| Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
June/July 2004 Issue 34
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Copyright 2004 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,
The Funky Flamingos furiously flew in all last month, and now it is time to vote. You may select TWO of your favorites. Go to: http://dollmakersjourney.com/funkyflamingo.html to see all the contestants. Email your 1st and 2nd choice to: EnchantedR@aol.com by July 20. Please put “Funky Flamingo vote” in the subject line. The winners will be posted in the next newsletter, and patterns will be available for the winning flamingos on our website.
Several people mentioned that they couldn’t print out the complete pattern for our Hot Flash Challenge. The right side was cut off. We let our webmaster Paul Phalen know, and now you can print the pattern in several formats. One of them is bound to work. After all, we don’t want your creation to be missing a hand or boob! Go to: http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/hotflash.html for the updated pattern and contest rules.
Our SIZZLING SUMMER SIX-PACKS are selling briskly. Be sure to get your own
grab bag of SIX different patterns by SIX different designers before they
are all gone. http://dollmakersjourney.com/
We had a play date to test the new CD-ROM classes by Allison Marano. We baked eyeballs in Mary Ann’s oven, and followed Allison’s directions to create lots of eyeballs. http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/eyeballs.jpg Now we just need to find time to follow the rest of the directions. That is one advantage of CD-ROM classes – lots of pictures, and you can stop and start the lessons whenever you want. By the way, the wings look wonderful. Bonnie has already shaped the wire and is ready to play with dyes. It’s fun to challenge your creativity and try something new.
Do you have someone in your area to play dolls with? It’s always great fun to test new patterns and techniques with a friend. You’ll find you’ll have the courage to try things you might hesitate to attempt alone. If you don’t have another dollmaker nearby, the next best thing is finding someone to TEACH how to make a doll - a neighbor, a grandchild, a teen. Don’t be afraid to share your talents and enthusiasm!
Mary Ann and Bonnie
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DESIGNER OF THE MONTH
Did you miss out on our June Designer of the Month BECKY HOLLOWAY? That sale ended June 30th, but beginning July 1, 2004 you can take 20% off all the patterns by MARY TRESSLER. Choose from over 35 fabulous designs at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
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COMING SOON
One of our designers, Patti Culea, has a new book coming out October 2005 called “Creative Cloth Doll Faces”. We’ll let you know as soon as Dollmaker’s Journey carries it. Sherry Goshon, another designer, has a doll featured in this book.
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CHARITY PROJECT
Every Doll Needs a Home - Doll Auction for Evangeline Booth Miracle Home
Deadline: August 15, 2004
You can see some of the dolls up for auction to benefit this women and children homeless shelter at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/tsmall/dauction3.html
If you are able to donate some dolls, please email Pam Small at: erasmuse@nycap.rr.com
Donations can be mailed to:
The Booth Home
ATTN: Pam Small
168 Lafayette St.
Schenectady, NY 12305
Dolls will be displayed at local library, appear in newspaper and auction catalog.
Hlabisa District Hospital in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Deadline: Ongoing need
Noni Cely let me know of this clinic that helps over 90,000 children in an extremely poor community in South Africa. Most of the children have no toys and have never had a doll. They would love to give a child-safe doll to the children who visit their clinic as part of their continuing therapy. If they could get even 10 dolls a month, they would be delighted. Tamsen Rochat, Hlabisa Hospital’s clinical psychologist, would be happy to answer any questions at: trochat@africacentre.ac.za
Dolls can be sent to Sister Khumalo, a wonderful Zulu woman who works as a trained nurse in the crisis clinic with Tamsen.
Sr D. R. Khumalo
Crisis Centre, Hlabisa Hospital
Private Bag X5001
Hlabisa, South Africa 3935
For a simple free pattern to use, check out Dolly Hugs at http://www.nonidolls.com
Noni Cely designed this doll especially for charitable donations.
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CHALLENGES
Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 to Art Deco 1920-1930
Deadline: July 12, 2004
DEADLINE EXTENDED for “Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 to Art Deco 1920 – 1930’s.” Pictures need to be sent to Sherry Goshon by July 12, 2004. For more details contact Marta Santiago Jimenez at: msjbaal@infonegocio.com
Website: http://cit.momadolls.com
2004 Sulky Challenge
Deadline: July 31, 2004
http://www.sulkyonline.com/challenge/rules/rules.shtml
Hoffman Challenge
Deadline: August 6, 2004
The new fabric for 2004 is now on their website. You can see it at: http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/
For information about the 2004 Hoffman Challenge http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/2004%20Challenge/2004_Challenge.htm
Beaded Art Doll Competition
Deadline: August 15, 2004
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.
Myths and Legends: Past, Present and Future
Deadline: August 31, 2004
For information check out http://www.fiberartsconnsocal.org
Anne Copeland, 2350 W. 250th St. #14, Lomita, CA 90717, 310-539-5087
Hot Flash Challenge
Deadline: September 1, 2004
Download PAMELA HASTINGS’ FREE pattern “Hot Flash" at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflash.html
Design your own fabric...either dye it...felt it...weave it...discharge dye it...stamp it...bead it…sew it…quilt it…or change it in some noticeable manner…you can make the face like Pamela did or you can use clay...and embellish it.
There will be three categories - best embellishments...most creative fabric and strangest! E-mail your pictures by September 1st to Bonnie B. Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com. Be sure to put “Hot Flash” in your subject line. There are fabulous prizes...so let the creations begin...the top three dolls will be mailed to Art Doll Quarterly.
Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge 2004
Deadline: October 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. To see pictures of some of the 2003 dolls and get more information, go to http://home.comcast.net/~marion.bolson/Gypsy.html
Kits containing fabric, trim, and trinkets to use in your Gypsy doll will be mailed beginning in April (cost $15). Dolls (18" or smaller) made for this challenge will be displayed at the Houston Quilt Festival November 4-7, 2004. For more information email her at: gypsytreasures@cs.com or call (505) 847-0963. To receive your kit (which includes shipping instructions), mail a check to: Treasures of the Gypsy, P.O. Box 748, Mountainair, NM 87036.
CC23 CostumeCon Doll Costume Competition 2005
Convention dates: April 29 – May 2, 2005 in Ogden, Utah
For general information about CostumeCon visit their website at:
http://www.costume-con.org
For information about the doll competition, go to: http://www.crossroadsutah.org/doll.html
Color Challenge dolls MUST pre-register. They will give you two colors to use in costuming your doll.
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
July 22 – 25, 2004 - Doll Camp 2004
Meadville, Pennsylvania
For more information visit their website at: http://www.dollcamp.com
July 25 – 30, 2004 – Second Annual Doll Conference
Olds College, Olds, Alberta, Canada
For more information go to: http://www.victorianpleasures.com/
Click on Shows and Classes
Barbara Willis, Patti Culea, and elinor peace bailey will be teaching.
September 3-5, 2004 – Dimensions in Doll Making
San Diego, California
Each year the San Diego doll club IOLCC (Imitation of Life Construction Company) stages a doll exhibit within the San Diego Quilt show. It was seeing this show in 1997 that set Mary Ann on her journey to become a doll artist so it is very dear to her. This year’s theme is “Celestial Dreams.” You can get all the details on the club website http://www.iolcc.com
September 30 – October 3, 2004 – Camp Doll U 2004
Seattle, Washington
Every other year Doll U will have a mini conference for people on the west coast who are unable to attend ITS on the east coast.
For more information visit their website at: http://www.dollu.com
October 21 – 24, 2004 – In the Spirit Doll Conference (ITS)
Windsor, Connecticut (Marriott Hotel)
http://in-the-spirit.org/
January 14-17, 2005 – Southern Doll Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
For more information check out: http://www.kringlecreek.com
May 2005 – Artistic Figures in Cloth (AFIC)
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/AFIC/AFIC.htm (still has 2003 information)
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
"Love, Faith and Peace" is a fantastic FREE PATTERN from Australia's LINDA
MISA that should really tickle your creative fancy. A perfect project for
quilting groups as well as dollmakers. http://dollmakersjourney.com/lovefaithpeace.html
A really cute June Bug free pattern by Deb McKenzie
http://www.debmckenziedolls.com/ Click on freebie
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TIP – FUSIBLE WEB APPLIQUE
When creating tiny appliqués for dolls, it is helpful to trace pieces on the paper side of fusible web such as Stitch Witchery and then iron onto chosen fabric. You can easily cut out the pieces following the lines drawn on the paper. To get the paper backing off the appliqué, use a straight pin to draw an X in the center. Remove the paper backing beginning at the X, and then iron in place on project. To save your iron, use an appliqué press sheet or our new “Iron Shoe” (see it at http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html) on top of fusible shapes. If you do get some glue on the iron, vinegar on a damp cloth will remove it.
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DOUBLE SKINNED DOLLS
By Bonnie B. Lewis
Sue, one of our customers, is making the Pheebe Fairy by Brenda Coulter, and she wrote:
Q: “I am having a heck of a time finding the swimsuit lining fabric. Our Jo Ann Fabrics only had black.”
A: Swimsuit lining is usually available in black, white and flesh color, although black is the most common color sold. It is usually a cotton blend, because it is used in the crotch area of swimsuits. It has a coarser weave than Lycra, which would also work and comes in many fantasy colors. Quite often the swimsuit lining is found with the interfacings under a counter, instead of with the Lycra sold for swimsuits. You might also try a finely woven cotton single knit fabric or cotton Lycra, which you could dye if needed. (See articles on dyeing fabric in previous issues of Customer Connection under archives.)
Q: “I am just getting ready to cut out my pattern and I noticed that she said to cut out the body in both a homespun fabric and the swimsuit lining fabric, which goes over the homespun! I bought the dyed cotton thinking I would be using only that fabric – can I do that? I am not sure what the point is of using an inner and outer fabric, although she tells you to stuff between the two at the knees… Any suggestions you have on this double-fabric-ed doll is greatly appreciated.”
A: As far as covering an existing doll body with Lycra or swimsuit lining, the advantages are twofold:
First, since the lining is stretchy, it covers seams and makes a face or body look like it is one piece of fabric. I used this technique when I did Cleopatra by Lynn Butcher (pattern available on our website, Lycra included with pattern - see http://dollmakersjourney.com/butcher.html). We created a face with a seam down the middle, and then covered it with dyed Lycra. This enabled us to stuff the cheeks, forehead and chin between the original face and Lycra, allowed extra sculpting possibilities, and totally hid the center of the face seam.
Second, in the Pheebe pattern, by using something stretchy as a second skin, you can add stuffing for knobby knees, extra large boobs, heels, oversized thighs, etc. Remember, if you get cotton Lycra or lining it is easily dyed. Flesh colored swimsuit Lycra is also available as it is popular with bathing suits and lining. Just make sure the original doll body is made from a woven fabric (non-stretch). If you made the doll just from the knit fabric it is easy to overstuff and could get out of shape if you aren’t careful.
I think once you try this technique you will love it. We are creating a new class called "Miss Sadie the Church Lady" that has a bra made from tricot. It is amazing how much you can change her appearance by adding stuffing to the bra - anything from a B cup to a DDD cup, depending on how much stuffing you use. (This is called the original padded bra.)
If anyone decides to try this technique, please send us pictures of your results and we will post them on our website at Dollmaker’s Journey. Have fun, and send us pictures of your finished dolls. I can't wait to see them.
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NEW PATTERNS
Formerly presented as online classes by renowned designer and teacher
ALLISON MARANO, we have two dynamic instructional CDs that are going to
knock your socks off! "Uilleanne" is an exquisite seated fairy with
sensational handmade eyes and eyelashes and fabulous costuming. The
delightful "May Pixie" is balancing on his hands. Along with the CD that
contains the complete instructions and full color photos each packet
includes a complete supplies and materials list and the printed pattern
pieces. Click on the link for more detailed information about these
wonderful new products. http://dollmakersjourney.com/cds.html
We have two great new patterns from BECKY HOLLOWAY. "Bountiful" is a unique figure on a platform that serves as a basket topper and "Journey of the Magi" completes her Nativity series that also includes "Gathering of Angels" and "One Winter Morn." Every dollmaker should treat herself (or himself) to the delights of a Becky Holloway
pattern. http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html
We’re always delighted when we find another great dragon pattern and BRENDA COULTER’S “Monty” really hits the jackpot. This one just oozes personality. http://dollmakersjourney.com/coulter.html
That clever JANE COUGHLAN has done it again! You’ve got to take a look at her amazing “Pippi’s Car” – a 1950’s style convertible that’s a cloth wonder! http://dollmakersjourney.com/coughlan.html
From the amazing MARY TRESSLER we have her fabulous new "Mermaid" and the
mysterious Cajun character "Tante Vivienne." And don’t forget – these patterns are 20% off for the month of July. http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
Starship California's SYLVIA SCHORR has been on creative overdrive and
she's treating us to five fabulous new patterns - "Raine" an exquisite
Fairy from Inner Earth, "Nicole" a French Bed Doll, "Calendar Girl" a
sensational basic body pattern, and two different Calendar Girl costumes
"The Ballerina" and "The Flapper." See these and all of Sylvia's wonderful
designs at http://dollmakersjourney.com/schorr.html
Our reigning Queen of Antique Reproduction dolls SHARI LUTZ has a beautiful
new doll called "Althea Rose" that can be purchased as a pattern only or as
a kit with the required amounts of knit and LinenSpun. Making a Shari Lutz
doll is always a pleasurable experience.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/lutz.html
The 3rd Limited Edition Kezi Original Pattern is ready in time for the 4th of July!
Kezi's gorgeous doll pattern salute to the Red, White and Blue is
"Liberty Ann" - 22" Original Kezi Cloth Doll Pattern
You can see this beautiful doll at http://dollnetmarket.com/
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SUPPLY NEWS
SIZZLING SUMMER SIX-PACK - Take a chance on our exciting pattern grab bag and start your creative juices flowing. You get SIX patterns by SIX different designers. Included will be patterns at different skill levels which originally sold for up to $16, and every pack is different. (If you order more than one, Mary Ann will personally make sure all patterns are different.) At these prices you can afford to keep some and give others as a gift to a doll making friend. Quantities are limited, so order yours today for a sensational summer of learning and fun. http://dollmakersjourney.com/
NEEDLES - We've just added our favorite jointing needles - the 7" Piecemaker Needles
to our supply section. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html
MOHAIR - Pearl Moon Mohair in New Hampshire has a wonderful selection of dyed mohair in 1 oz. packages. http://pearlmoondollhair.com/
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TIP - SEWN FUSIBLE WEB APPLIQUES
If you create an appliqué that you wish to satin stitch around, DO NOT use heavy-duty fusible web designed for crafting (such as Heat and Bond). Your sewing machine needle won’t go through the heavy glue; it will get gummed up, the thread will break, and your satin stitch will look terrible. Use only lightweight fusible web designed for sewing (such as Stitch Witchery). If by any chance you use the wrong product, wipe your needle frequently with a lint free cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove the gummy residue. (Bonnie speaks from experience. She once created an entire appliquéd jacket using the wrong product and it was a nightmare!) By the way, if you want to see the finished jacket, it is a free project found at http://dollmakersjourney.com/free.html
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie recently read one of her favorite books, The Interior Life by Katherine Blake. It has wonderful descriptions of costumes and characters that would make great dolls. (At least that is her excuse for reading this book at least once every year.) At the end the heroine, an average housewife who wishes to escape her mundane life into a world of fantasy in the Middle Ages, discovers her son has appendicitis. She rushes him to the hospital and waits through the night for surgery to finish. Bonnie finished reading the book on Tuesday and on Wednesday was in the hospital with her daughter Dawn, who had an emergency appendectomy. Now that the operation is over and her daughter is recuperating in West Virginia, Bonnie gave her the book to read. Meanwhile her daughter Amy in Idaho survived the Lewis and Clark Expedition (although she fell off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean and nearly drowned in the Salmon River when her canoe capsized and was caught in a log jam). Amy just called to say she was in the emergency room with a strange virus, high fever, possibly related to her trip (she had several tick and bug bites when it was over). Lots of prayers are needed for her. This story will be continued in the next newsletter. Bonnie says she feels like she is living in a soap opera right now.
Our dear accountant Gerry McDonald has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. All prayer and good thoughts for him will be greatly appreciated.
Meanwhile, Mary Ann agreed to make a Chef Luigi doll for a customer who thought that we were selling finished dolls. She wanted it for a centerpiece for a special party honoring a 90-year-old retired chef. Designer ELLEN HAYTAS has done a wonderful job with this pattern – extremely well-written and all the pieces fit together perfectly. http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html#haytas The best part about the project was that Mary Ann had every single item on the supply list in her stash – even the little silver tray in his hand! There’s nothing more satisfying than a great stash. Take a peek at the finished doll http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/chef.jpg and the “Goddess of Good Hair” she recently made for her hairdresser. http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/goddess.jpg
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OTHER SITES TO SEE
Beaded dolls online
http://home.flash.net/~mjtafoya/links/blinkdol.htm
There are hours of fun looking through this free pattern site
http://www.clothdollconnection.com/FreePatterns.html
Rivkah from Israel has a wonderful website with a free torso pattern, information on how to design a doll in exact proportion to the human body, and great costume ideas.
http://www.dollsofvalor.com
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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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To subscribe to Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection, go to:
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Copyright © 2004 Dollmaker’s Journey
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