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

April 2008 Issue 77

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Copyright 2008 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 Dollmaking Friends,

It is really inspiring when dolls make the news. At CNN they have a special award for Heroes, and one of those so honored is Viola Vaughn.

After the sudden death of her 26-year old daughter left 5 grandchildren in her care, Viola Vaughn, a Detroit native, moved to Africa with her husband to raise them. When her husband died, she began home-schooling her grandchildren. Locals took notice, and soon she began teaching girls who failed or dropped out. Her "10,000 Girls" program helps girls teach each other and become entrepreneurs. One of the ways they support the fast-growing school is by making dolls. You can read her story here. http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/10/heroes.vaughn/index.html

This link is to a video of the children making dolls that sell all over the world:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/10/heroes.vaughn/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

We wish to thank Viola and all those who share their talents to help make the world a better place. In this newsletter we mention two charity auctions that are seeking doll donations. I am sure any contributions would be greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful day.

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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APRIL SALE

Our APRIL SALE of the FAIRY CATEGORY has our vast selection of fairy patterns flying out the window. Be sure to catch some of them while they are 20% off! http://dollmakersjourney.com

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MARCH QUIZ WINNER
Question: Who is the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Answer: Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul", turned 66 in March. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Congratulations to Linda W. Fraser from Portland, Oregon. Your name was selected at random from all of the correct quiz entries, and you will receive a $10 gift certificate from Dollmaker’s Journey. Watch for your name in a coming month!

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APRIL QUESTION

If you began spelling out numbers in sequence, beginning with o-n-e, t-w-o, t-h-r-e-e, what is the first number you would come to with an "a" in it?

Everyone who emails in the correct answers by May 15th will be entered into a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Dollmaker’s Journey. The winner will be announced in the next newsletter. Email your answers to Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com Put April Quiz in subject box. Please include your full name and where you live (state/country) in your email.

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CHARITY CORNER - "Every Doll Needs a Home"

*Calling All Dolls...*
It's that time of year when we turn to all of our fantastic doll making friends sending out a request for help with our annual doll art benefit

The Evangeline Booth Miracle Home run by the Salvation Army is a temporary emergency shelter for homeless women and children located in Schenectady, NY. We will be holding our annual fundraiser on September 18, 2008. The event is called "Every Doll Needs a Home" and is a doll art benefit. Donations of dolls are being accepted anytime now up until August 18, 2008. You can also read more about the Booth Home and doll art benefit by going to:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/tsmall/2006/indax.html

The live auction will consist of handmade dolls of cloth or cloth and clay. These can be anything from ragdolls to brightly colored funky dolls and/or hand-sculpted cloth and clay artist creations. Porcelain, vintage, and manufactured dolls are also accepted. They will be offered in a silent auction.

Last year's event was a huge success. Because of this benefit and the help of an additional grant, we will be getting a much-needed new roof this spring! The event seems to become more popular in this area every year. Last year we had quite a few new people attending -- there were actually a couple of bidding wars! Everyone always has a good time. Your efforts go a long way to help these women and children. It also does a lot for them spiritually. If you could see their faces when they see that so many women from all over actually care about them and want to help. Spirits around here continue to boost every time another doll arrives. Your assistance not only helps to keep this shelter open but you help create hope where there sometimes was little or none. Some of the dolls that arrive early enough - before August 1st - may appear in the main library's glass (locked) display case for the entire month of August and may even appear in the news.

Dolls can be dropped off or shipped to:
The Evangeline Booth Miracle Home
ATTN: Pam Small
168 Lafayette St.
Schenectady, NY 12305
Any questions? Please call (518) 370-0276 or (518) 3700277 and ask for Pam.
You can also email Pam at Pam.Small@USE.SalvationArmy.Org

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NEW MAGAZINE

A new quarterly color doll magazine will soon be available in England. You can find out more about Madeleine Sara Maddocks' creation at http://www.clothdollcreations.co.uk/CFQmag.html
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CUSTOMER QUERIES

Q : I currently work with mostly felt, and want to give my dolls more of a 3-D feel to them. I want to create more of a rounded, ball shaped head for my dolls! How do I do this?

A: Mary Ann writes: To make a more rounded head you are going to need a minimum of 4 pattern pieces. Find a round object or a doll head the size that you want and drape it with pieces of paper towel to devise your pattern. One style would be to have the pieces shapes like the sections of an orange. Another style is what they call the "Baseball Head" which would be 1 long piece that goes from the chin up and over the head to the nape of the neck and then it has 2 side head pieces. It's going to be a bit trial and error but you'll get it. Make some pieces, use scrap fabric to try them out and then adjust as necessary.

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KID OR CLUB PROJECT from Bonnie Lewis

I had a dream last night in which I saw my grandchildren around a table filled with treasures. This would be a fun project for children and adults alike. Fill a table with assorted buttons ( including some large ones), pipe cleaners in various colors, popsicle sticks (which can be used for necks, arms, legs, etc.), fabric scraps, pin backs and/or jar lids that fit small jam jars, assorted trims, silk flowers, lace, ribbons, beads, rhinestones, glue (Fabri-tac works well), etc. Have everyone create a doll or pin using a large button for the torso or center of the pin. You can also use metal covered buttons that are available from Dollmaker's Journey. These are wonderful if covered with skin tone fabric and then painted with a face. If the button has a shank, remove it using a wire cutter or the cutter in needle nose pliers. To attach a pin back glue to back of button and glue a strip of fabric over the flat bottom of the pin to secure or thread pipe cleaner through button holes over pin back with ends twisting together in the front (do this BEFORE decorating front.) The pipe cleaners can then become arms, legs, tails, etc. You can also glue your creation to a jar lid, add lace or ribbon to the edge, and the jar can then become a decorative coin, button or bead holder.

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CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS

The Storybook Challenge Photos are now online
Vote by April 30, 2008 for your favorites
For more information: http://thedollnet.com/storybook_dolls/

[The Material Girls] Becky Holloway Challenge!
Deadline: September 30, 2008
Rules:
1. Use the Becky Holloway pattern called "Garden Party" (available at http://dollmakersjourney.com/holloway.html)
2.You can change the pattern by upsizing or downsizing and adding bits and
pieces but it still needs to look like the Garden Party pattern somewhat
when you are finished.
3.You must finish and send the pictures to Lisa Risler (happyartist@gmail.com) by September 30th, 2008 with a NAME and a good DESCRIPTION of what all you did and how you did it...even a story is nice!
4. Voting will begin on October 5th with the url to be announced as soon as it is available online.
5. NO LATE entries can be accepted to be fair to everyone.
6. Please join the Yahoo Group "Hollowaypatterns" so we can kind of keep up with what is going on.
7. Do NOT show anyone your finished project until after the voting has been done. You must not tell anyone which entry is yours. You will be disqualified -- out of fairness to everyone else entering the contest.
Prizes will be awarded by Dollmaker's Journey, Cloth Doll Patterns, and Cloth Doll Supply.

Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge - Journey of the Gypsy
Kits available now for $20.00 US
For information on 2008 challenge contact: Pamela Armas
P. O. Box 748, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036, USA.
Email address: gypsytreasures@cs.com

2009 All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition
Due date: August 31, 2009
Theme: Earthen Mother
Official rules posted here: http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

April 24-27, 2008 – 9th Canadian Doll Artist Association (CDDA) Show and Sale
Hilton Garden Inn, 500 Beck Crescent, Ajax, Ontario, Canada
For more information go to http://www.dollartists.ca/ (Look for Conference in menu)

April 26, 2008 – Calgary Doll Club Doll, Teddy and Toy Sale
10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission $3.00
Acadia Recreation Center, 240 – 90 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
For more information call Betty at (403) 243-3575 or
email Carolyn at cbtank@shaw.ca

April 26 – May 10, 2008 – Doll and Teddy Bear Tour in Germany
The tour begins in Frankfurt and travels down the German Toy Road to visit the International Doll Festival in Coburg and the Doll and Teddy Festival. Visit doll and teddy bear designers, manufacturers, museums, shoppes, a doll & teddy bear doctor, etc. German sights and sounds are included as well as a day spent in Salzburg, Austria on a “Sound of Music” tour. Return to Frankfurt up the German Romantic Road.
For more information contact Sharon Ellis at travelific@msn.com or call 763-241-8733

May 13-20, 2008 – WOW New York
Holiday Inn, Fishkill, New York
For more information go to http://thenewyorkwow.com/
Register now for exciting classes from Jennifer Carson, Diane Keeler, Adele Sciortino, Gloria Winer, and Judy Skeel.

May 16-18, 2008 – Think Pink! Conference from the Doll Gatherers
Aurora, Ohio
For more information email Joan Stephens at DGdolling@aol.com

June 5-28, 2008 – Exhibit in Fiber Artspace
1420 S. Alamo Street, Space 202 (Blue Star above Joe Blues), San Antonio, Texas
Free exhibit called Figuratively Speaking, Art Dolls by Pamela Hastings and Rosie Rojas
For more information call (210) 271-1015 or go to http://www.fiberartspace.com

July 17-20, 2008 – Enchanted Doll Artist Conference (EDAC)
Embassy Suites, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Visit: www.enchanteddollartistsconference.org or contact Rae Sook edac@cox.net , 9827 N. 151st E. Ave., Owasso, OK 74055 for more information

July 26-30, 2008 – National Doll Festival (21st annual)
Tuscany Suites and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Same time and town as UFDC, ODACA and NIADA National Conventions
Contact information: National Doll Festival, P.O. Box 66823, Scotts Valley, CA 95067
E-mail: NatlDoll@aol.com or DollFestival@aol.com
(831) 438-5349 phone (831) 439-9142 fax number

August 2, 2008 – A Day with Dolls #3
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Shelton E Dole Center, 250 South Sixth Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY
For more information call 914-667-7100
Dollmaker's Journey will have a booth there and we would love to meet you in person.

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 GIFT FOR YOU

"Imppie" has a free homemade eyelash lesson and free pattern to make an egg doll on her website. Check them out at www.geocities.com/Impossiblycute
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PAVERPOL EASTER BONNET by Bonnie Lewis

Make an Easter Bonnet using Paverpol. Originally these hats were made from doilies that were dipped in sugar water. They were then molded over a form, shaped, and when dry they were very stiff. However, they also attracted bugs, and when heat and humidity were a factor, they went limp. Now with the advent of Paverpol there is a better solution. Paverpol dries absolutely stiff, clear, and is not affected by heat or humidity. It also sticks to everything, except plastic wrap. However, once the hat is finished you can paint it, glue trims on it, etc. Here is how:

1. Take a pipe cleaner and measure around your doll's head where you want the hat to be. Usually this is across the forehead and above the ears. Twist the ends together and lift off gently. Do this after the doll is finished, including hair. The shaped pipe cleaner will be the guide for the hat block.

2. For a dome-shaped crown, cut a Styrofoam ball in half that is larger than the shaped pipe cleaner. Using a hammer, lightly tap around the edge to compress the Styrofoam. Keep checking with the pipe cleaner until the Styrofoam ball is the desired shape. WARNING: Do not let the ball get too small, or the hat won't fit. It is better to err on slightly too large, because once you use Paverpol the hat will be rigid and won't stretch at all. Cover the hat block with plastic wrap, taping the plastic to the bottom of the block. Place block on a piece of plastic wrap on a plate, bowl, or table depending on how you want to shape the brim.

3. Lay a doily or circle of fabric or lace over the hat block to make sure it is large enough to have a decent brim. It looks great using old lace curtains, tatted or crocheted doilies, or any type of natural fabric (silk, cotton, linen). Remember, once the hat is stiffened you can't even cut the hat with scissors. However, you can cut the hat into shape while it is still damp. Sewing is impossible once hat is dry, so make sure the edge of the hat is finished the way you want. Don't worry about fraying edges. That can't happen once fabric is saturated with Paverpol. Once the hat is dry you can glue any trims in place. If desired, you can dye the doily or fabric before stiffening. You can also paint the finished hat.

4. Place doily or fabric in a Ziploc bag. Add Paverpol and squish doily around until it is saturated. Remove doily and squeeze out excess Paverpol by running fabric through two fingers like old-fashioned wringer. Pour the remaining Paverpol back into a plastic container for use later. A sealed plastic film canister makes a great small container. Caution: Paverpol is very thick. Be sure you remove it from any open holes before drying.

5. Drape doily over plastic hat form. Secure at base with rubber band. Shape hat brim. If you want a rippling brim, place small pieces of plastic wrap under different folds to create the look you want. Since Paverpol will stick to the rubber band, you must remove it before hat is completely dry. Put a strip of plastic wrap around base and replace rubber band on top. You can shape this hat for about an hour, so take time to play. Let dry overnight (or use a blow dryer if you are in a hurry.) Decorate as desired.

We would love to see pictures of your finished Easter Bonnets. Send jpegs to Bonnie Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com.

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NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS

“Cloth Dollmaking: Theory and Practice” is renowned NIADA doll artist ANTONETTE “NONI” CELY’S comprehensive guide to all of the most important dollmaking skills as developed in a progression from a simple angel to a complex nude body. The book just overflows with solid information about every aspect of cloth doll construction. If you were to own only one doll making reference book this should be it! http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

We are delighted to announce that “Lil Snip” - the enchanting marionette by JACQUE UETZ that is being held by SHERRY GOSHON’S “Sweet Pea” is now available. Stop by and see this charming combination. http://dollmakersjourney.com/uetz.html

elinor peace bailey has come up with the most clever way of displaying the many treasures we collect but don’t quite know what to do with. “Ex Libra” is a doll with many imaginative pockets for keeping what we hold dear. Such a fun project! http://dollmakersjourney.com/epb.html

Our first pattern that actually incorporates PAVERPOL is "Mya's Secret" by SHERRY GOSHON. Take a look at this delightful eyeglass holder. A great project for exploring this product. We also have "SHERRY'S "Old World Mannequin" a truly unique creation. Check them both out - http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

CINDEE MOYER has done it again with her extraordinarily lovely "Beatrice" - one clover, one bee and reverie... http://dollmakersjourney.com/moyer.html

Sweden's SARAH JONES treats us to her charming "Pod Babies." You won't be able to stop at one!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/jones.html

Dragon Charmer JENNIFER CARSON has just released the most precious “Pea Pod Faerie Baby” you’ve ever seen. This doll is fully jointed including the head and requires plastic doll joints that you’ll now find in four different sizes in the supply department.http://dollmakersjourney.com/carson.html

We’re delighted to have BARB AND DOUG KEELING’S “Focus on Faces 2 CD.” Each of the 14 faces can be done on either a flat or center seam face. You’ll learn to give tremendous depth to your faces with their shading techniques. Bonus body pattern included! http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html

“Tweedle Dee” is a unique little bird character from the imagination of elinor peace bailey. Each pattern included one of her pre-made faces. A fun embellishment project! http://dollmakersjourney.com/epb.html

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TOOL BELT

Adele Sciortino has created a wonderful Artistic Tool Belt that we now carry. It is 8-1/2" x 10" with 16 pockets created to hold all sorts of dollmaking tools, such as scissors, pens, hemostats, paint brushes, rotary cutters, rulers, etc. One size fits all, and it has an adjustable strap with snap-on buckle. Mary Ann and I think this would be perfect for those taking or teaching classes, and what a great way to have tools at your fingertips while watching TV and stuffing your favorite doll. Check it out at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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SUPPLIES

ADELE SCIORTINO’S “Artistic Tool Belt” is just what we’ve all been waiting for! 16 pockets hold our most important tools keeping them in easy reach while we work. The adjustable belt makes it one-size-fits-all. An absolute MUST HAVE if you are taking classes. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

JUDITH PRIOR’S beautifully handmade Stuffing Fork sets are now in from Australia and back in stock. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

At last PAVERPOL PRODUCTS have arrived at Dollmaker's Journey! Many of you have heard of this exciting hardening agent that will enable you to create beautiful art pieces and sculptures that are rock hard. In the coming weeks we'll be sharing a variety of ideas for using this fabulous product. http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

For your convenience we now have three-part plastic doll joints in a range of 4 sizes from 30mm (1-1/8”) to 55mm (2”). http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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SNAG ERASER

Bonnie's brother came to her a few years ago with a very expensive $250 tie that had snagged on a piece of Velcro. (What Velcro was doing near an expensive tie is anybody's guess – I think it was part of a name tag.) He hated to throw away the tie, and I told him I had the solution. I pulled from my sewing box a tool called the Snag Repair Tool. He was skeptical and worried that I might make things worse. It looked like a barbed needle. I inserted it in the front of the tie and pulled the tool to the wrong side. The snag was instantly removed. It occurred to me that this might also be useful in dollmaking. It will remove snags from any knit or woven fabric. Now for the rest of the story. I gave my brother the tool, which I had received from my Mom many years ago. He used it for several years, and called last week from New York City saying he had lost the tool, and had just ruined another tie. I told him to search New York. Surely some store there would have one. I too did an internet search and found what he was looking for, and we decided this tool is so valuable that we would make it available through Dollmaker's Journey. Check it out at http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie's son-in-law who fell 20 feet from a ladder and broke his back has returned to work. He still needs to wear a full body brace, but only for 8 more weeks. His back is healing, and our family appreciates all your prayers on his behalf. His wife participated in a wonderful musical called "The Ten Virgins" based on a parable from the Bible. She was the narrator and sang several solos. It was a delightful evening, and the costumes and sets were fabulous.

Mary Ann is working like a demon to complete her project for the auction for her sister Barbara’s fundraiser this coming weekend. She decided that a Christmas theme would probably have the broadest appeal so she’s making BECKY HOLLOWAY’S “Christmas at Moose Mountain” – a piece that’s nearly 4 feet tall! The pattern calls for Warm & Natural” batting for making the moose but MAK found a new felt at Joann’s that is furry on one side that is working beautifully. She’s having a great time putting it all together. For anyone who is interested in information about the fundraiser the details can be found at www.stannschurch.org. Click on Online Donations and then Barbara Cantrell Fund. Donations can be made through PayPal or a major credit card.

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WEBSITES:

Raewyn Parker from New Zealand has a delightful website full of fun doll patterns. Her company is called Red Hen Designs. We especially like her quilts which are full of dragons, mermaids, fairies, and an original snakes and ladders quilt that can double as a game board. Check them out at: www.redhendesigns.co.nz

Spring has sprung, and in the United States it is time once again for Spring cleaning. Here are several websites with tips and recipes:
http://www.intheclearorganizing.com/Spring_Cleaning_Checklist.doc
http://www.intheclearorganizing.com/5_Staples_of_Green_Cleaning.doc
http://www.intheclearorganizing.com/Recipes_for_Green_Cleaning.doc

Now mind you, I would rather make dolls that clean the house. However, there are some good recipes for cleaning fabrics and other items that I thought might be useful to dollmakers (like how to get rid of mold and mildew, stains, etc. using common household items.)

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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….) To subscribe to Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection, go to: http://dollmakersjourney.com/subscribe.html

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