January 17, 2009
Helen's House 1 - 4pm
Attendance. If you couldn't make it we missed you! Pardon me if I've misspelled your name, please print:
Rossi Bray, Diane Figlewicz, Eileen Wilcoxen, Roseanne Thompson, Colleen Bammon, Suzzanne McGuirk, Stephanie Gauper, Linda Benson, Gretchen Groth, Janet Greenwood, Helen Gardner, Marion Bolson, Darline Smith, Desiree Peterson, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh
Handouts:
Doll Club Agenda - Please see Agenda for discussion list and definitions.
Early discussion:
Thank you Helen for hosting in your beautiful house! We had a great time!
Sandy is doing alright after her foot surgery but apparently didn't want to our focal point by lying in the middle of the floor with her foot up and so stayed home.
We had a couple of new people with us today: Diane used to make porcelain dolls but is mostly quilting now. Eileen is Diane's friend and fellow quilter. Gretchen teaches psychology at Metro.
Linda B told us about Wild Woolly Wednesdays at Tactile and the Bead Society, Linda will send us a link.
There may be room for us at the Stanley Lake Library but it is closed until March.
Chloe isn't getting anything done but she has Trap / Neuter-Spay /Released a dozen feral cats.
Marion gave voice to the idea of getting together between meetings at member homes just to work on projects.
We liked the idea and chose to do this on Sunday's and everyone will bring their own snack.
Our first Play Day will be Feb 15th at Helen's (Thank you Helen!) Don't forget our next meeting will then be at Rossi's on the 21st.
Janet was working on her yo-yo's for the quilt she is making from bridal fabric scraps and has done about 2000.
Librarian Report -
Silent auction for the sewing related books, closing after snacks.
Colleen hasn't had the library with her for 3 months and will need to check it over. Colleen has asked everyone to bring their library materials back and not check anymore out if you haven't.
Marion will check with Gage about book orders.
Marion also loaded the membership list on our Yahoo! Group site. Thank you Marion!
Business (Agenda points):
Rocky Mountain Sew Expo
Linda has the schedule passed around for people to sign up for shifts. Please let Marion know if you are bringing something so she can plan for the space. If you would still like to enter a doll for the challenge it is being
held open. Bring your items on Feb 4th between 3pm and 5pm.
Leslie will be judging this year again and will also be selling, there might even be classes with her.
Voting for officers next month.
Chloe chooses to remain as Secretary (unless someone else would like it of course) and has volunteered to take the library. This garnered much praise and Suzzanne suggested an extra cookie with Marion reminding that Chloe is also Gluten Free to which Desiree responded perhaps something
else? Chloe said "chocolate" and Marion promptly whipped out a piece of Dove! That Marion, always prepared!
Suzzanne and Desiree have volunteered to help Marion while she remains President.
Linda will remain as VP with Helen's help printing.
We will need to ask Sandy if she remains in her positions?
Creations in Fiber
Marion will email the group who is going so that people can connect and make plans to share rides, rooms or more.
We switched programs to have Marion do a small doll next month then we will do the fusible scarf in March.
Marion will email link and/or pattern.
Gretchen has samples of the fusible's that she will bring on the 15th so plans can be made.
DDA began in Feb 2001
Trisha is going to bring a birthday cake to the next meeting in celebration.
Reminder: Quart Bag Doll due at Feb meeting. Desiree says hers will be an aminal. Please note that you are not constrained to use any part of the materials in the quart bag - just make a doll!
We reminded Marion how much we missed her last month while she had the flu and a broken toe.
Chloe had the flier from Harriet's Treadle Arts about a doll class and new Monday and Friday times to get together to work on your projects that have a small fee but come with something to eat.
Suzzanne talked about the Women's Connection in Broomfield with 5 classes for $20 at United Methodist.
Stephanie told us about Emily's Sewing Basket, a new quilt shop at Kipling and Colfax (NE corner) and that Judy Conch teaches there. She says the store is like (Prosperity) without as much stock but reasonable prices.
We made $31.50 on book sales.
Shock and Awe
Suzzanne had a jacket and purse embellished with fusible threadplay at collar and sleeves and polyclay buttons she also made. She had a small palm-sized doll with an acorn hat and a lovely large doll in a lavender dress with hand-dyed lace and a pretty, pretty face. Suzzanne and Marion also told us about Dye-na-Flow kits from dharmatrading. com
Stephanie had a doll dress, handmade lace and patterns from Janet's Creations (Audrey Rose, Merry & Chris Moose, Angel and Rustic Snowman).
Linda had a Discovery item that was using a ribbed plastic wall anchor 1-1/4" for your thread spindles without the "catch" slot to lock the thread into for storage. Simply slide the thread into the anchor and drop it into the spindle hole. She had a basket full of them for everyone to have one. Thank you Linda!
Marion showed us calendar's that will be for sale in the Sew Expo booth and to be used for Doll Challenge prizes.
There will also be bundles of magazines (no subscriptions) and a Stuffed high-end magazine ($14.95).
Linda and Colleen talked about a Call for Entry for Stuffed
(stampington. com) There is also one for Art Jewelry.
Eileen had the Spirit Doll that Marion had emailed the link for our doll pin project.
Online Resources:
Cloth Doll Connection
Doll Street Dreamers
Doll Makers Journey
Sherri Goshen
Friends of Cloth Dolls
Roseanne had a cupcake pincushion and apron, both of which she modeled for us. The apron was for all sizes and said "I like to cook with wine and sometimes I put it in the food," wine glasses were pockets.
Colleen had "Before and After" pictures of her house.
(end Agenda points, new business)
We moved into the dining room for the project discussion by Marion who had the Spirit doll reduced down to pin doll size. She began by placing Chenille strip in through arm and leg and talked about stuffing and different battings.
Marion had her box of sale items (turning tubes, stuffing forks, hemostats) including the Pima fabric from Barbara Willis Marion isn't able to find these tools in stores and has to go online. Seam lengths should be 1.5
Batting discussion - look for "Fairfield" on the package.
Eileen asked for a kit list and Marion will have info from her Tips & Tricks class that she will let the group have.
Desiree talked about "Root Children."
Marion had printed doll faces, smaller and smaller onto fabric with an iron-on backing (Steam a Seam?) and had small circle template cut-outs to mark around the faces for cutting out. Use a 0.3 or 0.5 mechanical pencil. With mechanical pencils the lines are always the same size unlike a regular pencil where each line is a little different. Put fingers on the bias to ease turning with 2 stitches between fingers, that is don't make a point but square the gap between fingers. Getting the fabric wet may also help turning. Bathing suit material can also help and Marion has actually made gloves for her doll hands with double stretch Lycra. (That's impressive Marion!)
Marion's website: heartfelt-tradition s.com
Claire's Jewelry Shoppe for eye make-up palettes with lot's of colors. Make-up has more oil than pastels and Barbara Willis uses eye make-up though Marion has had dolls for years who's faces stood up to handling with pastels too.
Suzzanne paints a face and if she doesn't like it she simply turns the head around and paints another, that way you can choose between the two.
Make your patterns out of manilla folders for durability.
Use a peach pencil instead of lead.
Silk - it frays and you must use a larger seam allowance.
Fray Block (purple tube) not Fray Check as it hardens.
Marion uses Grippe glue but they don't make it anymore.
BarbaraWillisDesigns.com
Kona "wheat" color cotton for dolls with dark skin.
Marion's happy find: ccartwright. com for small sequence
Marion's classes at the Sew Expo - all at 2:30
Thur - Goddess pin doll, mostly beading as Marion has made the doll in the kit.
Fri - Tips & Tricks, she has 55 slides and 3 pages of resources
Sat - Face Painting is another 2 hour class
Use Coat's Button and Craft thread to attach arms only going through once. Avoid generalized "nipping" or cutting into the fabric toward the seam, this is only done in the stress points like curves and even then only once or twice.
Whew! That was a lot of information! Thank you Marion!
And thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussion - keep those ideas, input, problems and questions coming!
Message from Chloe:
Did I forget something or have it written down differently from the way you remembered it? Write us! Let us know!
Have an idea for next months meeting? Have a project idea? Want to discuss something? That's what our email group is for! Send in your thoughts!
Feb 21 2009
Helen's House 1 - 4pm
Once again a great big Thank You! to Helen! We can all claim to have been Helen's roommates now. Thanks to Trisha, Marion and Helen for snacks! We had giant strawberries, flavored coffee, Gluten-Free peanut butter
cookies, yummyummyumm and other wonders!
Attendance (if you couldn't make it we missed you!): Marion Bolson, Darline Smith, Sandy Wecker, Carol L. Barber, Helen Gardner, Ellen Brown, Janet Greenwood, Susan Wadsworth, Chloe Lee, Patricia Beynur, Diane Figlewicz, Eileen Wolcoxen, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh, Linda Benson, Rosanne Thompson.
We had a new member and two guests! Our new member Carol has previously done elf dolls and Raggedy Ann's, her other hobby is genealogy. Our guest Susan has had dolls all her life and made porcelains and miniatures. She said we had the best booth at the Sew Expo and our staff was the friendliest! Thank you Susan. Our guest Pat lives in Berthod, same as our Membership officer Sandy, and has been making dolls for her granddaughters.
Handouts:
Doll Club Agenda - Please see Agenda for discussion list and definitions.
Early discussion:
Stephanie was in the hospital for something like acute bronchitis, she's out now and we hope more comfortable.
Committee Reports
Treasurer
Reminder that it is a 25 cent fee if you forget your name tag!
Membership
Membership, the membership list was passed around for people to check their membership status.
Sandy's new married name is Sandy Wecker and we're glad she came through foot surgery so well!
Librarian Report
Chloe, as the new librarian will work to get us an inventory list .
Business (Agenda points):
We voted Yes! to renew subscriptions to Art Doll and Doll Crafter and Costuming.
Helen had a copy of the new Patti Culea book that she let us look at, thank you Helen! It is a lot about embellishments but not necessarily focused on dolls so
we voted not to purchase a copy.
Marion let us know that Sew Expo was a success!
We not only received positive comments from attendees and management, who also invited us back but the out-of-state doll challenge participants (and winners) are giving us positive comments on doll street, hopefully this is the right link: http://www.dollstre etdreamers. com/
Marion would also like to advertise the challenge for next year better and so need to have a decision on the theme.
We voted that Enchanted Garden will be the theme for the Feb 2010 Sew Expo booth.
We also had a good discussion on other shows, the Mancuso in May is too soon and we can't sell at it.
Everyone is too busy in July, in fact we decided to again cancel the July Doll Club meeting.
So (or is that sew?) the Sew Expo in Feb is our big show!
All dolls are welcome, if you use someone else's pattern simply identify that creator on your paperwork.
Chloe will help Marion write an article on Yahoo! Groups
2009 Officers
Roseanne is now our club Photographer, thank you Roseanne!
Sandy remains as Membership, thank you Sandy!
Our generous Helen has once again offered to allow us to set up Play Day in her home on Sunday March 15th.
On Play Days we bring our own snacks.
Helen will also print our Agenda's for the March meeting.
March Dates:
1st (and Feb 28th) - Kristal Wick class @ Rocky Mountain Bead Society 7th & 8th Japanese Doll Festival @ Simpson Methodist, 60th Ave and Wolf
15th - Play Day @ Helen's
20th & 21st David Dean class @ Rocky Mountain Bead Society
21st - Denver Doll Artisans monthly meeting @ Suzzanne's, Sandy will bring her Whimsical Chairs to show.
We have a new section to doll club - individualized trunk shows to inspire each other!
April- we meet at Above & Beyond! Yea!
The program is the Enchanted Garden Juice Exchange, thank you Trisha for the naming. This is a discussion regarding the challenge for next Feb's Sew Expo.
Trunk Show: Chloe
May - Whimsical Chair by Sandy
Trunk Show: Janet
June - TP faces by Linda B., yes, toilet paper.
Trunk Show: Helen
July - canceled
August - Linda B. suggested a Field Trip to HGB Buttons and will check
into tours.
Sept - Bead Ren
Other program ideas: Janet's beading class
Chloe gave Marion a fan pin as a Thank You! for the Sew Expo event.
We were done with enough time to sit down to the Teeny Tiny Flower Fairy!
Shock & Awe and the Quart Bag Dolls
Trisha had a QBD, a ballerina-esk in pink with great hair that she said inspired her and this was her first cloth doll. Congratulations and Good Job Trisha!
Trisha also had an adorable pin doll.
Roseanne had a pillow case and a great laugh.
Chloe had a QBD that Roseanne said looked like her.
Janet had a great beaded necklace.
Ellen had a QBD from a Barbara Willis pattern and everyone thought it was just the cutest!
Helen had a QBD we oooo'd and awwwed over
Sandy, who had been off work for seven weeks with her foot surgery began by donating the book Doll Fashionistas, thank you Sandy. She had a pin doll made from needle-felted organza, loved the numerous foot charms.
The the cutest wine fairy from Marion's pattern. And a Dr Suess-ish cat-sort-of character with wicked fingernails and a smaller one with it. But you should have heard the cries when she pulled out Greta Gourd Bird who's body and feet were gourds and had a multitude of colorful feathers.
Roseanne took pictures and Marion handed out ribbons and bags of beads to those who brought QBD's.
Whoever won the packs of Art Doll Quarterly at the Sew Expo raffle never claimed them so Linda B. handled a drawing for anyone who worked the booth.
The last item was to thank Helen for letting Chloe use some of her tape to prep the Doll Fashionistas book for the library. Thank you Helen!
And Thank You! Dollies for another wonderful meeting!
Message from Chloe:
Did I forget something or have it written down differently from the way you remembered it? Write us! Let us know!
March 21, 2009
Suzzanne's House 1 - 4pm
Many thanks to Suzzanne for hosting us in her Better Homes and Gardens home! Thanks Suzzanne! It was a bit strange not going to Helen's, thanks Helen for having us so many times!
Attendance (if you couldn't make it we missed you!):
Marion wasn't with us this time, she was beading. Thanks to Linda Benson for conducting the meeting.
Colleen Bammann, Rosanne Thompson, Dyanne Brorrow, Carol L. Barber, Helen Gardner, Sandy Wecker, Suzzanne McGuirk, Darline Smith, Janet Greenwood, Stephanie Gauper, Linda Benson, Eileen E. Wolcoxen, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh, Chloe Lee, Gage Evans
(Dyanne - did I get your last name right?)
Handouts:
Doll Club Agenda March 21, 2009
Please see Agenda for discussion list and definitions.
Early discussion:
Dyanne: "Trying to get out of my house is like trying to get out of a tube of glue!" About Suzzanne's finely decorated house... "Oh! Look at that!" "Oh! There's even a sign saying "Welcome Dollies"" "This is amazing!" "Aren't
you glad you don't have to dust in here!" As secretary I second that one, Suzzanne you are so ambitious, what's your secret to being so active? Helen was sitting next to the table displaying Janet's Trunk Show where a box of "chocolates" was sitting and said "This is such a distraction, I could drive my whole company crazy."
Websites from a magazine article on holiday dolls that was being passed around: liquidsunshineonlin e.com, bearytinytreasures. com, calontirtrim. com
Committee Reports
Treasurer
Reminder that it is a 25 cent fee if you forget your name tag! (did we have paper name tags this meeting?)
Sandy wants to spend the money in the Treasury!
Membership
There was some business regarding memberships.
Librarian Report
Chloe repeated the statement in the Agenda about checking in your materials before someone else picks them up.
The library inventory was started and Chloe would like to change the system from cards to a notebook.
Business (Agenda points):
We voted to pursue Leslie Molen for classes at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo next year. Her agreement, charges and schedule will need to be checked. What is Leslie's website?
Next Play Day at Suzzanne's 4/11/09 1-4pm bring your own snack. Suzzanne had samples of the metal etching and stamping we will be looking closer at on Play Day.
We voted not to participate in the Stamp*Scrap & PaperCraft Fest.
Sharon Costello Class. We had a significant amount of discussion and confusion for some time before Gage arrived regarding the $140 travel expenses as we thought we were to vote on it. A large part of that discussion revolved around when the charge was added-on and who was getting the money. Was it additional costs stated by Sharon or was the Boulder group paying her expenses and we were reimbursing them?
Once Gage got there we found out it wasn't a voting issue but was to be regarded as an additional expense to the doll club outside of the class fees. Chloe had strong objections to add-on fees and felt we were setting precedence. There was further input from several members and a basic overall feeling that all costs should be stated up front even if
there were members who had little problem with additional costs. We voted Yes(!) to funding gas for Gage to transport Sharon in the amount of $25 with the understanding that this is now standard practice for the Doll Club to it's members who offer such services. Suzzanne pointed out that if gas prices go up to $5 a gallon we would need to
readdress the amount provided and there was a general mumur of consensus. Gage seemed to appreciate the offer, we hope so and thank you Gage for volunteering. Gage was able to clarify that Sharon has a set fee per day for her classes. Gage also let us know that there 14 people registered and funds from attendees should exceed the class fee from Sharon. A comment was made that once it is over and we know for sure and Marion is with us to advise us that we should readdress what will happen to those overages. Should they remain with the club or should they be refunded to the
attendees?
Creations in Fiber Doll Conference
Mostly there was discussion on people wanting to look at the new doll on the website later, after they got home. The number of members likely to attend remained about the same.
Bead Bazaar
Members more experienced with this explained it to those unfamiliar. Note that the website is rockybead.org or that could be rockybeads.org.
April 18th meeting will be at Above and Beyone Sewing, 3987 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 303-317-2004
Yea! Once again thanks to Suzzanne for arranging this and hold on to your wallets ladies! Discussion on what the progam meant "Enchanted Garden Juice Exchange" thank you Trisha for the name. We wanted to discuss ways to make it more interesting and to get the word out as Marion had wanted to invite more mail-in participation and have a blurb for the Denver Doll Artisans (us) website. Also if we have Leslie Molen for classes during the Sew Expo isn't she our judge and so will she still want that duty? Does anyone
have suggestions for alternative judges? Snacks: Rosanne and Darline. Trunk Show: Chloe.
(end Agenda points, new business)
From Gage we had notice of the Tactile Doll Show invitation July 15th -
August 28th with exposure to the mall and a 60/40 split for sales. Gage cannot coordinate this and Linda Benson volunteered, thank you Linda!Trisha and Gage both said they would help Linda. We can advertise as individuals and/or as a group.There was a question as to what can be sold since many of our items for sale at the Sew Expo aren't dolls. Will those things that are specifically a whole doll be allowed to be sold?
Someone, sorry I didn't note who mentioned a National Button Show in Denver
Snacks! We loved the salad and the ice cream cake!
We added two magazines and raffled off the rest from the magazines that Chloe's friend had given her. The friends husband found them in Barnes and Noble's dumpster.
Note that Chloe wasn't able to sort through the confusion of cards to check materials back in so they could be immediately checked back out during the beginning of the snack break and bagged it all to be sorted through later.
Shock and Awe
Stephanie had an orange/red felt pin-doll, a leggy "Fire Guy" felt doll - anatomically correct of course!
Janet had this wonderful "bird-head" doll with clay head, Raku base, foam legs/body. Very Marie Antionette! She also had Santa doll carrying a teddy bear that could be taken out of the sack which she made the pattern for and is jointed.
Suzzanne showed us sample scarves made with Solvy and one from a mesh weave that we all especially liked. She also had a polymer clay cane necklace and a necklace with a molded clay face like a Chinese sage that looked like it was made from jade. Another piece was made from surged
fish line.
Gage had a felt mask and the "Old Man" doll completed including cane. She also had a bobble-head sock dog.
Sandy showed us grab-bags of trims and things from
flightsoffancybouti que.com that she wanted to present as an idea for prize gifts. She also had a doll for a theme party of "Moon Goddess," the book on (Solvy) scarves and her fantastic doll chairs.Gage was noted for having the best girly-girl noises for the dolls and things.
Helen has her interview for citizenship May 15th! You go Helen! She has to memorize the answers to 100 questions and Trisha has a great way to trip you up on the whole Columbus story.
Carol had a 50+ year old doll and she had "The Sheep Knitting Herself" which was such a huge success that most everyone wanted a program/pattern/ class from her.
Rosanne had clay and metal etched pieces from the class she takes with Suzzanne.
Linda B. had "domino" pendants, these were pendants that were made from fancy-ing up dominos, very creative!
Trunk Show: Janet
Picture book of accomplishments including the fantastic wedding dresses, one of which was a hand-beaded $17,000 for dot-com people in CA (she had a $10,000 diamond ring), a 25 foot Raggedy Ann and mice for a store display window.
Janet had samples of Trapunto quilting, accessory bag, Hardanger embroidery, the Art Nouveau Challenge doll, pottery work, wire and bead doll, bead covered doll, jewelry - lots of jewelry, box of fabric "candies", beaded eggs (start with a band of double sided tape over the
middle of a plastic easter egg) and a couple of her Shively birds - she said she's made about 25 of those.
Trunk Show: Suzzanne
Pancake dolls which she explained to our newer members. Suzzannes showed us her embellished clothing, she's been sewing for about 12 years and got started for the randkids. Her husband Gordon used to sew his own parachutes. She had a "trip" vest with destinations sewn in, jacket and pants, Cindy Loosecamp jacket, "License for Fun" jacket, Fionna's bumper pad and redwork quilt, bag, another redwork quilt, two Shibori kite string jacket that we all loved so much we want a class/project in, sweatshirt patch jacket, jacket and purse w/Solvy scarf trim and polymer clay buttons, "Bog" coat pattern - like a kimono, "Take time in the garden" jacket, wall quilt of brid on beach under the sun.
Project Demo: Solvy scarves by Suzzanne
Any weight of Sulky Solvy or other water-soluable stablilizer, spray lightly with the spray adhesive used for quilting. Lay on yarn loosely and randomly then top with a second layer of stablilizer. Stipple stitch, free-motion or other stitching that suits you with the feed dogs down, regular thread or monofiliment (a clear plastic thread
like fishing line except in a weight suitable for sewing).
Be creative and hang bits off that won't be sewn in to the main body of the scarf/trim.
Finish with embellishments.
Message from Chloe:
Did I forget something or have it written down differently from the way you remembered it? Write us! Let us know! Have an idea for next months meeting? Have a project idea? Want to discuss something? That's what our email group is for! Send in your thoughts!
April 18, 2009
Above and Beyond 1-4 pm
In attendance: Marion Bolson, Darline Smith, Bonnie Roberton, Anita Owens, Ellen Brown, Carol Barber, Rosanne Thompson, Janice Hunt, Helen Gardner and Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh. Several members were unable to attend because of the weather.
Four members forgot their nametags, so $1 was paid in fees.
Marion announced that there is about $2,196 in the treasury, after considering new dues, the profit from the Sharon Costello class, and expenses for library materials.
Darline gave Carol her patch and offered to make her another one in different colors if she wanted. Carol, however, was delighted with her new patch.
Trisha, standing in for Chloe as librarian, let everyone know that the new library system is up and running. There had been some discussion in email about republishing the rules of the library, including a three-book (or magazine or
dvd) limit. Marion said that she would look into getting the rules online.
Marion reminded everyone about the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo February 4-6, 2010 and the Enchanted Garden Challenge.
Suzanne was not at the meeting, but she was thanked in absentia for hosting the April Play date. Those who had attended had a great time etching copper and visiting. We were disappointed that Janet was not able to come show off the beaded Easter eggs she worked on that day.
May's play date will be back at Helen's. Since May 10th is Mother's Day, the play date was set for May 3rd.
Marion reported that the Sharon Costello class brought a profit of $105. Our thanks to Gage, who worked so hard to make the class come about. There had been some discussion in an earlier meeting about how to handle the profit from the class. It was moved and unanimously passed that the profits be kept in the treasury.
Reminder that the Fiber Doll Conference is coming up May 28th.
Marion let us know that Robin Atkins will be at the next meeting of the bead group at Tamarac on April 23rd - - they meet the 4th Thursday each month. Robin does bead embroidery. Anyone can attend as a guest of either Marion or Anita. The meetings begin at 6:45, and the group provides food beforehand, beginning at 6:00. The Bead Bazaar is April 25th and 26th at the Merchandise Mart.
The National Button Show will be held August 3-6. We have been invited to show dolls at Tactile the same weekend. Linda let Marion know that they would like us to have a title or theme for the show and to include a story with each doll. They suggested that we could even have a button-theme doll challenge. Many members felt that this was asking too much and the button-themed challenge was
dismissed. Helen asked if we'd be allowed to sell dolls there. Marion wasn't sure but warned that dolls don't sell very well at shows like that. Marion was going to ask Linda what the minimum number of dolls would be. Helen, Ellen,
Carol and Trisha said they would like to show dolls, and Marion said she might. Several clever titles for the show were bandied about, but none were chosen.
Our next meeting will be May 16th at Above and Beyond. Janice will be joining Chloe in providing snacks since Rosanne brought snacks this month. Thanks for noticing that and stepping in, Janice! We'll be working on whimsical chairs at that meeting. The supply list has gone out. A few members do not have internet access. Carol and Ellen were given copies of the list at the meeting. Trisha will be their Email Buddy and pass along info either by phone or through the mail so they aren't left out in the future. Helen asked where to find diamond dust and micro beads. Marion was going to look into that and let us know. Helen let us know that diamond dust is made of ground glass while most glitter is made of polyester. Marion will try to get a picture of a completed chair on the website. Sandy will be teaching that class.
New Business
The group unanimously agreed to purchase a complete set of Jack Johnson's DVDs for $85. It was later discovered that the total cost for the DVDs is actually $169, so we will not be purchasing them after all. Some of the members talked
of getting their own copies. Ellen has taken a Jack Johnson class and was very enthusiastic about the class and the man. What she said was that he was a generous teacher.
Shock and Awe
Janice started her presentation with a sweet bright pink cap that she'd knit. She had made four carved Santas and two carved pelicans. She brought one of the Santas and pictures of the rest. Two of the Santas and one of the pelicans have already been sold. She learned to carve in a 6 week class. She announced that on February 3rd, she became a great-grandmother for the third time and brought a
picture of the new baby and the baby's cousin. So cute! Janice brought business cards and a sample of merchandise from a shop in Santa Fe, which belongs to her friend's daughter. She thought folks going to the Doll Conference might want to drop by. The shop has more than just beads, including lots of stones. She had a necklace that her friend had made for her that lays like stone blossoms around her neck, and a bracelet that the friend's daughter
had made.
Rosanne had made a cute pillowcase for a little boy with trucks all over it. She also brought the doll she made in the Sharon Costello class. She kept referring to the doll as having a bad hair day and threatened to make it a hat,
but several people tried to talk her out of hiding the glorious coif. She talked about the polymer clay class that she is taking. She showed the copper she'd etched, including the piece she'd made at the play date.
Helen also brought the copper piece she made at the play date. It has dragonflies on it and she had roughed it up with a hammer. The finished piece is great.
Ellen brought a wonderful red-haired elf sitting on a fabric mushroom. His hat was made of thread and solvy. He even had lashes!
Carol brought a little stuffed baby doll. She's just started face sculpting. Its little hat was made from a baby sock. She brought the pattern and offered to share if anyone wanted to try it.
Anita brought her doll from Sharon's felting class. He's cross-eyed and the finished doll will have a bug on is nose. She brought rumsy (spelling?) fiber and showed why its less combed structure is better for felting. Most other
fibers show more grains. Anita showed us the quilt - - a dream landscape - - that she is making for a quilt challenge. It was gorgeous and she wasn't done with it yet! Then she showed us several table runners that she'd pieced and Bonnie had quilted. Anita has started working on her challenge doll. She brought the book Cloth Dolls for Textile Artists, by Ray Slater and showed us the doll pattern she'll be using. She also had a box of fabrics and trims that she has put together for the doll. Then she passed around a box of pins she's made that show very nice beading. She's sold three of them. Finally, she passed around an adorable blue felted gargoyle that she made at work.
Marion is participating in the doll challenge in Albuquerque. The theme is "Musicals" and Marion chose Cats. She showed us a three ring binder that chronicles her research and quite a bit of her process for the dolls. The first one she showed us was Victoria, a white Victorian cat. She also had a tiger striped cat and another striped cat she's working on. The first two cats are sitting back on their knees and third one will be standing. She started with a fairy pattern but made two piece arms and legs and talked about how to make that change to a pattern. She showed how the standing cat's foot has been made so far and how she's planning on using its tail as the third standing point.
Marion brought many of her first tries at the cat heads and discussed the importance of practice. She pointed out that we can't expect to get a perfect doll with a first try and need to be willing to redo things until we get one we like. Some of us need to hear that! Thanks Marion!!! Then she passed around a Magic Threads pattern from 1992 by Julie McCullough called Cat Dancer.
Rosanne and Darline brought snacks including crunchy veggie snacks and cheesecake! Yum.
Our slated program was to brainstorm ways to get more people involved in our challenge "Enchanted Garden" this year. Helen and Marion discussed flyers and posters and posting the info on some of the doll sites.
The meeting ended shortly after 3:00. It was still raining when we left, but nothing like the downpour we arrived in!
Respectfully submitted,
Trisha Ahsirt Wiggin-Fausnaugh
May 16, 2009
Above and Beyond 1-4 pm
Chloe was late so Trisha started the Minutes and promptly emailed them the same night as the meeting!
Thank you Trisha!
In attendance: Marion Bolson, Particia Beymer, Sandy Wecker, Rosanne Thompson, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh, Carol L. Barber, Janet Greenwood, Helen Gardner, Suzzanne McGuirk, Linda Beson, Edie Petrock, Janice Hunt, Elen Brown, Trudi McCann, Stephanie Gauper, Anita Owens, Darline Smith, Gage Evans, Donna Cohen, Chloe Lee (Everybody's here!)
Handouts: Doll Club Agenda May 16, 2009
Please see Agenda for discussion list and definitions.
Several members reported problems in receiving emails from the club.
Marion suggested that folks check their spam files to make sure the emails arent being filtered out.
DDA Schedule:
A) Jul 9 - 11 Rocky Mountain Sew Expo (Rusty Barn)
B) Jul 15 - Aug 29 Tactile Bead, Button and Doll Show
C) Jul 17 - 31 Entry dates for the Adams County Fair (Aug 5 - 9) August 1st - Marion will be judging
A) Marion will be teaching at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo (Rusty Barn) July 9-11, so help will be needed to set up. She tried to bring Lesley Molin in to teach but shes not allowed to unless Lesley has her own booth. This year, the expo will close at 5:00 p.m. each day instead of 6:00.
B) (Trisha made a note of one person, Chloe another, listing both: Suzzanne or Linda Beson working with Tactile)(Suzzane or Linda Benson) has been working with Shelley DeChantel at Tactile on the doll show July 15-August 29. Shelley needs pictures for press releases, pictures will be sent within the week. Gage and Marion both have pictures they can send. Since this doll show is right after the Rusty Barn show, (Suzzane or Linda Benson) said she could transport dolls from one to the other. Gage said she would help with that. Dolls can be sold at the show with a 60/40 split. Shelley will be handling the publicity, which will include a reception. A sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers for the reception and for bringing snacks. Each doll should be accompanied by a little bio or story. This can simply be a paragraph explaining the inspiration for the doll, whether it was done for a challenge, what sort of process was used, or something like that. The group agreed that other doll makers would be welcomed to show their work at the same time. The button trunk show will be going on at the same time and if we have buttons to sell we should let (Suzzane or Linda Benson) know by June 1st. Dolls with button themes are encouraged. Other people or groups can also show dolls. Our contact will confirm that we can also sell beads, buttons and doll-related items and if any other groups or people would like to do the reception with us.
The following people signed up to 1) enter doll(s), 2) attend/work the reception and 3) bring a snack for the reception:Marion Bolson, Linda Benson, Carol L. Barber, Gage Evans, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh, Janet Greenwood, Helen Gardner, Suzzanne McGuirk, Patricia Beymer, Stephanie Gauper, Chloe Lee
C) Marion will be judging at the Adams County Fair on August 1st. She will bring entry forms to the next meeting.
The June play date will be at Helens on the 14th.
The July play date will be at Ellens (120th and Quebec) on the 19th.
The August date has not been set.
There will be no regular meeting in July. We are still hoping to tour JHB for the August meeting.
The group agreed to purchase one bolt of Pimatex fabric from Marion, which will then be available to members to buy at wholesale plus freight. The question arose whether one bolt would be enough. Marion has already placed the order and she feels that one bolt should last us for quite some time. There are 20 yards on the bolt and most people by a yard or half yard at a time. Marion had a sample of the fabric for the club to look at.
Christine Shively contacted Marion about being in town in September. Last year, when she did the bird class, the club charged $10 for members and $30 for non-members and paid the difference to make up Christines $275. This year, she could teach either a dragon or a costuming class. Fourteen people said they would like to take the dragon class and 16 said they would be interested in the costuming class (double voting was allowed). If enough members were interested, the classes may not be open to non-members. Suzzane confirmed that she was still willing to host Christine, although she has a conflict near the end of the month. Ellen volunteered to host Christine if Suzzane cannot.
Reminders:
The button convention is August 6, 7 and 8.
The Rocky Mountain Quilt Fest is August 22 and 23.
The Fiber Doll Conference is coming up May 28th. Four members will be flying down to attend.
Wool Market in Estes Park, June 11-14.
National Button Show, August 3-8.
Rocky Mountain Quilt Fest, August 22 and 23.
Renaissance Show, September 17-20.
Chloe let us know she got another notebook for the library. There will now be one for books, patterns and videos and one for magazines.
Suzzane (or Linda Benson?) donated to the library some Soft Dolls and Animal magazines and a book that she had been given.
Anita reminded us that the first Saturday in September (5th) is Trappers Day in Ft Lupton. This years quilt challenge is "Landscapes." Members are encouraged to attend. Also in Ft Lupton the last weekend of September is a craft show at the Rec Center. Anita and her sister will have a booth. The Rec Center is located on Hwy 52 and Raliegh
Gage got in the Wild Women books that were ordered by Desiree, Bonnie, Suzzane, Stephanie and the library. She was able to get the books at a 35% discount, so each book was only $6.50 instead of $9.99. She was unable to get the Brigitte book because it must be ordered directly from the author or Sharon Costello - - shes not able to get it through Tattered Cover. Thank you Gage!
Gage said that Sharon Costello really liked working with our group. Maggie Casey at Shuttles is bringing Sharon back, perhaps as early as next year. Sharon said shed be interested in teaching us another class.
The Leslie Molen class is scheduled for the 14th and 15th of November, Sat & Sun 9am to 4pm. The cost is $105 for the class and $45 for the kit. Wed bring a lunch each day. A sign-up sheet was passed around for those who know that they want to attend.
The people who signed up for the Leslie Molen class are: Marion Bolson, Ellen Brown, Sandy Wecker, Trudy McCann, Anita Owens, Rosanne Thompson, Suzzanne McGuirk, maybe Stephanie Gauper (needs ride).
Sandy did an excellent job with the Fantasy Chair project and she provided us with a beautiful set of instructions with color pictures. Her chairs are fantastic! The details really make them special. And the large attendance was tribute to how much we all liked them.
Janet and Chloe brought yummy snacks!
Marion announced Trisha as our Co-Librarian and Co-Secretary! Thank you Trisha!
Shock and Awe!
Pat had a very cool purse made by burning the fabric - you make the fabric from fabrics and threads that don't burn easily, then burn them! It was beautiful!
Sandy had a great characture of her husband that she made from a Sharon Costello class with ear hair and tiny fishing flies. So cute!
Roseanne had a few great garage sale finds, a doll made by putting a face on a gourd and another simple cloth doll that was quite charming plus a pretty, pretty little nested doll. She also had a large basket of laces and yarn that she shared with us. Thank you Roseanne!
Gage had a beautiful doll from her fiber arts guild challenge: Fairy Tale, she had selected Rapunzel with Lincoln sheep locks for her hair. Gage won Best Combo Felting and Recycling awards for this doll.
Carol had a great jacket she made from chinelle and quilting.
Helen is a U.S. citizen! Yeah! We are so happy to have you Helen!
Janet brought her beaded eggs! She talked about how using a marker changed the color of some of the beads from the heat and oils of her hands but they were still very pretty Janet!
Edie had shopping news. Knit patterns she found online from Moorehouse Farms (http://www.morehousefarm.com/)
- must see the critters and Earthfairy.com (link to be defined)
Edie advised us to get on the mailing lists for notifications of sales and she let us know that she found the diamond dust in the glue section, lower shelf (Michaels?). Thank you Edie!
Linda brought us a sample of the toilet paper faces we will be making for our next project. We should bring our molds, plastic dish for water, cloths to wipe up with and she will send out a supply list to remind us. There was also talk about recycling junk mail in a blender and we might go over that as well.
Suzzanne finished Mother Nature, her entry for our Enchanted Garden challenge next Feb. Apparently Mothers boobs were upside down so she has some extra leaves now. She also started out as a man so this proves the wisdom and power of Mother Nature! Mother Nature also has ribbon embroidery on her skirt. Suzzanne also had a Raggedy Ann in her summer outfit.
Stephanie had a pretty quilted bag.
Anita has a new position at work and doesn't get to play anymore and she is now working for Qwest and back in school. Good job Anita!
Donna didn't have a sample but said she is back to fusing silver now, we know it will be pretty Donna!
Marion had her adorable little cat dolls and you have to see that walnut shell helmet on the one! The little cats will be new patterns that many of us were excited about and they will debut at the Fiber Arts Conference in Albuquerque. Good Luck Marion! We know you'll be popular!
Message from Chloe:
Was something forgotten or is it recorded differently from the way you remembered it? Write us! Let us know!
Have an idea for next months meeting? Have a project idea? Want to discuss something?
That's what our email group is for! Send in your thoughts!
June 20, 2009
Above and Beyond Sewing and Vacuum 1 - 4pm
Attendance (if you couldn't make it we missed you!): Chloe Lee, Darline Smith, Ellen Brown, Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh, Carol L. Barber, Colleen Bammann, Suzzanne McGuirk, Stephanie Gauper, Patricia Buymer, Linda Benson, Janet Greenwood, Sandy Wecker, Gabriella Doussett, Janice Hunt, Helen Gardner, Gage Evans, Marion Bolson, Anita Owens.
We were joined later by Diane Figlewicz and.... I'm sorry I did not get the name of the other woman though I recognized her, my apologies.
Handouts: Doll Club Agenda (June 20, 2009)
Please see Agenda for discussion list and definitions.
Early discussion:
Believe Anita had set some supplies out to donate. Thank you Anita!
Marion had a number of things out for display and/or sale, there were her ever so cute cat dolls, Cheshire Cat pin dolls, patterns, and the club supplies. Thank you Marion!
Helen told us about an estate sale with dolls and other goodies from a collector and said that they would be open until 5pm if anyone wanted to drop by after the meeting. Marion moved to adjourn the meeting to much laughter!
Marion also had a variety of patterns for us to choose from for projects to work on during our volunteer work shifts at the Sew Expo. That way when people stop by they can see work in process and overcome their reluctance to attempt dolls.
Committee Reports
Treasurer - Reminder that it is a 25 cent fee if you forget your name tag!
Marion has been collecting a few of these! Good for you Marion!
Membership - Marion noted that she needed to change Sandy's last name.
Librarian Report - what we decided to do with the library, because of the weight of the carts, is have Chloe (and/or Trisha) hold out old issues of magazines at home and divide the remaining materials to achieve the desired weight limits.
Members would then request the older magazines.
Your librarians thank you ladies!
Chloe needs to finalize the inventory list and post it to the group and the group's page.
The older magazines that Suzzanne had donated will now be added to the library, (we didn't know if we might raffle them).
New materials will now have a two week check out period and it will be up to the members to work out the exchanges between themselves. The Librarians will need to take names/make a list for this.
In other Library news:
* Trisha replaced the book 'The Best of Soft Dolls.' Thank you Trisha!
* Diane Figlewicz donated 'Make Your Own Old-Fashioned Cloth Doll; and her wardrobe,' 'The Complete Book of Dollmaking' and 'Period & Contemporary Patterns for Fashion Dolls'. Thank you Diane!
* Anita donated the magazine Belle Armoire and is donating having the book 'Period & Contemporary Patterns for Fashion Dolls' spiral bound. She says you can get just about any book cut and spiral bound for about $5 at Kinko's. This is done so that the book will lay flat when copying patterns. Thank you Anita!
* Helen had a handout about a book she would like to see us add to the library on fairy dolls, the vote to add it passed.
* Marion had a print out of a CD she wanted us to vote on for adding to the library - Felting Clay Scupture for $18, the vote passed.
* We voted to add Barbara Willis' new book to the library.
Business (Agenda points):
Marion did a color brochure for the club - to much clapping and Helen said she could get them copied/printed at work for 10 cents each. We later decided to have Helen get us 200 copies so there would be enough for Sew Expo, TacTile and to pass out among members. Marion had a disc and paper for Helen. Thank you Marion! Thank you Helen!
Gabby joined us as a guest - Welcome Gabby! She is a member of the Professional Doll Art Guild (Jack Johnson) and was looking for a local group.
Marion wants us to observe a 2 yard limit on the Pima fabric until everyone has had a chance to get some.
Sew Expo
Linda Benson has the volunteer work shift list.
Marion asks that if you have something decorative to add to the booth please bring it but avoid anything huge.
Sew Expo next Feb
Marion expects to see a doll from everyone!
TacTile Doll Show
Linda Benson has a volunteer work shift sign up sheet/list.
Linda's dad passed away two weeks ago - our condolences Linda. She also bought a new car and we hope it will be a great car for her! So with organizing TacTile she certainly has had her hands full! Thank you Linda for all you do!
There will be an inventory when you submit your dolls requiring an ID number of your choice.
As yet there is no limit to the number of dolls you may enter.
Please keep in mind that there is a conflict with the county fair and you will have to choose which dolls will go where as they can't be in two places at the same time.
Dolls must be entered at the beginning of the show, no later please.
Marion and Linda have brochure display stands. Thank you ladies!
Marion hopes to be in the winter class schedule at Above & Beyond for Doll 101.
(Wouldn't that make a great present for your crafty friends and family?)
Everyone had big smiles for Helen when Marion thanked her again for having us for Play Day in June. Thanks Helen!
(And everyone knows that Helen is a US Citizen now right! Congratulations Helen! We're so happy to have you!)
Christine Shively Class
The vote passed to charge $15/day or $30 for both days for these classes and it is payable to Marion by the Sew Expo show, please make your checks out to Marion Bolson.
One class will be the dragon and the other costuming, each had around 15 people interested in it.
We loved having Christine and look forward to seeing her again!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/shively.html
Creations in Fiber Doll Conference
Suzzanne showed us her bag and other gifts that she got at the conference from several other attendees who make gifts for everyone who comes.
There was a lot of discussion about how to save enough money to go with Marion pointing out that you can save by carpooling and having roommates.
Gage says to keep your change from cash purchases separate, she saved $200 one year by doing that.
The dolls that the ladies made were on display, they were simply gorgeous!
No July meeting - Suzzanne will tell Above & Beyond that we won't be there.
August meeting is the 15th, we need a third for snacks, the program is: Felt Beads & Buttons by Gage
Suzzanne is working on the Leslie Molen classes Nov 14th for $105 plus kit?
We will be needing you to get your $50 deposit in.
Officers should reflect Sandy's new married name and add Trisha as Co-librarian.
Shock and Awe
Gage had a stick doll in process made from vines (she's cool!) and a bag of super goodies from the Estes Park Wool Market (you did get those back didn't you Gage?) there was cotton chenille, silk hankies, hand dyed silk roving.
Helen had a class flyer from the Fancy Tiger on Broadway (http://www.fancytig er.com/craftinde x.html) she said they had patterns from Japan and the shop was rather retro.
Gabby had a polymer clay figure that wasn't baked yet and the level of craftsmanship was very professional and the eyes were amazing! Gabby had made the eyes as printouts covered in Fimo Gel and she is going to Mark Dennis next month (http://www.mad- sculptor. com/)
Roseanne made a great purse from the most beautiful deep red fabric with a floral pattern and all around the inside there were pockets. (I think I need one) Thanks Roseanne!
Sandy sent a book around from Barbara Willis and talked about her box of unfinished dolls including the quart bag she won from Marion before. Very cool... we look forward to seeing your dolls Sandy!
Linda had her Fantasy Chair with a face she had made before from clay. Very nice Linda!
We love these chairs and everyone thanked Sandy again for doing this program.
Pat had a Fantasy Chair, doll with a lace skirt, copper weaving belt and her shoe soles were etched copper. She also had a doll with fabric she had stamped and painted herself and the quilted fabric that's finished by burning with a heat gun.
Stephanie (what fun you are!) had an Outraged doll, well that's what she said, that the doll looked outraged and she had made it from her cat's hair. She also had a picture of an Asian student she once had and talked about the importance they place on the animal of the year they were born in and had made a purse with that in mind. Great job Stephanie! And she had cabochons. (learn more about the Eastern zodiac http://www.12chinesezodiacsigns.com/)
Suzzanne had yard sale dolls and a Fantasy Chair.
Trisha had the cutest, most original toy dog she had made from buttons and explained to us how it's name is also Buttons and has a doll to go with for a theme of "Playing with Buttons." How creative is that!
Ellen had 2 dolls from the Snippets pattern, which she was having a class for later. She also had the doll Dancing Doris and dolls she called Sister Dolls. We loved all of them and Marion commented on how we nearly lost Ellen because she fell off the email list and what a loss that would have been! Thank you Ellen!
Anita is going part-time and will be able to do more! Yea Anita!
Chloe had a beaded purse she bought for $12 at Sara Belles which is the same store, new owner that used to be Tessa Belles and is roughly at 42nd and Wadsworth across from the shopping center that has Ross and the Post Office (west side of Wadsworth). Chloe recommends everyone come take a look at one of the nicest nearly new stores in the Metro area.
Marion let us know that http://www.fabric.com/ has silk for about $5.99/yd and also carries the wheat Kona that is so great for ethnic skin tones that's she's had trouble lately finding in the stores.
There was discussion about paper casting before Linda got started:
Gage said she knew of someone who made paper casts of manhole covers.
Linda suggested tombstones.
Anita said that Oriental manhole covers are very decorative and she has a book of quilts done from them.
Linda Benson's Toilet Paper Faces Program
Linda gave each of us face molds and a shammy for this project! Thank you Linda!
The toilet paper that you want to use is single ply, there is a substance incorporated into it that will make it stick together.
Layer several pieces into the mold and using the shammy squeeze enough water onto the paper to wet it then use the shammy to press the paper into the mold and soak up the excess water.
Be especially careful to press this first layer of paper into the smallest areas of the mold to get a good impression of the features.
Repeat layering in paper and using the shammy to add and subtract water until you have achieved the desired thickness.
Let dry overnight at least, drying is dependent on your area, the level of humidity.
If you rush pulling the paper out of the mold it could distort or loose the impression.
Linda hasn't experimented too much with painting the forms and has some concerns about the moisture ruining the face so suggests that if you want to paint your form perhaps you need to seal it first.
Linda Benson Junk Mail Recycling Program
Linda began by giving us a brief overview of papermaking and talked about the Arnold Brunner kits on clearance sale at Michael's but then showed us her homemade and inexpensive version which was a filter from an over-the-range hood and nylon window screening.
The forms she has used come from many places including plastic food trays, the kind you get to-go items in.
From your junk mail separate the usual sort of paper, the kind you might use in a copier.
Avoid envelope windows, you can remove the window then use the envelope or anything glossy or shiny
You need about two cups of water in a blender dedicated to making paper (never to be used for food again) then tear the paper from your junk mail into small pieces (nickel to near quarter sized) and add just a little bit and blend adding more later if desired but the mixture should be very liquid.
Whip the mixture to the desired consistency after which you can pour this onto your own filter and screen if you're making sheets or scoop out with your fingers (unplug that blender!) and add to your form using a sponge to remove the excess water and compact the paper into it.
Linda passed around several pieces she has done and they were very pretty and made the entire process much more interesting.
After that there was a great deal of clapping and a group assembled around her table to ask questions and see more.
We loved this program!
Thank you Linda!
While everyone was packing up and leaving Carol and Ellen had a discussion about eyelashes on dolls.
Carol found eyelash yarn at Big Lots that had different colors so was cutting the black out and stiffening the fibers with finger nail polish.
Ellen likes to use Coats & Clark button thread because it is heavier then uses a marker to achieve the color she wants and to stiffen the threads.
Message from Chloe:
Did I forget something or have it written down differently from the way you remembered it? Write us! Let us know!
Have an idea for next months meeting? Have a project idea? Want to discuss something?
That's what our email group is for! Send in your thoughts!
August 15, 2009
August 15, 2009
Above and Beyond
1-4 p.m.
Marion opened the meeting by handing out thank you gifts to those who helped out at the Sew Expo. She made each of those members a necklace using a technique she’d learned at the show using paper and glass. She then presented a thank you card and gift certificate to Linda Benson in appreciation of all her hard work with organizing the Doll Show that is currently at TacTile at Tamarac Square.
Marion welcomed all of the guests who were then introduced.
Suzzanne brought her granddaughter, McKenna, visiting from Washington.
Beverly Green heard about our group at the Sew Expo.
Sandy Erickson is a quilter and member of TacTile and has been thinking about coming to one of our meetings for some time.
Chloe’s guest, also named Sandy, is a member of the same art group Chloe belongs to.
Jim Howard was invited to give a presentation.
Marion went over the Treasury Report. We currently have $1,951.71 and continue to earn money from the sale of fabric and from fees. In fact, we collected $2.00 in fees for badges at this meeting.
Marion gave the membership report since Sandy could not attend. She passed around the membership list and asked the members to verify their contact information and update it as needed. Chloe let the guests know that they do not need to become full members to receive our emails. Members have access to additional information on the yahoo page. Marion listed some more benefits of membership, such as being able to check out library materials and getting reduced rates for classes, all for just $20 a year!
Darlene delivered patches to those who had requested them. All requests for patches need to go to her.
Chloe led the members through a discussion of the library and final rules were approved.
1.Only paid members can check out library material.
2.Members can check out three items at a time.
3.Only one of those items can be a “new” item.
4.All items, including new items, are due back at the following scheduled meeting.
5.Books may be spiral bound using money from the treasury and without consulting the full membership if three or more members request it.
6.Members will be charged a late fee if materials are not returned on time. The fee will be $1 per item per month. The maximum fee charged to a member will be the replacement value of the item. Members may opt to replace the item rather than paying the fee. (This is a new policy and will take effect beginning with the items checked out at this meeting).
Chloe went over the procedures each member received in the agenda, including how to check in and check out materials.
The membership voted to keep our website and approved an expense of $95.40 annual fee for the new provider. Linda Farrelly is the current webmistress and is changing providers. Chloe, Trisha, Roseanne, Gage and Anita expressed interest in learning more about the website and assisting in its maintenance.
Marion has submitted the contract for our booth at the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo February 3-6, 2010. The challenge for the Expo is Enchanted Garden. Since some members feel intimidated about having their doll judged, Marion proposed allowing dolls to be entered for Display Only. The group agreed that this would be a good idea.
Helen’s doll won a blue ribbon at the Adam’s County Fair. Marion suggested allowing Display Only dolls at next year’s Fair. This year, only 7 dolls were submitted for judging and Marion brought several of her own dolls for display.
Ellen was thanked for hosting the August play date in her wonderful basement room. Ellen has also volunteered to keep and sell the Pimatex Fabric for us. Thanks, Ellen!
At the play date, Edie offered to be the contact for members who are interested in buying the Eye-Let tool and accessories. It was proposed and approved that the group buy a set of the tools.
Linda reported on the TacTile show. The show was featured in an article in the YourHub section of the newspaper and also in the Westword blog. The show has been such a success that it has be extended two weeks – to September 12th. A demo day has been added for September 10 from 1 to 4. At least three of the artists have volunteered to be available to show visitors how they make their dolls. Linda hinted that it would be a great time to work on a project and just let people watch the work. The pickup date for dolls is now September 14th. Arrangements should be made with Linda for dolls that cannot be picked up. Congratulations Linda on a huge success and thank you so much for all of your hard work in making it a hit!
Christine Shively will be holding her classes at Suzzanne’s house on Saturday, September 12 (the dragon) and Sunday, September 13 (costuming). The classes will be held from 9-4. Bring a potluck lunch item each day.
Marion touched on the Creations in Fiber Doll Conference, Bead Renaissance Show and Rocky Mountain Quilt Fest.
It was decided not to have a play date or meeting in September. Many members will be attending the Christine Shively class and/or the Bead Renaissance Show that month.
Additional dates were scheduled:
October 11: Play date at Gage’s.
October 17: Regular meeting. Chloe will present a class on marbling. Expect some hands-on fun. Pat, Rosanne, Linda B and Ellen will provide snacks.
November 15: Play date at Helen’s (if it’s okay with Helen).
November 21: Regular Meeting. Stephanie will teach how to make Santa Claus from felted balls. Trudy, Anita and Janet will provide snacks.
December 19: Regular Meeting. Doll Pin/Ornament exchange. Quart bag exchange. Christmas snack potluck.
We’ll decide in October whether to have a December Play Date. The Quart Bag Doll Challenge will take place at the July Sew Expo. Marion pointed out that gives us SEVEN MONTHS. Good stuff only in the quart bags, please.
Gage will be demonstrating felting and spinning at the Taste of Colorado and will be promoting DDA, Natural Fibers, and Rocky Mountain Weaver’s Guild.
Anita told us that Bonnie says “hi.” Bonnie is scheduled for surgery on September 17th. Please send your prayers, thoughts and positive energy her way.
Anita volunteered to head up our newly formed Sunshine Committee to send cards to members who are ill, suffer a loss, etc.
The group discussed several ideas about contributing our talents/dolls to those in need. Members were asked to look into places such as hospitals and shelters that would appreciate contributions. We’ll discuss this further at a future meeting.
Speaker
Several members met Jim Howard at the reception at TacTile. He is a multifaceted artist, who has worked as a fashion illustrator, set designer, actor, artist, and more. He has designed clothes for Gene dolls and is currently working on a series of paper doll books. Jim brought one of his original dolls, a Japanese seamstress, costumed in fabrics he purchased in Kyoto. He gave a great talk about his experiences, especially about his time as a fashion illustrator for Bonwit Teller, Nieman Marcus, Bullock’s, etc. He brought copies of two of his books which he autographed for interested members. You can purchase his books at paperstudiopress. com.
Shock and Awe
McKenna made her first doll, Sylvia. Sylvia has great purple hair and a wonderful, original dress. She is a terrific doll, very impressive for a first doll, and McKenna is only 12 years old!
Patricia’s latest doll, perched on a ball and juggling pins, was delightfully whimsical.
Suzzanne showed us several pieces she’d made using the toilet paper technique Linda taught us. Then she brought out an adorable felted elephant she is working on. The elephant has an armature and is wrapped in Warm & Natural. She said that made it hard to felt. Gage suggested that next time she wrap the Warm & Natural with a layer of wool before starting to felt. That would give the felted wool something to grab on to. Everyone agreed that the elephant looked great.
There was a roomful of aaaah’s when Beverly showed us her sweet pigtailed rag doll. Marion held her up for the group to see, and couldn’t resist giving her a hug (the doll, not Beverly).
Roseanne brought cupcakes. No, not the kind you eat (although we had those too - - see what you miss when you miss a meeting?). Roseanne’s cupcakes were a pincushion and a place mat. Sweet!
Anita brought a vest made of fabric she had crinkled herself. She then explained that to crinkle the fabric (she used cotton), you soak it down, wring it, wrap it in rubber bands, wait a few weeks and then iron it to fusing to keep its wrinkles.
Chloe found a really strong tote bag at the Cherry festival that was made with screening and fabric. It’s pretty and practical.
Sandy brought a doll she’d made from an Elinor Peace Bailey pattern. She had some questions about finishing her and Chloe and Marion were ready with suggestions. Many of the group said they liked the doll as she was, sans hair and facial features.
Trudy needs to be reminded to bring some of her paintings for a future Shock and Awe.
Program
Felt beads were the topic for Gage’s demo.
To make smooth beads, start with combed wool, like that used to make worsted wool. Roving can be used, but the resulting bead will have a fluffier, hairier surface.
Start with a small amount of wool and tease it out to be a flat thin layer. Stack it with additional layers like shingles, with some overlap. Gage used three layers, each a different color. Roll the wool up like a jellyroll. With warm, wet, soapy hands continue rolling until it gets a skin on it – it will feel like felt and adhere to itself. At this point, it will be about half the size of the original jellyroll. To make spheres, measure the diameter of the end and cut down the same distance. You’ll need very sharp scissors to get through the skin. The most important thing, Gage said, is to pretend you have a baby bird in your hands. With wet hands cupped so you practically don’t touch the piece, roll it around. It will develop a skin all the way around and start to shrink. You can also roll it on a towel on your lap.
Use a soap that doesn’t have too much sudsing - - face soap would work better than dish soap. The soap acts as a surfactant – it lowers the surface tension of the water allowing easier spreading through the wool.
Gage brought supplies so that we can try this at home (we ran out of time to try it at the meeting) and she reminded us to keep any rejects. You never know when you might find a use for them.
Respectfully submitted,
Trisha Wiggin-Fausnaugh
Attendance:
Chloe Lee, Marion Bolson, Darline Smith, Eileen Wilcoxen, Suzzanne McGuirk, Trudy McCann, Ellen Brown, Stephanie Gauper, Linda Benson, Susan Wadsworth, Trisha Wiggion-Fausnaugh, Patricia Beymer, Janet Greenwood, Gage P. Evans, Rosanne Thompson, Beverly Green, Anita Owens, Sandy Diersing (guest), Jim Howard (guest), Sandy Erickson
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