiletto/Awl @$4.25
3.That Purple Thang @ $2.99

Troll Hair - http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/trollsecrets/sells Icelandic fleece which is the same as the original troll hair.

Sisters and Daughters at http://www.sistersanddaughters.com/hairsalon.html They carry troll hair and Icelandic fleece. Check out the white firestar hair too.

Your best bet for inexpensive troll hair is to check out a craft store or Wal-Mart for their fake fur squares. If you buy white you can color it with magic markers or highlighters for bright neon colors. You can also dye it by using Kool-Aid (choose unsweetened Kool-Aid) add a little hot water, and dip fur in it.

******************************

TIP

Sheer scarves for dolls - I needed a sheer drapeable fabric to use for hat veiling for my hennin, and a lightweight cream very soft polyester organdy fabric seemed to work best. I discovered that if you draw your pattern on the fabric with disappearing marker, and then go over the hemline with Fray Check or glitter paint, and then brush the paint away from the veil or dress, you can cut out the design and the edge won't fray. I have also burned the edge, but with polyester it just melts and makes a mess (I know this method works well with silk). I like using the glitter paint (such as Jones Tones or Scribbles) because it leaves just a hint of magic along the edge. BBL

******************************

CUSTOMER QUERIES

Nicholas Halkias (nhalkias@juno.com) is searching for an old Lowenstein Inc. Patterned Doll pattern, which was printed on fabric with a front and back pillow doll design. It is the male version of the “I Am Gingham Girl” and was probably called “I Am Gingham Boy”. Anyone who might know where to locate such a pattern please contact Nicholas at email above.

******************************

NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie succeeded in making all the dolls needed for Christmas gifts, and on January 6, 2003, her mother-in-law, Juventa Pierpont Lewis, passed away suddenly. The funeral was Saturday, and Bonnie had to arrange the program and musical numbers. It was a beautiful memorial service to an elect lady who has enriched many lives.

Mary Ann will be starting a new chapter in her life when she closes on her new home next week. The home she is in now hasn’t sold yet, so she’ll have plenty of time to get everything moved without any disruption to the business. She and her husband Mel are parting ways on the very best of terms and are blessed to remain close and supportive friends.

******************************

OTHER SITES TO SEE

Rit dye color chart: http://www.basketclass.com/ritdye.html

Miniature sites:
Miniature magazines - http://www.tinytalk.org/magazine.htm
Miniature magazines/newspapers/etc. - http://www.printmini.com/printables/

******************************

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.

You can also read all the past issues online at:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/archives.html
Included is an index to all the past issues.

Thanks! (By the way, you might want to print this out and put it into a
binder to keep for reference….)

******************************

To subscribe to Dollmaker’s Journey Customer
Connection, go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/subscribe.html

To unsubscribe, go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/unsubscribe.html

To change your address, subscribe the new address and
unsubscribe the old address.

******************************
Copyright © 2003 Dollmaker’s Journey