Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
At http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
May 2008 Issue 78
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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,
We recently celebrated Mother's Day. Did you know that originally it began in ancient Greece where they honored Rhea, the mother of the Gods? In England in the 1600's the early Christians celebrated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. Later the fourth Sunday of Lent became Mothering Day to honor all mothers, and servants were encouraged to return home and visit their mothers. Often they brought a special mothering cake to provide a festive touch. You can find a recipe for this cake at http://www.bigoven.com/113563-Mothers-Cake-recipe.html
For other variations on the mothering cake go to http://google.com and type mothering cake recipe.
In the United States Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic) was horrified by the carnage during the Civil War and tried to issue a manifesto for peace (similar to the Mother's Day manifesto) at international peace conferences without success. The first Mother's Day in the United States was held in a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia on May 10, 1908, and became a national holiday by Presidential proclamation on May 9, 1914. You can find out more by going to http://www.theholidayspot.com/mothersday/history.htm
Since Bonnie now lives in West Virginia, she just wanted to share her states claim to fame. We hope all of you had a very special day.
Mary Ann and Bonnie
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MAY SALE
For our MAY SALE we're taking 20% off two great categories - ETHNIC and EXOTIC/FANTASY - giving you a wide selection of patterns to choose from while you're saving money! http://dollmakersjourney.com/
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APRIL QUIZ WINNER
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?
Answer: One thousand (although I also accepted an alternate answer of one hundred AND one.)
Congratulations to Elaine Deeb from Troy, New York. 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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MAY QUESTION
Often inspiration for a wonderful doll comes from the movies. Who was the first African American to win an Academy Award? (Hint: This person appeared on a U.S. postage stamp.)
Everyone who emails in the correct answers by June 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 May 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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PATTERN CORRECTION
A customer recently purchased the Funky Mermaid pattern from Janet Clark. She had a question about the waist frill. This is Janet's reply:
The Waist Piece - actually says WAIST FRILL on the pattern piece - sorry. You have that on page 4 of the pattern - along with the mermaid tail. Unfortunately - it does look like I omitted to put the As & Bs etc on. Which makes it even more odd is that nobody has mentioned this before since I've sold a lot of these patterns. Anyway - to speed you along - once you cut that pattern piece - Waist Frill - on the fold so you now have a long tapering piece of pattern (which itself is then cut on the fold of fabric). You will see an area in the middle which says 'Leave Open' ? From one pointy end to the opening is A - B and from the other end of the opening to the other pointy end is C - D.
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q : I need a really good book or CD on wool roving wig making. How can you use felting needles to create a wig?
A: We carry two books dealing with hair at http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html
One, Big Fat Hairy Deal talks about one hundred ideas to create hair, including buttons, rope, etc. The other Hairdo How Tos also explores a variety of methods. I have used felting needles (which we sell) both individually and with a special felting machine which is used mainly for creating decorative pieces rather than wigs. In our free Customer Connection Newsletter we had an article about using felting needles and how to create wefted doll hair. You can read it at http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc9.html
I must admit usually I just use felting needles to place hair directly into the scalp on cloth dolls, putting a little glue on the scalp before I needle felt it. If you are making a wig for a hard head doll (such as porcelain) you can create a wig cap from roving by laying it on top of a 2" sponge and needle felting it into the sponge. You can then create rows of roving with the ends felted into the sponge. This can be removed and shaped to the doll's head. Antoinette Cely also has a great tutorial on how to create wefts for wigs here: http://www.nonidolls.com/weft.html
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CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Looking for solutions to creativity road blocks or need inspiration? Susan Robin Sorrell has created an online tip website called Creative Inspirations where you can get ideas or share your own at: http://creativeinspirations.tipzu.com/
If you wish to share your ideas with Susan email them to
sorrell@creativechick.com
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CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS
[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
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 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
July 27-August 1, 2008 – UFDC (United Federation of Doll Clubs, Inc.)
Bally's, Las Vegas, Nevada
For registration and more information go to http://UFCD.org
July 27, 2008 – ODACA Luncheon 2008
Bally's, Las Vegas, Nevada
For registration and more information go to http://ODADA.org
July 24-27, 2008 – NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists)
Imperial Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
For registration and more information go to http://NIADA.org
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.
October 19, 2008 - Manitoba Doll Club presents "Village of Dreams"
Time: 10:00 to 4:00 pm
Canadinns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthew Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Admission: adults $4.00 Children (-12) & Seniors (+65): $3.00
Info: Sylvia sdgranth@mts.net 204.482.4932 or Vieve toadhall@mts.net
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
One of our designers, Patti LaValley, has created a special free pin doll pattern called Soul Mates. Go to www.pattisdolls.com and click on the Freebies Link on the left hand side of the home page. See more of Patti's patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html
Learn how to make a fashion doll out of wool felt through this very detailed video from Ellen Lumpkin Brown at http://www.sewontv.com/
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ONLINE BUSINESS? IDEAS from Bonnie and Mary Ann
A customer wrote: I do not mean to be unethical, but how do I get into the same type of business your web site provides? I do not have a job, and making dolls for sale has not come to fruition because I have recently decided to sell them. I would like to make money 24/7 in addition to creating the dolls, and a web site similar to yours will allow me to do that.
This was a hard question to answer. We didn't just wave a magic wand and Dollmaker's Journey suddenly appeared. Our website has been 10 years in the making. We began by writing two dollmaking books, and a website was a natural sales tool. My partner Mary Ann also had many original patterns that she was selling. We got together with some of our dollmaking friends who had also created patterns, and decided that we wanted to promote little known doll artists.
We found a wonderful webmaster, Paul Phalen, who agreed to create our website, which has been changed several times. We also taught online classes at Crafty College. Gradually we added hard-to-find supplies that weren't available at your local craft store. I dye ethnic fabric in 15 shades which is also only available through our website. Some of our competitors just sell their own patterns and supplies to make their dolls. Others have a more generalized inventory. We find most of our "competitors" have become our friends, and if we don't carry what a customer wants, we refer them to a website that does.
Our website has evolved over the years. We now have a fantastic search engine, shopping cart, accept major credit cards, and update our website weekly. We also have lots of free patterns, information on making charity dolls, free newsletter, and I spend every day answering questions from other dollmakers. Having a website like ours involves total commitment - Mary Ann fills orders every day from all over the world. You must have an adequate inventory to fill every order promptly, and be quick to respond if there is ever a problem.
I suggest that you begin small with a few original patterns, and then contact designers you like to add to your inventory. Be aware that most suppliers have minimum order requirements and require cash up front.
Create a website - find someone with technical expertise who can update it frequently, and begin small, gradually building your inventory as you can afford it. Decide what type of patterns you wish to carry - primitive, art, children and babies, unusual, simple, etc. Decide on a theme and a name. Make sure you register your name and get appropriate business licenses. Also keep careful records for tax purposes. Just be aware that it takes a very long time to make a profit. We didn't pay ourselves for more than 2 years. We used all the money to purchase more inventory.
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NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS
We are so pleased to bring you ROBIN ATKIN'S newest book - "Heart to Hands Bead Embroidery: Fresh Ideas and Techniques for Creating Art with Beads." Her inspirational techniques will guide and inspire you to tell your heart's story in your beadwork or any of the ways you express your artistry. Take a minute to read more about it - http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.htmll
For those of you that love a creative challenge DEANNA HOGAN'S beautiful Alabama Baby inspired "Viola Ruth Body & Pressmold" is a treasure trove of solid techniques that are sure to advance your doll
making skills in many ways. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hogan.html
UTE VASINA has finally given in to the pestering of her many fans and released her very unique "Crow Mother" class on CD that also includes the Baby Troll pattern. http://dollmakersjourney.com/vasina.html
"Charybdis" is the terrific male sea companion for BARBARA SCHOENOFF'S exquisite "Scylla" mermaid. Stop by and check out this fabulous creature! http://dollmakersjourney.com/schoenoff.html
LESLIE MOLEN has a new French style folk doll called "Phoebe" that's just delightful. We also have her "Petit Fours" - the sweetest pincushions you'll ever see. http://dollmakersjourney.com/molen.html
KAREN SHIFTON has a new pattern for a delightful amphibian body called “Froggie.” She’ll be designing a number of costumes for it and the first one “Monsieur Froggie” is sure to tickle your creative fancy. Check out this jaunty fellow – http://dollmakersjourney.com/shifton.html
We have the sweetest new mermaid pattern from the painted muslin queen SUSAN BARMORE called “Shelly” that’s holding her own little mermaid doll. http://dollmakersjourney.com/barmore.html
If you have any fairies, angels or other creatures that are in need of wings then VIRGINIA ROBERTSON’S “Wing It” is the book for you. Loaded with patterns and a huge variety of techniques, this book will have you creating an endless array of wings in no time at all. We also have her “Red Hat Lady/Desert Crone” – a versatile stump doll that can be made into several characters with lots of personality. http://dollmakersjourney.com/robertson.html#patterns
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JUST FOR FUN
Bonnie's father loved to collect odd quotes and poems, and this was one of his favorites. You must read it aloud for it to make sense. It is dedicated to all those with seasonal allergies. It is reprinted from a very old out-of-print newspaper called the Salt Lake Rotary BEE.
Ode to a Ruddy Dose
Sprig, geddul Sprig, ad lasd you've cub
Add skies are brighd add suddy
Liddul birds sig add blossobs bloob;
Bud by dard dose is ruddy.
For you baybe the broogleds driggul,
You frolig lige a buddy
Rabbid id the fields of greed,
Bud by dard dose is ruddy.
Bogselder pollud add goldedrod
Mage by sprig sad nod fuddy.
Dears driggul dowd by idflabed cheegs
Add by dard dose is ruddy.
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CUSTOMER CREATION
Estelle Katz created a doll called Rachel's tears. She writes:
I used a Doll for all Seasons as the basic body pattern, with her head tilted a little and altered her arms so that they would be reaching. The outfit is something that I designed. Actually, as is usually the case, it sort of worked itself out as I went along. I did some research on what the clothing looked like in 2000 BCE. Actually one of the best references was an illustrated children's bible. Lots of pictures. With the knowledge I gained as a guide in an early Canadian Museum and knowing the climate she lived in I knew she would be dressed in linen. It is easily grown and spun like wool. I bought several colours of linen but found that It didn't drape well on the size she is for a head covering. Have no idea what I used. Might actually be a piece of silk left over from a painting. The dress has a drawstring at the neck which was supposed to be tied in the back. The beads looked so good that I put them in the front. Something again left over from a project that was the right colour. Her sandals are soft foam, which I like for shoes. She is sitting at my daughter's in Toronto, Ontario as that is where the challenge will be and she is totally amazed how realistic her shoes are. You can see her picture at http://dollmakersjourney.com/tears.jpg
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SUPPLIES
Over in HAIR department we have just gotten the yummiest new color of Tibetan Lamb that we're calling "Light Auburn." It's really lovely. And, the "Medium Blonde" is now back in stock.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html#tibetan
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie was excited to travel to Utah the end of April to attend her daughter Amy's graduation from University of Utah in Sociology. While there she was also able to attend a Woman's Conference at Brigham Young University and a Woman's Expo in Orem, Utah. Her brother-in-law, Doug Cloward, needs your prayers. He went into the hospital on Friday for pneumonia and discovered that he also had advanced leukemia. Without treatment he was given 2-7 days to live. Bonnie was able to see him while in Utah. The chemo has been partially successful, and he is still alive, but the prognosis isn't good. She plans to return to Utah at the end of June to help her daughter Amy with her first baby. Hopefully she won't have to go again before then for a funeral.
The fundraiser for Mary Ann’s sister Barbara Cantrell was a huge, sold out success. Best of all, their brother Paul who is a volunteer EMT was able to arrange an ambulance to transport Barb to the party where she was surrounded by her nearest and dearest family and friends. I t was an overwhelmingly moving and fun experience for all who attended. Barb was nearing completion of her Masters Degree in Education when she was no longer able to participate. Montclair University in New Jersey has agreed to award her the degree which is a thrill to Barb and the entire family. Please know how much Mary Ann and her family appreciate your prayers and best wishes.
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WEBSITES:
To impress your husband and fill your home with the smell of fresh homemade bread (while you really have been busy making dolls) check out this site for lots of bread machine recipes.
http://www.bread-maker.net/Bread-maker/Bread-maker-recipes-list.htm
Fantastic free pattern website – this has everything!
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mcshelpsite/sewingstuff/freepatterns.html/-201k-
Interesting historical dolls
http://www.nebraskahistory.org/exhibits/doll_show/index.htm
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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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Copyright © 2008 Dollmaker’s Journey
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