Dollmaker’s Journey
CUSTOMER CONNECTION
March 2007 Issue 65
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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.

March 2007 Issue 65

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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,

Spring has finally come to the United States. However, winter had a last gasp on Friday, March 16, and sent a Nor’easter to the east coast. Temperatures plummeted from 70 degrees F. to below freezing overnight, and a gentle rainstorm turned into a blizzard. Airports were closed; Bonnie left Boston at 6:30 a.m. where she was visiting her children and grandchildren and tried to beat the storm, but ended up driving through the worst of it. Mary Ann, wiser by far, went south to Charlottesville, VA to attend a wedding and enjoyed sunny but chilly weather. All journeys come to an end, however, and we are both back at work, trying to bring you the latest and best products to help you make your dollmaking dreams come true.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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MARCH SALE

It’s all about men at Dollmakers Journey because everything in the general MALE category is 20% off this month. If you’ve not made a male doll before now’s the perfect time. http://dollmakersjourney.com/

Also, Patti Culea’s newest book, “Creative Cloth Doll Beading: Designing and Embellishing with Beads” will be 20% off until the end of March, so get your copy now! http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

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JUST FOR FUN

Here are the answers to the February quiz.

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES

1. Bachelor Spinster              26. Aviator Aviatrix
2. Master Mistress                27. Sire Dame
3. Masseur Masseuse           28. Ram Ewe
4. Tiger Tigress                    29. Sultan Sultana
5. Marquis Marchioness       30. Duke Duchess
6. Rooster Hen                     31. Colt Filly
7. King Queen                      32. Maharaja Maharahnee
8. Chairman Chairwoman     33. Blond Blonde
9. Drake Duck                     34. Boar Sow
10. Earl Countess                 35. Lad Lass
11. Bullock Heifer                36. Kaiser Kaiserin
12. Couturier Couturiere       37. Stallion Mare
13. Patriarch Matriarch         38. Tsar Tsarina (or Tzarina)
14. Fox Vixen                      39. Fiancé Fiancée
15. Testator Testatrix           40. Best Man Maid of Honor
16. Groom Bride                  41. Cob Hen
17. Usher Usherette              42. Hero Heroine
18. Buck Doe                       43. Stag Hind
19. Lord Lady                      44. Senor Senora
20. Abbot Abbess                45. Pierrot Pierrette
21. Dog Bitch                       46. Billy goat Nanny Goat
22. Bartender Barmaid          47. Baron Baroness
23. Peacock Peahen             48. Gander Goose
24. Monk Nun                      49. Sannup Squaw
25. Monsieur Madame          50. Bull Cow

Of a possible score of 50, 32 is considered good, 36 is very good, and a grade of 40 or more means you’re an expert on the female question! Remember, these terms were in common usage in 1960. We tend to be more gender neutral now.

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ANNIE LE POOCH “CROC” SANDALS

Jeanne Hughes, who entered our Annie La Bouche Challenge, received a query from one of our customers about how to make the sandals she used for “Annie Le Pooch.” She writes: “Her shoes were copied after the Croc sandals that were so popular at the time, and I just imitated the ones my grandchildren were wearing. I used the thin sheets of colored Styrofoam we can buy in craft stores for children's art projects, and a sheet of shelf liner material designed to keep things from sliding for the soles of the shoes. I cut the sole pattern from a tracing of Annie's foot after she was sewn, and then experimented a few times with a shape to fit the top side. It doesn't have to be exact because you wind up tucking and folding it to wrap around her foot, so there's a bit of flexibility involved. I put the whole thing on a "platform" about 1/2" high, and finished it off with a band across the top of the foot which all crocs seem to have. A hole-punch was used to make the pattern on the shoe top, and it isn't an exact rendering of the crocs--just close! I'd suggest you come up with a good photo of the crocs (should be available on-line if you "google" crocs.) and just go from there.”
You can see the original free pattern for Annie La Bouche at:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/annielabouche.html

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CHALLENGES

Doll Challenge for National Dance Week (April 21-29)
Deadline: April 10, 2007
Make a doll representing one of the many dance disciplines (ballet, tap, jazz, modern, folk, flamenco, Middle Eastern, African, etc.)
Send pictures to support@TheDollNet.com or mail to
IVC
Attn: Doll Net
P.O.Box 166
Milford, DE 19963
Winner, with permission, will be displayed at the Westlake Performing Arts Center on the Day of Dance, April 29th and at the True North Cultural Arts Spring Show in Avon Lake during National Dance Week.
Winner will be published on the NEOhio Committee for NDW's website. Please visit www.neohiodance.org and also the national site www.nationaldanceweek.org

“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

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.
NOTE: 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.

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

June 28-30, 2007 – Doll Alley
Cincinnati, Ohio
Great teachers, projects, and doll exhibits
For more information check out http://www.pcmexpo.com (under Ohio)

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
For anyone purchasing Sherry Goshon’s Thumbelina pattern or pressmold, here is a free tutorial to dress her. http://notyourmotherspaperdolls.blogspot.com/
You can find the pattern and pressmold at http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
Free doll pattern with good instructions on needle sculpting
http://www.dollstreetdreamers.com/dsdollpattern.htm

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IRON-ON FACES
By Bonnie B. Lewis

For many dollmakers, creating a face is intimidating. We carry many face stamps, face molds, and iron-on transfers that can be used to complete a doll. When we sell an item, we try to enclose complete directions for its use. However, for those who may have old transfers from other sources, here are general guidelines for using them.

DO NOT USE STEAM! Protect your ironing board by covering with old sheet, pillowcase, or piece of white fabric. Place fabric you wish to use for the face on the covered ironing board. Cut out transfer. Lay it printed side down on the face fabric. Pin transfer to face fabric along one side. Preheat dry iron at cotton setting for about 5 minutes. Press hot iron down firmly on transfer and hold for 5 seconds. Do NOT slide iron back and forth, or transfer will blur. Remove iron and check if face transferred by carefully lifting free side. Do not shift paper. Repeat if necessary. Allow fabric to cool before unpinning transfer.

NOTE: If you are using a steam iron, the steam holes may cause a break in the design. Just use the tip of the iron to press portion of transfer design that needs to be fixed.

It is possible to reuse transfers several times. The less time you iron the more transfers you can get. Each time you use it the image will be lighter. To make a darker repeat image place a piece of aluminum foil under the face fabric. You should still get an image dark enough to paint or embroider the features on a repeat transfer. If you plan on washing the finished doll, you must use at least a 35/65 cotton/polyester blend.

(NOTE: Our ethnic fabric is 100% cotton. It will still accept the transfer, but shouldn't be washed after the face is applied.) The ink will be more permanent the higher the polyester content. (Doll Skin is ideal, because it is 100% polyester.) The transfer is permanent on dolls that won't be washed. You can seal the face with Createx or lightly spray with Krylon Workable Fixative or Scotchguard.

Check out our iron-on transfers and face stamps at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#stamps

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NEW PATTERNS AND BOOKS

YEEE HAH!!! Patti Culea’s newest book “Creative Cloth Doll Beading: Designing and Embellishing with Beads” has arrived and it is SENSATIONAL!!! Patti along with renowned bead artists Anne Hesse and Laura McCabe delivers valuable insights into unique beading techniques for faces, embellishments, garments and accessories, wings and more. There’s no question about it, this book will take your embellishment skills to new heights. SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER We’re taking 20% off until the end of March so get your copy now! http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

At long last the patterns and books of the Grand Dame of cloth doll making ELINOR PEACE BAILEY have come to Dollmakers Journey! We are starting with a selection of her most popular patterns and books and we’ll be adding more on a continuing basis. Best of all we have her fantastic new 2-1/2 hour DVD set – “Doll Making Basics: 30 Years of Doll Making and This is What I Know.” Honestly, you are going to feel like you are sitting right next to her in her amazing studio. Why not click on over and find out all about it! http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

We are thrilled to have two spectacular new patterns from BARBARA SCHOENOFF. Mermaid lovers will be flipping their fins over the beautifully reclined “Scylla.” “Dorinda – The Tightrope Walker” is the first in a Victorian Carnival Series and we can’t wait to see what’s next. We’re going to have a hard time keeping these terrific patterns in stock! http://dollmakersjourney.com/schoenoff.html

VICKI RILEY’S “My Kid” toddler doll is probably her most popular design. You won’t be able to stop at just one. Also check out “Tommer” a terrific 10” toddler. Vicki’s dolls are so easy to make and yet have a ton of personality!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/riley.html

We have two new patterns from the very prolific MARY TRESSLER a wonderful revision of her memorable “Elf Bride” and an exotic stump doll called “Mardi Gras Mystique.” http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html

Designer STEPHANIE NOVATSKI has just released her marvelous pattern “One Kiss Is Not Enough.” You’ll learn how to fully armature a doll and so much more with this highly detailed pattern. http://dollmakersjourney.com/novatski.html

We’re delighted to have Australian designer LINDA MISA’S newest pattern “Flurrie” a lovely free-standing fairy that comes with a bonus CD full of terrific construction photos that is sure to tickle your creative fancy. http://dollmakersjourney.com/misa.html

Who but SHERRY GOSHON would think of putting a soda can into the base of a doll! You’ve got to see her very lovely “Pop Can Rita” a very cool project indeed. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

Mermaid lovers are going to flip over our two newest patterns from SUSAN BARMORE. You’ll learn to make a magnificent shell chair with “Mermaid with Catfish and Shell Chair” and a wonderful wall mermaid with starfish “Mia.” http://dollmakersjourney.com/barmore.html

We now have three more of PATTI CULEA’S all time favorite patterns for your creative enjoyment “Banbury Cross Beth,” “Perky Peggy” and the lovely “Glorya.” Stop by and take a look at these and her many other exciting designs. http://dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html

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DESIGNER DOINGS

Several years ago Rick Owen, the son of BARB OWEN - designer and author of the wildly popular “Creating Faces: Needle Sculpting from the Beginning” – made his way to California to seek an acting career. We were thrilled and delighted to hear that Rick is starring in a new series called American Heiress on My Network TV. You can check www.mynetworktv.com to see stations and check the time as well as watch a great trailer for the show. Under his stage name “Race Owen” he plays the series villain Damian Wakefield. We couldn’t be happier for Rick and his family. By the way, if you have “Creating Faces” Rick is responsible for all of the spectacular photographs.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/owen.html

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SUPPLIES

GLUE APPLICATOR BOTTLE - Designers MIMI WINER and JUDY SKEEL teach a wonderful seam strengthening technique where they apply Grrrip Glue to the seam with a special applicator bottle. We now have this terrific bottle that comes with a long metal tip along with a spare. Stop by and take a look and learn this valuable technique. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#gg

JOINTING THREAD - We’re adding four colors of Coats & Clark Button & Carpet Thread - a nice strong thread for jointing your dolls. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

TIBETAN LAMB - We’ve just added yet another color of Tibetan Lamb - a very rich Cobalt Blue! http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html#tibetan

WAVY HAIR - We also just got a lovely soft yellow shade of WAVY HAIR called “Sunshine Yellow.” http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html

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Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America title.
4. Name ten people who have won either the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

And the moral is: “Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia.” (Charles Schultz)

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie survived the trip to Massachusetts and back. She and her husband went to see their daughter, son-in-law and two of their grandchildren perform in a special Easter musical called “Savior of the World.” They drove up Wednesday (an 8-hour trip), saw the play on Thursday, and drove back to West Virginia on Friday. The return trip took 12 hours due to blizzard conditions as they drove through the mountains in Pennsylvania. Bonnie learned it was safer to follow a snow plow and drive 30 miles an hour than try to go the speed limit when the roads were totally covered with snow. They debated stopping for the night, but when they were told 18” of snow was expected by nightfall, they kept going. Many prayers were said on their way home, as they passed numerous accidents.

Mary Ann, with Jim’s valuable help, has been very busy planning and gearing up for our trip to Columbus for the AFIC Conference. We want to be sure that we are well stocked with the newest patterns and goodies for the attendees’ shopping pleasure. She’s looking forward to spending Easter Sunday in NJ with her family celebrating her mother Marion’s 84th birthday.

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WEBSITES

Great pin cushions to make for Mother’s Day
http://www.marcusbrothers.com/makeit/projects/gypsy_pin_cushions/index.html

Crazy quilt treasure pouch
http://www.caron-net.com/designerfiles/desmayfiles/maychrt.html

Soft Sculpted Man in the Moon
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/esb_man_in_the_moon.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, 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….)

Copyright © 2007 Dollmaker’s Journey