Dollmaker's Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION

December 2003 Issue 28

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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. 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,

We would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season. To celebrate we are introducing a NEW finger turning kit created exclusively for Dollmaker's Journey. This set includes FOUR telescoping turning tubes and one brass rod all custom milled to a satin smooth finish, guaranteed to turn even the tiniest fingers perfectly. As always, complete directions on how to use them are included. These kits will sell for $8.00 beginning January 1, 2004 , but from now through December 31 st we will include one kit FREE with every order we receive over $10.00. We will also enclose a wonderful HUMAN PROPORTION CHART in a page protector in every order for the rest of the month. So take advantage of these special offers and stock up on all those supplies and patterns you DIDN'T get for Christmas.

Please know how grateful we are to be able to serve such wonderful customers all over the world. Who would have thought a few short years ago that we'd be mailing doll patterns to such far-flung places as Bulgaria ! We consider each and every one of you a blessing and we're eager to find new and better ways of serving you in the coming year. From the bottom of our hearts we wish you a very happy and holy Holiday Season.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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DESIGNERS OF THE MONTH

Don't forget that our December Designers of the Month are JANE COUGHLAN and SANDY MILLER - 20% OFF all their patterns all month long! http://dollmakersjourney.com/

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CHARITY PROJECT

Afghanistan dolls revisited! G Street Doll Club is again collecting dolls and durable small toys suitable for girls and boys in an orphanage in Afghanistan . Contributions need to be sent to Carolyn Moore by mid-February. Carolyn writes: " I ask that anything sent be durable and culturally appropriate.  No "painted ladies", obvious breasts, etc., and no Christian Christmas references on their clothing (I got a couple of Christmas trees last year).  I also strongly recommend that dollmakers double stitch their seams so that their dolls/stuffed animals will last.  In this case, I believe that "less is more".  Pancake-type dolls are a good choice, and yarn hair or painted hair is better than fancy mohair unless it's a wig that's glued and sewn on to stay!  If anyone wants to contribute something for the little boys, I recommend balls, sturdy wooden trucks or cars (without flimsy parts), or stuffed animals.  Also, school supplies such as paper, pencils, and pens would be appreciated." You can send your contributions to:

Carolyn Smith Moore, 6209 Berlee Drive , Alexandria , VA 22312 .
For more information email Carolyn at Dollgenes@aol.com

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CHALLENGES

Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge 2004 Every year Pamela Armas has a challenge. You send her $15.00 and she will mail you a packet with pieces of wonderful fabric, trims and embellishments which you must use to create a doll based on that year's theme. These dolls will be displayed at the Houston Quilt Festival. To see pictures of some of the 2003 dolls and get more information, go to http://home.comcast.net/~marion.bolson/Gypsy.html
To receive a trim package email Pamela at: GypsyTreasures@cs.com

Sherry Goshon, one of our designers, has a challenge entitled "Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 to Art Deco 1920 - 1930's." Pictures need to be sent to Sherry by July 1, 2004 . For more details contact Marta Santiago Jimenez at: msjbaal@infonegocio.com

Beaded Art Doll Competition: Create an original beaded doll representing the five seasons. You may view Official Rules online at http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm

Or you may obtain a copy of the Official Rules by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition, Land of Odds , 522 East Iris Drive , Nashville , TN 37204 . Deadline is August 15, 2004 .

Hoffman Challenge: The new fabric for 2004 is now on their website. You can see it at: http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

January 22 - 25, 2004 - Southern Doll Conference
Orlando , Florida
For more information visit: http://www.kringlecreek.com/southern%20doll%20conference.htm
There are still a few spaces available, but December 31 st is the deadline.

January 31 - February 1, 2004 - IDEX West
San Francisco , California ( Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport )
IDEX Masters Academy Workshops

January 30, 2004
For more information: http://www.idexshows.com

March 17-21, 2004 - Kansas City Doll Fair ~ The Art of the Doll ~
Kansas City , Kansas
For more information: http://www.kcdollfair.com

April 29 - May 2, 2004 - Canadian Doll Artists Association 5th Annual Conference
Ft. Erie , Ontario (Holiday Inn Ft. Erie - Convention Centre)
For complete details: http://www.dollartists.ca

June 24 - 27, 2004 - Enchanted Doll Artist Conference
Albuquerque , New Mexico (Albuquerque Hotel)
For more information visit: http://members.cox.net/edac/

October 21 - 24, 2004 - In the Spirit Doll Conference (ITS)
Windsor , Connecticut (Marriott Hotel)

http://www.calicoetc.com/dollmakers.htm (email: calicoetc@msn.com)
Calico, Etc.,  116 Elm Street ,  Cheshire , CT 06410   ph:  203-272-2443  

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

For those of you who haven't visited our website recently, we do have a lot of free projects that have NOT been mentioned in this newsletter, including some great Christmas ideas/ornaments. These include: Funky Jacket, Guardian Angel, Elisa, Surf Side Suz, Callista, Wall Angel, Origami Angel, Krystal Christmas Ornament, Fantasy Mushroom Pincushion, Knave of Hearts, Jump Start My Heart, Bobbin Drawing Technique, and Lil Christmas Ornament. Check them out at http://dollmakersjourney.com Scroll down to the bottom of the first page and click on the ones you want to try.

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IRON SHOE TIP FROM BONNIE

Mary Ann and I went to the Sewing Expo in Chantilly , Virginia in October, and there we saw an IRON SHOE. The demonstrator attached it to the bottom of her iron using metal springs, turned the heat on high (cotton) and proceeded to iron T-Shirt Logos, wool, cotton, tulle, vinyl, sequins, puff paint motifs, vinyl, etc. and nothing burned, scorched, or melted. I bought one immediately, and the next day my daughter came over requesting help with her sons Halloween costumes. They both wanted to be Bionicles (human robots) with very fancy masks. Since no costume pattern existed, I had to watch a movie to see what the costumes and weapons looked like. (See the finished results at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc28h.jpg) Using the IRON SHOE I proceeded to fuse vinyl laminate to polar fleece for masks, fused tissue lame motifs to sweatshirts (when was the last time you tried this?) and experimented with every fabric I could find (silk, ultraleather, velvet, tulle, etc.) You don't need a pressing cloth, and the velvet didn't become shiny or matted. Best of all, you never need to adjust the temperature again, and it can be used with or without steam. Everyone who has seen me use it wants one of their very own, and we are pleased to say we can now offer them through Dollmaker's Journey. If you didn't get one for Christmas, check it out - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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Computer First Aid
By Bonnie B. Lewis

A few months ago my computer became infested with lots of pop-up ads when we finally got a DSL line. The most annoying ones said if you want to remove this pop-up ad click here and they offer to sell you an ad remover to remove their own ad. Finally, I gave up and bought a new computer, but the same thing started happening.

I discovered that a lot is written about viruses that infect your computer and ruin programs. That was not my problem. I had a lot of parasites (some are called cookies), harmless little programs that attach themselves to your computer allowing annoying ads to run rampant. I downloaded several pop-up ad removers, but they just allowed more ads to appear.

Finally, with the help of my computer savvy daughter, we found two programs that really do work, and best of all, they are free. The first one is on the internet. It is called Dox Desk Parasite Finder. Go to: http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/

When you do it will automatically scan your computer for parasites. If any are found, it will tell you what they are and how to get rid of them. Be warned. It only works well with Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher and doesn't work with AOL.

The second program is downloadable to your computer. It is called Spybot Search and Destroy. It is completely free, and created by a computer genius who was frustrated with all the ads on his computer. He makes this program available as a public service to everyone. If you find any parasites on your computer, download this program to kill them. Go to: http://www.safer-networking.org/

I periodically check my computer to see if anything else has crept in. The last time I checked there were 100 new parasites that had infiltrated my computer. I love the latest one. It says: "You have destroyed the only thing that lets Ad Aware keep working. Either reinstall it or pay $29.95 to have us remove this ad for you."

I feel like sometimes I am at war with spammers. You tell them to hang up on the telephone. Now you can eliminate them from your computer. I hope this information can help you have an ad free computer too.

Hugs, Bonnie

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NEW PATTERNS

New from BECKY HOLLOWAY - "Just a Fairytale" - the loveliest princess with a frog exquisitely costumed in silks and satins. http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html

MARY TRESSLER is absolutely masterful at presenting mix-and-match patterns that will carry you to new heights in your doll making. Her "Ensemble the Sequel" features both male and female body parts and a ton of costuming ideas that will produce a treasure trove of fabulous dolls. "Opal Gotlotz" is a spunky older woman that has it all. Check them both out at http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html

Just in - BRENDA COULTER'S award winning "Butterfly Kisses" with its delicate bead embellished skin, and "Sir Rustalot" - the perfect companion doll for every dragon! http://dollmakersjourney.com/coulter.html

MICHELLE MUNZONE delights us with her snazzy "Lolita" - a doll with attitude and pink-feathered hair. http://dollmakersjourney.com/munzone.html

Three more terrific holiday patterns have just arrived from BECKY HOLLOWAY - a lovely hanging corner angel and two more fabulous Santa - each one a treasure. http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html

KAREN SHIFTON treats us to two exciting projects, "Wonderland Pincushions" and "Painted Ladies" - fantastic paper and cloth dolls that you can embellish to your heart's content. http://dollmakersjourney.com/shifton.html

From Australia 's LINDA MISA we have "Tye" a delightful elf dressed in men's neckties and a gentle angel named "Angelica." Linda's patterns come with CDs loaded with color photos of the construction process so they are just like taking a course! http://dollmakersjourney.com/misa.html

CORRECTION: In the November newsletter I misspelled a name in describing Pamela Hasting's new book. One of the contributors is Cody Goodin, NOT Godwin. Sorry, Cody. (I should know how to spell it! I even took an online class from him.)

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CUSTOMER CREATIVITY

We just loved the website of one of our new customers, Megan Noel - http://megannoel.com Her work is fabulous and there is lots to see.  You'll find inspiring and unique beaded creations and a wonderful online journal. Treat yourself to a leisurely visit.

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SUPPLY NEWS

IRON SHOE - We just went nuts over a fabulous product we found called an IRON SHOE. Once attached to your iron you can iron anything from denim, leather or vinyl to tulle, sequins and puff paint without scorching, burning or melting. The perfect product for the dollmaker who uses a wide variety of fabrics and a terrific gift for anyone who sews! Check it out - http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

CRAFT VELOUR - We now have the popular CRAFT VELOUR in Doll Face Pink with more colors to arrive shortly. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

THREAD HEAVEN - Every sewing basket needs THREAD HEAVEN - the ideal conditioner for any thread that helps eliminate tangling and fraying. The perfect stocking stuffer for any sewer! http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

FABRIC - The Fat Quarter Shop specializes in fat quarter bundles for the quilting enthusiast. They have lots of small prints for dollmakers. www.fatquartershop.com

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DEFINITIONS

The difference between Antique, Vintage, and Collectible fabrics and laces:

Antique - anything 100 years or older

Vintage - Anything less than 100 years old (but must be at least 20-30 years old)

Collectible - Anything newer than 20 years

Just thought you would like to know.

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie survived the wedding (it snowed more in West Virginia than Utah ), the reception in Virginia, her son Michael got home safely from Japan , her new grandson was born the day before she left for the wedding so she got to visit in the hospital and help when she got home, and her daughter arrives today from college in Idaho . In spite of all this, she has managed to finish 7 different Santa's for gifts this year. Her New Year's Resolution is to finish an unfinished project each month (with over 100 to choose from, it won't be hard to pick one.) These Santa projects were started more than 10 years ago, and were stored in a clear sweater box along with the pattern and everything necessary to finish each one. It feels great to finally finish something besides nativity figures for church. (Yes, she finished all 240 figures just in time.)

Mary Ann decided to make a "Renaissance Angel" by Sylvia Schorr ( http://dollmakersjourney.com/schorr.html) as a wedding gift for Bonnie's son and new daughter-in-law and couldn't stop at one! So far she had finished six and she loves every one. She had once received a gift of a stack of fat quarters of cotton lame from designer Barb Owen and it was the perfect fabric for this project. Now she's racing to complete a Hawaiian quilted pillow for her son and two "Northern Flight" Santa's by Becky Holloway, and she will bead a necklace for her son's girlfriend - such fun projects!

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OTHER SITES TO SEE

How-to with great pictures on photographing dolls:
http://www.rhapsodydolls.com/doll_photography.htm

Free holiday patterns:
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/
Check Holiday Crafts for an 18" doll dress (Fits American Girl Dolls)

Make wonderful unique boxes for gifts:
http://inkastamps.com/boxes.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, 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.

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

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Copyright © 2003 Dollmaker's Journey