Market research...

Got a minute or two? Would you be willing to fill out a survey for me? I'd really appreciate it! This is regarding a new product we have in the works.

Click here to take survey.

Thanks for your time!

DOLLS Magazine and The Doll Reader to merge

According to a DOLLS Magazine email sent this morning, and more information from the DOLLS website:

The two premiere publications covering doll collecting, DOLLS and Doll Reader, will merge into one title in 2012 published under the name DOLLS by Jones Publishing. The deal was announced Jan. 27 at the Debut of Dolls and DOTY Awards Banquet during the IDEX trade show in Orlando, Fla. Jones Publishing also presented its Lifetime Achievement award to Maggie Iacono at the same event.

DOLLS and Doll Reader's sister publications, Teddy Bear Review and Teddy Bear & Friends, will also merge this year. Jones Publishing will retain the title Teddy Bear & Friends but increase the magazine's frequency to TBR's bimonthly schedule.

"By working collaboratively with our industry partners, we know that we can help make the industry stronger," said IDEX Vice President Susan Fitzgerald. "This new merger will allow us to reach more people and, in turn, grow the publications and their content. We believe this will also help to develop and expand IDEX, which remains the leading industry show."

DOLLS Publisher Carie Ferg agreed, saying "Uniting two great, long-standing doll magazines into one dynamic title, as well as partnering with IDEX, presents us with a terrific opportunity to use the combined strengths of Jones Publishing and Madavor Media to grow the industry."

The new DOLLS magazine will be sent to both DOLLS and Doll Reader subscribers beginning with the March 2012 issue, which mails Feb. 2. This issue features a sneak peek at what dollmakers have planned for this year. The new combined magazine will continue to feature fan-favorite columns and features from Doll Reader on a regular basis, including patterns by Marsha Olson and Antique Q&A by Jan Foulke, and well as DOLLS' readers favorites.

The big change will come for Haute Doll, which has appeared for the past year as a special section with a flip cover in Doll Reader. With the merger DOLLS will move from 10 issues to a monthly publishing schedule, with one special-focus issue every quarter appearing as DOLLS Presents: Haute Doll, entirely devoted to high-fashion and ball-jointed dolls. The regular issues of DOLLSwon't neglect popular fashion dolls and BJDs, but the content will remain suitable for all ages, while Haute Doll specials will venture into edgier fashion and ball-jointed doll releases.

Doll Reader subscribers will have the remaining issues of their subscription applied to DOLLS; readers who subscribe to both magazines will have their DOLLS subscription extended by the number of issues remaining on their Doll Reader subscription. An FAQ is posted on the DOLLS website, www.dollsmagazine.com, to answer questions about the merger, and Jones Publishing has issued an invitation to readers to send feedback, suggestions, and additional questions to DOLLS staff. Contact information and links are posted on the DOLLS website under the "Contact Us" link at the top of the home page.

Jones Publishing and DOLLS magazine have committed to have a strong presence at IDEX, which will continue to be owned and managed by Madavor Media. Look for some exciting events sponsored by Jones at the 2013 IDEX show, including the presentation of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award!

Val Zeitler/DollHeart collaboration exclusives at Haute Doll

Oh, be still my beating heart! Haute Doll magazine announced some new items that will go on sale Monday, May 17, 2010.

Interview with Grace from Gracefaerie Designs

#10 Takeshita-dori pattern

#29 Steampunk Dress

#35 Don't Pin Me Down View #1

Messenger from Another Place

Planetdoll Riz Forsaken Side View

Planetdoll Riz Forsaken Rear View

Planetdoll Riz Forsaken Front View

Ascent, example of visual arts gallery sculpture

#35 Don't Pin Me Down View 2

Grace, from gracefaerie designs recently agreed to do an interview with me, and I was delighted to get to know her and her business a bit better.

About the business:

Grace was introduced to ball-jointed dolls in 2004 by her husband, who needed a Volks SD13 Nana in his photography work. She had been collecting vinyl and antique dolls, and was instantly captivated by the glow of the BJD's resin. Her husband was asked to create an outfit for the doll, and of course, Grace was hooked.

As her passion for clothing design rose, her interest in exhibiting visual art in galleries waned. Grace explains the transition this way: "While I loved the process of making art (primarily mixed media sculpture), the gallery context was becoming increasingly shallow and unfulfilling. Offering patterns for the BJD community seemed like the perfect way to redirect my energy."

gracefaerie designs formed in 2007, when Grace made a pattern for her niece Gertie, whose first BJD (CP Luts Miyu, Momo) needed a new wardrobe. Gertie (on winter break from the Art Institute of Chicago) and Grace's sister-in-law Joni (of JoniJewelry) combined efforts with an Ebay store in March 2007, selling Grace's patterns, Joni's jewelry and Gertie's garments and accessories. Laura, Grace's tech diva, set up the website and designed the pattern covers. Soon, Denver Doll Emporium carried the entire line of patterns. Today, there are 41 patterns in the line. Patterns are designed primarily for ball-jointed dolls, but some are also available for 14" articulated Kish dolls and Ellowyne Wilde.

Grace's favorite part of designing a pattern is the prototype. After the initial muslin phase, she plays with the design of the garment. Selecting fabric and embellishments that make the design come to life are most fun and inspiring. The most challenging aspects of pattern design are writing clear instructions. One of the primary goals is providing patterns that are fun to make, and removing as many of the fitting struggles as possible. This way, users can easily add their own personal creativity and style to the pattern.

When I asked Grace if there was a lot of "trial and error" in the process, she admitted she laughed out loud. (So, I have to confess, I've never created a pattern!) Grace told me, "In private, I call my method, 'mistake-driven'!" These "mistakes" are what lures her out of her comfort zone, however, and what move into new visual territory. From her training in visual art exhibition, Grace has learned that the struggle of getting what might be a "disaster" to work visually and emotionally often rewards you with your best work. One of her mentors taught her to actually turn her paintings upside down to help her see what was going on visually with her composition. An interesting technique, I thought!

Grace loves to sew. Her grandmother taught her, and she's been sewing since since she was three. Her best tip is pressing your seams: your iron is as important as your sewing machine. She enrolled in an adult tailoring class at the age of thirteen and made outfits with lined jackets and bound buttonholes. Just a word of advice on fitting bodices: For 27 years, Grace worked as a dancer, choreographer and dance instructor. No complaining when the pin pierces the velvet and pokes you in the ribs! She and the other dancer learned to stand perfectly still while skillful wardrobe mistresses fitted the corseted bodices of costumes like second skins.

Her highest compliments come from customers who enjoy her patterns and hear they "set their imagination in flight." (Check out the amazing article on BJD Collectasy as well.) Paulette Goodreau has been supportive and generous as well. Goodreau's beautiful ad in Doll Crafter and Costuming in January 2009 featured gracefaerie designs. Paulette also invited Grace to design the cover pattern and costume for Queen Azure for the cover of July 2009 issue, usingthe exclusive pattern Steamy Summer Steampunk. Joni made the jewelry and Gertie created the hat to complete the look. The article and pattern should appear in the electronic version of Dolls Magazine in December.

Some of the outfits Grace are most proud of: Takeshita-dori #10 and #11 and Serafuku #34 required some of the most research (Grace gives cat, who she met on a doll message forum and is very knowledgeable about this area, credit for research help), as well as Steamy Summer Steampunk fall into this category. Berdine Creedy's Melodi (now Viola, thanks to Michele Hardy's delicate face-up) was the inspiration behind pattern #35 Don't Pin Me Down. The kitty hat took eight and a half hours to draft, as the ears had to be perfectly oriented in the curved side seams. But the project was fun, and it was an inspiring process.

With the Guest Artist Series, Nancie of Nankatts resized #30 Play Day for her 10-12" BJDs, and invented seven new variations. Jozel's version of #40 Clarissa's Closet accents the best of the chunky new ABC Goodreau bodies. The next artists to contribute are Charie Wilson and Gale of WeeWardrobe.

gracefaerie designs takes pattern suggestions. Many patterns from #10 were inspired from customer requests. So don't be shy--send her your request on messages groups and forums.

Today, you can find gracefaerie designs patterns on her website, the Ebay store, through Denver Doll Emporium, JPop Dolls, Bobobie Mall, Dolls Dept 25, and soon through Goodreau Doll Lab. Denver Doll offers the patterns for sale at conventions. And most recently, Gale of WeeWardrobe and Jozel offered the patterns at their sales table at the Goodreau/Creedy Convention.

Latest additions to the website: #41 Best Friends, a very easy pattern for 10.5" toddler Creedy girls and 8" Goodreaus from the Goodreau/Creedy convention, and Forsaken, photos and instructions on how to make the embroidered sleeves.

Some things her customers can look forward to: Charie Wilson has drafted an original pattern, #43 Planet Lux - Layers of Luxury for 43cm Planetdoll girls. The pattern will include many garments designed for layering, and even includes a hand-knitted lace pattern.

About her collection:

According to Grace, "Where normal people have a sofa or dining room set, we have doll cabinets and displays (my husband has a large collection of artist dolls, Gene repaints, and BJD). Whole rooms are devoted to dolls along with most of the wall space." From dolls she has collected from her childhood, to her grandmother's, aunts' and mother's dolls, she has a large variety. She has a Tiny Betsy McCall, Tiny Tears, a few original Barbies, a Madame Alexander ballerina. Though her collection mostly grows with the addition of ball-jointed beauties.

As far as themes go--prior to the introduction of BJDs, she had a large group of mod era dolls, lots of Francie dolls, Willow, Daisy and TNT with rooted lashes. In addition, she also has a several repainted Gene Marshal repaints, Kitty Collier, and contemporary Cissy dolls, many with handmade outfits, which she and her niece created together.

Her current favorites are the BJDs with custom face-ups. "I respond to the “hand of the artist” that is visible in the tiny brush strokes along with the feeling that the artist’s spirit brought my doll’s personality to life." (So do I!) When I asked Grace about a grail, she excitedly admitted she's longed to add Dollstown Seola to her collection, and in fact, just this week, she's ordered her (hooray!), and she'll head straight to Jay Searle's studio for a face-up. She can hardly wait.

Mostly dolls with complex personalities and sculpts that express a range of emotions (not just pretty faces) are what draw her to a doll. She prefers strong body sculpts, such as Dollstown and Planetdoll, as these dolls read more like sculpture, than like dolls.

For her eclectic clothing style, she's drawn to a steampunk aesthestic, which is the pairing of Victorian fashion and steam-powered inventions." (Check out this great article on Wikipedia, as well for more information.) Also, she experiments with variations of the EGL and EGA genres, such as these outfits of from Messenger from Another Place and From Another Time, inspired by Volks SDG Kin, now Elicia after her Jay Searle faceup.

Grace sews for her dolls frequently, so she can answer questions from her customers who need fitting instructions on a particular body sculpt. At this point in time, she isn't selling her creations.

Grace rarely suffers from creative blocks--her problems mostly result from a backlog of creative ideas and a time limitations. She uses her dolls as her creative inspiration. Her first muse was CP Luts Miyu. In addition, Berdine Creedy's and Paulette Goodreau's dolls are a continual source of inspiration for her as well. And Planetdoll Riz is the entire source of inspiration behind the costume Forsaken. In Grace's words:

"Strong personalities, resin or human, invite me to reach deeper into my own personality…to discover clusters of emotions that interact in a dynamic synergy. For instance, I may see sadness, loneliness, and loss in a face, and also feel a profound sense of beauty and joy. Every feature…the shape of the mouth, the line in the forehead, the depth of the gaze… speaks of compassion grounded in sorrow… inner strength shaped by vulnerability and loss. My models are my muses, and my mirrors."

Photos courtesy of gracefaerie designs.

New Sybarite Haute Doll Exclusive: The Cross

Coming soon, and available for pre-order at 10 AM on September 9, 2009, The Cross is the latest and greatest exclusive Sybarite exclusive doll to Haute Doll magazine. Available at this point only to subscribers, her retail price and expected ship date is not yet available. But she is a limited edition of 150. And buyers will also have the opportunity to purchase the Innoquii or Raja doll for just $100 with the Cross.

Cross comes dressed in a sheer black mesh top, covering her hands in fine black lace. According to the promo ad, she'll have polka dot stockings, with custom printed stiletto closed-toe heels, a dramatic black feathered head piece, a gilt cross studded with faux diamonds, and a black and white polka dot bow.

Her gown will be vivid colors of pink, red, yellow combined with black, lined with a red silk, with a delicate overlay of lace with delicate red embroidery. The lace pattern should have a Victorian feel, with hot pink and bright red beading.

The raven-haired doll will have a softer face-up with red and fuchsia eye shadow, which highlights her sky grey eyes.

Photo courtesy of Haute Doll Magazine.

Any Australian Readers?? Free Barbie with subscription!

If you love fashion magazines, I just saw a post about this deal on another list. It's too expensive for me (since I live in the States!), but maybe it would be better if you live in Australia.

Subscribe to Vogue Australia, and your subscription will include a free Shopgirl Barbie, valued at AU$119.95. It's AU$75 for the year, AU$40 for six months if you live in Australia. If you're in the States (like me), it's AU$170 (about $132 US) for the year (and only a year is available).

I have to admit--Vogue is one of my favorite free-time reads, though, especially non-US versions of the magazine... and I'm sorely tempted!

Photo courtesy Mattel.

A new blog...

I'm a voice of the industry! Check out my new blog for Dolls Magazine, The Doll Addiction, when you get a chance, and leave a comment for me. (A positive one would be nice.) Yay!

Peak's Woods Haute Doll Exclusive Claudine

I see a new Peak's Woods doll in my future... but probably not this Goldie, named Claudine. She's the new exclusive doll featured in the upcoming Haute Doll magazine. An SD size, these lovely ABJDs are 58 cm tall, and are really some of my favorite sculpts. This one has a normal bust, white skin, and is sold nude with eyes, with bite marks on her neck--with a face-up prototype by Val Zeitler.

She retails for $760 for subscribers and $810 for non-subscribers. Just a reference point--basic Peak's Woods SD dolls include two sets of eyes and a random wig for $522.

There will also be a fun-looking collection of clothes, also designed by Valerie Zeitler and produced by Doll Heart. The clothing and accessories are from the Eerie Attic of Val's Rag Patch--and if it's at all close to last year's collection, we're in for a real treat.

Claudine and the clothing line goes on sale July 20, but we should be able to preview them tomorrow, July 6.
Photos courtesy Haute Doll Magazine.

Dolls Awards of Excellence Nominees

They've been announced at Dolls Magazine online. Photos of the dolls and a voting ballot will be provided in the August 2009 issue. Here are a few interesting highlights:

Fashion dolls, 12" and under

• Mystery Alice by Goodreau
• Empress of the Golden Blossom by Mattel
• Tout de Suite by Mattel
• Mitzi by Whitney Stites for the Doll Maker and Friends
• Dania Zarr Red Zinger by Integrity Toys

Fashion dolls over 12"

• Glinda by Goodreau
• Scarlett O'Hara, Christmas with Ashley by Morgan Mint
• Classic Portrait Joan Crawford by Tonner
• Seasons by Gregg Ortiz
• Androgyny Avant Guard by Integrity Toys

Ball-jointed dolls under $200

• Delilah Noir (Ashton-Drake)
• Bellatrix Belfry by Goodreau
• Laughter by Berdine Creedy
• Ping Li by Senson Ltd
• Lori by Senson Ltd

Ball-jointed dolls over $200

• Hint of March Hare (Goodreau)
• Bubbles by Pat Moulton
• Gorgeous by Berdine Creedy
• Precious by Berdine Creedy
• Ainsley by Kimberly Lasher

Photos courtesy Berdine Creedy and Kim Lasher.

New Sybarite exclusive by Haute Doll magazine

A new exclusive (limited edition of 100 pieces) Sybarite doll is being offered--and has already sold out, but you can still get your name on a waiting list--at Haute Doll. It was $100 to pre-order the doll (and the retail price has not yet been determined), Fugu-San Sybarite by Superfrock. She is gorgeous, I have to admit.

She's dressed in an elegant and simple (though intricate) coarse weave gown of natural material with satin piping and lining, with faux leather platform sandals. Fugo sports a short black choppy hair style (adorable!) and dramatic face-up with red lips, and she also includes a faux fur coat and a set of chopsticks.

Photos courtesy Haute Doll Magazine.

Dolls Magazine subscription special

Do your part for the environment and subscribe to the digital edition of Dolls Magazine for just $10 for the year. That's a 70% savings! Use the code E96247 when you subscribe.

You can preview the current digital issue here--it's a great service! I just love it. Plus, the "Share" function makes it easy to add widgets to your website and forum posts. It's awesome!

Look Inside >> July 2009