Dolly Bureau, Volume I - A new pattern book by Megann Zabel

Poppy Parker/Misaki Pattern, a photo by theartofmegann on Flickr.

Doll patterns in a book, all to scale, with clear instructions in English, designed for beginners to intermediate dolly couture fans? Sounds too good to be true--but it isn't! Check out Megann Zabel's newly released book, Dolly Bureau Volume 1, available now!

The retail price of the book is $27.95, and you can currently find it for sale from DollyBureau.com, Amazon, Denver Doll Emporium, The Doll Peddlar, The Swell Shop, and also at Azone's booth in doll shows in Japan. This price gets you a 100-page full color book, in 8.5x11 size. Inside, you'll find 14 full outfits (lots of mix-and-match pieces) for various dolls.

Volume I includes outfits for Momoko, Poppy Parker/Misaki, Chip (FR:Homme), and 1:4 (MSD) and 1:12 (Lati Yellow and Pukifee) sized BJDs. Additionally, lots of full-color photographs display other dolls, such as Pullip, Odeco, J-doll, Tiny Betsy McCall, Model Muse Barbie, Ken, Limhwa To You, and Liv. The patterns are to scale, and require only tissue paper to transfer.

Megann Zabel, the owner of MegannArt, has a background in fine arts and design, which really shows in this publication. The attention to detail in her patterns, illustrations, and overall design of the book is amazing. The book is beautiful--it is a must-have for any fashion doll fan, in addition to the budding designer.

In addition to her gorgeous layout and photography, I must add that the instructions are really wonderful. Megann includes a step-by-step photo tutorial of the first pattern, which--for me--is particularly helpful. Even if you have no (or limited) prior knowledge of sewing in smaller sizes, the supply lists, techniques, and clear instructions (such as what exactly "easing" means), all make me want to try again.

Additionally, the author invites her readers to share the results of their endeavors online. While the patterns are designed for personal use, you can join the group on Flickr here--plus sneak a peek at the terrific patterns inside the book. Personally, I am in love with Megann's photography!

This is Megann's first publication, and I happen to know Volume II is in the works now. I'm thrilled to see more from her, and am so excited to see this new line of easy-to-use patterns.

This book would make the perfect gift for a young doll collector, in addition to those of us who have been collecting for a while. My nine year-old Lauren is really inspired, and I hope to be sharing some of her creations shortly!

Look Inside Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II!

The Look Inside feature is now live on Amazon.com! You can preview my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II, on Amazon.com. Also, various international sites, such as Amazon.de, Amazon.it, Amazon.es, Amazon.fr, and Amazon.uk.

All the look inside features seem to be active, and Prime shipping is available. Thanks for looking, and for your early support. I look forward to seeing your reviews online, and hearing your honest feedback!

Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II - it's on the shelf!

Check out my post over at Out of the Box Publishing for the latest and greatest on the publishing world here at the Fashion Doll Review, including a coupon code for $5 off my latest book, Steffie; Out of the Box Volume II.

I'll be expecting my first shipment on May 20, but Amazon seems to already have them in stock!

Alice: Out of the Box featured in Epic Indie Book Fair of Awesome!

Alice: Out of the Box has been featured in the Epic Indie Book Fair of Awesome, as shown on Saturday Sequins blog.

Check it out if you get the chance--it looks like there are a lot of interesting titles on there.

Thanks!

Interview on DollObservers

Check out the interview about my book, Steffie: Out of the Box, at DollObservers. Simon was kind enough to ask for one, and feature it on the site.

If you're not already a member, go join! It's a fun place to keep up-to-date on the latest and greatest in the doll world.

Waaa! Our view counter! It's time a for a PRIZE!

Scroll down to the bottom to the page -- and check out our page count!

1,003,234 pageviews!

Woo hoo! (And no, I actually do not track my own pageviews.)

It's time for a prize!

This week, I'll be giving away a free copy of my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box, signed.

All you have to do is a leave a comment on this blog post, if you're interested in receiving one. Make sure you leave a piece of identifying information on there--like your first name, and maybe your location. Something like this:

I'd like to enter! Alison in San Diego.

You have till Sunday, September 9, at midnight PST to leave a comment. Monday, I will put all the names in a pot and announce the winner, and have you contact me with your shipping information, and I'll send you a book.

International readers are, of course, welcomed. (Authors of this blog, you don't qualify for this drawing, but I'd love for you to have a copy of this book. So if I've flaked and not sent you one yet--please email me.) And let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks so much for reading The Fashion Doll Review!

Miniature books - an easy & inexpensive project

These little books are so easy, quick & inexpensive that you’ll probably end up with stacks of them all around your house after this! I like making them as table gifts at doll conventions because you can customize them with each of your tablemates’ favorite book titles!

The size & shape of the wood pieces will determine the type of book (novel, textbook, coffee-table book) and scale (12” doll, 16” doll, etc.).

Materials:

• Pre-cut wooden rectangles or squares (about $3 for a bag of 130)
• Tacky glue or hot glue gun
• White acrylic craft paint (often on sale for less than $1)
• Scraps of leather or vinyl (about $6 for a package that will make several books – or cut up an old purse!)
• Ultra fine-tip Sharpie (about $1-2)

Alice: Out of the Box - Look Inside the book!

Finally - you can use Amazon's Look Inside feature to peek inside my latest publication, Alice: Out of the Box. I'll have it for sale at IFDC, so come see me if you'd like a signed copy!

I look forward to seeing you there!

*Look Inside* Steffie: Out of the Box - my new book!

The Look Inside feature is available now for my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box. You can browse through selected pages on Amazon before you commit to buy.

I'll have this book at IFDC next week, as well as the Alice: Out of the Box book.

I'm on my way!

Alison, editor of the Fashion Doll Review

I'm off to Barbie convention today--just in case you need to see me there, I should be easy to spot! I'm the one with the pink and blonde hair.

I'd love it if you said hello! Come find me, and buy my new Steffie book (and Alice book) in room 1074 from Kathie. Also, I will have the Steffie book in the salesroom.

Alice: Out of the Box has also arrived!

As if working on one project at a time weren't enough:

Alice: Out of the Box is an eclectic scrapbook of Alice in Wonderland-themed dolls that have graced the author’s collection over the years. Alice fans and doll collectors alike will enjoy this friendly showcase, including both traditional and contemporary dolls.

From vinyl to resin, the editor of the Fashion Doll Review introduces both restyled, one-of-a-kind, and manufactured eye candy, from girlish befuddlement to Lolita-style ball-jointed beauties. While the author herself does not profess to be a photographer, she hopes to bring her passion for Lewis Carroll’s timeless heroine to the page--in a tiny, redressable, posable art form.

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in pages filled with color photographs with descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled, dressed, and fashioned according to the book’s theme. Resources and references are included.

Currently for sale on CreateSpace directly, this print-on-demand title is also for sale on Amazon--I'll keep you posted as soon as a preview is available. If you live in Europe, check out this post. I will have copies of this book with me at the Barbie convention and also at IFDC.


List Price: $16.00
8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
Full Color Bleed on White paper
76 pages
The Fashion Doll Review
ISBN-13: 978-0983681625
ISBN-10: 0983681627
BISAC: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


I am so excited to share the Out of the Box series of books with you. I can't wait to share what else we have in store!

Attention, Steffie fans!

It's here, it's here!

My new book, Steffie: Out of the Box, is now available for ordering.

What is it? Here's my description:

Fashion doll, Barbie fan, and Steffie collector Alison Rasmussen shares her eclectic collection with untraditional color photographs in this fun reference book. While not a professional photographer, the author includes many candid photos of various dolls created between 1971 and 2011, as well as a reference list of Steffie-faced dolls manufactured by Mattel and its licensed affiliates.

Publication Date: Jul 02 2012
ISBN/EAN13: 0983681635 / 9780983681632
Page Count: 90
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 8.5" x 8.5"
Language: English
Color: Full Color with Bleed
Related Categories: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


About the Out of the Box series of books:

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in 90 pages of color photographs and descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled and dressed according to the book's theme. Resources and references are included.

Why should you care? Well, first I just about killed myself to finish the book before Barbie Convention. I should have a few copies for sale, if I can get them in time--look for Kathie's Fashion Dolls and the girl with short pink hair if you're interested in an autographed copy. (I just don't know what I was thinking with planning to finish the book after school was out for summer, LOL!)

Second, the retail price of the book is $20. From now through July 31, you can buy the book for just $15. Use coupon code PTUB5SGH when you check out, and you will save $5 off the cover price. That's less than the cost of a basic doll! (The coupon only works through CreateSpace.)

This book is now also available from Amazon. If you have prime shipping or if you are in Europe, this might be a better deal for you, so just hold tight. Plus, I'm hoping to provide a Look Inside preview of this book on there as well.

These books are printed and shipped on demand from CreateSpace--this allows me to print just the copies I need and not have a garage full of them. It's a really affordable way to go in the printing business. In fact, if you have a book you'd like to write, I can highly recommend their services!

Third, you'll know you're supporting this doll blog when you buy a copy of this book. I think you'll like it. In fact--I think you'll like it so much you might want to recommend it to a friend!

Unusual Alice

Elfdoll Olivia, resin BJD, restyled as Alice in Wonderland

Just a little sneak peek at a photo from my next work-in-progress, my next book, Unusual Alice [working title]. This book is a photography book of Alice in Wonderland-themed dolls, including resin, vinyl and plastic, and cloth. Designed as a delightful book of eye candy, I'm hoping to finish this book in time for the IFDC.

I'll keep you posted!

Save 50% on BJDs for Beginners!

Save over 50% when you buy my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, through Amazon.com. For a limited time, you can purchase this $35 book for just $17.19. Prime memberships even get free shipping.

Thanks for looking!

BJDs for Beginners - the book

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners: Finding the Doll of Your Dreams

We've had a surge of new readers to the blog within the past month, so I'd like to introduce you to my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners.

Do you feel like you're too young, too old, too poor, too clumsy, too stuck in your ways, or too afraid to buy a ball-jointed doll? Do you have too many other types of dolls to add one more to your collection? Do you think BJDs are for advanced collectors only? Do you feel like they are exclusive? Too breakable for your household?

They aren't. There is a brand and size for every budget. You're never too old to get into a new hobby. In fact, if you've always been mesmerized by the eerily realistic glance of these lovely modern dolls, first introduced into the mass market by Volks in 1999, don't despair. My book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, was written with you in mind.

I'll introduce you to the ball-jointed doll's history and terms and definitions, help you discover your style and aesthetic, and then guide you through the budgeting and ordering process. I'll help you get connected to the BJD community (online and in person). Plus, you'll be have a visual manual of how to care for your doll.

It's easier than you think, and it's within your reach.

My book is available from CreateSpace directly, from Amazon.com (you can peek inside the book with Amazon's Look Inside feature), Denver Doll Emporium, the Doll Peddlar, and Think Pink in the Netherlands.

I will be attending the San Diego BJD Convention on November 5 if you'd like to introduce yourself. I will be the one with black and turquoise hair and a smile.

We're on Amazon!

We're on Amazon! Yay! For some of you, it may be cheaper to purchase our new book through Amazon.com than through my eStore. The Look Inside feature isn't up and running yet, but I'll let you know as soon as it's available.

Remember, the eStore code EXB3X2RR expires tomorrow, June 30, 2011 at midnight! Through then, you can save $10 off the $35 retail price!

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners: it's published!

BJDs for Beginners, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Hooray! It's finished, and ready to be ordered!

You can order directly through the website here and have it shipped directly to you.

The listed retail price is $35, but use the code EXB3X2RR (upon checkout) for a special $10.00 off, valid only through the end of this month!

If you have any problems, please let me know. This title is for sale in the US and internationally. If you will be attending IFDC in Las Vegas, I will have these books for sale as well.

Also, I'm officially inviting you to the book's coordinating blog, BJDs for Beginners, which includes active links to all the reference sources I've used in the book, plus additional tidbits of information I've used. Please follow our new blog--we'd love to have you!

You can download a rather large Preview here.

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, update!

My new book cover preview--click to enlarge!

It's finished, I hope! I just ordered a copy of the corrected proof--hopefully the last--which should arrive on Tuesday next week. If this one is all in order, I should be able to approve the book for sale. I'll keep you all posted of the progress.

The book will be for sale here on my website and also on Amazon. Plus, I will have it available at IFDC, the convention in Las Vegas, if you'd like to save on shipping. I'm also looking for a few dealers to carry it as well.

Whew!

BJDs for Beginners: book update!

Updated cover art--for better resolution photo.

Just a quick update for you...

I worked and worked (and worked) this weekend to get the proof of Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners formatted and finished. The manuscript is being uploaded and proofed for errors, and I'll be ordering a proof in the next 24 hours or so. It should arrive within a week. My editor, Melissa Metheney, and I will be making some changes and fixing color issues, and then... I think it will be a go! (Scary!)

Here's what we've got:

• 130+ full-color 8.5x11 pages
• Resources page for BJD-related shopping, information and further reading
• Index
• about 200 full-color photos
• 15 tutorials and projects, including restringing (yes, even you can do it!) and a full-size sewing pattern
• MSRP $30.00

The table of contents:

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners

What is a BJD?

A brief history of the BJD

My take on the Resin versus Vinyl debate

Notes about sizes

Commonly used terms and abbreviations

BJD purchasing basics

How collecting ball-jointed dolls is different from other collections

A few words of caution

How to choose your BJD

Aesthetics: what’s important to you

Pricing and quality

Themes and customization

Handling your doll and aging BJDs

How to buy your BJD

To consider before your purchase

In person - at shows, meets and stores

Online

On the secondary market

How to care for your BJD

Supplies you will need

Regular maintenance

Basic customizing

Restringing

Enhancing projects

Joining the BJD Community

Netiquette

Getting connected online

Joining or creating a BJD meet-up in your area

Conventions

BJD resources

Photo credits

Index

I'm toying with the idea of releasing a digital copy for the iPad or other digital readers. This would include active links and possibly video tutorials, if I can find an assistant. Sometimes the techniques are easier to see in person than only in photos, but I think you'll like the photos, too.

I'm finally starting to feel a sense of accomplishment and relief!

If you plan to attend IFDC this year in Las Vegas, I will be there, and I will have copies of my book for sale at my dealers, details coming soon. Please feel free to ask me questions. I'm sure I'll be easy to spot--I'll keep you posted on my hair color--it will either be green or pink.

Barbie A Rare Beauty by Sandi Holder

This new Barbie collector book is loaded with over 500 gorgeous photos of vintage and contemporary Barbie dolls, many of which have never been seen before. This is a great coffee table book which you will want to sit back and enjoy with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Chapters topics include:

• The history of Barbie and her creator, Ruth Handler. 
• How Barbie doll's style has changed with the times.
• Barbie through the decades.
• Barbie's world of careers.
• Barbie doll's friends and family.
• Rare, sample, and prototype Barbie dolls with prices dolls have sold for at auction.
• Barbie licensed products.

The book is 224 pages, hardcover, and would make the perfect Christmas gift for the Barbie lover in your life. Available directly from the author at dollattic.com, Ebay, or Amazon.com.