Hello, good to see your posts, I missed you and was beginning to worry about you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
~ Valentine’s Day Coloring Place Mats
http://janbrett.com/place_mats/valentines_coloring_place_mat.htm
~ Valentine’s Day Napkin Holders
http://janbrett.com/valentines_day_napkin_holder.htm
~ Hedgie’s Valentine Coloring Page
http://janbrett.com/hedgies_valentine_chocolates_main.htm
~ Printable Valentine’s Day Cards and Envelopes
http://janbrett.com/pdfcards/pdfcardgenerator_valentines.htm
~ Email Valentines
http://www.janbrett.com/vcards/gbrowse.php?cat_id=8
~ Hedgie’s Valentine Mailbox
http://www.janbrett.com/hedgies_valentine_mailbox.htm
~ Hedgie’s Valentine for You Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/hedgies_valentine_for_you.htm
~ Valentine Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/valentine_coloring_page.htm
~ I love my Teacher Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/i_love_my_teacher.htm
~ I love my Students Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/i_love_my_students.htm
~ I love my Mom Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/i_love_my_mom.htm
~ I love my Dad Coloring Page
http://www.janbrett.com/i_love_my_dad.htm
~ Personalize your own Valentine’s Day T Shirt
http://www.janbrett.com/valentine_letters/form.html
It’s a pleasure to be in touch.
Sincerely,
Jan Brett
Download a Free Jan Brett How to Draw Video -
http://janbrett.com/video/video_main_page.htm
Read all about Jan Brett’s books and get the best bookstore prices -
http://www.janbrett.com/bookstores/hedgies_lets_go_shopping.htm
This message was sent by Jan Brett,
Post Office Box 366,
Norwell, Ma, 02061
Worried about ME?? What a sweetheart you are! I’m fine... I was worried about you! I learned something from this whole incident on FR... I was raised in a chaotic home, and backing down and giving in was the way to survive. But that’s not always the best way in life. A good lesson, indeed.
List of Anarchist Terrorist Attacks
Anti-Anarchist Terrorism Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/
William McKinley assassination
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_McKinley_assassination
December 18, 2008 - London Times: Anarchists strike again after Athens shooting
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5366175.ece
December 12, 2008 - Der Spiegel: Anarchists in Europe - What Unites the Stone-Throwing Black Bloc?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,595938,00.html
December 5, 2008 - Newswatch: Bombs explode outside AFP bureau in Athens, anarchist group claims
responsibility
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20081204192420
November 16, 2008 - France: Anarchists: Seven face terrorism charges
— leader Julien Coupat faces 20 years in prison
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10543387
November 12, 2008 - AP: Greece: Firebomb attacks damage buildings, cars — suspected anarchists
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/12/europe/EU-Greece-Arson-Attacks.php
November 7, 2008 - AP: Libyan embassy car torched in Greek attack
— also Anarchist group defaces Greek high court
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/07/europe/EU-Greece-Libya-Attack.php
November 2, 2008 - AP: Greek youths firebomb bank, clash with police — media speculates that this is an
Anarchist attack
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/02/europe/EU-Greece-Arson-Attack.php
September 11, 2008 - Anarchists in Minnesota: Police trace RNC security leak to Kinko’s
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/11/securityleak/?refid=0
September 4, 2008 - Sheriff’s investigation: Anarchists discussed kidnapping RNC delegates
http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_10365754?source=rss
August 30, 2008 - CNN: Police raid headquarters of Minnesota Anarchist group
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/30/rnc.protest/index.html
August 12, 2008 - Portland Tribune: Tre Arrow sentenced to 78 months
http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=121858323189306400
June 5, 2008 - AP: Suspected anarchists firebomb 2 Athens bookshops, no injuries
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/05/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Bookshops-Torched.php
March 1, 2008 - CNN: Las Vegas: Anarchist manual, firearms found in motel room with ricin
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/01/ricin.hotel/index.html
December 10, 2007 - AP: Greek arsonists attack diplomatic cars from Turkey, Italy, Philippines —
Anarchist groups typically carry out such arson attacks
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/10/europe/EU-GEN-Greece-Arson.php
October 23, 2007 - AU News - Italy: Suspected anarchist letter-bombers arrested
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22636577-23109,00.html
August 20, 2007 - AP: American anarchist faces charges in Spain
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/18/america/NA-GEN-US-Spain-Anarchist-Arrested.php
June 2, 2007 - CNN: 146 German police officers injured in violent G-8 protests
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/02/g-8.protest/index.html?iref=newssearch
May 15, 2007 - AP: Anarchists attack Greek newspaper offices
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178708605525&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
February 19, 2007 - Scoop: Israel - Anarchist activist sentenced - Jonathan Pollak
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0702/S00300.htm
May 16, 2006 - WND: Anarchist Chomsky hails Hezbollah on TV
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50239
May 16, 2006 - MEMRI: Anarchist Noam Chomsky Meets With Hizbullah Leaders in Lebanon
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=SD116506
May 16, 2006 - Anarchist Noam Chomsky: Hezbollah’s insistence on keeping its arms is justified
http://mathaba.net/0_index.shtml?x=537271
May 6, 2006 - Anarchist Eco-Terrorist Tre Arrow To Be Deported
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2006/05/06/1567061-sun.html
March 17, 2006 - WND: Time Warner promotes terrorism and anti-Christian bigotry in new leftist movie, ‘V
for Vendetta’
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49317
March 8, 2006 - FBI says Indymedia on terrorist watch list
http://houston.indymedia.org/archives/archive_by_id.php?id=630&category_id=1
June 16, 2005 - NYC Art Exhibit: “I’m Bombin’ It”
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/209
June 1, 2005 - Chicago Anarchist Terrorist ‘Dr. Chaos’ gets arson conviction
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/201
June 17, 2004 - Chicago: “Dr. Chaos” - Anarchist Subway Cyanide Plotter Gets 21 Years
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/70
April 19, 2005 - AP: Student Gets Eight Years for Eco-Vandalism
— Anarchist firebombing in California
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,153886,00.html
March 7, 2005 - Sacramento Bee: 3 More Anarchists arrested in California firebombing plot
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/169
February 28, 2005 - FBI Investigating Anarchist Threats in Boston
— “The flier, released by Anarchist Black Cross Boston, goes on to list the address of Boston Police
Headquarters in Roxbury, FBI headquarters in Government Center, the IRS building and a military
recruiting center on Summer Street. There is also a list of corporate sites, including Fidelity, the Gap,
Niketown, and Raytheon’s Waltham location.”
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/164
February 26, 2005 - AP: Arson surveillance tape found in suspected eco-terrorist’s home
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/162
February 17, 2005 - Fifth bomb found, dismantled at Auburn DMV; eco-terror probed
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/160
February 10, 2005 - AP: Suspected Eco-Bomber Arrested
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,147072,00.html
January 19 2005 - AP: Report: Anarchist Terrorist Group Claims Calif. Bomb Attacks
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anarchist-terror/message/144
June 9, 2004 - FOX News: FBI Warns of Eco-Terrorism Threat
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,122290,00.html
1. Milestone AV Technologies Recalls Television Wall Mounts Sold Exclusively At Best Buy; Unit Can Crack, TV Can Fall On Consumers (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09105.html)
2. High School Musical Manicure Kits Recalled by Fantas-Eyes Due to Risk of Lead Exposure (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09106.html)
3. Lip Gloss Keychains Recalled By Markwins Beauty Products Due to Risk of Lead Exposure (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09107.html)
4. CPSC Public Calendar (http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)
Jane Gorsuch, now 83 was 16 in this 1942 Victory Garden movie.
We’ve featured this film before, both on our old site and on this web site back
in April 2008. Today we feature it once again because of an amazing letter we received
today from the young girl who acted in this movie almost 70 years ago!
Family members
spotted our posting of the video last year and surprised their grandmother with
a copy of it at Christmas this year.
Here is the letter. (Mike)
Email from Jane Dudderar Gorsuch.
Hello, Mr, Michael Levenson. I am writing to thank you for the time and effort it
took for you to create the Victory Garden movie. My name is Jane Dudderar Gorsuch
and I am the girl in that movie.
I had never seen the movie before, - only still
pictures, so this was quite a treat.
I was 16 years old then and am 83 now. The
movie brought back a lot of the details that were lost over the years. My family
gave it to me for Christmas, and we all (22) huddled around to see their old grandmother
being a “movie star”!!!!
Continued on our web site.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
See the whole story here:
City Farmer News [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102429941685&e=0010RS2UxgCDeaBFV-Cobu93GFpeBrhFfOqRDyIOhUI6GMAQOXjvhkQ8_e-Oxx8oQ6B8OOYDWW45uJzvHApJCPPVkAdHx5BHq-ExOLV_9qIdlG3j93Fd35PVg==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
At http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.
*** Please Note: We are moving to a new mailing service. In the future the newsletter will come from GoogleGroups. Everyone will be moved automatically over during the next few weeks. You will receive a Welcome message when the move is complete. Thank you.
January 2009 Issue 86
******************************
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/cc86.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.
******************************
Dear Dollmaking Friends,
Linda Misa shared a wonderful idea for the New Year with us as follows:
” Another thought I want to share with you - and I know many of you do this really well already....is to make this a RE year....REuse, REthink, RElax, REjoice, REcycle, REjuvenate, REal. Feel free to add your own RE words to the list. I am going to print them out and have it sitting in front of me on the wall....cause I need REminding to help keep me on track when REtail therapy thinks it might rear its head!!! All the best for 2009 - kind regards from Linda Misa.”
You can see some of Linda’s great patterns at http://dollmakersjourney.com/misa.html
Here at Dollmaker’s Journey we encourage you to REsolve this year to create something beautiful, learn something new, and do something just for fun to REnew your spirit. Have a wonderful New Year!
Bonnie and Mary Ann
******************************
JANUARY SALE
If it’s January it must be time for our ANNUAL GENERAL SUPPLY SALE! We noticed that so many of you like to stock up in January for all your new projects and we’re delighted to help you replenish by taking 20% off all the general supplies until the end of the month.
PLEASE NOTE - To maintain the product’s quality PAVERPOL is not being shipped due to freezing weather at shipping location. PAVERPOL will be made available as weather permits.
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html
******************************
DECEMBER QUIZ WINNER
Q: Which of these is NOT a kind of Christmas cookie?
A. Lubkuchen
B. Pfeffernusse
C. Stargazy
D. Belsnickel
E. Joulutortut
F. Pepparkakor
A: C – Stargazy was the correct answer. It is a Cornish pie made of baked pilchards, sardines and other kinds of fish, covered with a pastry crust. NO WAY could this be considered a Christmas cookie! Lubkuchen is a German spice and honey cake/cookie. Pfeffernusse is also called Pepper Nut, a German cookie my grandmother made us each year. They are about the size of a nickel, hard as a rock when first baked, but they soften with time (if you can leave them alone long enough!) My grandmother mailed us a huge box with at least 500 cookies in it each December. Joulutortut are Finnish star pastries/cookies, and Pepparkakor is my daughter Amy’s favorite, a traditional Swedish Christmas cookie, crispy, brown, and wonderful plain or decorated. About half of you answered that Belsnickel was a German name for Santa, which is true, but did you know that the Pennsylvania Dutch created a Belsnickel cookie in Saint Nicholas’ honor? These were given to carolers during the month of Decembe!
r. The
recipe will appear later in this newsletter in case you want to try making them.
Congratulations to Ann Macdonald from British Columbia, Canada. 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!
******************************
JANUARY QUESTION
Q: What famous duo’s early stage names were Cleo and Caesar?
Everyone who emails in the correct answers by February 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 January 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.
******************************
JUST FOR FUN - Belsnickel Christmas Cakes/Cookies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
Pour melted butter over sugar in a bowl and beat until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, beating one at a time, into the mixture.
Sift the baking soda, salt, and flour together and add to the mixture.
Place covered dough in the refrigerator for an hour. Roll out on floured board until quite thin.
Cut into small rounds or other festive shapes. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake in 400 degrees F. oven for 10 minutes.
Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Ready in: 40 minutes
******************************
CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: I didn’t realize the importance of using the correct felting needle size when I originally purchased my 12 pack of assorted needles. I have several loose needles that all “look alike” except one that appears to have a lighter color handle. Is there any way to tell the actual size of each needle? I recently read a tip in Soft Dolls and Animals to tape 2 needles to a craft stick for better coverage that I would like to try but want to use the size 38 as I’m felting mostly curly mohair.
A: Mary Ann responds - The Size #40 is the smallest in length and is more silver in color. The size 36 is the longest. Each of the 3 small envelopes in an assorted felting needle package has a label that indicates the size and the best use for that size needle.
Kathy Hays recommends attaching several needles to a pencil which also works well.
When you receive new needles you may want to mark the tops with nail polish to differentiate the sizes if you don’t want to use the envelopes they came in. You might also want to trace one of each to use as a reference.
Q: What do you use to seal cloth doll faces and/or bodies? I no longer see Createx fabric medium listed on doll supply websites. Is there a substitute?
A: Mary Ann answered: “Unfortunately they are no longer making Createx. Many dollmakers use Krylon Spray Fixative. I never seal my faces and I’ve never had a problem.” Bonnie uses Krylon Workable Fixative (this way you can keep working on the face after sealing the first layer). Other dollmakers use Krylon Matt Finish after the face is completed. The key is to spray lightly (just a fine mist). Repeat this several times. DO NOT use hairspray. It yellows with time and can leave the fabric sticky. If you have inset eyes mask them with masking tape before spraying. The matt spray will dull plastic or glass eyes.
******************************
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO MEET A CHALLENGE
By Bonnie B. Lewis
October 2008 the G Street Doll Club in Rockville, Maryland issued a challenge to its members. Create a doll using a molded dressmaker’s form. Each person was handed a 13” papier mache mannequin (torso on a base - no arms, legs or head). In addition, we received a color wheel and were told to choose our least favorite color to dress the doll and use the color wheel to find several complementary colors to use as accents. I knew immediately what color to choose – bright neon orange. Fortunately the triad colors (violet and green) were ones I could live with. But the thought of dressing a doll in neon orange just made me cringe. To add insult to injury, we also had to utilize a product or technique we had never tried/used before. I think they were trying to get us to think outside the box.
The dress form went home and sat by my sewing machine for two months. I knew what I wanted to make – a fairy sitting on a mushroom knitting fairy wings from spider silk and dew – but the form was too big. The fairy would have to be at least 22” high to be in scale. And how big would the mushroom have to be? The whole project seemed impossible.
Finally in December a light went off. I whacked off the base (6” high) with a serrated bread knife. This could be the stem of my mushroom! Next I looked through all my Styrofoam balls for a large one I could cut in half to make the top of the mushroom. All of them were too small. And of course that day it decided to snow with ice covering the road, so I couldn’t drive to a store to buy a larger one. Nevertheless, I decided to start. I tore orange/brown fabric with a basket weave pattern into 1” strips, covered the base with Paverpol, and started smoothing on the fabric. I then put Paverpol all over the outside of the fabric to seal in any raw edges. I cut a circle of brown felt and glued it to the bottom. I knew the mushroom needed to be heavy to support the weight of a 22” doll, so I went in the back yard, dug under the snow, and picked up some rocks. After washing and drying them, I poured them into the base. They rattled, shifted, and were unstable. So I poured some Paver!
pol on
top. It seeped down into the rocks and sealed them in place. One problem solved!
Next for the mushroom top. I did some research and discovered that not all mushrooms are round on the top. Many of them are flat and misshapen. Perfect! Besides, it would be easier for a fairy to perch on top of a flat mushroom. I looked in my cupboard and found a paper plate. It was just the right size. I clipped the rim all the way around and bent down the edge. I then covered it with Paverpol and bright speckled orange, red and yellow fabric.
For the underneath part I cut the rim off about 20 paper plates, gradually making them smaller and smaller. I glued them together and put them underneath the top plate. I still needed more filler, because the weight of the doll would cause the top paper plate to sag in the middle, so I added cut up pieces of discarded rims and glued them to the top of the stacked plates. Since the bottom of mushroom caps are covered with ridges called gills, I knew I needed something to simulate that. So I took a piece of gold finely pleated trim, gathered one long edge tight to make a circle, and sewed the two short ends together. I then glued this to the bottom of the paper plates with the edge folding over the top edge of the stack of plates. To add interest I wrapped the stem and bottom of the mushroom with chenille wired netting. A glob of Paverpol to the top of the stem and bottom of mushroom, more Paverpol around the edge and center of stacked plates, add the top, weight with a book a!
nd let
dry overnight. The Paverpol dried strong and clear – so strong I could pick up the mushroom by the cap without mishap.
To finish the mushroom I painted large metallic violet spots on the top. I hesitated for a moment, but the color wheel assured me that violet was a good complementary color. I stripped the wire from an old silk fern, folded it in half lengthwise, and glued it around the base for grass. One-half of the project was done!
I sculpted a head from a nylon stocking using techniques I learned from Dorit Schendzielorz, giving my elf green eyes and pointed ears. Hair was chenille fringe in multi shades of brown and green. Eyes and lips were sealed with Crystal Lacquer. (http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#pens)
In the book Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists by Ray Slater (http://dollmakersjourney.com/books.html) I found wonderful patterns for arms and legs. I just had to enlarge them a bit (115%) to have them in scale with the torso. I made them out of a tree branch patterned fabric, creating the hands from ethnic fabric (http://dollmakersjourney.com/fabrics.html) to match the face. Of course I used chenille stems in the hands so they could be positioned to hold knitting needles later. At this time I created fingernails using copper paint and Crystal Laquer.
I made knitting needles from meat skewers. I measured a regular knitting needle, used a proportional scale wheel, and knew that for the height of my doll (22”) they needed to be 4-1/4” long. I glued wooden beads on top and painted them metallic green. So far so good.
Now the problems began. I wanted to use Paverpol to cover the torso with a tiger fabric (orange, naturally). However, I knew that once I did it would be difficult to attach arms, legs, or a head. Of course, I wanted the arms and legs to move. I decided to use the invisible button jointing method I learned from Judi Ward. I punched holes in the torso where I wanted the arms and legs to attach. I then embedded buttons in the arms and legs with the shank pointed out. (http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html#supplies) For more details Mimi Kirchner created a wonderful tutorial inspired by Judi Ward at
http://mimikirchner.com/blog/archives/2007/03/hidden-button-movable-joint/
I covered the top with Paverpol, stretched the nylon stocking over the neck and top of the chest to create a shoulder plate, and pinned the nylon stocking in place. After this was dry I stuck skewers through the arm and leg holes so I wouldn’t lose them, and covered the torso with torn 1” strips of tiger fabric and Paverpol, leaving the bottom open where I had cut off the base. I did have to rotate and move the skewers in and out as the torso dried so they didn’t get stuck in the holes. I then threaded 20 gauge wire through the holes and button shanks, securing the arms and legs in place. (It was helpful to have an open bottom so I could see where to thread the wires.) After everything was attached, I turned the torso upside down, added a few rocks, cut a base from heavy cardboard to fit the bottom of the torso, glued it in place, and used Paverpol to cover it with a circle of matching fabric.
The last challenge had me dreaming about solutions for a week. How could you create a knit fabric from Angelina Fiber that looked like fairy wings? I ended up cutting long thin strips of orange Textiva Fusible Iridescent Film. I placed a layer of purple Angelina Fiber on tissue paper, lay strips of film lengthwise, sprinkled with green holographic sequins, and added another layer of Angelina Fiber on top. When fused, it created a wonderful fabric that looks like spun spider silk and dewdrops, with bits of shed dragon scales mixed in. I fused loops of film on one end and slid the knitting needles in place. A bit of trim around wrists, neck and bodice, a chenille net shawl, and an orange beaded necklace, and the doll was finished.
A final note: My son-in-law brought me a special gift that his mother sent me from Uganda. She wove me a wonderful bag in black and white and created two necklaces and matching bracelets for me to wear. The first beads were black and white, and the second – ORANGE. I put on my only blouse with a hint of orange, and the jewelry looks fantastic! Who would have dreamed that in meeting a challenge with a color I hated I would end up loving it. I even made a matching necklace for the doll. So when it came time to choose a name I asked my son-in-law what he would suggest. He said she looked like Nambi, who is a princess, and the mother of all women born in his country. So I ended up with a Ugandan jungle elf, sitting on a toadstool, knitting snakeskins and fairy wings. Sometimes when life gives you a challenge you move in unexpected directions.
******************************
DYEING SCULPEY
Debbie Y, one of our readers sent the following tip: “For those that may not have discovered this, you can dye cured Sculpey. I was at odds as how to do a black child’s hands and feet. So I used the usual pink Sculpey, cured it, and dipped the piece in liquid brown Rit dye and then wiped off the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. I’ve used many different colors this way. It works great and it’s permanent!!”
******************************
CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS
Mermaid and Merwomen in Black Folklore Art Doll and Art Quilt Opportunity
February 20 - March 31, 2009
Entry deadline January 25, 2009
You can get all the details here - http://www.cofc.edu/avery/mermaid_merwomen.htm
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
******************************
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
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
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
July 2009 - NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists) National Convention
Atlanta, Georgia
To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll related events at
CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION: http://clothdollconnection.com/
*******************************
SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU
Hoe Down Pin Doll Pattern by Madeleine Sara Maddocks is available at
http://dollmakersjourney.com/hoedown.html
You can read more about Madeleine at
http://dollmakersjourney.com/designers.html#maddocks
Bon Bon Ornament courtesy of Edwina’s Dolls. Make a bunch for next Christmas.
www.edwinadolls.com/freebies.htm
*************************************
NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS
We’re starting off the New Years with some terrific new items and many more to come in the following weeks! First up is PATTI CULEA’S magnificent “Valandrial” - so many great techniques to be learned from this former class doll. http://dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html
PATTI LA VALLEY has just released a gorgeous “Cupid” complete with bow, arrows and quiver. http://dollmakersjourney.com/lavalley.html
“Alexa Rose” is a precious new baby pattern from VICKI RILEY that would delight a child of any age. http://dollmakersjourney.com/riley.html
Hot off the plane from New Zealand - “Voilet” - JILL MAAS’ newest confection. You are going to love this Goth Chick Wanabee!
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/maas.html
If you’ve been saving your prettiest trims for just the right doll than BARBARA WILLIS’ beautiful “Chelsea” is just what you’ve been waiting for.
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html
We have another wonderful pressmold from SHERRY GOSHON - “Libelle.” This versatile face can be used with a variety of her doll bodies such as Fern,Mannequin or Cinnamon. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
“Happy Ann” is another great face stamp with an open mouth smile from BARB and DOUG KEELING. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/keeling.html#new
*******************************
WEIRD HEALTH TIPS THAT WORK!
My husband and I have tried several of these tips, and were amazed that they really work. We found them in a Woman’s World Magazine, Dec. 22, 2008. I especially like the one to quiet coughs!
*Quiet coughs with chocolate. The main ingredient in chocolate – theobromine – is more effective at stopping a cough than prescription medicine. Dark chocolate is especially effective. Dissolve a piece of Dove dark chocolate or 2 dark Hershey kisses in your mouth and coughing will stop for up to 4 hours. This is 33% more effective than cough medicine containing codeine. It works by suppressing the vagus nerve, which is responsible for causing you to cough. So the next time you or someone you love gets a persistent cough, offer them a chocolate bar instead of cough syrup. (I now carry Dove dark chocolate squares in my purse all the time, just in case.)
*Cure hiccups with sugar. Next time you can’t get rid of hiccups, put a teaspoon of white granulated sugar on your tongue and let it dissolve. “The granules irritate the phrenic nerve, which is responsible for the hiccupping reflex, and cause the diaphragm to immediately stop spasming,” says Joe Graeden, M.S.
*Ease a sore throat with pineapple. Instead of reaching for a sore throat drop, have a piece of FRESH pineapple instead. It’s loaded with bromelain, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and swelling. It also has lots of Vitamin C, which speeds healing. Bromelain is deactivated by heat, so use only fresh pineapple. Keep nibbling until you feel better.
*Burn yourself in the kitchen or on a hot glue gun? Cover the burn with honey. Honey is more effective at healing burns than gauzes, dressings and other treatments doctors use. It has antibiotic properties that kill germs, and enzymes that help remove dead tissue, making it easier for healthy tissues to grow. Of course, having an aloe vera plant close by also works. Just remove a piece and squeeze the juice on your burn.
Disclaimer: We have tried these and they work. However, as with all medical advice, consult your doctor and follow his recommendations for serious illnesses.
*******************************
THOUGHTS TO LIVE BY
Picasso said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
******************************
SUPPLIES
We are expanding our HAIR DEPARTMENT to include economical Long Pile craft furs in two sizes. The four shades of “Craft Fur” come in 9”x12” pieces and the four shades of “Designer Fur” are 12”x15”. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hair.html
We’ve just added Acrylic POM POMS in 2 sizes for inserting in the tips of noses and into breasts.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html
*******************************
NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, with all 20 grandchildren, 8 children, their spouses, and lots of friends over. In January she begins speaking at a series of Ward Conferences for 10 different church congregations in the area in conjunction with her new church calling as Stake Relief Society President. She is encouraging members to knit or crochet something for charity this year, and has provided lots of patterns suitable for charitable giving. She is coordinating efforts with a knit and crochet for charity group in her community that includes women from many different churches. Classes will also be held teaching people these skills who have never learned how to knit or crochet. Items include toys, dolls, scarves, sweaters, afghans, hats (especially needed are those for chemo patients and babies), etc. Of course, in order to showcase what is needed, she had to make a lot of items. If there is any interest, links to some of these projects can be provided in a fu!
ture n
ewsletter, even though they aren’t strictly doll related. As a visual aid, she created Nambi, a jungle Ugandan elf sitting on a toadstool knitting fairy wings from spider silk, dew drops, shed snake skins, and moonbeams. Nambi will accompany her as she speaks to different groups about the joy of giving and the importance of creating something beautiful this year.
Mary Ann has spent the last week getting her house cleaned up and reorganized while our assistant Tara has done a wonderful job getting the office (Mary Ann’s basement) in tip-top shape. We decided to redecorate by hanging a wide variety of dolls on the walls so that they can be enjoyed every day. There are dolls Mak has made along with dolls received as gifts or from swaps – so many treasured memories. We found that you can also hang favorite doll pins by slipping a jump ring over the pin. Bonnie likes to display hers on a quilted wall hanging. Mary Ann, Jim and daughter Ana attended a fabulous performance of “West Side Story” – a production that’s headed to Broadway. They duplicated the choreography that was in the movie and it was out of this world! This week they are eagerly awaiting attending the Dancing With the Stars Tour in DC. Now that Mak’s environment has been straightened out she’s feeling the creative juices stirring. No telling what will emerge……………sta!
y tune
d!
******************************
WEBSITES:
Great tutorial on how to draw eyes spotted by Barb Keeling
www.onlypencil.com/blog/tutorials/drawing-the-human-eye/
31 pages of how to draw faces (cartoon style)
http://tinyurl.com/6w7rma
Fun video on U Tube on how to draw realistic eyes. Also check out other videos on drawing faces and mouths. Perfect for dolls.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DkeF7gfyM-U&NR=1
******************************
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
Copyright © 2009 Dollmaker’s Journey
Cyber Security Tip ST06-007
Defending Cell Phones and PDAs Against Attack
As cell phones and PDAs become more technologically advanced, attackers are
finding new ways to target victims. By using text messaging or email, an
attacker could lure you to a malicious site or convince you to install
malicious code on your portable device.
What unique risks do cell phones and PDAs present?
Most current cell phones have the ability to send and receive text messages.
Some cell phones and PDAs also offer the ability to connect to the internet.
Although these are features that you might find useful and convenient,
attackers may try to take advantage of them. As a result, an attacker may be
able to accomplish the following:
* abuse your service - Most cell phone plans limit the number of text
messages you can send and receive. If an attacker spams you with text
messages, you may be charged additional fees. An attacker may also be
able to infect your phone or PDA with malicious code that will allow
them to use your service. Because the contract is in your name, you will
be responsible for the charges.
* lure you to a malicious web site - While PDAs and cell phones that give
you access to email are targets for standard phishing attacks, attackers
are now sending text messages to cell phones. These messages, supposedly
from a legitimate company, may try to convince you to visit a malicious
site by claiming that there is a problem with your account or stating
that you have been subscribed to a service. Once you visit the site, you
may be lured into providing personal information or downloading a
malicious file (see Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for
more information).
* use your cell phone or PDA in an attack - Attackers who can gain control
of your service may use your cell phone or PDA to attack others. Not
only does this hide the real attacker’s identity, it allows the attacker
to increase the number of targets (see Understanding Denial-of-Service
Attacks for more information).
* gain access to account information - In some areas, cell phones are
becoming capable of performing certain transactions (from paying for
parking or groceries to conducting larger financial transactions). An
attacker who can gain access to a phone that is used for these types of
transactions may be able to discover your account information and use or
sell it.
What can you do to protect yourself?
* Follow general guidelines for protecting portable devices - Take
precautions to secure your cell phone and PDA the same way you should
secure your computer (see Cybersecurity for Electronic Devices and
Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security for more information).
* Be careful about posting your cell phone number and email address -
Attackers often use software that browses web sites for email addresses.
These addresses then become targets for attacks and spam (see Reducing
Spam for more information). Cell phone numbers can be collected
automatically, too. By limiting the number of people who have access to
your information, you limit your risk of becoming a victim.
* Do not follow links sent in email or text messages - Be suspicious of
URLs sent in unsolicited email or text messages. While the links may
appear to be legitimate, they may actually direct you to a malicious web
site.
* Be wary of downloadable software - There are many sites that offer games
and other software you can download onto your cell phone or PDA. This
software could include malicious code. Avoid downloading files from
sites that you do not trust. If you are getting the files from a
supposedly secure site, look for a web site certificate (see
Understanding Web Site Certificates for more information). If you do
download a file from a web site, consider saving it to your computer and
manually scanning it for viruses before opening it.
* Evaluate your security settings - Make sure that you take advantage of
the security features offered on your device. Attackers may take
advantage of Bluetooth connections to access or download information on
your device. Disable Bluetooth when you are not using it to avoid
unauthorized access (see Understanding Bluetooth Technology for more
information).
_________________________________________________________________
Author: Mindi McDowell
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed
to increase awareness.
Terms of use
http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html
This document can also be found at
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST06-007.html
For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html
1. The Land of Nod Recalls Children’s Canopies Due to Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09108.html)
2. Outdoor Research Recalls Warming Gloves Due to Burn Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09110.html)
3. CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards with Winter Home Heating
Date: Fri 23 Jan 2009
Source: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), press release [edited]
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/stonewall01_09.html
As a precautionary measure, Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine is
voluntarily recalling 7 dessert sauces because they have the
potential to be contaminated with _Clostridium botulinum_, a
bacterium, which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look
or smell spoiled.
The following list of products was distributed nationwide to
consumers through the 9 Stonewall Kitchen Company Stores, Stonewall
Kitchen’s direct-to-consumer division (catalog/internet) and through
their wholesale division. Products could have been purchased
individually or within a gift basket. This recall affects all product
codes and expiration dates for:
- Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce (SKU 161312) — round
glass jar, 12 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter (SKU 161211) — round
glass jar, 12 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce (SKU 161204) — round glass
jar, 13 oz.
- Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche Sauce (SKU 161214) — round glass
jar, 12.5 oz.
- Barefoot Contessa Espresso Dulce de Leche (SKU 542313) — round
glass jar, 10.5 oz.
Additionally, the following list of products was distributed
nationwide to consumers through A-Hold Corporation (Stop & Shop and
Giant stores). This recall affects all product codes and expiration
dates for
- Simply Enjoy Coffee Caramel Sauce — square glass jar, 13 oz.
- Simply Enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauce — square glass jar, 12 oz.
To date, Stonewall Kitchen has not experienced any problems or
complaints about our dessert sauces. No illnesses have been reported
to date.
Stonewall Kitchen is voluntarily recalling these products due to the
fact that during manufacturing, the pH level and water activity did
not meet our food safety standards.
—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett
[Because of the potential severity of botulism, ProMED-mail posts
such recalls even if, as in this case, there are no human cases
associated with the food. Most of the food recalls (as in this case)
are related to defective preparation procedures, which could, but not
necessarily do, result in the germination of viable spores of _C.
botulinum_. - Mod.LL]
Malicious Code Spreading Via Valentine’s Day Spam
Original release date: January 29, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Last revised: January 29, 2009 at 12:55 pm
US-CERT is aware of public reports of malicious code circulating via
spam email messages related to Valentine’s Day. These messages contain
a link to a website that contains several images of hearts and
instructs users to choose one image. If users click on one of the
images, they will be prompted to download an executable file. Reports
indicate that the executable files could be named: youandme.exe,
onlyyou.exe, you.exe, and meandyou.exe (please note that these file
names may change at any time). If users accept the download, malicious
code may be installed onto their systems.
US-CERT encourages users and administrators to take the following
preventative measures to help mitigate the security risks:
* Install antivirus software, and keep virus signatures up to date.
* Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open unsolicited email
messages.
* Use caution when visiting untrusted websites.
* Use caution when downloading and installing applications.
* Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document
for more information on avoiding email scams.
* Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
document for more information on social engineering attacks.
Relevant Url(s):
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-014.html
http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf
This message contains the following:
1. Skull-And-Crossbones Necklaces Recalled By Spencer Gifts Due to Risk of Lead Exposure (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09111.html)
2. JAKKS Pacific(r) Recalls Spa Factory(tm) Aromatherapy Kits Due to Explosion and Projectile Hazards (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09112.html)
3. DDI Inc. Recalls Toy Construction Play Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09113.html)
4. L.L. Bean Recalls Ice Cleats Used During Winter Weather Due to Fall Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09114.html)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
Release #09-112
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 875-2557
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
JAKKS Pacific(r) Recalls Spa Factory(tm) Aromatherapy Kits Due to Explosion and Projectile Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Spa Factory(tm) Aromatherapy Fountain & Bath Benefits Kits
Units: About 516,000
Importer: JAKKS Pacific Inc., of Malibu, Calif.
Hazard: Pressure from the buildup of carbon dioxide in the jars of Bath Bombs/Balls or Bath Fizzies can cause the caps on the jars to blow off, posing explosion and projectile hazards. The mixtures also can contain citric acid, which can get into the eyes during an explosion, posing a risk of eye irritation.
Incidents/Injuries: JAKKS and CPSC have received 88 reports of exploding jars, including 13 injuries. Injuries to children aged 6 to 11 years old include three cases of irritated eyes, two eye injuries from flying caps, a cheek welt and a cheek cut. Injuries to adults include four reports of bruising, one swollen joint, and one face gash.
Description: This recall involves the purple caps on jars in the Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain and the Bath Benefits(tm) Kit toys. The jars are used to make Bath Bombs/Balls and Bath Fizzies. The following models are included in this recall. The item number is located on the bottom of the product’s packaging.
Model Item | Number
Spa Factory(tm) Bath Benefits(tm) Kit | 37836
Spa Factory(tm) Deluxe Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 37908
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 37837
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 54892
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 54857
Sold at: Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Target, and toy stores nationwide from August 2008 through January 2009 for about $13 for the Bath Benefits Kit and between $30 and $50 for the Aromatherapy Fountain.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the toy’s jars and caps away from children and contact JAKKS for free replacement jar caps with vent holes.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JAKKS toll-free at (877) 875-2557 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.myspafactory.com, or email the firm at caps@jakks.net
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09112.html
KAAA Radio, local news for Kingman, Arizona.
The Dolan Springs school was under lock down yesterday.
A 5’7” man, wearing a black ski mask and a black cap with the letter A on it, managed to get on campus and he wrecked one
[?] room or area and he had a gun.
Dolan Springs is about 35 miles north of Kingman and 10 miles off Hwy 93, the Las Vegas road.
On the bus crash there last week [with 7 dead], it was near the turn off.
There is some mystery about the crash and the bus is stored by the Highway Patrol in a Kingman lot.
There are sure a lot of schools shut down because of men with guns...why? Why take a gun to school?
I have heard several on different radio stations.
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Investigative Programs
Cyber Investigations
Cyber Investigations Home
New E-Scams & Warnings
red envelope Get e-mail updates when new scams and warnings are posted here
WORK-AT-HOME SCAMS
02/04/09—Consumers need to be vigilant when seeking employment online. The IC3 continues to receive numerous complaints from individuals who have fallen victim to work-at-home scams.
Victims are often hired to “process payments,” “transfer funds,” or “reship products.” These job scams involve the victims receiving and cashing fraudulent checks, transferring illegally obtained funds for the criminals, or receiving stolen merchandise and shipping it to the criminals.
Other victims sign up to be a “mystery shopper,” receiving fraudulent checks with instructions to cash the checks and wire the funds to “test” a company’s services. Victims are told they will be compensated with a portion of the merchandise or funds.
Work-at-home schemes attract otherwise innocent individuals, causing them to become part of criminal schemes without realizing they are engaging in illegal behavior.
Job scams often provide criminals the opportunity to commit identity theft when victims provide their personal information, sometimes even bank account information, to their potential “employer.” The criminal/employer can then use the victim’s information to open credit cards, post on-line auctions, register websites, etc., in the victim’s name to commit additional crimes.
If you have been a victim of Internet crime, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
Tree-killing pest leads to firewood warning
By Angelica Martinez
Union-Tribune Staff Writer
12:39 p.m. February 2, 2009
SAN DIEGO — A beetle that feeds on healthy trees is contributing to the death of oak trees in the county and creating a fire hazard, officials warned Monday.
The gold-spotted oak borer has been in the county for several years but officials recently discovered that existing drought conditions and the beetle’s attacks have led to the death of more than 10,000 oaks in the county. Experts think the pest may have spread to San Diego County under the bark of firewood. County officials are urging the public to stop the transportation of firewood in or out of the county until more is known about the pest.
[Deleted]
The county’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is working with the Department of Planning and Land Use, the Farm and Home Advisor, CalFire and the U.S. Forest Service to education the public and prevent the pests from spreading, officials said.
For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland
Source: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/02/bn02pest123917-oak-borer-kills-trees/?zIndex=46777