Dollmaker’s Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION
February 2006 Issue 52
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Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.

February 2006 Issue 52

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Copyright 2006 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,

It doesn’t seem possible it is already February. Where did the winter go? We finally got our first real snowfall of the year here in the Washington, D.C. area, and it was like living in Camelot. The snow fell on Saturday night, by Sunday morning we had 12”, the temperature rose into the 50’s and by Monday the roads were clear and it was business as usual (except for a few school delays.) I keep thinking of the song, “The weather must be perfect all the year….”

Mary Ann has been working hard to create a “Dude for all Seasons” (18” tall – 6 feet in human terms) to accompany our “Doll for All Seasons” (16” tall – 5’4”). She went through many heads before she created a perfect male head with strong jaw line and more angular features. We have decided to begin a new series called “Decade Dolls”. Bonnie will create outfits to reflect the dress and accessories that were popular from 1890 to 2000. Everything will fit the Doll and Dude for All Seasons basic body pattern. We will also be introducing a Designer Doll series with additional costumes to fit both dolls by some of your favorite artists. Watch for these patterns in the coming months.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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COMING SOON

Patti Culea has another wonderful book on the way. “Creative Cloth Doll Couture: New Approaches to Making Beautiful Clothing and Accessories” is due to be released later this spring. We have already pre-ordered some and they will be on our website as soon as they arrive.

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FEBRUARY SALE

Our February Designer of the Month is the ever popular BECKY HOLLOWAY. Be sure to enjoy 20% off her tremendous line of patterns all month long. There is a special Yahoo Group forming for people who love making her patterns. You can check out all the details here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hollowaypatterns/?yguid=221705421

Don’t forget that for the entire month of February all orders $30 and over of merchandise will receive ABSOLUTELY FREE our new the male companion for our Doll for All Seasons “A Dude for All Seasons” - an 18” basic male doll body pattern ($12.50 value.) In coming months we will release a variety of costumes that will transform him into an exciting array of characters. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity. If you have already ordered over $30 from us this month, your FREE pattern will be in the mail shortly. Click here for all the details. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html

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DOLL CARRYING CASE

One of our customers reminded me of the following: I read someone is looking for a doll case. If it's to transport, not display the doll, Nancy Laverick, House of Nanimal, has a really great one you make from fabric and a moving carton. Check it out at http://dollmakersjourney.com/laverick.html

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NEW DESIGNERS

We’re pleased to welcome PATTY DUNN, another talented designer, to our Dollmaker’s Journey Family. Patty’s darling “Hug-A-Bye Baby” is a full size doll that is also a hand puppet. What a precious gift for your favorite little ones! http://dollmakersjourney.com/dunn.html

We’re just tickled to bring you the delightful patterns of JENNIE M. SCHELL of “Creations by Jen Marie.” She has created an amazing line of soft sculptured fabric tissue box covers that are decorative and functional, too. She has something wonderful for everyone’s taste and we’ll be adding more of her designs in coming weeks. Such great gifts! Be sure to check them out. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/marie.html

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SHOULDER PAD HEAD STUFFING
By Judi Ward

I have been in touch with Bonnie who has permission to add the following "tiny tutorial" to their Customer Connection Newsletter. I hope some others might like the idea too. I have done this several times with my "Little Girl Lori" and "Annie Beads Knees" patterns. It is a fun, fast way to stuff a tab head. Of course you add more stuffing to the head after situating the shoulder pad in the face part of the head.

Now a bit more about it...If you go to a store and look at the shoulder pads, you will see MANY kinds and many sizes. One can actually buy a size they like and then design a two piece head around it. Simply lay pad down on paper and draw around it, making the dart at the chin area. Fold the paper in half from top to bottom, matching your drawn lines as closely as possible and cut it out on the fold, so both sides match. I like to extend the top of the head and cut straight across at the top, so one stuffs from the big open area at the top.

Proceed to cutting and sewing the head, and match it to a body you have that would be appropriate in size...or...of course design a body yourself...or...re-size a body pattern that you have. When you get ready to stuff the head, push the shoulder pad down into the front of the face with the dart at the chin and with the outward curve of the shoulder pad against the "skin".

Have fun! Hugs, Judi Ward

You can see Judi’s patterns at: http://dollnetmarket.com/shop/home.php?cat=3

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CHALLENGES

Party Time Challenge from Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine and Sherry Goshon
Challenge appears in February 2006 issue of Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine. Embellish the doll or create a costume. Winning dolls will be pictured in the magazine.
Free pattern and details on their website at: http://www.dollcraftermag.com

The Art of the Doll (Pump House Regional Arts Center in Wisconsin)
Display: July 1 – August 19, 2006
Must be artist’s original work
For information go to: http://www.thepumphouse.org
Email info@thepumphouse.org Phone: (608) 785-1434

2006 NIADA Challenge Invitational Exhibit: You’re out of your Gourd
Deadline: July 27, 2006
Every NIADA registrant is invited to participate using gourds to interpret the theme.
For more information go to http://www.niada.org/info.html

Hoffman Challenge 2006
Deadline: July 28, 2006
To see fabric and for information go to http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Year round classes – John C. Campbell Folk School
Brasstown, North Carolina
February 26-March 4 – Felt “Wee” Folk, Salley Mavor
March 26-April 1 – Wild and Whimsical Wool Figures: Needle Felting, Sharon Costello
April 16-22 – Designing the Non-Traditional Figure, Patti Bibb
May 14-20 – Ancestral Treasure Hunt: Mixed-Media Dolls, Dayle Doroshow
June 4-10 – Cloth Dolls-Imagine It, Design It, Create It!, Charlie Patricolo
September 17-23 – A Doll of Your Own, Dee Dee Triplett
October 22-27 – Behind the Magic: A Doll Maker’s Toolbox, Kathryn Walmsley
October 29-November 4 – Advanced Needle Felted Doll, Sharon Costello
Click on http://www.folkschool.org for more information or call 1-800-365-5724

April 21-23, 2006 – Magic, Mischief and Mayhem – Art Gone Wild
Best Western Holiday Plaza, Richmond, Kentucky
Take classes from Australian doll artists Di McDonald, Pam Grose, and Pearl Moon
To see class projects and learn more go to http://www.dyzee.com/artgonewild.html

April 27 – 30, 2006 – Canadian Doll Artists Association: Celebration 2006
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
http://www.dollartists.ca

May 6, 2006 - Calgary Doll Club Spring Sale
North Glenmore Park Community Assoc., 2231 Longridge Drive SW
Calgary, Alberta
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $3.00, children under 12 free
For more information call Marina at (403) 243-6479.

July 20-23, 2006 – Enchanted Doll Artists Conference
Embassy Suites, Albuquerque, New Mexico
For information go to http://www.enchanteddollartistsconference.org

July 27-31, 2006 – NIADA Conference 2006: New Ideas, Rich Traditions
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis South, Bloomington, Minnesota
http://niada.org/info.html

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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THE NECESSARY ROOM
By Mary Ann Kaahanui

Last week customer Kay Dendy called to place an order over the phone. When she told me that she lived in Gulfport, Mississippi I asked her if she had been affected by Katrina. Indeed she had been. Thankfully she had not lost her entire home but she did lose several areas of her house including her sewing room. Although she would have loved to rebuild that area first, they’ve had to give repair priorities to places like the kitchen. While she and her husband painstakingly replace the dry wall she dreams of what her sewing room will one day be. “I like to call it the Necessary Room,” she said. Her words immediately struck a chord in me. Just a few hours earlier I had been happily sitting in my studio putting a male doll body together for Bonnie to devise a costume for. I feel such exhilaration when I am creating that I often think my very soul is singing.

As a Navy wife I have moved twenty times. In the small apartments of the early years my stash was often stored in baskets in a corner, boxes under a bed, or perhaps a closet under the stairs. Eventually I graduated to the smallest bedroom and worked my way up to an entire basement. No matter the size or shape of my creative space, there is no question it has always been a “Necessary Room” to me. I often think that my creativity defines me in a special way; it is the essence of me. I consider my studio a sacred space as necessary to me as breathing and eating. There is no way to count the hours of joy, satisfaction, challenge, comfort, fatigue and profound happiness I have felt there.

Not only is Kay dreaming of her new Necessary Room but she’s already gathering materials for the projects she will eventually create. She’s decided that it’s time to try some styles of dolls that are different than what she has made previously. This planning and preparation process is keeping her excited and motivated during the long, arduous hours of rebuilding. Bonnie and I are wishing Kay a speedy return to a normal life and every success on this new leg of her dollmaker’s journey. We’d like to encourage you all to challenge yourselves and follow Kay’s lead by expanding your dollmaking experiences.

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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

We’ve just added two patterns to our FREE PROJECTS. First is a delightful Annie Doll Pin from DEANNA HOGAN. http://dollmakersjourney.com/annie.html

We also have a terrific FREE pattern from the great JULIE McCULLOUGH - her darling, quick and easy “Mardi Gras Doll” is a perfect project for making great use of your favorite scraps. http://dollmakersjourney.com/MardiGras.html

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CUSTOMER QUERIES

Q: I ordered the Doll For All Seasons pattern as well as some of the costume patterns throughout 2005 and really like them. Around August (I think) I asked what the plans, if any, were for 2006. I got a message saying that perhaps you would have costumes from different decades (in the 20th century I presume) for each month. Is this no longer the plan, and will there be any more costumes for her, now that you have the Dude For All Seasons? Will they have costumes that go together (like a King of Hearts for February, or a Groom for June, or 2 costumes per month this year that are different from last year's?). I have enjoyed playing with my Doll For All Seasons, and know that the Dude will be fun as well. I do hope you didn't mean that December's costume was the last FOREVER (I hope you meant it was the last for 2005).

A: Yes, we will have new costumes for 2006. However, they won't be coming every month, but maybe every other month. And yes, they will be Decade Doll patterns, but they will fit the Doll and Dude for all Seasons body. The first pattern will be Princess Diana featuring a dress she wore to Hot Shots London Premiere in 1991. I am trying to make a male to accompany her. The next will be from World War II (1943). I still have my dad's Army uniform and my mom's designer military style wedding dress worn that year. Originally I was going to begin in 1890 and work forward, but the American Heart Association requested a 1990 pattern and the World War II D-Day Museum in London requested dolls from that era, so that is what I am working on at present. I think it would also be fun to create some seasonal patterns for the Dude for all seasons, but I have to finish these two commissions first. I especially want to concentrate on jewelry, shoes, bags, hats, gloves, hair styles, makeup, etc. that were worn in each decade, and maybe go into other centuries as well. We also hope to introduce Designer Dolls, where well-known designers will create a special costume for these dolls.

Q: I am new to dollmaking and would like a pattern that is fast and versatile to make dolls for friends' birthdays. Do you have such a thing? The "pancake doll" may be the answer. Is the doll only 2 pieces? Please suggest something fast. I only want adult dolls.

A: Most of our pancake dolls are designed for children and free patterns are available in our Charity Corner. However, for a great gift have you considered a pin doll (wearable doll pin)? Check out our miniatures/pindolls category at http://dollmakersjourney.com
My Ethnic Pin Doll pattern has directions for 15 different ladies wearing hats and includes 5 different ethnic fabrics to make an Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, African, and Indian face. Very fast and easy, and best of all, required little sewing and no stuffing. You can find it at http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html#Lewis
Also, click on Free patterns to see other simple pin dolls such as Jump Start my Heart and Love, Faith and Hope. The latter has three dolls that are made by quilting and paint. There are two pattern pieces - the body and head. The origami angel is also cute.

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SHARP PINKING SHEARS

Are your pinking shears dull and lifeless? Do they mash the fabric rather than cutting it? Here’s a hint that actually works. Take those nearly useless shears and cut up a piece of aluminum foil with them. They will be almost like new. Try it!
(Our thanks to the February 2006 G Street Doll Club Newsletter for this useful tip.)

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NEW PATTERNS

SUZETTE RUGOLO has just added another wonderful character to her pattern line. Learn her lycra over needle sculpted cloth techniques on her storybook goblin “Rumplestiltskin.” http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html

DEANNA HOGAN’S sweet “Tavia” has a special five piece head and such a beautiful face! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/hogan.html

We are always excited to have a new pattern from PATTI CULEA and her “Roxanne Goes Solo” is a true delight. The pattern has lots of wonderful construction techniques you are sure to enjoy. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html

Guess who just released a new dragon pattern of all things SHERRY GOSON! Come meet “Nettie” with her velvet wings, decoupaged scales and Apoxie Sculpt eyes and claws. You’re going to have fun with this one. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

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SUPPLIES

Charms - We’ve just added more charms to our ever-growing ARTGIRLZ charm collection. Be sure to check them out! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/charms.html

Covered Buttons - At the request of JUDI WARD we’re adding two larger sizes of covered buttons, 1-1/2” and 1-7/8” which are perfect for making doll joints and pins! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#cb

Wool Felt - We’ve also added a 2nd color of the Wool Blend Felt Cinnamon. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie has spent the last month working on a new costume from 1991 for the American Heart Association. She re-created a dress worn by Princess Diana to a London Premiere of Hot Shots. All her accessories, including her corselet, were fashionable in the early 1990’s. Inspiration for this doll began when she went to Medieval Times near Baltimore, Maryland on December 28 with her daughters to witness a live joust (our blue knight won!) There she found the perfect tiara, and transformed it into a crown. This doll is currently in the window at G Street Fabrics in Rockville, Maryland. It will be auctioned off, along with other dolls created by the G Street Doll Club, at a special VIP dinner in McLean, Virginia on February 25th to raise funds for the American Heart Association. Each doll represents a different decade, from 1900 to 2000 (the American Heart Association began in the early 1900’s), and all are dressed in red. Now she just has to finalize the pattern and dress the naked Dude doll Mary Ann gave her last week.

After a few years of spending 90% of her waking hours working and in her home, Mary Ann decided she needed to have a better balance in her life between work and play. She thought that having a boyfriend would be just the ticket so she went online (CatholicMatch.com) and found herself one! Retired Army Intelligence Officer James P. Lyng has become a wonderful enhancement to her life. He is the father of five amazing children all in their twenties and keeps very busy teaching Ancient History to 8th Graders. Mak quickly tapped in to his love of photography and keeps him busy taking the photos needed for the website. Amazingly he’s more than happy to help package patterns, or schlep packages to the Post Office. Ah, he’s a fine catch indeed and a welcome member of Team Dollmakers Journey!

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OTHER SITES TO SEE

See the winners of All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition
http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup2005contest.htm

A fun place to visit
http://www.thedollpalace.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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Copyright © 2006 Dollmaker’s Journey

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