New A for Artistic Site

The new A for Artistic Site is up and looks lovely. Finally Adele is charging a tiny fee for that incredible newsletter she puts out (it's worth three times the price). The list of teachers reads like a who's who of doll artistry. Very best of luck with it!

Adele Sciortino Pinterest board

Here is Adele Sciortino's  art doll Pinterest board. I'm not sure if the dolls inspire me to do better, or make me want to give up altogether. I think I'll choose the former. What amazing beauty and wonderful photography too. Please follow.

IDEX has ended

A few days ago I received the dreadful news that IDEX, the doll and teddy bear trade show, has been cancelled most likely forever. I immediately contacted Dolls Magazine to confirm that this was legitimate and not some hacker type prank. Unfortunately Joyce Greenholdt, the Editor was able to confirm for me that the news is true.

However the good news is that Dolls Magazine and Jones Publishing does intend to continue conducting the Annual Dolls Awards of Excellence.  The contest is two tiered with the Industry Choice awards going out, which then become the nominees for the Public's Choice ballot. This year's voting has ended but everyone interested in that preeminent contest for doll artists should pay close attention to the upcoming December issue of Dolls, when the winners will be announced along with next year's contest.

I don't know why the show has ended, but I do know that magazines only stay afloat if people buy them. If you are not a subscriber to Dolls, which is available digitally and newly for Nook tablets, maybe now would be a good time to become one.

Horrible Adorables - MS American Made nominee

Here's another cool soft critter maker on the Martha Stewart American Made contest. They are hand made of felt over foam - animal friendly reimagined taxidermy, according to artist Jordan Perme. You can see more on the Horrible Adorable website - the visual design of which echoes the humor, and retro influenced aesthetic of the animals.

Shawnimals stuffie dolls Martha Stewart American Made nominee

...and can use votes. It's easy to log in and vote - including via Facebook. I've seen these happy little toys before. I think they did a kickstarter for something fairly recently.

Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention

They are all over the place! Awesome. This time it's the Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention with some terrific special guests. October 18-20, 2013 - coming up very soon.

Saint Louis BJD Convention

A small but sweet convention in St Louis sponsored by the local doll club, Dolly Playmates. I'd like to join the League of People Who Dress Like Their Dolls. November 15-17, 2013.

ScraPerfect Design Team Call

Beading with the Embellie Gellie by ScraPerfect holding my seed beads.

It's not dolls, but it does relate to mixed media art, as I know many of you make. Plus I use the products in my doll making - especially the Embellie Gellie to hold beads.

ScraPerfect is looking for some artists to join the Design Team. I've been a member for a couple of years, and I love, love, love the products. You can read all about here on the blog.