September 2, 2013, Meeting

The meeting was held at member Sylvia McDonald's home in Pflugerville.  Sylvia generously opened her house to members because our usual meeting place would not be available due to the Labor Day holiday.  Jean Cassel gave a report on the United Federation of Doll Clubs 64th annual convention, which took place in Washington D.C. from July 29 to August 1, 2013.

 

 

Jean showed members the scrapbook she had created documenting the many convention activities, exhibits, and other sights at our nation's capital.

This was the souvenir doll, by Robert Tonner.  The limited edition 10-inch "Tiny Kitty" doll came dressed in an elaborate Edwardian gown, and her accessories included a nightgown, gloves, and a fan.

 

 

Jean made this charming Bleuette dress in a convention workshop.

 

 

These are hats that Jean created at another workshop.  The convention journal is in the background.

 

 

Many thanks to Elaine Jackson for serving as the meeting photographer! 

August 5, 2013, Meeting

Most appropriate for August, with its sunny days and soaring temperatures, the refeshment table was decorated with seaside scenes.

Brenda Kay White gave a program on Hearts for Hearts World Vision Dolls.

Each doll tells the true story of a little girl who has worked to make a difference in her community.  The dolls represent little girls from all over the world, including Belarus, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, and the United States.  The idea behind the dolls is to empower girls around the globe to become agents of change in their communities.  Part of the purchase price of each doll is donated to World Vision for programs supporting girls in that country, such as providing food or school supplies.  

This little cutie is the completed doll made from the head poured by master doll artist Mary McKenzie at our June meeting.

July 1, 2013, Meeting

The members were greeted with patriotic decorations to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming Fourth.  Refreshments were hot dogs with all the trimmings!

Kathy Meador did a program on French Fashion dolls. Luxury toys produced from the 1850s through the 1880s, these elegant dolls could be oufitted with the extensive wardrobes and many accessories befitting a fine lady.

Kathy and other members brought exquisite examples of these lavish ladies.

 

A much later type of French fashion, this Edwardian lady was designed between 1915 to 1918 by Valentine Thompson in the workshop of Madame Leverrier.  Called "Pandore," these dolls were not made for children, but as decorative accessories for adults.  However, like the earlier French fashions, the Pandore were dressed in the latest fashions of the season.

Kathy brought many marvelous miniatures for display with her dolls.

Barbie And Fashion Doll Day

On June 22, 2013, Treasure Dolls at 11530 Manchaca, Austin, will hold a Barbie and Fashion Doll Day from 10 AM  to 3 PM.  Featured dolls will include Barbie, Gene, Tonner, and more!  For more information, rbijo@aol.com or call (817) 929-1691.

June 3, 2013, Meeting

This month's program was by master doll artist Mary McKenzie of Sweet Victoriana.  

She brought many beautiful examples of her exquisite work.

Mary told the members the story of how she became a doll artist.

She demonstrated how she pours a doll head.

Members were asked to bring a favorite bisque doll, so that Mary could discuss the artistry.

Members gathered around as Mary critiqued each doll's features.

The page for our upcoming doll show has been updated with a downloadable dealer contract and letter.

April 19, 2013, Doll Presentation

Member Sylvia McDonald shared pictures of a doll presentation she created for the April 19, 2013, Missions Banquet at First Baptist Church in Round Rock for Friendship International.  She displayed 60 dolls from her collection and reports that none of them wanted to go back into their cases when she got home!