Simple Simon and Company Doll Pattern

Here is a free downloadable pattern and tutorial from Simple Simon for an adorable little cloth play doll. I like that the tutorial shows stuffing the arms and legs separately.

It shows embroidered facial features and felt hair. I think it would be a very nice base pattern for portrait dolls of your children or grandchildren, or story book characters. It would be simple enough to turn the skirt into a pair of pants as desired, or make the legs from patterned fabric as "tights".

Please Pin!

Win a Queen's Treasures Fairy Tea Set from Doll Diaries. You have until midnight July 30th.

Call for Submissions - IDEX memories

From the e-mail:

Best of IDEX - We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have attended IDEX as a collector, exhibitor, buyer, member of the media, or just tagged along with a friend or family member, chances are you have a great memory from a recent or long-ago show. We want to hear about them! We have our own list going, and it grows from year to year, so now we want to hear from you. What is your best memory from IDEX? Did you attend an extra-fun event last year, or recall a moment from a show over a decade ago that stuck with you? We want to know! We are enjoying the relaxing summer months and hope you are too. Stay tuned for more information to come throughout the summer about next year's IDEX. We have many exciting things in store for everyone! _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Send us your Best of IDEX moments and memories Sincerely, The IDEX Team

Marianne Loyd's Teddy Bear Poems.

Author and fine Teddy Bear artist, Marianne Loyd has published her book of poems about Teddy's in both paperback and Kindle forms. The book is called Teddy Bear Poems: straight from the paw. The Kindle edition is 99cents, at least today.

Nicky Epstein - "Knits for Dolls" book review and giveaway!

I'm thrilled to have been sent a copy of eminent textile artist Nicky Epstein's new book for review. It's called "Knits for Dolls: 25 Fun, Fabulous Outfits for 18-inch Dolls", published by Sixth&Spring Books.

Now here's my full disclosure. I can't knit, only crochet and loom. So I can't speak to the clarity of the actual pattern instructions from experience. However given that Ms. Epstein is a star in the world of artistic knitwear, with numerous well received books to her credit and regular contributions to knitting magazines, I'm pretty sure that the patterns will give the desired results.

I love the outfits she has designed for the dolls. I personally love wearing knits and would probably like most of these garments if they were my size. The colors as pictured are luscious and vivid. Some of the garments are more formal and have sweet lacy textures. I particularly like the dress with the beading knitted in to the pattern.

Others are funky, hip or boho. There are textures, different stitches, twists and turns - I should think working your way through these lovely patterns would be a great course in fancy knitting techniques. There's even one sweater that resembles a nordic pattern.

Also included are many accessories - hats, purses, socks, shrugs - and some delightful ideas for making coordinating doll sized jewelry. Finally there are some recipes - for people food - treats for doll tea parties. Oh, and I nearly forgot - a vintage style knit bunny.

I really appreciate the styling of the photos, with the props both miniature and full size. They are fun, and exemplary for anyone who takes photos of their dolls as product photos.

I'm really looking forward to Nicky Epstein's "Crochet For Dolls" that a little birdy told me was coming soon.

The book is available from the Nicky Epstein website (through Barnes and Noble as an affiliate link I suspect so I encourage you to go that route.)

Now that I have this book that I can't use, I think I will run a contest. Any one who comments on this post - maybe tell me about your favorite knitted toy or doll - will be in the drawing to win my copy of this charming book. Let's say around two weeks - so comment before 4th of July to be in the drawing. 

Please tell your friends about the contest, and share on Facebook too!

Free Doll Tutorials E-book

Here's a lovely surprise! It's a free E-book from Cloth, Paper, Scissors containing four tutorials for making some soft art dolls/stuffies from some of our favorite doll artists - Nola Hart, Diana Trout, Kelli Nina Perkins and Paula Nerhus. Download your copy and be added to the newsletter list. (Well the bounty just keeps coming.)

More classes from Ankie Daanen

Dutch Touch doll class.

During the NIADA conference in June in San Francisco I will teach:
A 2-day class: How to make an Arty-Heartbreaker face 
A 1-day class: How to make the perfect doll body         

June 2013 New Online class´How to make the perfect doll body":
www.aforartistic.com
Host: Adele Sciortino : adele@adelesciortino.com

February 22 through February 26, 2014 Five day class in Chapel Hill,NC : How to make a lovely Girl
Host: Lynda Baddour : lyndabaddour@gmail.com

March 3 through March 7, 2014 Five day New Dutch Touch Class on Vancouver Island with Marlaine Verhelst and Ankie Daanen
Host: Marla Limousin : marla@ehrlerlimousin.com

Dollmaking Holiday Class in Spain for 2014. 
Because many students are interested to come to the Dollmaking Holiday Class in Spain
I can offer this class in June and in September.

The classes fill up quicly!!!
For more info: ankiedaanen@hotmail.com

April 17 through April 20, 2014 Four day class in Manahawkin, NJ : How to make a Cute Boy
Host: Colleen Athens : theartsysoul@yahoo.com

April 23, 2014 One day class in Mount Vernon, NY : How to make the perfect doll body
Host: Gwen Jackson : mamagdolls@msn.com

April 24 through April 27, 2014 Four day class in Mount Vernon,NY : How to make a Lovely Girl
Host: Gwen Jackson . mamagdolls@msn.com

Artists Doll and Teddy Bear Show in Philadelphia
April 30, May 1 and 2
Program will be announced later

Dear Dollfriends, you can always ask me for information, and within a few days my website will be updated too.
On my website you also will find more details and pictures of the class dolls.

Doll Auction at Bonhams

Los Angeles Fine Art, Antiquities and Collectibles Auction House, Bonhams, will be holding an auction on June 24, 2013 featuring the gorgeous dolls of the Alexandra and Sidney Sheldon collection. Predominating are numerous Lenci felt dolls all in remarkable condition, and some including extraordinary accessories such as trunks or the easter egg trouseau pictured. However there will also be a selection of antique teddy bears, bisque head dolls and other character figures on offer.

The online catalog is beautiful, clickable and detailed. Plus there are viewings of the collection in Los Angeles during the three days prior to the auction. It really is an extraordinary collection.

Sidney Sheldon was a best selling and award winning novelist, screenwriter and tv producer. The couple were well known as collectors of American Arts and Crafts as well as dolls. Alexandra Sheldon now serves on the board of the Bighorn Institute, dedicated to conserving native wild sheep.

A Fanciful Twist

I love Vanessa Valencia's aesthetic as revealed on her website and blog. I love the colors, the stories, the lettering. I love the way her sweet faced dolls are dressed in crumpled text. The word that comes to my mind is "enchanting".

I also enjoy how her message is consistent across different media and sites. You will always know one of her pieces, and her sites are well organized and fun to explore. So kudos on several counts.

And by the way, she has a bunch of tutorials that feature free printables, both doll/miniature related and just charming graphic applications, as well as an Etsy shop.

Dioramas at Mission San Carlos Borromeo at Carmel

Inside the Mission at Carmel, behind glass is a miniature village scene that looks more like Renaissance Europe than ancient Bethlehem (other than the Greek Temple to one side). It's interesting. Opposite is a Good Friday scene of the Crucifiction. There are several beautiful icons and large scale figurines of The Blessed Mother with baby Jesus wearing richly ornamented Renaissance and Baroque fabric clothing complete with encrusted embroideries, as distinct from the statues where the clothes are stone, marble or plaster.

The Word Is Art Gallery Art Doll exhibit opening.

A selection of the exhibits.

I felt very starstruck, in exalted company, when I joined fellow art doll artists at the opening reception of the Art Doll exhibit at The Word Is Art Gallery in Culver City, CA last Saturday evening. I have three dolls in the exhibit but what was most exciting for me was meeting and seeing the works of Vega, Nola and Ute Vasina.

Nola and one of her box dolls (with its own teeny dolly).

Vega's work is magnificent - creepy, cool and very detailed.(Keep your sound turned on for her website.) Nola uses vintage and new-but-retro-looking materials to create sweet, delicate prim style soft dolls with a wistful air, while Ute's needle sculpted Trolls of great renown have so much character and humor. Visit her site for patterns and other fabulous art doll supplies.

Vega, Ute and Troll friend.

Along with the art of these three, are dolls in every style and of many sizes, including a portrait doll of Jackson Pollock by Wendy and some beautiful cloth stump dolls. Be alerted however that the exhibit goes only for the next 2 weeks until April 14th. 

After that you will still be able to see and purchase some of the dolls by gallery co-op members as well as enjoy the fine art and functional pieces, including some beautiful hand made jewelry, felted art, photography and acrylic paintings. I was especially drawn to the modernist mixed media work of painter Christine Binns (one to watch, IMO).

Christine with my favorite of her paintings (with a special guest by Renee Troy peeking out).

Don't forget there are some cool classes linked to the Art Doll exhibit - see the Gallery blog for more details.


View Larger Map

If you see the exhibit, please let me know what you thought in the comments below!
Also as always, please Pin!

Summer News from Ankie Dannen

Dear Dollfriends.

I like to give you an update about my ´dolly´ life!

April 11 I will teach a one-day class in Orlando, FL. ´How to make an innocent dollface´.
For info: www.idexshows.com / ankiedaanen@hotmail.com
And from April 12 until April 14 you can visit the show and see my brand new dolls!

From April 17 through 20 I will teach in the wonderful studio from
Adele Sciortino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
´How to make a Big Belly Babe´.
We only have ONE opening!
For info:  adele@adelesciortino.com / ankiedaanen@hotmail.com

From April 25 through 28 I will teach in Mount Vernon, NY. in the great studio
from Gwen Jackson ´How to make a Flat Brat´.
We only have ONE opening!
For info: mamagdolls@msn.com / ankiedaanen@hotmail.com

From May 2 until May 5 you can find me teaching a one-day class
´How to make the perfect doll body´ on May 5 and see my new dolls during the
ARTISTS DOLL AND TEDDY BEAR CONVENTION
in Philladelpia, NY. on May 3 and 4.
For info: terry@quinlanmuseum.com

If you like to see what´s going on in the Bay Area from San Francisco, CA. from
June 24 until June 30, please go to:
www.niada.org or ask me for more info!
and you might like to sign up for my two day class
´How to make an art Heartbreaker face´ or ´How to make the perfect doll body´.

2014
From September 15 through September 21 I will teach my 

Dollmaking holiday in Spain!

The costs for this class are Euro 975,- ALL inclusive,

except airfare to and from

 Alicante airport EL ALTET in Spain.

More info: ankiedaanen@hotmail.com.

Miniature Artists' Call

Linus Gallery in Pasadena, CA has published a Call for Artists with the theme of Miniatures.

The maximum size of the art piece is 8 x 10 inches. Work must be wall hung to be considered, but they are interested in wall sculptures, and mixed media, so I'm thinking shadow boxes with tiny worlds could work well.

The deadline for application is .June 03, 2013.

All Dolled Up

The All Dolled Up Beaded Art Doll competition run by Land of Odds is open. The deadline for submissions is August 13, 2013. The site has links to images of the gorgeous work from past years.

Colliii Awards Registration Date Announced

I just received my Colliii.com newsletter which includes the announcement that registration for the 2013 Colliii Awards will open July 1st and run for the month of July. Time to peruse the categories and start making! To learn how your business can sponsor the awards contact them via e-mail j.carlsson@colliii.com .

The winners and images from last year's awards are on the website. This is a truly international competition for every category and type of doll. The site is full of news and interviews. I recommend signing up for the newsletter.

Iggy Jingles store

I know it's a bit cheeky....
... but my Etsy store, Iggy Jingles is filled with a bunch of brand new hand made dolls - Dream Stars, Wish Dolls, and my kid's toy Either Way Dolls, many in bright Spring and Summer colors.

Please visit, Pin and Tweet about them!

Annie at Madame Alexander

Madame Alexander dolls is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year with new collections and some beautiful dolls, including her signature big eyed baby faces Cissy and Cissette.

According to info I received, Madame Beatrice Alexander, "always felt that dolls should be played with and not kept on a shelf. She had an unwavering belief that dolls should engage the imagination and contribute to a child's happiness and understanding of the world."

One of the new dolls coming out soon is a 14 inch rag doll play version of Little Orphan Annie, using the white eye visual style of the original comic strip on which the musical, "Annie", was based. She is available for pre-order now, shipping later in March.

I like the clarity and simplicity of the Madame Alexander website. It's easy to navigate, and the images of dolls for sale have an automatic zoom feature to allow you to examine the doll closely before purchase. The History page is fun too.

Make It & Love It Buddies

Ashley at Make It & Love It has posted a free pattern and tutorial for an utterly adorable long legged soft doll for kids that is customizable as a boy or girl, and has sweet clothing.

The tutorial is very nicely detailed and comprehensive, with plenty of nice tips for stitching cloth dolls, and the pictures of the finished dolls with their young owners are lovely. The pattern would be very adaptable with different fabrics.

I'm going to Pin it. Please Pin or Repin from my boards.

Art Doll Juried Exhibit call

Denise Bledsoe - The Word is ART co-op member.

From Renee Troy:

OPEN CALL FOR ART DOLL ENTHUSIASTS.....

The Word is Art Gallery located in Culver City is having a juried Art Doll Exhibit starting March
25th running through April 14th. The three week exhibition will give artists the opportunity to show
and sell their creations. We encourage ALL artists interested to submit.

During the three week show, dolls will be on display in the front window of the gallery as well as
throughout the gallery. On March 30th, we will be hosting a "Meet the Artists" event from 4-8pm
where you will get the chance to introduce yourself and mingle with new and old followers, fellow
artists and collectors. There will also be doll centered art classes taught by local artists in the
gallery during the run of show. If you are interested in teaching a class please contact us!

The fine print:
Entries must be submitted by March 5th
All artists will be notified by March 10th of acceptance
The first entry is $15 and $5 for each additional doll accepted
Entry fees are due upon acceptance
Limit 4 dolls per artist

All accepted work needs to be delivered to the gallery between March15-20. Late entries may
not be displayed.

If you are mailing your dolls to the gallery please include return postage including insurance and
tracking fees to:
The Word is ART Gallery
9349 Venice Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

All remaining dolls must be picked up on April 16 - 20th. Any unclaimed dolls will become
property of the gallery as of April 25th. Dolls being shipped back to their makers.

*The gallery will take 40% of the sale price for each doll sold with 60% going to the artist.

When submitting your work please include on each piece: If there is no price, it will not be sold.

Name
Mailing address
email address
Phone number
Price of Doll

Please submit your work via email with subject line Art Doll Submission to
Renee - thewordisart@gmail.com
Shari - oldsouldollco@yahoo.com

Or, you are welcome to bring them in to the gallery on
Thursdays between 11-2 or
Fridays between 4-7

The Word Is Art
9349 Bagley St.
Culver City, CA
(310) 558-0856

Colliii Online

Colliii.com is an online resource for lovers of dolls of all kinds, with a strong focus on reborning. They hold a prestigious international baby doll/reborn competition annually, and also collect doll related news and blog posts from all over. This link is for the English website, from where international readers may find the site in German, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish.