The New Doll Dreamers Guild

by Dianna Effner

The Purpose: To raise the level of artistic excellence through educational programs,  the Showcase/Challenge and workshop training.  In addition to the educational activities there would be an association of professional members who work together or individually on commercial doll production projects under the banner of the Doll Dreamer's Guild.  

The Plan: Like the old DDG we would disseminate instructional materials for our hobbyist members to study and enjoy. We would expand the scope of the materials to include projects designed to improve the level of excellence in doll crafting and costuming as well as painting. These materials would be available on line to view or print by members.  

Courses for the serious student of doll making and artistry would be organized into an Apprenticeship program and would involve payment of fees or tuition.  Students would have access to video demos not available to the general membership.  These would  be interactive courses, involving assignments and evaluations of student work by myself and other professional guild Instructors.  Students who advance in the program would be allowed to organize projects for other students in the tradition of the teaching studio.  We would provide teaching materials. 

Students who show excellent progress would be invited to join the Studio Artisan team serving an internship to complete their training.  There would possibly be opportunities to work for pay as semi-professional members of the Guild.   

Developments:  We  mean to develop, for use by members at the professional level, a brand name and image in the form of  labels, tags, packaging etc.  As a cottage industry type of doll company we can build an impressive internet presence and exhibit our work under the company name on the internet and various media outlets.  We could thus collectively produce and promote a body of work and make a name for ourselves in the global doll collectors market.  

At this moment the New Doll Dreamers Guild consists of myself and a small team of professional and semi-professional, very dedicated doll makers, instructors, costume designers, artists and studio artisans.

The Plan of the Guild is yet to be accomplished.  How it evolves depends on the performance of the individuals and how we work together as a group.  There are so many unforeseeable factors.   Time will tell if this organization will develop according to my vision, take another turn or never get off the ground.  

Let us know if you are interested in sharing the dream.  We like to hear from enthusiastic  students of doll making.    

In the Doll Dreamer's Guild we are all students, including me, as there are always new skills and things to learn in this wonderful art of porcelain doll making and costuming.  

Would you like to join the New Doll Dreamer's Guild and dream along with us as we make doll dreams come true?

More information to come.