Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
>>>I will try putting them up in the jars.<<<
Yay! Your first canning!!!
Hearing them ping as they pull the lid dome down is like a happy chorus!
Hey! THANKS!!!!!! :)
>>>> I picked up a 2nd batch of 1/2 gallon jars <<<<
Just remember, canning in half gallon jars is no longer recommended and they do not even list canning times for them.
They are fine for storing dry items - (OK, I will admit that I have a few ½ gallons of pickled beets and hard boiled eggs - I know, but I have a craving sometimes for them and we have so many eggs)..... :0)
I miss the 1½ pint jars - but they don’t make them anymore - in fact, I was told that they never made them, so I brought one made by Ball into the store and showed them - they called the factory and were told that they were discontinued years ago. That was a handy size for me.
Not to worry - I’m just storing dry goods.
Is it because they are big that canning isn’t recommended?
BTW, my point was people were buying more canning jars than last year....
>>>> I have an old pressure cooker from my MIL that she gave me many years ago. I’ve never used it. I think I will take it over to the county extension office and have the gauge checked as someone earlier suggested.<<<<
I was using one that my parents had - It was a Montgomery Ward and was purchased in the 1940’s. I had a love-hate relationship with it. The pressure gauge ones have to be watched closely, and you can cause a canning failure if you let the pressure fluctuate too much. Very disappointing to have half the juice out of the jars and all over the inside of the canner, and half of them not seal.
I finally decided to get a new one - bought an All American 921 - it was $199 when I bought it - I thought that was a bit pricey, but they are about $30 more this year. I liked that one first because there is no rubber seal to worry about - it is metal to metal tapered seal. Secondly, It not only has the gauge, but it has the bobble weight. MUCH EASIER! Put it on high, and after it vents for the 7 minutes, pop the weight on in the hole for 5#,10# or 15# pressure and then when it starts to bobble, turn it down to about 1/4 the heat and I can go about doing something else till the timer goes off. It regulates really well.
Please get the county agents office to check it - they all are required by law to have the equipment. Temperature/pressure are really important.
>>>Is it because they are big that canning isn’t recommended?<<<
Yep... They determined that the temperature doesn’t get uniformly hot all the way through.
It is the same reason they give for not recommending canning thickened or pureed products. Like pumpkin puree - they now recommend that you can it as cubes so that the liquid will uniformly heat it up to the required 240º temperature.
>>>BTW, my point was people were buying more canning jars than last year....<<<
LOL, I did get that.... GG just got so protective that he forgot to mention it... Sorry!
I think you are wise to have a variety of storage methods. I haven’t thought about butter or eggs in a dried form. We have a few chickens that my son has been raising. He got them in grade school and we’ve had the eggs from them. He actually sold them to make money as he was too young to get a job. He’s now in high school and still does the “chores” but we haven’t been selling the eggs. I’ve also been trying to buy butter and freeze it, but a dried source seems prudent. I will check in to that. Have you tried cooking or using it yet?
“Please get the county agents office to check it - they all are required by law to have the equipment. Temperature/pressure are really important.”
I will get it out of the garage and put it on my to do list for next week. Better to find out early whether or not it works. If not, I can start looking for a new one.
‘Alien’ genes escape into wild corn
* 21 February 2009
NOW it’s official: genes from genetically modified corn have escaped into wild varieties in rural Mexico. A new study resolves a long-running controversy over the spread of GM genes and suggests that detecting such escapes may be tougher than previously thought.
In 2001, when biologists David Quist and Ignacio Chapela reported finding transgenes from GM corn in traditional varieties in Oaxaca, Mexico, they faced a barrage of criticism over their techniques. Nature, which had published the research, eventually disowned their paper, while a second study by different researchers failed to back up their findings.
But now, Elena Alvarez-Buylla of the National Autonomous University in Mexico City and her team have backed Quist and Chapela’s claim. They found transgenes in about 1 per cent of nearly 2000 samples they took from the region (Molecular Ecology, vol 18, p 750).
“They are out there, but it’s hit-and-miss,” says Paul Gepts of the University of California, Davis, a co-author of the new study. The escaped transgenes are common in a few fields and absent in others, he says, so gene-monitoring efforts must sample as broadly as possible.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126964.200-transgenes-found-in-wild-corn.html
Awww, I feel loved!
Our plan is also to raise some chickens and whatever else, when we move out of the city into the mountains. The canned stuff is our backup plan.
No, I haven’t tried it yet! I really should, but hate to open a large can just to try it. When the time comes and if it’s all we’ll have, I won’t complain if it’s not great! I did buy a can of wheatberries (before discovering Winco has them in their bulk section) to practice making bread.
Freezing stuff is good too. Where our cabin is, I’m not feeling too comfy about the power. Even in normal times, the power goes out several times a year.
When it falls apart, it may fall way apart. Firearms are helpful, but I’m also looking into water purification equipment and storing grains, canned goods, etc. Heck, it’s a good idea even for an ice storm or tornado taking power out. People in Kentucky were without power for a couple of weeks after the last ice storm, so get an emergency preparedness kit going, and think about what it would take for long term.
Check your FRmail, too......
Where will all the food/housing come from? We’ve read that the surplus food/grain the gov’t has is down to a low amount due to selling it overseas. Do they think there are gov’t warehouses full of food for just such a time? I think its pretty scary to think they can just sit back and wait for it to arrive. How long could they wait - days, weeks? What will they do in the meantime? It took a while for Katrina people to receive help and the same with the folks in Kentucky. If this were to happen nationwide all at once, I don’t think they can count on immediate assistance.
Also, I wouldn’t want to have to go into some kind of gov’t housing/camp situation - alot of people competing for food and housing. No thanks.
OK - Defensive Soap Box comes out!
IF - the SHTF, who will provide the aid?
FEMA?
FEMA preparedness site -
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity.
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take
days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a
moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need
You may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.
Food
The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain
cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigera-
tion, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of
these on hand. Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.
• Include special dietary needs
Maintaining Your Disaster
Supplies Kit
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are
safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in
good condition:
• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers
Does this sound like they are prepared to give food aid to citizens immediately?
Aid from FEMA comes largely from goods purchased AFTER a disaster happens. Truckloads of Ice, Bottled Water, Food are all started into the stream by purchases from approved contractors once the disaster occurs.
They have some MRE’s but they depend on the market for what they need to feed you.
IF there is widespread (let alone Universal as a financial crisis is) disaster, and there are riots, food shipments will be the first things attacked by the mobs. Their purchased shipments would not be forthcoming.
Some say that they can issue food stamp type credit cards. What will the holder be able to buy from empty grocery shelves?
AND how long would it take to issue the millions and millions of cards? How long would just the application process take?
Regarding housing -
WHAT?
They don’t even have enough blankets for a displaced nation.
Forget the cots, tents or latrines...
Not going to happen!
Troublemakers who are arrested will be put into detention facilities (lucky them) where they have some facilities, but wholesale public housing - Hahahaha Ask about the current waiting lists for housing - We don’t even have space for the current homeless.
Just think about it... if you are trying to bed down 1/3 of the US population that might be displaced - Hmmm Average of 5’7” times 100 million divided by 5280 feet in a mile = 106,060 MILES of head to toe bunks. Gee, that’s 35 wide from the East coast all the way to the West coast.
And you expect them to feed them too??????
Hardy har har har!!! ROFL all over the place.....
Boy whoever is arguing (ahem, excuse me discussing) with you about that is LOONY!!! Like not the sharpest knife in the drawer - A nightlight among spotlights.
Like the old farmer said when asked why he hit the mule in the head with a 2X4 - ‘to get its attention’ is what they need. 8~) <<< See, eyes wide open...
Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
At http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come
true.
February 2009 Issue 87
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Copyright 2009 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 view this issue online. Go to
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc87.html
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,
Make a fun Bunny Speedster for Easter, learn what to do with Dryer
Lint, and see what you can knit on needles the size of a hair. Also
lots of free patterns for knit and crochet for charity. These are just
a few of the fun things you will find in this month’s newsletter.
Enjoy!
Bonnie and Mary Ann
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FEBRUARY SALE
Our FEBRUARY SALE continues with 20% off all the patterns in our
general MALE category. Surely you have some dollies than need a
suitable mate!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/
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JANUARY QUIZ WINNER
Q: What famous duo’s early stage names were Cleo and Caesar?
A: Sonny and Cher Bono
Congratulations to Bunny Goode from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. 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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FEBRUARY QUESTION
Q: What is the only continent that doesn’t have an ACTIVE volcano?
Everyone who emails in the correct answers by March 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 February Quiz in
subject box. Please include your full name and where you live (state/
country) in your email. NOTE: Several times in the past a winner was
drawn with no name or state/country included. When that happens we
have to draw again. So please, make sure you include this information
with your answer.
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CHARITY CORNER
A customer wrote: “I just finished reading the January Dollmaker’s
Journey newsletter and am
interested in knowing the links mentioned for knitting items. I am
involved with a small group in my church called the Needlers. It
includes anyone who does any handiwork with a needle. We have a
retreat coming up the end of February where we will be teaching
knitting and crocheting. I’d love to
have some patterns and organizations to recommend at the time so would
appreciate any information you can give me.”
I have several original patterns and basic guidelines that I would be
happy to send anyone who asks (email Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com Put
charity knit/crochet in subject box.) In addition, here are some other
resources.
Wheelchair/Bedside/Walker Tote
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/wheelchairtote.html
Guidepost International gives sweaters to children overseas. They have
four free knit/crochet patterns for simple sweaters with no shaping.
http://knitforkids.com
My favorite pattern for hats that fit preemies to adult men, using any
type yarn. This pattern is from Coats and Clark. The pattern is
LW1268. You might want to enlarge the directions for those older
knitters.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/Accessories/LW1268+Gotcha+Covered+1.htm
Coats and Clark also has many other free patterns for knit and
crochet.
One ball really easy instant chemo cap for patients undergoing
chemotherapy
http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/kpatt02.htm
Just a hint - I knit loose, so I cast on 55 stitches using Homespun
Yarn.
Helmet liners for the Armed Services
http://knitting.about.com/od/hatpatterns/a/helmetliner.htm
There are many other free patterns out there, but this will give you a
start.
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: Where could I get a mannequin dress form pattern?
A: Sherry Goshon has several mannequin dress form patterns at
http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
You can also take any basic torso pattern, stuff it, and put it on a
stand.
If you go to http://www.lincoln-mold.com/ and click on the free
Victorian dress form for 24” dolls, you can print out a great pattern.
You may have to subscribe to their free newsletter first, but it is
easy to unsubscribe once you print out the pattern. They also sell
dress form patterns to fit other dolls, such as the American Girl
doll.
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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
With the MALE patterns on sale this month we’d love for you to meet
one of our favorite male customers.
Little did he know as he approached the magazine rack in the Borders
Books Store looking for an architecture publication that his life was
about to change forever. So drastically that he now likens it to
being possessed by aliens! Something else caught his eye on that day
not long ago – the cover of an Art Doll Quarterly Magazine. As he
casually thumbed through it a photo of a doll made by Susanna Oroyan
reached out and captured his imagination and that’s when it happened……
much like being shot out of a cannon, 61 year old Chicago area
hairdresser Wayne “Skipp” Poulton began his dollmaking journey. The
orders starting coming fast and furiously as he began to amass a
reference library to help him learn how to create the creatures
flowing from his brain.
“I know it’s all about the JOURNEY,” he writes, “but is there a bus
that gets you there faster? I found out there is an alien being
inside me from Dendrobia that wants to come out and create all manner
of creatures. The labyrinth in my mind is constantly changing with
thoughts and ideas to conceive and create. Thank God for Pepto Bismol
and Immodium!”
In just a few weeks time the bodies began to take form and inhabit his
workspace – “Marya Toeshoeskaya” - a Russian ballerina in an amazing
costume that looks like she’s arrayed in flames – “Madame Orientale,”
“Angel La Teal” and a wealthy nomad are emerging from the fabulous
fabrics he is collecting. He figures he must be a frustrated fashion
designer because it’s the costumes that seem to come first. Now these
characters are clamoring for him to provide them with decent heads and
he’s doing all he can to learn how to make them. How extraordinary to
discover a talent you never knew you had! Skipp feels he is living
proof that it is never too late to learn something new. We think he’s
sitting on a powder keg of talent and we’re delighted he’s invited us
to join him on his journey. We can only begin to imagine what an
exciting trip it will be!
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There is a group of remarkable ladies of a vintage age living in the
northern reaches of California that has adopted the students of a
local elementary school. Each week they devise wonderful art projects
for the children that often have meaningful life lessons tucked
between the scraps of fabric and embellishments. We’re so happy that
we’ve gotten to know Dr. Evelyn Waselus (an MD. and a Ph.D in her
80’s!) through many fascinating phone conversations when she calls to
order supplies. Bound and determined to find a meaningful use for
dryer lint she very kindly offered to share the following method she
devised for creating felt.
FUZZ FELT
By Dr. Evelyn Waselus
I predate the clothes dryer. Thus, you could say, I already distrusted
the machine before I ever used one. Then, that fateful day came when
my clothes had been put into the contraption without my consent…and…
the first thing I heard about it was: “Grams, please don’t forget to
remove the fuzz in the front, ok?” Fuzz in the front? Front of what?
What fuzz? Too late, I rescued my poor hot garments from the machine…
and the sheet of fuzz from the screen. I remember putting that first
sheet of fuzz on my bureau top, to look at and wonder about – there
lay a part of my clothing. I could no longer wear it, yet it seemed to
be a perfectly usable sheet of fuzz to be used somehow. Thus was born
my sincere intent to find a use for that portion of my clothes that
this new fangled machine seemed just as intent upon turning into a mat
of lint.
Over the years I experimented with fuzz paper, fuzz clay, fuzz papier
mache, and other crafty uses for the inevitable sheets of dryer fuzz.
All seemed clever, but did not put the attributes of the material to
its best display – they tended to hide or disguise the lint. When I
asked other artists and crafters for their ideas, their strange looks
as a response told the full story – drop it. Let’s face it, a dryer
fuzz book was not headed for the best seller list. Finally, it dawned
upon me that dryer fuzz looked like a loose mat of felt; so, why not
enhance what it already looked like. Trial and error has resulted in
the following: Fuzz Felt.
The final use of the Fuzz Felt determines the procedure used to make
it. All of the following items are miniature or doll size and are
intended for display purposes only, not intended for normal daily use.
Doll House ‘Wool’ Carpet #1
Foundation fabric a bit larger than the finished size wanted and in a
complimentary color
Dryer fuzz sorted according to color
Colorful embellishments – thread clippings, fuzzy sweater ‘pills’
Bo Nash sprinkle on adhesive (available from http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html)
Using a Teflon ironing sheet (available in the Bo Nash starter kit -
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html), lay the foundation
fabric right side up. Place the dryer fuzz in the desired pattern on
the fabric – be sure to use enough layers of dryer fuzz so that it
looks like a felted wool rug (3 – 4 layers). Sprinkle on the Bo Nash
adhesive; cover the piece with a Teflon ironing sheet and iron
according to the directions on the Bo Nash container. When the piece
has cooled, check the thickness and texture of the fuzz felt – repeat
the process until the piece is even in thickness and of the desired
texture.
Now the fun begins – use colorful ‘pills’ from old fuzzy sweaters as
flowers, snippets of thread, make tiny embroidery patterns, highlight
stitch between the center area and the border, etc. When you get done
designing the finished pattern – use one more application of Bo Nash
adhesive to hold it all together. When the carpet has cooled, trim it
to size.
Doll House Sculpted ‘Wool’ Carpet #2
Thin crafter’s felt the size of the finished project
Dryer fuzz
Yarn (2 ply) in a complimentary color to the fuzz
Felting needles (available from http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html)
Dampen the felt and lay it on a padded area. (Editor’s note: a large
sponge works well.) Lay the dryer fuzz on the felt covering it
completely – spritz water on the dryer fuzz to dampen it. Using a
small felting needle (size 36 or 38), lightly felt the dryer fuzz into
the foundation felt to hold it in place. Thread up a needle with the
yarn and using tightly spaced stitches, leaving tiny loops on the
right side (where the fuzz is felted), stitch the areas of the carpet
that you want to sculpt – is it the border, a running design through
the center, a free form? When you have finished the looped stitched
design, clip each loop so that it looks like a shag carpet in that
area.
Get the entire piece wet, add soap and hand scrub it, rubbing it back
and forth between your hands until the dryer fuzz completely felts
into the foundation crafter’s felt. Rinse. Lay it flat to dry. Fluff
up the sculpted carpet pile and put the carpet in place.
Either one of these methods creates a wonderful piece of Fuzz Felt
that can also be used to make a doll’s carpet bag, suitcase, hat,
costume component, or shoes. Using appropriate colors of foundation
felt and/or yarns or other embellishments, a wonderful woodlands scene
can be created, a front yard to a doll house or even a wall hanging.
One person even made a tic-tac-toe board and book covers for a doll
house using method #1.
Have fun.
Editor’s Note: Dr. E wanted us to tell you that they used these pieces
of fuzz felt (dyed with Kool Aid) to make valentine greeting cards
with the children. Adorable! A quick spray of matt finish
polyurethane seals the pieces. We would love to hear if you try this
method. Send pictures and comments to Bonnie Lewis at
EnchantedR@aol.com
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CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS
Celebrating World BABY DOLL Month - March 2009!
*** Cloth Baby Doll Challenge! *** TBA March 1st.
Includes Special Release of Patterns by Kezi Matthews and Baby Doll
Patterns Sale by Judi’s Dolls and Dollmakers Journey!
Sponsored by Dollmakers Journey, Judi’s Dolls and Doll Net Market.
For more information go to... http://thedollnet.com/babydoll/
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 25, 2009 – Calgary Doll Club Doll Teddy and Toy Sale
Acadia Recreation Centre, 240-90 Ave. S. E., Calgary Alberta, Canada
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 30 - May 3, 2009 - Artistic Figures in Cloth
Columbus, Ohio
For information go to http://www.cyndysdolls.com/
April 30 - May 3, 2009 - Canadian Doll Artists Association 10th
Anniversary Conference
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
For information email conference_registrar@dollartists.ca
OR visit their website at http://www.doll_artists.ca
May 28-30, 2009 – Creations in Fiber
Albuquerque, New Mexico
June 11 - 14, 2009 - Figurative Artists Consortium Conference
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Check out their website at http://www.figurativeartistsconsortium.com
July 11-15, 2009 - National Doll Festival
Atlanta, Georgia
Holiday Inn Select Capitol Conference Center
Free shuttle bus to Marriott Marquis
Email DollFestival@aol.com for further information
July 2009 - UFDC (United Federation of Doll Clubs) National
Convention
Atlanta, Georgia
Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta
July 2009 - ODACA (Original Doll Artists Council of America) National
Convention
Atlanta, Georgia
Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta
September 8-13, 2009 - NIADA (National Institute of American Doll
Artists) National Convention
Arromont, Tennessee
For more information go to http://www.niada.org/info.html
September 25-26, 2009 – California Regional Doll Festival
Millbrae, California (by San Francisco Airport)
For more information contact the Lowmans at DollFestival@aol.com or
call (831) 438-5349
October 8-12, 2009 – The East Coast Art Retreat
Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, Connecticut
Email: info@art-is-you.com
Website: www.art-is-you.com
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
Just in time for Easter - Free Bunny Speedsters pattern from Judi Ward
http://judisdolls.com/bunnyspeedsters/
Judi adds these following hints: “For those who are going to make them
be sure to use THIN felt or Doesuede for ease in turning the little
curved arms especially. I use my stuffing fork to get the stuffing
down into the paws and feet too.”
DEANNA HOGAN has graciously given us her wonderful tutorial for
creating perfect finger and toenails. Be sure to download these FREE
instructions for your reference library.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/nail_tutorial.html
4 free dragon patterns and a bat at http://www.wyrm.org.uk/cuddly/
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NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS
“Dress Rehearsal” is a truly grand new pattern from CHRISTINE SHIVELY
loaded with exquisite costuming techniques and so much more. Do stop
by and take a look
http://dollmakersjourney.com/shively.html
Wait until you see SUZETTE RUGOLO’S version of Humpty Dumpty - he’s
quite the elegant gentleman!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html
MARY TRESSLER has released another basic body pattern for those of you
who just want to do your own thing. “Body Basic 3” is her most buxom
yet. What do you envision her to be? We also have her charming “How I
spent my Summer Vacation.” Stop by and check them out.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
PATTI CULEA’S “Karen” has a lovely costume using a beautiful old
hankie and lace. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html
Come meet the ever cheerful Pansy, Petunia, Sunflower and Fern
otherwise known as “Florabunda” by BARBARA WILLIS. We also have her
“Fancy Flat Fold Chair” that any doll would love to sit in!
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html
SHERRY GOSHON’S eagerly anticipated “Jelly Bean” had finally broken
free of all that bad weather they’ve been having in Iowa and should be
here any day. She’s a real sweetie in more ways than one!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
We have two of SHELLY HAWKEY’S newest designs - the very graceful
“Mother Earth” and a cute shelf sitting fairy named “Gradle May.” As
a bonus, SHELLY puts extra photos of the construction process on her
own website to help you along. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hawkey.html
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DESIGNER DOINGS
Jean Bernard is having a “new Beginnings” Celebration April 30, 2009.
It will feature classes by qualified artists, supplies/suppliers, free
classes/tutorials/information etc. For more information go to
http://www.jeanbernardart.com
Gloria J. ‘Mimi’ Winer was thrilled to see her latest art doll
“Michael Dances Spartacus” in the current issue of Art Doll Quarterly.
The version in ADQ is reduced in size to 90% of the class sized doll
and has a head made using Lisa Lichtenfels technique. Although instead
of carving Styrofoam for a skull she modeled one in clay and her
husband Him made a mold and cast it in silicon, because you can sew
through silicon. That head and face took five full days to make. She
is teaching a slightly larger version of this doll at AFIC this
spring. This one will have a cloth skull with dimensional eyes of
cloth and an open mouth. Also the hands are made from copper wire and
modeled with floral tape and then covered with a cloth glove to make
very nice masculine hands. You can learn more about this class at
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/
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SUPPLIES
“Paige” - the newest face stamp from BARB AND DOUG KEELING - has a
terrific open-mouthed smile.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/keeling.html#new
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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie has spent the last month speaking and training leaders in
various congregations for her church. She also attended the G Street
Doll Club where she learned to make a Japanese Emperor (Prince) and
Empress (Princess) for Hinamatsuri – Japan’s Doll Festival celebrating
Girl’s Day on March 3rd. They were made from clothespins with the silk
glued to cardboard cutouts to create the clothing. One note of caution
– feel free to display the Japanese court through March 3rd. Then put
them away until next year. Tradition says if you keep the dolls on
display after March 3rd your daughters will never marry. Several of
you have asked to see a picture of Nambi, mentioned in the January
Customer Connection. As soon as Bonnie has time, she will take
pictures and the links will be in the March newsletter.
Mary Ann, Jim and daughter Ana absolutely loved the Dancing with the
Stars Show! The incredibly talented dancers performed 37 numbers and
of course, the costumes were out of this world. If you enjoy the TV
program, treat yourself to this memorable show if it comes to a city
near you. It was so much fun seeing all their favorite dancers in
person. Ana and her husband Nikhil have gone off to visit his parents
in India where they winter each year. The have many extraordinary
adventures planned for their three week stay. Mak is keeping her
fingers crossed that they’ll return with some interesting fabrics.
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WEBSITES:
For those who have seen the new Coraline movie, check out this website
to see a short video on how the miniatures sweaters were created.
Amazing! Some of the knitting needles are the size of a human hair.
http://www.bugknits.com/
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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!
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