Who's In The News?

Just stopping by to give you an update on the prize given during our Holiday Happening, and to tell you about some special events our members have been involved with.  Our winner, Nilsa Donelan, has received her prize!

Anna Castanes -- Nilsa wrote and told me she just loved what Anna sent her!   In fact. she was so excited she made a special diorama for me to share with you.  Congratulations, Nilsa, and our thanks to Anna Castanes of Somethings Old, Somethings New on Designer Drive, for providing this lovely prize.

Elisa Cetera -- During late 2011, Elisa Cetera, shop owner of PetraElise Fashion Doll Couture on Main Street, was proud to offer an exclusive fashion to members of Doll Divas.  If you are not familiar with DD, it is one of the fave doll talk boards for savvy doll fashionistas.  Designed for the smaller busted girls such as Poppy Parker, Nu.Face and BFMC, the strapless mini was available in five color/patterns of silk brocade imported from England.  Included here is a picture of one of the versions.

Rosy Bazile -- December 2011 found Rosy Bazile of L'Atelier de Rosy on Designer Drive busy participating in the Third Annual Black Doll Convention in Paris, France.  This is the first Black Doll Convention held in France, and it was organized by Rosine Modor.   Rosy feels it is important to participate in this convention because it helps acquaint people with the history, as well as the different kinds, of Black dolls. 

The convention portrays a lot of traditional (Martinique, Guadeloupe, African) black dolls as well as the modern ones Rosy contributes.  I'm glad she brought this to my attention because this was one convention I wasn't familiar with...and I don't think any of us have found a doll convention we don't like!  Pictured here are dolls shown at the convention.  The Martinique and Guadeloupe traditional dresses were made by Rosy's friend, Hélène Svahnstrom, and the modern ones were made by Rosy. 

 

Hilda Westervelt -- If you were lucky enough to snag a copy of the now sold out WINTER 2011 issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly's magazine titled STYLE!  perhaps you've already spotted the great pattern provided by Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture on Main Street.  You may still get the opportunity to make Joan's wiggle dress from her pattern but you'll need to  hurry!  I found some available over at Angelic Dreamz, and some of the local brick and mortar book stores still have it!

Larraine Elcock -- She wears a lot of hats including being the Tech for CDS' website, and running several stores on Main Street including Fringe Elements, Auction Fever, Azone, and PB Factory..  She also chairs the Couture Doll Design Challenge. and is bringing it back with a brand new look --  CDDC4 will officially begin again February 4th!  This year the contestants will be competing at three levels:  Beginners, Intermediates, and Professionals.

Two new judges will also be joining their returning Resident Judge Rob Thompson -but they are yet to be disclosed.  You'll be able to keep up with this competition through the website, and on the CDDC blog.  If you would like to enter the competition  please email Larraine with a short bio and some photos of your work - but hurry! She'll only be taking applications through January 15th.

IDEX will be celebrating "A World of Quality Collectibles and Playthings" at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® in Orlando, Florida on January 26-29, 2012.  The exhibitor list is filled with doll manufacturers and artists from all over the world.  For a complete list, and all other information about this event you will want to visit their website.   And, if you're going to attend this year, be sure to meet the three very talented and nice CDS shop owners who will be there; Terry Barner, Durelle Brown, and George Gonzalez.  Here's some information about them.

Terry Barner -- owner of Off the Wall by Terrkat on Designer Drive, has joined Horsman Limited's Design Team recently, and has already submitted three face paints for Vita for production and has a fourth in progress.   He is excited that he will also have an opportunity to create a whole doll from top to bottom for them, although he's not sure what direction he'll look to for creating this doll yet.   Terry can be found in the Horsman booth where you will also find all of the fabulous things they have on display this year.  For more information about Horsman, Ltd. you can check out their website.

Durelle Brown -- Travel in Style with her at  IDEX.  This Chic Indulgence on Main Street shop owner will be giving only one workshop there this year, so take advantage of this opportunity to meet her!  You can take her workshop on Friday, January 27th from 9 am till noon, and for a reasonable fee you'll learn how to make your own vintage-inspired three-piece luggage set for 16 inch dolls that includes a pullman, train case, and hat box.  Complete information on this and all workshops can be found on the IDEX website.  You might also find her around the Doll Reader booth if she has time.  She will  have a pattern in their new pattern book - so you'll want to be on the lookout for that soon.

George Gonzalez is the owner of Angelic Dreamz on CDS' Couture Court, and at 13 Niagara St. in the Historic Downtown district of Canandaigua, NY.  He will be at IDEX showing both the newest and existing JAMIEshow collections including the St. Tropez Collection, the new Rooted Wig Collection,  JAMIEshow Shoes and Accessories, as well as their newest introduction, MADAME Eshe!

George said AD will be introducing new dolls such as a new mini collection and an Exclusive IDEX doll - and perhaps a few things they were still working on when I caught up with him! Find all the fun with George at AD's Booth 301, where dolls and other items will be available to purchase and take home.

Wow, everyone has been so busy - but I'm still going to check what's going on over at CDS - I've heard a rumor they are already working on their Valentine lines!  Happy shopping, fashionistas!