April is the first in a series of dolls developed for learning DEEP TEchnique (Dianna Effner Eye Painting Technique.) Brooke and Carlie came next. Now we have reduced April to fit the all-porcelain 10/11 inch portrait body. We are soon going to have special projects and support for learning DEEP Technique. We are developing some special workshops to teach painting and various aspects of costume and accessory making for April and other DreamDolls. Watch for more information on the new way of learning and sharing the friendly art of doll making and costuming in the next newsletter.

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T-Shirt Art
by Dianna Effner

We are working on a Tee shirt Graphics for possible project workshops. We have designs for 14 inch portrait size like Carly and the 11 Toddler size.  Also we have some messages for use on the 8 inch dolls and little Booboo.  Patterns and Iron On transfers now available seperately from Expressions. Click Here to See Transfer Samples | 8" Doll/BooBoo | 14" Kids |
| 9" Toddler |. We are fascinated with the idea of giving a message, a statement or a greeting to wear.  We have created a free download to introduce some wearable art technique for you dolls.

Click Here for Free Download

We have a lengthier tutorial, including tie dye, stamping, stenciling and more.  These are avialble free to members of the Doll Dreamers' Society.  If you haven't joined yet please click here.   

On-line Challenge 2009 Report
by Dianna Effner

Last November we sponsored our first on-line challenge. Since it was the first time doing such a thing and since we are not exactly what you would call computer whizzes we didn't know how it would go. We feel that we succeeded in some respects. One thing is for sure, we learned a lot. We learned what is possible by just going ahead and doing something. We figured out how to do it as we went. We didn't have as many entries as we thought we might from the number of people who requested information. I know a lot of people didn't get a doll done in time. We're all in the same boat, I think, suffering from not enough hours in the day syndrome. We understand completely. The work that was submitted was all good quality and we were happy to be able to give each entry plenty of attention. Geri and I discussed each doll at length. One thing that I was amazed to discover is that when digital photos were submitted we were able to zoom in close on the computer and really get a close look at the painting.

My immediate thought was that with all this technology at our disposal it is now within our grasp to be able to teach doll making and painting globally. For some time I have been thinking that we really need to start teaching doll making and painting on-line. Our students and customers are flung all over the wide world. Getting together physically is not feasible. I know now that I can get a good close look at a students work for evaluation. Now I need to learn to demonstrate on-line. i think that is coming soon.

But back to the Challenge report. Geri and I spent hours evaluating all the entries. Then we sent CDs with the pictures to some professional members of the Doll Dreamers guild for their comments. Nedra Newson and Londie Phillips were consulted in the area of costuming. Lana Dobbs joined us with her comments in the area of painting.

On November 13th 2009 we announced the top entries according to the score sheets. The winner of the Best of the Challenge Award of Excellence was Christine Rawcliffe with her entry, "Aaron at Play"

Jeannette Nelson received the award of excellence in Costuming for her Little Matador.

You voted for your favorites. We want to acknowledge and announce the winner of the Peoples Choice

The 1st place winner of the Peoples Choice award is lovely little Nicole by Joyce Butcher.

2nd place winner in the People Choice was Sonia Griffin for Brooke

3rd place winner in Peoples Choice was Leandri Scoles for Lucy Whipple

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all of you who entered. You all did a fine job.

The top winners in the Challenge are each awarded a rosette by Dianna Effner. Expressions has awarded a cash prize to be applied toward the purchase of molds or patterns.

Will there be another Challenge in the future? It's a possibility. It depends on how things go with doll making in the future. With more internet connections, more communication on-line and with the New Doll Dreamers Society on the rise I think we will know when the time is right for another Challenge. The important thing is that we keep reaching and stretching ourselves to learn and grow within this wonderful hobby and professions of porcelain doll making and costuming.

Dianna Effner

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