| Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
September 2004 Issue 36
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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 Hot Flash Contest is over, and now it is time to vote for your favorites. You can see all the dolls at http://dollmakersjourney.com/hotflashchallenge.html . Choose your favorite, and send your vote to Bonnie Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com Deadline for voting is September 30, 2004. Be sure to include the message “Hot Flash vote” in the subject heading.
Thanks to PAUL PHALEN - the world's greatest webmaster - Dollmaker's Journey has an exciting new look and new features to make your shopping quick, easy and fun. It's a wonderful way to celebrate our 5th Anniversary and we hope you'll stop by and check it out. http://dollmakersjourney.com/
Our good friend and designer Jo Ann Law lost her battle with cancer and died on Friday evening, August 20, at Capital Hospice in Arlington. We attended her memorial service, where they celebrated her life of service and love. She made nativity ornaments for all the children in her church and created beautiful quilts for the needy. She had an amazing stash of wonderful dollmaking things, which we have agreed to help sell with the profits going to her family. Each stash pack will include doll hair, Ultrasuede, and lots of other surprises. You can find them at: http://dollmakersjourney.com Scroll down until you see Stash Packs. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Mary Ann and Bonnie
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DESIGNER OF THE MONTH
Our September Designer of the Month is none other than Starship California's SYLVIA SCHORR. You will receive 20% off her amazing collection of patterns all month long.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/schorr.html
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CHARITY CORNER
Our Charity Corner is almost ready. It should be up and running in about a week. There you will find 7 free patterns suitable for charity dolls, with some ideas on where to send them. This would be a great fall project for your doll or church group. Go to http://dollmakersjourney.com and click on Charity Corner.
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CHALLENGES
OUTSIDE THE BOX Doll Challenge
To be displayed at the Creative Festival January 27-29, 2005
Denver Merchandise Mart, Colorado
The Denver Doll Artisans will be conducting a doll making challenge during the Creative Festival. We like to think "outside the box" and fully expect our dolls to do so also. We invite you to join us in this creative endeavor. Judging emphasizes originality and creativity, visual impact and workmanship.
RULES:
1. Entry form must be received by snail or e-mail by December 15, 2004
2. Dolls and a copy of the entry form must be received no later than January 15, 2005
3. Dolls must not exceed 24" in height
4. The challenge will be open to all materials
5. Doll must be at least 50% handcrafted
6. Doll stands may be included
7. Doll should be finished for viewing from all sides
8. Non-breakable props for dolls must be securely attached
9. Identification label containing full name and address of the doll artist must be securely fastened to the doll and stand/props. Label should be accessible but not visible
Entries will be judged in the following categories:
Best use of color
Best embellishment
Most original
Zaniest
Most inventive
Best interpretation of the theme
Best use of a found object
Best entry from someone 12 and under
Best entry ages 13-17
Note: Age 18 and over Entries will be considered for all categories unless you indicate otherwise.
Judges will be:
Pamela Armas (Treasures of the Gypsy)
Leslie Molen (Rootie Ka Zootie)
Janet Kay Skeen (Janet from Another Planet)
Ribbons and prizes will be awarded!
Mailing instructions:
1. Label the doll with name and telephone number in an inconspicuous location on the doll.
2. This completed form must accompany your doll (Please make a copy for this purpose before sending the original).
3. Provide a check or money order for return postage and insurance made payable to: Audrey Wilvert, 2354 Ridge Circle, Broomfield, CO 80020. If we do not receive a return postage check, your doll will not be included in the exhibit.
4. Put your name on several sides of the shipping box so we can send your doll back in its original container.
5. Include a return address label that will be used to ship your doll back to you including your complete name, address, and zip code.
6. Pack your doll securely. All accessories must be sewn or attached. Use only bubble wrap or foam rubber forms. Please, NO Styrofoam "peanuts".
7. Special packing instructions cannot be followed due to the volume of dolls anticipated
8. Local entrants must be pre-registered and must contact Audrey Wilvert at ajwilvert@msn.com or by calling her on 303-466-2622 to arrange to drop off their entry.
9. Send registration forms and dolls to Audrey Wilvert, 2354 Ridge Circle, Broomfield, CO 80020
Deadline for receipt of doll and copy of entry form is January 15, 2005
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Doll Challenge
Sponsored by Denver Doll Artisans
ENTRY FORM
Name: __________________________________ Telephone:_____________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
E-Mail: ________________________________________________________________
Name of Doll: ___________________________________
Original design? ________ Adapted from pattern designer:________________________
Artist's inspiration and comments: ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Please check as appropriate:
Under age 12 _____ Age 13-17 _____ Age 18 or older_____
I, ________________________, for myself and all claiming through me, hereby release Audrey Wilvert and the Denver Doll Artisans from any and all liability of and every nature in connection with the use of the above described challenge entry. I understand that is my responsibility to insure my item with my own insurance agent for the duration of shipping and exhibition. Although items are carefully packed and tracked, Audrey Wilvert and the Denver Doll Artisans are not responsible for damage or loss that may occur. Challenge entries will be returned in February 2005. Send this signed form to Audrey Wilvert at the address below by December 15, 2004 for registration.
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.
Challenges In Time: Japonism
Deadline: June 30, 2005
For details go to: http://kukulla.tripod.com/cit2004/japonism.htm
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NEW DESIGNERS
We are delighted to welcome three very talented new designers to Dollmaker’s Journey.
KATHIE BRIGGS’ fabulous "Old World Jester" is already selling like hotcakes along with her exotic mermaid "Sirena" and the harlequin lady "Masquerade." Treat yourself to a peek at these wonderful projects. http://dollmakersjourney.com/briggs.html
MARY ANN HULL of By Hull by Hand has an exciting variety of patterns from wonderful open-mouthed gnomes to a luscious reclining mermaid to a lovely pregnant woman and much more. We know these patterns will tickle your creative spirit. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hull.html
Our newest designer PATRICIA HARENZ is originally from Uruguay, but is currently living in Taiwan. We flipped for her hand dyed fairies "Jasmine & Nadine" and her lovely version of "Evita." We're looking forward to many more patterns from this talented new designer. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
Doll Exhibit in WV (information from Noni Cely)
Pete Ballard’s Ladies’ Fashion Dolls To Be Displayed at GVT
Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s Youth Education Program will be exhibiting Ladies’ Fashion Dolls of the 19th Century and Paintings by Pete Ballard, September 12 through November 14 in GVT’s Daywood Lobby.
Pete Ballard is a nationally known costume designer, museum costume historian and conservator. Mr. Ballard taught at the North Carolina School of Performing Arts in Winston-Salem, and he was curator for fashion exhibits at the Charlotte Mint Museum, the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, the Reynolds House in Winston-Salem and the Litchfield Historical Society in Litchfield, CT.
This display is free and open to the public during GVT’s business hours, Monday through Friday, 10 to 5pm and Saturdays 1 to 5 PM as well as on performance evenings. The exhibit’s opening will be September 12 from 2 to 4pm. It is also free and open to the public. The dolls are on loan courtesy of the Giles County Historical Museum in Pearisburg, Virginia, The Greenbrier’s President’s Cottage and the Gertrude Smith House in Mt. Airy, NC. For more information please contact the Greenbrier Valley Theatre at 304-645-3838 or check out their website:www.gvtheatre.org.
October 1-3, 2004 – Doll U 2004
Seattle, Washington
http://www.dollu.com
October 21 – 24, 2004 – In the Spirit Doll Conference (ITS)
Windsor, Connecticut (Marriott Hotel)
http://in-the-spirit.org/
This Conference replaces We Folk of Cloth.
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
They are looking for Doll Club exhibits.
Their theme is “One and Another.”
"One" is the fabric. All dolls must be made with fabric. It must be present in over 50% of the figure. "Another" is another medium such as air-drying clay, epoxy, gourds, etc, or
another use of fabric such as painting, quilting, beading, stamping, embroidery painting, collage, etc.
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
Life size dolls from recycled materials - http://www.diynet.com/diy/cda/article_print/1,1983,DIY_13753_2269300_
ARTICLE-DETAIL-PRINT,00.html
Ethnic costumes for dolls from Africa and Asia - http://www.eastwesteducation.org
Kerry Seymour, one of our designers, has a free pattern just in time for Halloween on her website. Her name is Penelope Pumpkin Puss, she was going to be a witch
at first but well things changed. You know how that goes! http://www.atticrosecreations.com/penelopepumpkinpuss.html
You can see more of Kerry’s patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/seymour.html
Free pattern from Jane Coughlan, another of our designers – Beach Bag Babe http://janecoughlan.com/beachbags.html
You can see more of Jane’s outrageous patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/coughlan.html
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TIP
A good book recommended by one of our customers, Heather, is “Homemade Dolls in Foreign Dress” by N. R. Jordan. It is an out-of-print book teaching how to make dolls from wire wrapped in cotton batting and nylon. She writes: “It includes dolls from around the world: an Eskimo with an igloo, a woman from India, a French man with a funny nose, a Chinese boy, Swedish boy and girl, Miss Chrysanthemum from Japan, a boy from the Andes with his llama, a Mexican boy had his donkey, etc. It includes not only the dolls and their clothes, but also houses for them. The Indian woman had a walled garden, the French man a little house, and many had accessories like strings of peppers, fish, tulips, and so on.” You can buy this book used at http://amazon.com
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Making a Doll Wig from Fleece
By Bonnie B. Lewis
We are very excited to add beautiful fleece to our Dollmaker’s Journey line of supplies. It comes in 5 beautiful colors (black, white, natural, light brown, and dark brown), and with a piece 6” x 12”, you can create wigs for several dolls. Fleece is the actual skin with hair attached, so it is very easy to comb and style. If you purchase the white skin, it is easy to dye using directions found in our Customer Connection Newsletter Issue 6 (http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc6.html). The white skin has already been bleached and is ready to dye without problems.
The easiest wig is a T-shape. Here is how to make it fit your doll.
1. Measure the doll’s head from the bottom of one ear (even with the mouth) over the top of the head to the bottom of the other ear. This will be measurement A. Measure from the ear around the back of the head to the other ear. This measurement should be taken around the FULLEST part of the head. We will call this B. The last measurement will be from the forehead where the hairline would begin to the nape of the neck where it will end. Call this C.
2. Draw a line the length of Measurement A on a piece of paper. Take measurement B (fullest part of the head) and divide it by 3 (we will call this B3). Draw a rectangle using the A line as one of the long sides, with the width B3. Draw a perpendicular line from the center of the first line (A) the length of measurement C (forehead to nape). Draw another rectangle at long as C with the width B3 (line C will be down the center of this rectangle.) This creates a T-shaped pattern. Now add a ¼” seam allowance to the top edge of the T (line A).
3. Cut out this pattern from paper towels and try it on doll’s head to make sure it fits. If you need to curve anything, now is the time to do it.
4. Place the pattern on the wrong side of the fleece, making sure hair goes toward back of wig and NOT toward line A. Trace around pattern with a permanent marker or gel pen. (If fleece is dark, a white or silver gel pen works well.)
5. Using sharp scissors cut ONLY the skin. Be careful NOT to cut the hair, but pull to gently separate. Fold under the long edge that frames the front of the face about ¼” and glue down. When the glue holds, place hair on doll head, gluing or sewing in place. If there are any bald spots, use scraps of fleece to fill in.
6. Now you can comb and style the wig any way you wish. Feel free to cut bangs, trim ends, and curl by wetting fleece and wrapping around a straw. Take another straw, split lengthwise, and put over curled hair to hold in place until dry.
For more information on skin wigs, check out the following websites:
http://www.msnusers.com/mohairwigsandweftforsale/
This site how to make skin wigs and wig caps and talks about wefting.
http://www.dollmakersite.com/tutorials.htm
Scroll down and you will find three wig making lessons. Lots of other neat stuff too.
Also, to create perfect wefted mohair strips, go to Antonette Cely's site.
http://www.cely.com/doll/workbook.html
Click on “wefting doll hair”
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NEW PATTERNS
Can you believe we have FIVE new patterns from the amazing MARY TRESSLER! Let's just say "Blossom" is a woman of realistic proportions. "Bewitching" is right on time for a festive holiday season. "Zenobia" is dark and exotic while the reclining "Torchy" is very sultry and the fairy "Fay" is simply fabulous! Stop by and check out these and all of Mary's extraordinary patterns
http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
MARY TRESSLER has also written an extraordinary teaching booklet called "Meet the Folks" from which you can make an infinite assortment of male and female dolls. "Emaline" personifies simple elegance and the exotic "Celestine" is draped in glorious beads. You can see these and many more at http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
When two designers with as much creative ability as ELLEN HAYTAS and KATE
ERBACH join forces the results are spectacular and so much fun! Under the name Phatphaeries, Inc., they have released their first two patterns – the very whimsical twins "Dippy & Dottie Doodah" and the impish "Bumblephütz." Take a peek at these colorful characters - http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/erbach.html
JEVNE EILTS treats us to her lovely quilting lady "Phoebe S. Quilter" with a gorgeous paper-pieced dress. A terrific project!
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/eilts.html
And from BECKY HOLLOWAY the stately "Herr Drosselmeier" - another superb
character in her Nutcracker series.
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html
Our "Queen of Costuming" CLAIRE-ELLEN has just released "The Matador" dressed in an authentic "Suit of Lights" and the bewitching dancer "Carmen" to enchant him. We know you are going to love these exciting new designs with a Hispanic flair! http://dollmakersjourney.com/claire.html
CAROLINE BARNARD has a charming and colorful new doll called "Mya" that's a
snap to make http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html
JANE HOUCK'S new fairy "Cara" had the most exquisite wings!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/houck.html
We have 2 more Funky Flamingo patterns to add to our flock - "Missy Flamenco Flaming" by JACKIE WESTFALL and "Funky Francine Flamingo" by STEPANIE HARRIS. You can't help but have FUN with our fabulous array of flamingos! http://dollmakersjourney.com/funkyflamingo.html
We've just added JILL MAAS' charming "Holly" that would be the sweetest holiday doll. http://dollmakersjourney.com/maas.html
JACQUE UETZ has released another terrific body for her "Maggie Rose" pressmold called "Lady Juewls" that features interesting construction techniques. http://dollmakersjourney.com/uetz.html
It will soon be elf making time and MICHELLE MUNZONE'S "Elwyn" is just the ticket. http://dollmakersjourney.com/munzone.html
The 4th Limited Edition Kezi Original Pattern is Now Available!
This is our best offer yet! The offer includes 2 patterns...
"Kezi's 19" Fashion Doll" Pattern and the "Fashion Doll Costume Set No. 2" Pattern!
You can see this beautiful authentic looking fashion doll dressed in her 1870's costume at http://DollNetMarket.com
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: How do I attach clay heads/hands/feet to a cloth body?
A: Usually when you make clay hands/feet and/or a head you attach a flange to the clay piece, which is an added piece of clay with an indented area. Glue is added to the indented area, and the cloth arm or leg opening is then placed over the glue upside down (e.g. turn the cloth body inside out and slide hand/leg into the opening with the flange end sticking out.) Use heavy thread (I use dental floss or upholstery thread) and wrap around the fabric and tied tightly in the groove. Then turn the body right side out and the hands and feet will be securely attached. For the head you need to add a casing with a heavy cord around the cloth body neck opening. Put glue in the neck groove, slide head into body, and pull cord tight to secure head. Some heads have a shoulder plate with holes in the front and back. In this case close the top of the body, stuff well, and slide the head over the body, sewing back and forth through the holes to attach the head to the body. This is difficult to describe, but hopefully it makes some sense. I have successfully attached many hands, feet and heads using these methods, both for porcelain dolls, vinyl and clay, and it really works!
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SUPPLY NEWS
Tibetan Lamb Fleece – Perfect for making fabulous doll wigs. The white is bleached and suitable for dyeing. The natural, black, light brown and dark brown are ideal for those who don’t want to experiment with dyes. You'll be able to make several wigs out of the
generous 12" x 6" pieces. More hair fibers coming soon!
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html
APWPWD (Association for People Who Play With Dolls) newsletter – Judy Skeel is the new editor, and the first issue will be available in October 2004. . Currently the
subscription cost in the US is a special price of $10, but after the first issue is published in October the subscription cost will go back to the $15 epb charged. Out of the US the subscription will vary based on postage fees so please contact Judy privately for the correct amount. Her email address is: skeelhaven1@yahoo.com
Please send your subscription request, info and check to:
Judy Skeel
6881 Tussic St. Rd.
Westerville, Ohio 43082
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie has been busy rehearsing and performing in the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes.” She went to the audition to help them on costuming, and ended up with a starring role as Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt. She still managed to make 17 costumes, including a Bishop’s miter and cape, along with lots of hats. One performance was in the middle of Hurricane Ivan (fortunately the lights didn’t go out), which sent tornadoes within two miles of her home, leaving massive destruction in Virginia and West Virginia. Florida’s panhandle has been devastated, along with Alabama and the Caribbean islands. Over 30 tornadoes touched down in Virginia alone. We hope all our dollmaking friends are safe.
Meanwhile Mary Ann decided that Elizabeth Kennedy’s darling witch “Maude and Moggie” http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html scaled down a little bit would make a perfect seasonal decoration for her front door. It was so quick and easy to make that she couldn’t stop at one! She’s making one for her Mom, daughter, three sisters and her sister-in-law. Her workspace (translation: all over the house) is just teeming with these charming witches. She can’t wait to mail out all the dolls on the same day to the unsuspecting family members.
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OTHER SITES TO SEE
Barb Kobe – Healing artist
Read all about her wonderful dolls at: http://barbkobe.com/
Wonderful website for information on hats in the middle ages:
http://members.fortunecity.com/cadieuxx/burgundy3.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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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.
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Copyright © 2004 Dollmaker’s Journey
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