Dollmaker’s Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION
July 2006 Issue 57
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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.

July 2006 Issue 57

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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!**

For 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 were just blown away by the incredible entries for our ANNIE LA BOUCHE CHALLENGE! Everything is now online and ready for your vote. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/anniechallenge.html
We have 35 terrific entries. Your job is to choose your favorite doll. Please only vote once. Email your choice to EnchantedR@aol.com. Put Challenge Vote in the subject box. It is always so much fun to see how different everyone’s vision is. Winners will be announced in the August newsletter.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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JULY SALE

For our JULY SALE everything in our CD category will be 20% off all month long - a tremendous savings on a terrific selection of projects! Go to http://dollmakersjourney.com/, select the CD Category and click on GO!

We are thrilled to release the 2nd in our Designer Series of costumes for our Doll and Dude for All Seasons. Thanks to the skillful artistry of KAREN SHIFTON they have become “Queen Odette” and “Prince Ziegfried” from the ballet Swan Lake. We know you are going to love making these wonderful characters at the 25% off introductory price. http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html#Designer

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PRAYERS NEEDED

Debbie Porchia, owner of Mini-Magic, an online store selling fabrics, etc. for dollmakers, had an accident and suffered a concussion, followed by a stroke. She is going into in-patient rehab at a hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for her continued recovery. If you are a customer of Mini-Magic, it might be a while before business is back in operation. Please have patience.

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CREATING A KNIT DOLL PATTERN FROM MUSLIN
By Bonnie B. Lewis

Q: Have you ever "translated"/made a doll that calls for knit using muslin? Do you have any advice? I am guessing that the doll would be smaller overall & probably slimmer. Is
there some sort of formula I could use to enlarge the pattern that would allow for the lack of stretch of the muslin so that the finished doll would be the same size/proportions? Is it even possible to do this successfully?

A: I have made many dolls from both knit and muslin, and you are correct. The muslin doll is always smaller and thinner. It really depends on which way the stretch is going. If you used velour or suede, it stretches more in one direction than the other. If you place the stretch going around the body, the doll would be fatter, and if it goes lengthwise, the doll would be taller. Cotton knit stretches slightly in both directions, but more one way than the other. If you use Lycra or Dolskin, there is at least 25% stretch in both directions, and you have to be careful not to overstuff the doll. Your best bet if you wish to use muslin, which has minimal stretch and then only on the bias, would be to make a sample doll from scrap muslin and see how tall the finished doll is. You don't need to add arms, just head, torso, and one leg. Then you can use the proportional scale wheel to determine how much to enlarge the pattern to meet your needs. For example, if your sample doll measures 6" in height, you would need to enlarge the pattern by 117% for the finished doll to be 7" and by 133% for it to be 8". Be sure if you enlarge the pattern that you reduce the seam allowance to 1/4", since the seam allowance will also enlarge along with the pattern.

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CHALLENGES

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

Déjà Vu All Over Again
Deadline for entries: September 1, 2006. Show is November 11, 2006
Columbus, Indiana
This juried art and fine craft show features artists who creatively reuse and recycle items.
Visit http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/dejavu.html to download an application form.

Four Seasons Challenge
Deadline: September 19, 2006
(Winners announced in February 2007 Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine)
For free pattern designed by Cynthia Sieving and challenge information go to:
http://www.dollccmag.com/DCC0906-4seasons.pdf

“Let the Fun Begin” Camp Doll U Challenge
Deadline: September 23, 2006
Must use challenge kit ($15.00) to create doll
Go to WWW.DOLLU.COM for more details.

Treasures of the Gypsy – Theme: Mysteries of the Gypsies Dance
First week of October, 2006
You need a kit of trinkets, trims, and treasures to participate. These are available for $15.00 (US) $18.00 (Australia and Canada) and can be ordered from:
Pamela Armas
Treasures of the Gypsy
P.O. Box 748
Mountainair, NM 87036
(505) 847-0963

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Year round classes – John C. Campbell Folk School
Brasstown, North Carolina
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

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

September 28-October 1, 2006 – Camp Doll U
Issaquah, Washington (near Seattle)
http://www.dollu.com/

March 3-10, 2007 – 2007 Soft Doll Art Cruise
Leave Miami, Florida for a 7 day fun-filled cruise to 5 islands in the western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. Take classes from Ute Vasina, Patti Culea, Leslie Molen and Barbara Willis
Call Carl at 1-888-537-8267 or Tim at 1-800-755-1191 for more information.

April 15-21, 2007 – Creative Doll Artist’s Voyage
Leave Galveston, Texas for a 7 day fun filled cruise to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island & Cozumel, Mexico on Carnival Conquest. Take classes while you sail from Jean Bernard, Sherry Goshon, Jeff Kantrowitz and Maryanne Oldenburg. For more information email Jeff Kantroqitz at nyeggartist@si.rr.com or call (718)983-1888.

May 3-6, 2007 - Artistic Figures In Cloth
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/AFIC/AFIC.htm (not updated yet)

May 10-13, 2007 – 8th Annual CDAA (Canadian Doll Artist Association)
Ottawa, Ontario
Theme: “Floral Fantasy in an Enchanted Garden”
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/

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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

Free pattern by Cynthia Sieving for Four Seasons Challenge can be printed out at:
http://www.dollccmag.com/DCC0906-4seasons.pdf
Dolls entered in the challenge will be on exhibit at Artistic Figures in Cloth 2007.
See more of her patterns at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/sieving.html

How to make a wrapped doll by Susanna Oroyan
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_dolls/article/0,1789,HGTV_3242_1370477,00.html
You can order Susanna’s books at http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
A Craft Co-op is looking for QUALITY U.S. handmade products from artisans, especially art and seasonal dolls to be sold on consignment or bought outright at wholesale and resold at retail. Check them out at http://www.craftworkscoop.com if you have any dolls that fit this category.
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CUSTOMER QUERIES

Q: I am new at making cloth dolls and I love it. My big problem is that I am can’t make good fingers. Can I buy doll bodies with a blank face?

A: There are websites where you can buy pre-stuffed muslin dolls that you can then dress and add faces and hair. There are also places where you can buy vinyl or porcelain hands and feet and add them to cloth dolls. However, if you really would like to know how to make good cloth hands, check out Judy Ward's free class on making cloth doll hands at http://craftycollege.com/academics/dollclasses.html
This class is at the bottom of the page, and you just click on the link to enter the classroom. Also check out Gloria Winer's webpage at
http://www.mimidolls.com/DCC-Techniques/Index.htm
Scroll down to fingers and read all the tutorials (under techniques) on how to make and stuff perfect hands and arms.

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SELLING WHAT YOU MAKE

One of our customers told us about a web host that lets you have a personal site for free. They let you sell your dolls, and you can switch to a business site (which you will pay for) if your business gets big enough. It is very artist friendly, and includes templates for creating your own website. They are at http://sitekreator.com
Kim’s website that she created is http://sitekreator.com/mermaidsandcritters

Also, if you haven't checked out the One of a Kind Doll Art site yet, it's worth a look. Mostly polymer clay, some cloth dolls. They are at http://www.OoaKDollArt.com and they also offer artists free gallery space.

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NEW PATTERNS

Designer JUDI WARD with soon be offering a mini class for making a cloth-over clay mask for her wildly popular “Bluette” doll. SHERRY GOSHON has created the pressmold for her and has also released her own version of the mask and an alternate body for it a delightful fairy called “Gillie.” Why not get your mold now so you’ll be ready for the class! SHERRY has also released an alternate head for the “Aayla” boudoir doll called “Jade.” Click here to check it all out http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

We have two wonderful new patterns from PATTI LA VALLEY “Alice” a beautiful felt doll and the sassy “Molly and her Button Doll” for you to enjoy. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html

Australia’s DIANE EVDOKIMOFF delights us with her fabulous “Mary Mee” that’s sure to be a favorite. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html

Get a head start on creating some lovely holiday décor with DEANNA HOGAN’S serene “Holly Lou” wall doll. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/hogan.html

Costumer extraordinaire SYLVIA SCHORR has released four marvelous new doll patterns a truly majestic “African Queen”, a very regal “Marie Antoinette” stump doll that comes with THREE amazing costumes in one pattern! With both “Tina, the Tiny Mermaid” and “Goddess of the Natural and Unseen” you’ll learn how to make a tremendous impact with little bits of wired ribbon, scraps and embellishments. http://dollmakersjourney.com/schorr.html

SUZETTE RUGOLO delights us with her graceful Tudor character “Lady Anne.” http://dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html

We’ve added three more fun projects from JENNIE SCHELL of Creations by Jen Marie – a Frog, a Bird Nest and a School Bus. These imaginative tissue box covers are so quick and easy to create and make the best gifts! http://dollmakersjourney.com/marie.html

The talented artists JEAN BERNARD and SHERRY GOSHON have collaborated once again. From JEAN we have “Britt Fantasy Pin Mold” a 1” face mold that comes with an incredible CD. This face can also be used with SHERRY’S darling “Matti” body a great way to see how these molds can be used to create a variety of characters. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

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CUSTOMER KUDOS

Judi Wellnitz from Alaska has an article in the September 2006 issue of Doll Crafter/Costuming. It's her first doll magazine article! They asked her to alter a doll, so she made a porcelain doll into a clock. You can see a photo of the doll at http://www.artdolls.info

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DESIGNER DOINGS

Patti LaValley has a free pattern in August 2006 Doll Crafter and Costuming called “Go Ask Alice”, an Alice in Wonderland doll in felt, with great instructions on doing invisible button joints. Sue Sizemore has a wonderful painted baby in knit. There is also a profile “Women of the Cloth” on Orice Klaus, a former nun turned dollmaker.
You can find more patterns by these talented ladies at http://dollmakersjourney.com
Just find their names on the designer drop-down list.

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SUPPLIES

Mini doll parts (porcelain and vinyl)
http://www.miniworlddolls.com

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie is leaving Friday for a family reunion with her 8 children and 17 grandchildren in Nauvoo, Illinois. Her daughter, son-in-law, and their five children are in an outdoor pageant in front of the Nauvoo Mormon Temple, where they give free performances every day for a month. Melodie says it is very hot (100 degrees or warmer), very humid, and it has been a challenge to keep her children (the oldest is 12, the youngest 18 months) healthy and happy as they rehearse on a black stage outdoors each day. This may be the last time everyone can get together for a while, because two daughters and a son are moving to Utah right after the pageant.

Mary Ann and Jim went up to NJ on June 30th to attend her niece Brynn DeToro’s fabulous Sweet Sixteen party that was a glorious celebration of family and friendship. To everyone’s delight new daughter-in-law Kyah flew in from California to join in the festivities even though she had just returned from the event – filled honeymoon in Tahiti. Mary Ann is working hard to finish an afghan for her wedding present for Jim’s son Sean and soon-to-be-wife Lisa. As is her custom, every stitch is offered as a pray for the couple. She’s also helping Jim’s ex M’Evie with the centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner. M’Evie had the great idea of filling baskets with lovely houseplants that can be given to the couple. Mary Ann is using aluminum sculpting wire to fashion holders for childhood photos of the couple that will be inserted into the plants. Now to finish hemming Jim’s daughter Molly’s bridesmaid dress………

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OTHER SITES TO SEE

Inspirational website created by my son-in-law Todd Morgan and a musician he works with. The music is original. Go to http://www.imetthemaster.com Click on play video.

Museum of Fantastic specimens – all creatures are handmade, fake, but they look real.
http://www.eyebeam.org/reblog/archives/2006/07/museum_of_fantastic_specimens.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 © 2006 Dollmaker’s Journey

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