October 2014 Newsletter

IOLCC Dolls for Charity

The September meeting was really exciting as all the dolls arrived to be shared with two charities. Six of the dolls will be given to ladies at Citrus Gardens, which is a group home for women suffering from Dementia and Alzheimers. We will be presenting the dolls Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 11:20am. If anyone wants to join us contact me, Patti – 858-484-5118, or pculea@gmail.com
The other 18 dolls are looking for a home. The two places I had contacted have not called me back. Help!
Save the Date!
December 28, 2014 2-4:30pm Barbara Chapmans home
Our annual Holiday Party will be hosted by Barbara Chapman, of course. She’s always so gracious and is a wonderful hostess. More details in the next newsletter. But, do be thinking of a small object to exchange.

Our October meeting will be at Sharon Goldschneiders
Sharon has ordered 7-inch dolls from Dharma Trading
Company. She will be teaching 3 stitches--but will also have a sheet of many more stitches. A kit for each person that will be available with the total cost for the doll & kit $3.00. The kit will have a Needle- thread-ribbons-doll-and a piece of felt with backing. The felt piece will be used to practice the stitches before you put it on the
doll. Sharon will have a light box to trace other designs if you want.
Please RSVP---SO I KNOW HOW MANY KITS TO MAKE.
619-465-7730 goldbill@aol.com

Who to Contact Newsletter & general information: Debra Tomcik tmcklea@roadrunner.com At the September meeting we voted on new “officers”. We are a casual group, so no president, but we have a new Treasurer, which we have to have. Cheryl Ripley has volunteered. We’ll be making that transfer as soon as Debbie returns from Iceland. Treasurer’s Report: Sheila, who has been our treasurer for years sent this in: $1,587.04. November meeting We need someone to host our November meeting. Sharon did mention if everyone wants to continue with the stitching on the doll you are working on this month that could be continued? Floral Follies with the 6 Doll Divas February 18-22, 2015 at Piecemaker’s Country Store will be a very festive, and fun time. Each of the 6 – Barbara Willis, elinor peace bailey, Betts Vidal, Sally Lampi, Gloria McKinnon and Patti Medaris Culea – will be providing participants with a doll body that you will then embellish. This is a rare opportunity to spend 3 days with the 6 friends who love sharing with anyone who will listen. Contact Piecemaker’s to join us: 714-641-3112 or classes@piecemakers.com Where is Piecemaker’s? 1720 E Adams in Costa Mesa. They have arranged special rates at various hotels in the area. Space is limited so sign up soon.

IOLCC Blueprints
Inside are the 'happenings' for the Imitation of Life Construction Company, better known as IOLCC.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of most months at various members homes. Our meetings start at 6:30pm and end around 8:30pm. We do a lot of “hands on” projects, which you will read about inside.
A blog and website will be coming soon.

IOLCC Blueprints
Debra Tomcik, Editor 3530 Sitio Baya Carlsbad, CA 92009

Note: The dolls did all find homes!

The above is a partial re-post of the monthly newsletter which is sent to members has has more information and better graphics. Please contact one of our members if you would like to join our group or just visit us for one meeting.

September 2014 Blueprints

blueprints

September 2014 

                                                                                                           

We have no birthdays to report!

I don’t know about you but the summer has gone by really fast. It has been a busy time for this editor. Fall is already upon us. I am definitely looking forward to cooler weather.

Next meeting: Dolls due! I heard there are lots of them. There should be no excuse since we had to postpone the meeting till this mont

September 23- 6:30pm to 8:30pm ( or beyond )  Patti Culea's house

We'll be making fun tags to go with our dolls that will go to a nursing home and Rachel's House. [editors note: Patti has been collecting all sorts of wonderful things for us to play with in making these tags]  I have nearly all of Julie Nutting’s fun paper-doll rubber stamps.  We'll use those, along with fun papers to create tags to go with our dolls.

What to bring:  Paper scissors, glue, brown ink stamp pads, ribbons for the ties at the top of the tags, and some fun decorative papers to share.

What I'll have:  Paper tags to decorate, rubber stamps, paper flowers to embellish the tags, glitter

Other things to bring:  Your doll completely finished

See you then!

Carrie’s Dear Gabby

Hello ladies,

Well since there wasn't a meeting last month and I missed the meeting at Joanne's house..... Hmmm what to write about. As I'm sure Debby will mention this month our charity dolls are due. I hope everyone will come and bring their finished dolls. We definitely can't complain about not having enough time!!  I've made 3. Well actually 4. Lost one to the grand daughter.  I challenge all members to bring at least 1 doll.   Thanks again to Patti Culea for donating the patterns and giving our club the opportunity it give back.  

Last month I came across a little blurb in the local Poway paper. A senior's group here in Poway needed help stuffing dolls. The dolls were for children in hospitals here and also in Israel. I went and helped for a few hours. We stuffed 75 dolls. They are in need of fabric pieces to make a hospital gown for each doll. If you have large scraps ( fat quarter or a bit smaller) that you can donate please bring them to the meeting. I will deliver them to the group. 

A little personal news. My husband and I are now empty nesters. Our youngest son, Nathan left for NAU in Flagstaff Az. This has been a very hard transition for me. But he is doing great and loving the college and the town. He's definitely ready. I guess we've done our job.  Hopefully I will finish up some of these projects I started before Nathan was born! Right now I'm getting used to this "strange" kind of quiet. Hope to see everyone at Patti's.  

Hugs- Carrie

Lois wants to remind everyone that dues need to be paid at this next meeting! 

Upcoming events:: February 19-22, 2015. Floral Follies with elinor peace bailey, Patti Medaris Culea, Sally Lampi, Gloria McKinnon, Betts Vidal and Barbara Willis. Where: Piecemaker's Country Store, Costa Mesa, CA 714-641-3112. Three magical days with 6 friends who will guide you through the making of a floral themed doll. Actually dolls. All will be pre-sewn so that the time spent with each person will be on their embellishment expertise. This is similar to what they did in Australia, which was a roaring success. Hope to see you there.

Reminder: With some of our dolls going to a facility for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients we can't use buttons.  They can be torn off and the patient can choke.  What I did was use the optional cheek circle to replace the buttons on Franny's eyes. Those of you who have used buttons, those dolls will go to Rachel's House where battered women and children go for safety.  These people won't pull the buttons off and choke on them.   +++++++ Other up coming meetings:  Sharon so graciously changed the date of her upcoming meeting to October 28, 2014. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Members web sites Lois Boncer                                         Patti Culea                          Barb Keeling                    Debra Tomcik www.aardvarktozebra.com                  www.pmcdesigns.com        www.keelingskrafts.com      www.debralea.com [If you would like your web site listed please contact me so that I can include you on the list. ]  The newsletter will evolve as we develop more content in the future.  You can help!  I can use notes, stories and other materials from you about your activities and happenings, your websites, any challenges you might want to organize, photographs of your work or studio, and other items that could be of interest to our doll making community!  Please contact me at:  tmcklea@roadrunner.com, or call me at 760-943-8692!

Note:

If anyone has dues to send in please send a check to: Sheila Godfrey

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The above is a re-post of the monthly newsletter, which has more information and pictures! If you would like to become a member of our wonderful dollmaker's club, please contact Lois Boncer.

August Newsletter

   

blueprints

August 2014 

                                                                                                           

Blueprints this month is going to be short and sweet. Summertime is a busy time for everyone! This month we have a busy time with birthdays:

Happy Birthday to Sharon Goldschrieder [6th] Arline Lowenthal [8th] Gloria Hazel [25] and Sheila Godfrey [27]

Thank you Joann Dosset for hosting a lovely July evening of stories and pictures from Africa.

Next meeting: The August Meeting has been cancelled. Please check your email for more details.

August 26 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm ( or beyond )  Patti Culea's house

We'll be making fun tags to go with our dolls that will go to a nursing home and Rachel's House.  I have nearly all of Julie Nuttings fun paper-doll rubber stamps.  We'll use those, along with fun papers to create tags to go with our dolls.

What to bring:  Paper scissors, glue, brown ink stamp pads, ribbons for the ties at the top of the tags, and some fun decorative papers to share.

What I'll have:  Paper tags to decorate, rubber stamps, paper flowers to embellish the tags, glitter

Other things to bring:  Your doll completely finished

See you then!

upcoming events:

from lois

Here are some challenges/swaps online:

Doll Street: 1) self-portrait doll,  either a character or realistic.  Due Aug. 31st;  

FOCD: fairy tale or children's book characters,  due Aug. 15th.  Run by Jeanne White,  jswhite304@gmail.com

…………………………………………………………………………………….

Magazines wanting photos of your dolls:

1) Soft Dolls and Animals: send 300 dpi photos to kherrold@scottpublications.com or mail to 2145 W. Sherman Blvd., Norton Shores, MI 49441-3434

 Storybook Characters: deadline September 9, 2014

2) Doll Collector: send 300 dpi photos to lsass@scottpublications.com  or mail to the address above.

Santas: deadline September 1, 2014  

Reminder: With some of our dolls going to a facility for Alzheimers and Dementia patients we can't use buttons.  They can be torn off and  the patient can choke.  What I did was use the optional cheek circle to replace the buttons on Franny's eyes. Those of you who have used buttons, those dolls will go to Rachel's House where battered women and children go for safety. These people won't pull the buttons off and choke on them.   The deadline for the dolls to be finished will be at our August meeting, which will be at Patti Culea's house.  She will have dates for presenting the dolls and those who want to attend let her know. The dolls that go to Rachel's House will have to go annonymously. But, the person who takes them will make sure they are given to those who truly need them. +++++++ Other up coming meetings:  August- charity dolls due hosted by Patti Culea also will make tags for the dolls. September-Sharon Goldschneider- emborderey project ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Members web sites Lois Boncer                                         Patti Culea                          Barb Keeling                   www.aardvarktozebra.com                  www.pmcdesigns.com        www.keelingskrafts.com  Debra Tomcik  www.debralea.com The above is a partial re-post of the monthly email newsletter for members.

June Newsletter

    

blueprints

 June 2014                                                                                                                   

Happy Birthday to Lois {7th] Vivienne {9th} & Barb Keeling {15th}

                

June Tea 

June 28th at 3:00

June tea is almost here. Steampunk full steam ahead! We will meet at my house   tmcklea@roadrunner.com  at 3:00

It will be a traditional tea with steampunk flavor. I will be sending another email around with signups of what to bring. As people list their contributions the list will continue to go out so that everyone can see what is being brought and what might still be needed.

We will have fasionators for everyone to wear if you don’t have your own and a table to make another one.

Bring yourself, ask someone else who likes to have fun to join us, your doll challenge, dress in costume, traditional Victorian foods and your sense of delight with social interaction with people of like mind.

Editors note:

I did not know that much about steampunk till I started hunting for information for this tea. I found out I love the idea. I have always been a fan of science fiction and also a fan of the victorian era. Little did I know that there was a genre combining both. Classic science fiction set in the Victorian age which is the time period of great exploration and discovery. This time in history also gave rise to science fiction writers starting with Mary Shelly’s “Frankeinstein”. 

H.G. Wells and Jules Vern mostly comes to mind when thinking of steampunk although there were lots of lesser know authors writing  about mad scientists traveling the world in airships and steam driven robots in a time way before computers and airplanes.

There are a lot of movies that I did not even know were steam punk and were some of my favorites like Howl’s Moving Castle, League of Extraordiary Gentleman, Wild wild West, Firefly, The Prestge to name a few. I was surprised at how many I own

Carrie’s Dear Gabby

Hello Ladies,

Debby has asked me to do a monthly “column” for the newsletter. Since she knows flattery works every time, of course I agreed. I was thinking of calling it “Dear Gabby”… :]

Last months Steampunk class was so fun. We made Fascinators in all shapes and sizes, with feathers, gears, tool, lace ect. and hot glue galore. Many thanks to Debby and Patti Culea for their generosity, donations and exceptional talent!

We had 11 ladies in attendance. Its always so nice to sew and chat with such incredible women.

Extra headpieces are being made by members to bring to our next meeting. So no excuses ladies. Please come and join the fun! It is our summer  Steampunk potluck to be held at Debby’s house, which will also be our June doll club meeting. [*please note date and time change for June meeting]

Our charity dolls are due in August. Please keep this special project at the top of your list. [As a last minute person this reminder is for me as well!] The dolls are going to such a great cause. I can’t wait to see them all. Thanks again to Patti C. for donating the patterns and for the fabric and lace. Giving to others is it’s own reward.

Lastly, Patty Smith recently had another surgery. She’s such a trooper. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. See you all in a few weeks.

Happy Stitching, Carrie

Are you working on your steampunk doll to bring to the tea?

web sights of interest for Steampunk

http://www.pinterest.com/source/diesel:steamgypsy.tumblr.com/

Or type in steampunk and all sort of things pop up!

And, here's a event happening in San Diego to whet our appetites:

WinkieCon - the 50th Wizard of Oz convention - Aug. 8-10 - Town & Country Convention Center

http://www.ozconinternational.com

This will be a huge event as they will be celebrating the 75 anniversary of the movie The Wizard of Oz, and the 50th anniversary of their convention.  The theme this year is Tik-Tok, who is very Steampunk.

Here are some challenges/swaps online:

 Steampunk Mini-doll and Pin Doll Swap.   Deadline 7/31/14.  rules and sign-up at www.dollstreetdreamers.com/postoffice

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Magazines wanting photos of your dolls:

1) Soft Dolls and Animals: send 300 dpi photos to kherrold@scottpublications.com or mail to 2145 W. Sherman Blvd., Norton Shores, MI 49441-3434

Medieval Times: deadline July 9, 2014

 Storybook Characters: deadline September 9, 2014

2) Doll Collector: send 300 dpi photos to lsass@scottpublications.com  or mail to the address above.

Santas: deadline September 1, 2014       

Reminder: With some of our dolls going to a facility for Alzheimers and Dementia patients we can't use buttons.  They can be torn off and the patient can choke.  What I did was use the optional cheek circle to replace the buttons on Franny's eyes. Those of you who have used buttons, those dolls will go to Rachel's House where battered women and children go for safety. These people won't pull the buttons off and choke on them.   The deadline for the dolls to be finished will be at our August meeting, which will be at Patti Culea's house.  She will have dates for presenting the dolls and those who want to attend let her know.  The dolls that go to Rachel's House will have to go annonymously. But, the person who takes them will make sure they are given to those who truly need them. +++++++ Other up coming meetings:  July- hosted by Joann Doset: Africa pictures and stick medicine man project and pictures of Africa August- charity dolls due hosted by Patti Culea also will make tags for the dolls. August- hosted by Patti Culea:charity dolls  September-Sharon Goldschneider- emborderey project ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Members websites: Lois Boncer                                         Patti Culea                          Barb Keeling                     www.aardvarktozebra.com                  www.pmcdesigns.com        www.keelingskrafts.com      Debra Tomcik www.debralea.com

Note:

If anyone has dues to send in please send a check to: Sheila Godfrey, 908 Morse St, Oceanside, CA, 92054

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Poster's note: The above is a re-post of the email newsletter sent to members of the club. The email newsletter has photos and additional information. Contact Lois Boncer or Sheila Godfrey if you would like to become a member.

                                                                                   

Blueprints for April

On Apr 7, 2014, at 8:23 AM, Debra Tomcik <tmcklea@roadrunner.com> wrote:

Blueprints

                              Newsletter of IOLCC  

                              April 2014                                                                                                                              

next meeting  April 22 6:30 at Patti Culea’s house

March meeting was so nicely hosted by Linda Adam. Patti summed the evening up so well and I quote:”What a fun evening we had Tuesday.  Those who didn't come really missed out.  Of course, we didn't get anything done, but we had fun anyway.”

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  Our next class project:

A Doll to Love Charity Project -  April 22

What is the charity?  Some of the dolls will go to a local nursing home to give to residents with Dementia and Alzheimer's.  They've found that women with these illnesses love holding a doll or stuffed animal.  It calms them.

The other charity is an organization that is rescuing children from the sex slavery business herd in San Diego.  These girls, many who are under the age of 13, need something to love.  Again, a doll or stuffed animal is something that is loved and needed.

At the April meeting I'll have a list of the places we'll consider to donate these dolls to.  We can decide at that meeting which two we'd like.

===============================

Bring a finished body,  including the head without her features. If you used Patti's pattern - Fancy Frannie - don't put the head together.  Back the face with an embroidery stabilizer.  If you want to use the bits of fabric for Frannie's eyes, cheeks and lips have them ironed onto her face.  We'll embroider the rest at Patti's.  Bring scissors and embroidery needles.  Patti will provide embroidery thread and buttons.

A couple years ago DMC asked me to make a project for them.  They sent a huge box full of every type of thread they make.  The box was 4-feet by 2 1/2-feet by 1 1/2-feet, so you can imagine how much thread I have.  Unless you have a particular thread you simply have to use do not bring any to the meeting.

If you want to draw and color the face with colored pencils, bring a mechanical pencil, eraser, permanent pens and colored pencils.

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Now onto Steampunk!

We  have set the date for a June tea! Our normal meeting date would be June24th. So the following Saturday will be our party Date: June 28 3:00.

Theme will be steam punk. We have some time to get excited about it!

 The may meeting will be a steampunk prep meeting. We will discuss what we will do at the next April meeting. Some of the ideas are as follow:

Everyone bring a hat to decorate {Patti has  tulle, ribbons we can use } or: We can make Fascinators, which are very Steampunk.  I did that at a neighborhood tea I hosted and everyone had a blast.  I had large hair-clips and we used silk flowers, feathers, ribbons, tulle to make our Fascinators.  

Or:  Everyone bring a wrist cuff to decorate - bring Steampunk style gears and charms to decorate - again, I've got quite a few gears and cogs left from teaching my Steampunk doll.

For the tea everyone will bring traditional Victorian tea foods and lots of tea!

Lavender creams, sliced cucumber sandwiches, a cheese board with Camembert and White Stilton with Ginger, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, etc. {are you hungry yet?} 

Come in something steampunk and there will be a doll challenge. { If you took Patti’s class you have already} More information will be in the next newsletter.

----------------------

What is Steampunk? Think Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 days, War of the Worlds, etc.  Also, Alice in Wonderland and Tic-Tok from the Wizard of Oz series.  Actually, all of Baum's books would be from that genre.  It is Victoriana meets Science Fiction.  It's when the steam engine came into action.  The Industrial Revolution.  Great era, but one I'm glad I didn't have to live in.

web sight of interest for Steampunk:

http://www.pinterest.com/source/dieselsteamgypsy.tumblr.com/

And, here's a couple events happening in San Diego to whet our appetites:

Gaslight Gathering - May 2-4 - Town & Country Hotel

http://gaslightgathering.org

This is our own Steampunk convention.  Born and raised here in San Diego.

WinkieCon - the 50th Wizard of Oz convention - Aug. 8-10 - Town & Country Convention Center

http://www.ozconinternational.com

This will be a huge event as they will be celebrating the 75 anniversary of the movie The Wizard of Oz, and the 50th anniversary of their convention.  The theme this year is Tik-Tok, who is very Steampunk.

-----------------------

From mind of Barb Keeling:

Hi Everyone: 

POT HEADS: a cute quick project from Barb Keeling. Darling décor for your houseplants: Make a doll head for your houseplants. 

Depending on the size of your plant will be up to you to decide on the size of the “doll head’ you do.  On average I do heads from 2 ½”” x 3” to 3” x 4 ½”.I like the flat face heads better for this sort of project. It is easier to see them in the plant. 

Go ahead and make your doll head.  Paint on the face and put on hair.  Close up the opening in the doll head.  If that is at the bottom or neck area, leave a small opening and insert a long wood skewer. Otherwise poke a hole in the head bottom and push through a skewer.  Push that up into the head so the head does not wobble.  Then ‘jam the skewer with the head on top into the dirt of the houseplant. Your Pot Head will enjoy the view from your plant.  Doug sometimes calls the ones he does POT STICKER and he will often do a little sign he does on foam “board” that says WATER ME.   Anyway jump into to this fun and easy project.  This is a great use for left over heads in your bone box. Remember I still sell some doll making supplies on my website.  Barb Keeling 

barbkeeling@aol.com          www.keelingskrafts.com/catalog2  

Well Spring is here and makes us sometimes think of our plants. 

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 Note:

Cheryl shared with us a wonderful fashion show that the Chula Vista woman’s club put on and Cheryl ,Patti and I went too. It was 100 year old fashions! 

  

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Notice: I am compiling a birthday list please sent me yours!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Debra Tomcik

contact info: tmcklea@roadrunner.com or 760-943-8692

Future dates for class: May 4, June 8, July 6, August 10

We have so much fun!

Meeting dates for the upcoming year: The fourth tuesday of the month. May 27, June 28th tea, July 22, August 26, Sept 23, Oct 28, and Dec holiday party to be announced. We need signups to host upcoming meetings. Please sign up ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Members web sights:  Lois Boncer www.aardvarktozebra.com  Patti Culea www.pmcdesigns.com  Barb Keeling www.keelingskrafts.com  Debra Tomcik www.debralea.com If you would like your web site listed please contact me so that I can include you on the list.   The newsletter will evolve as we develop more content in the future.  You can help!  I can use notes, stories and other materials from you about your activities and happenings, your websites, any challenges you might want to organize, photographs of your work or studio, and other items that could be of interest to our doll making community!  Please contact me at:  tmcklea@roadrunner.com, or call me at 760-943-8692!

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Note from Stephanie: I am reposting parts of the newsletter as a courtesy to people who may not be members. Please contact Lois Boncer if you would like to become a member.