Dollmaker’s Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION
February 2007 Issue 64
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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 2007 Issue 64
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Copyright 2007 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 East Coast of the United States has been subjected to a major snow/ice event, with temperatures well below freezing. Our yards are a sheet of ice that is so thick you can ice skate on it. Dogs are having a hard time going to the bathroom, because they slip and slide all over the place. Bonnie wasn’t able to get online for a few days which is why the newsletter is out a little later than usual. Despite the weather Mary Ann has managed to get to the post office every day with your orders from Dollmaker’s Journey. Hopefully with temperatures climbing into the 50’s this week some of the ice will melt. Bonnie’s daughter just called to say a large piece of ice just slid off their roof and landed on their car parked in the driveway. The ice smashed their windshield, wrecked their GPS system and dash panel, and generally made a mess. Many stores are warning people not to walk on sidewalks that have ice falling from the roof. We hope your weather is more cooperative.
Mary Ann and Bonnie
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FEBRUARY SALE
For our FEBRUARY SALE we’re taking 20% off everything in our “Boudoir Dolls” and “Exotic/Fantasy” Categories where you’ll find a ton of fabulous patterns to choose from. http://dollmakersjourney.com/index.html
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DESIGNER UPDATE
Doll Artist/Author Susanna Oroyan was in Sacred Heart Hospital with an extreme reaction to chemo and radiation, under heavy sedation while they tried to stabilize her. Her family asked that we send cards, and many of you responded. Her mother says the cards worked wonders for her morale. She also received a comfort quilt from Jane Darin, and it really lifted her spirits. Several bouquets of flowers also arrived. She is now walking in a walker and trying to manage an oxygen tank at the same time. According to the hospital she will go home today (February 21, 2007). While you are at it add her to you prayer list and if your church has a prayer chain add her to it. We all love Susie and want her to get through this. If you wish to send a card or note of encouragement, her address is:
Susanna Oroyan
3270 Whitbeck Blvd.
Eugene, OR 97405
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JUST FOR FUN
Apparently some of you enjoy occasional challenges. Denise Ellars wrote: “I welcomed the Christmas song challenge, ran copies ( I left one copy at the printer's to challenge them. I'll have to check back to see if they solved it!), and took them to our family's Christmas reunion in Bowling Green, KY. On my own I found all but 5 of the song titles. Aunts gave up too quickly. My first cousins and second cousins worked throughout the evening trying to match song lines to the puzzle. Before the festivities ended and my mother and I drove back the 2 and 1/2 hours to our homes in Indiana, we had solved all but one of the song titles. The next morning on my email, a cousin had solved # 33, Little Saint Nick. As most of the cousins are children of the '60's we were sad that we didn't remember the Beach Boys' song. Reality bites!! Thanks for the fun. It was a hit!”
For February I have another quiz just for you. Since our boudoir and exotic/fantasy dolls are on sale this month, I have a list of 50 virile (male) words. Please list their feminine counterparts (e.g. man = woman). Some of these terms are not now “politically correct”, but they were in common usage in 1960. NOTE: This is also a hint of what we will have on sale in March. Answers will appear in our March newsletter. Good luck!
THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES
1. Bachelor _______________ 26. Aviator _______________
2. Master _______________ 27. Sire _______________
3. Masseur _______________ 28. Ram _______________
4. Tiger _______________ 29. Sultan _______________
5. Marquis _______________ 30. Duke _______________
6. Rooster _______________ 31. Colt _______________
7. King _______________ 32. Maharaja _______________
8. Chairman _______________ 33. Blond _______________
9. Drake _______________ 34. Boar _______________
10. Earl _______________ 35. Lad _______________
11. Bullock _______________ 36. Kaiser _______________
12. Couturier _______________ 37. Stallion _______________
13. Patriarch _______________ 38. Tsar _______________
14. Fox _______________ 39. Fiancé _______________
15. Testator _______________ 40. Best Man _______________
16. Groom _______________ 41. Cob _______________
17. Usher _______________ 42. Hero _______________
18. Buck _______________ 43. Stag _______________
19. Lord _______________ 44. Senor _______________
20. Abbot _______________ 45. Pierrot _______________
21. Dog _______________ 46. Billy goat _______________
22. Bartender _______________ 47. Baron _______________
23. Peacock _______________ 48. Gander _______________
24. Monk _______________ 49. Sannup _______________
25. Monsieur _______________ 50. Bull _______________
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CUSTOMER COMMENTS ON “UNDIES”
Laura Lunsford writes: “First off I'd like to say I thoroughly enjoy receiving your newsletter. There is just enough information on what's new, what's going on in the world of doll makers and what's for sale. AND I must comment on the underwear question. I like to make undies for my dolls whenever it's feasible. I especially like to put bright red or shocking pink on faeries. It's so much fun when folks peek, then gasp! They always laugh too!”
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing, Laura.
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CHALLENGES
“Gypsies of the Sea” 2007 sponsored by Treasures of the Gypsy
The challenge packets are available now, and finished dolls are due in September. To enter next years challenge, send $15 to:
Pamela Armas/Treasures of the Gypsy, PO Box 748, Mountainair, NM 87036.
You will receive a packet of fabric, trims, and trinkets to use on you Gypsy doll. You may add additional fabrics of your choice to your doll.
All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition 2007 – Theme Celestial Reflections
Deadline: August 31, 2007
For more information go to: http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
FIRST A NOTE FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE TAKING A CRUISE: Anyone taking these doll cruises needs to have a passport. It is a law that you must have one to get back into the United States, and it now includes cruises. Don't wait till last minute, but update your passport now.
February 12 – March 23, 2007 – The Art of the Doll – Proud, Bold and Beautiful
Reception March 1, 2007 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
City Hall Rotunda, One Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, New York 10550
For more information call: 914-699-7230 Extension 135
March 3-10, 2007 – 2007 Soft Doll Art Cruise
UPDATE: Patti Culea will be the only instructor on the cruise. They cancelled the main focus of Dollmaking for lack of sign-ups. Those who still wish to go will have two 2-1/2 hour classes with Patti, and the price of the cruise will be reduced.
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. Call Carl at 1-888-537-8267 or Tim at 1-800-755-1191 for more information.
March 23-25, 2007 – Yinz Dolls n’at Dollmaking Retreat
Camp Lutherlyn, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Class by Judy Skeel. Dollmakers and representatives of doll clubs are invited for the day or weekend. For more information contact:
Joyce at Joycecomp@aol.com or Vix at BecauseILikeIt@aol.com
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
Mary Ann and I will be there with many items from Dollmaker’s Journey and a few surprises too. Hope to see you there!
May 10-13, 2007 – 8th Annual CDAA (Canadian Doll Artist Association)
Ottawa, Ontario
Theme: “Floral Fantasy in an Enchanted Garden”
www.dollartists.ca
May 18-20, 2007 - Flowers, Fairies and Fiber Fancies
Aurora, Ohio
Contact Joan Stephens at 330-562-9145 for more information
May 13-20, 2008 (tentative date) – WOW New York
New York
More information will be forthcoming
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
Designer JEAN BERNARD has gifted us with a fabulous FREE TUTORIAL for making incredible wings. Do stop by and take a look at this terrific project. http://dollmakersjourney.com/wings.html
We have the loveliest FREE pattern for you at Dollmaker’s Journey - a “Friendship Doll” from the wonderful JILL MAAS. Oh what fun you’ll have making this simple yet charming doll for your friends! http://dollmakersjourney.com/friendship.html
We have another super FREE PATTERN from SHERRY GOSHON called “The Goddess of Love” a quick and easy valentine inspired project you are sure to enjoy. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goddess.html
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HOW DO YOU MAKE A PATTERN?
By Arley Berryhill (http://www.ArleyBerryhill.com)
Arley wrote the following in response to a query from Brenda on a dollmaking list who asked: “I have a question. When a challenge asks to use your own pattern and not someone else’s -- how do you make a pattern?”
"How do you make a pattern?" -- That is a very big question! People who make doll patterns spend months, years perfecting their patternmaking skills. I don't want to discourage you, but it does take skill.
Phyllis Robinson has her method of making a clay sculpt and pinning fabric over it, to come up with a body pattern. (see: http://www.designsbyphyllis.homestead.com/)
I do pretty much the same method. I make a cardboard and crumpled paper sculpt, and pin fabric around it.
For a first-time pattern, I suggest a "pancake" doll. A pancake is a simple doll that is just 2 pieces of fabric, sewn, turned, and stuffed. There is one pattern shape for the whole doll (the head can be separate). The front and back pieces are identical.
A pancake style doll won't look realistic, but more of a "stylized" or "art" doll. You can do wonderful things with a pancake doll, like: great embellishments, painted and textured surface decorations, or fantastic costuming.
Start by drawing an outline of a figure on paper -- like a paper doll. Add about 1/8 - 1/4 inch all around the drawing -- this is to allow for the thickness of the doll. Pin two pieces of fabric together, right-sides together, and trace your finished outline to the wrong side of the fabric. Sew around your outline (leave an opening for turning and stuffing). When you finish stuffing this doll, you can go back to your original pattern and make changes based on what you found when the pattern is stuffed. You may have to make 2, 4, or 10 samples until you "tweaked" your pattern to something you like.
It's all "trial and error". The most important thing is to have fun!
You can see some of Arley’s wonderful patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/berryhill.html
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NEW DESIGNER
We thought we’d take a step outside of our Art Doll focus box and add in some of the terrific baby doll patterns of VICKI RILEY the creator of Dinky Babies. These dolls have so much personality and will make the best gifts for the precious little ones in your life. Stop by and take a peek at “New Born Baby,” “Lil Beth,” “McKenna,” “MeeKee” and “Addison the All American Girl.” http://dollmakersjourney.com/riley.html
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NEW PATTERNS
Gather up all your favorite bits and pieces to make “Matisse” MICHELLE MUNZONE’S delightful modular wall doll. Assemble the pieces to make any pose you want. http://dollmakersjourney.com/munzone.html
SHERRY GOSHON has just released “Charra” an alternate body for her Murphy Pressmold. It’s amazing how versatile her molds can be. Stop by and take a peek. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
PATTI CULEA has decided to close the retail portion of her website so we’ll be adding in the patterns we haven’t previously carried. We’re thrilled to have her newest pattern “Jiliana, a 21st Century Boudoir Doll” packed with wonderful techniques and a color chart for making her beautiful face. We also have her fabulous Soul Mates “Dominque and Lesley.” Watch for more patterns in the coming weeks. http://dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html
ALLISON MARANO is always coming up with amazing techniques and her wizened old fairy “Nutt Meg” is the result of heat distressing polyester fabric. You’ve got to take a look at this very unique character! http://dollmakersjourney.com/marano.html
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: Is there a book or article on designing doll patterns?
A: I wrote an article in our Customer Connection Newsletter issue 13 called Pattern writing 101 on how to write a pattern that will sell. Go to http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/archives.html
Click on issue 13 to see the article. Also check out the article by Arley Berryhill in this newsletter on designing an original pattern.
Judi Ward teaches a fantastic class Design your Own Doll and Advanced Cloth Doll Design at http://craftycollege.com/academics/dollclasses.html
Classes are self-paced and on-going. I have taken both classes and they were very helpful.
We sell books on designing dolls at http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html
Check out Pamela Hastings "Designing a Doll" for a modern approach.
The booklets by Maggie Baggett and Jeannie Rigby help solve problems in designing bodies, hair, faces, clothes, etc.
Susanna Oroyan has several classic books on advanced design techniques for those who wish to expand their knowledge of dollmaking.
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SUPPLIES
At your request we have the purple DISAPPEARING INK PENS that so many of you like to use. Be sure to let us know what other products we can add for your convenience. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#pens
We’re adding yet another hair product - WAVY HAIR. Each package contains a 5 foot length that unbraids and fluffs up beautifully to produce very versatile hairstyles. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html
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CUTE STORY
This one has been around a while, but we thought you would enjoy it.
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How To Stay Married
A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box.
When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.
"But what about all of this money? Where did it come from?"
Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."
A Prayer...... .
Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods; Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death. And I don't know how to crochet.
Amen!
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Several years ago Bonnie crocheted 100 granny squares using scrap yarn. Unfortunately, most of them didn’t go together because colors clashed and she was using up a lot of weird variegated yarn. Her current project is to make more squares to coordinate everything and put them together to create lapghans (36” x 48”) for nursing homes. These are for people in wheelchairs to use while they watch TV. So far she has finished 6 blankets and is working on the final three. She is also crocheting baby blankets using Mary Ann’s fabulous shell stitch. This is a great project to use up all her miscellaneous yarn. She likes doing it so much she will be teaching a class in her church to encourage others to crochet for charity.
As a happy coincidence all the Snow Days caused by the storm last week enabled school teacher Jim to give Mary Ann a hand with the orders while our assistant Andrea was out with the flu. He’s working hard to get us all organized for our trip to the AFIC conference in May so that we can serve you better while we’re there. We’re bringing him with us so if you’d like to meet the Worlds Greatest Boyfriend in person we hope you’ll come out and see us!
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WEBSITES
One of my favorite books is Harry Potter (all of them!) Jodi and Richard Creager have created ‘Madame Hooch...Mistress of Flight’ the first in a one-of-a-kind series. Although the doll has sold, you might enjoy looking at her. I love the floating broom!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem
&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:11&item=3300882125
Free doll patterns including kimono pattern and Japanese doll
http://www.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp/runo/kimono/
Bella Online – great doll clothes patterns and accessories free patterns and instructions
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art19940.asp
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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, 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 © 2007 Dollmaker’s Journey
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