May 2016 Newsletter

"While strolling though the park one day, in the merry merry month of May..."  For some reason, May Day means different things to different people around the country. Growing up in Cleveland Ohio as a child, I remember it meaning the start of summer with may pole dancing, flowers baskets on door handles, decorating our bikes with facial tissue flowers (yes they came in different colors back then) and riding them down the street with flowers in our hair.  I don't know what happened when we moved to Arizona but all that was lost here somehow. Maybe because by May, it is usually getting hot and our flowers are on cacti.  (Although really lovely to look at, they certainly are not for picking.)

So, in honor of May, I decided to spruce up some dollies by adding some flowers to their hair, maybe add a flower bouquet for them to hold. I'll be posting pictures on the Facebook page and I invite you all to join in!

May continues to be a busy month with events. Visit the website to find one near you. If you know of an event that is not listed, take a moment and complete a free listing. Lets keep the momentum going through the summer.

Website NEWS

Our email list is growing and growing. In talking to a doll colleague the other day, she said that sometimes these kinds of things seem to take on a life of their own. My guess is that after 7 years, that might be what is happening. I do know, however, now is not the time to rest on our laurels and that efforts still need to be made, seeds need to planted. It is my intention to carry on as much as possible in coming up with new ideas and features for the site. Ideas, suggestions and comments are always welcome.

I am In the process of developing a Facebook guide. Was hoping to have it done with this newsletter but that was not meant to be. I will send out a notice when it is done. You may be wondering why I am spending the time to do this. Most of you know that I'm really not a fan but it is an important resource for networking. And well, basically, it's pretty confusing how it all works. I just figured it out myself after working with it on and off for a few years now. I can only imagine the challenges others are having. My hope is that I can make it simple enough to assist anyone no matter their computer skill level. 

DollClubs.com

Still getting many of you signing up for the newsletter stating that you are also a club contact. If you are, please visit www.DollClub.com and check to be sure your club/organization is listed. If not, be sure to complete club submission form and I will list the appropriate information for your club.

World Doll Day 

WORLD DOLL DAY  is just around the corner on June 11th. World Doll Day is a day that doll enthusiasts are encouraged to give someone a doll or have an event to promote dolls. www.WorldDollDay.com tells you everything you need to know.

Let me know how I can help!

Dollie Tip of the Month

How do you display your dolls? Being that I live in Arizona with everything so dry and dusty, I realized long ago that my dolls need to be in cases and not just out in the open so all my dolls are covered in some way. I use recycled little plastic containers, poke some holes in the tops and place either paper towels or used fabric softener sheets and distilled water to help add some humidity around the house. I refill them weekly when I water my plants. (I like small dog food containers with lids)  

There are many non-traditional items that you can use to make into doll display cabinets.  Garden lanterns, medicine cabinets, jewelry boxes, curio cabinets, and shadow boxes just to name a few. I display an Ellowyne Wilde that I dress for the season or holiday. The back is removable so I can change it out. Just a few ideas to both display dollies and keep them safe and clean.

DollSaleMarketplace.com Featured Doll

Cissy, released in 1955, was the first of the modern fashion dolls. What set Cissy apart as something new and different was her mature figure with high-heeled feet. She was an expensive doll at the time, and today a dressed doll in mint condition commands a very high price. Cissy began her life as a 20″ doll, but starting in 1958 was described as being 21″ tall. She is made of hard plastic with vinyl arms, and is jointed at neck, hips, waist, shoulders, elbows and knees. Some of the later dolls were issued with one-piece (non-jointed) arms. Her hair colors include blonde, ash blonde, brunette or redhead, and her hair is styled into elegantly coiffured wigs. She has blue sleep eyes with painted lashes and feathered eyebrows. Many Cissy's have a walking mechanism, but not all. Kiley Shaw has published a comprehensive book about Cissy and her fashions. Contact details for Kiley are available at www.thedollsalemarketplace.com

Featured Events

* May 13th - 14th, 2016 ~ Albuquerque NM "Movie Madness Getaway" by Crossroads Shows. Visit the New Mexico page of the site for details.
* June 5th, 2016 ~ Anaheim CA "Anaheim Collectors 20th Annual Summer Sale" by Rowbear Presents. Visit the California page of the site for details.
* National Doll Festival is accepting applications for quality doll, teddy bear and artist sellers/vendors for the 29th Annual Doll Festival to be held on July 26th, 29th, 2016 in Washington DC. Please visit NationalDollFestival.com for details or to apply.