Doll, Bear, Miniature & Collectibles News

Celebrating 40 years!

Plangon Doll Club Celebrates 40 years, as an incorporated Doll Club! It is believed to be the oldest Australian Doll Club. Founding members commenced the club on 10th April 1968, and at the April club meeting this year, the members will celebrate being a club member and the remarkable achievements of the club during the first 40 years!

The Nursery Rhymes & Fairy Tales, Doll, Bear & Miniature Show 2007 in Cannington, Western Australia, hosted by the Porcelain Dollmakers Guild of WA Inc. rose over $2000aud, that was donated to ‘The Senses Foundation’.

 The wonderful doll and bear entries and displays, with the inclusion of the Miniature Society, all contributed to 2007 show being a beautiful and successful event.

Winter Wonderland now has a website! There is great information, stories,  profiles, competition details and entry forms... and so much more!. Ask to be put on the e-mail list to receive monthly updates and news first!

 www.winter-wonderland.com.au

Queensland - Museum Opening Delays…

After many delays, the new collectables museum at Rosewood, Queensland has unfortunately had to delay the opening again.

The continual rain, humidity and local flooding is the reason for the delay in opening.  The rain and humidity increase microbe growth and the airing of antique gowns that are to go on display have been postponed to ensure the fragile gowns are not damaged by any nasty microbe that thrives in the humid conditions. The heat/humidity in South East Queensland has been known to last into May and the museum owners are quite frustrated, however they know that being carers of historic items, that the longer it takes to get the museum together... the more special the museum will be.

Change of Venue - Newcastle, Hunter Valley (NSW) Doll Fair...

There is a new venue for the 2008 Doll Fair hosted by Newcastle Hunter Valley Doll Lovers Society, to be held on 5th April 2008. The new venue is Lambton High School refer to April Calendar for full details.

Create-A-Doll New Website...

Create-A-Doll has a fantastic new website, due to be up and on-line very soon (early May).

This website will create ease in shopping on-line for all your doll making supplies, accessories and miniature supplies (also, many other fantastic collectables). Shopping will be pleasurable with photos, full details, descriptions and dimensions of the hundreds of products available! Create-A-Doll have quick reliable service for wholesale or individual shoppers. Shop from home on-line with the confidence of a reputable Australian business. www.createadoll.com.au

Australia - available soon... New Felt Sculpting Book

World renowned felt sculpture designer, Geri Williams, will be visiting Australia in June & August 2008, teaching and promoting her new book!

Geri Williams is about to publish her latest pattern of her ‘Fairy Doll’ (photographed), and is hoping that the book will be ready and available in June 2008 for Australians. This book will have full photo illustrations and instructions of the techniques used to create these ‘Fairy Dolls’: The book will  include some of Geri’s unique  felt sculpting techniques that are used to achieve the ‘extra dimensions’ that bring Geri’s designs of dolls, bears and animals to life!

Geri will be at the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, Queensland in June, then in Adelaide, South Australia in August.

Archive :: Issue 15

Rustic Prints

www.rusticprints.com

Macedo Books

www.macedo.com.au

New Collectibles Museum to Open

South East Queensland will be getting a new collectibles museum, due to open late 2007. The museum, once finished, will have various collectibles, including antique gowns, baby and child furniture, toys, dolls from antique to vintage, bears with various makers from vintage to new… and much more! The museum is set in the country approx 10mins from the Cunningham Hwy, and 70kms South/West from Brisbane. With breathtaking views, visitors will also enjoy landscaped gardens and refreshments from the tearoom. DBN will keep you informed when the museum is open to visitors

Good Bears of the World - Down Under

Finally, the Good Bears of the World have a branch here in Australia! This non-profit organization provides teddy bears for children that have been in tragic circumstances (i.e. victim of bushfire, flood etc). The bears provide a little comfort and security to a child often in emotional situations. More on their website: www.strawbeary.com  The Australian branch is only a few months old and is in need of help… they need (new) bear donations, volunteers, good old-fashioned money and donations of Artists Bears that will be auctioned to raise funds.

If you would like to help, please contact Pappa Bear: Rod by Email: bigred@strawberry.com

New Seeley's Distributor for Queensland

In December 2006, the Seeley’s distribution for Queensland was transferred to Queensland Porcelain Doll Centre, when the previous Seeley’s distribution - Ceramic and Craft Centre – owners retired.

The new Seeley’s distributor, Janelle Anderson, proprietor of Queensland Porcelain Doll Centre, has the experience & knowledge in all aspects of doll making.

Janelle, with over 20 years of experience, is an accredited Seeley’s teacher and is specialised in the Seeley School of Dollmaking processes and procedures. During the last 20 years Janelle has undertaken a range of workshops to develop various skills in doll making. Also, as a judge of both modern and antique reproduction dolls, Janelle is well known and respected in the Queensland porcelain doll industry.

With Janelle’s expertise, to share with and to support all doll makers, Queensland Porcelain Doll Centre is fast becoming the industry leader for all aspects of doll making.

If you would like more information please contact Janelle, Queensland Porcelain Doll Centre Email: cranderson@optusnet.com.au

Latest Arrivals at Lesley Hurford

Lesley Hurford Antique Dolls & Accessories has hundreds of dolls available and these beautiful dolls (and a sweet bear) are just some of the latest to arrive at Lesley’s studio! E-mail Lesley for your (free) doll list: Email: lesleyhurford@hotmail.com 

New Website for All Events Victoria

There is a new website for the latest collectibles events in Victoria – All Events Victoria has a wonderful website of information for both traders and collectors. All Events Victoria: www.eventsvic.com.au

Kerri's Bundle of Bears

Kerri has a beautiful range, of artists bears and all your bear, patchwork and quilt making needs, for more visit Kerri’s new website: www.kerrisbundleofbears.com.au

Claire Bears Ultimate Tours

Travel with Friends with Similar Interests! Next Available Tours…  

For enquiries and bookings contact your hosts, Claire & Norm: clairebears@ozemail.com.au

Olde Bear Attique

You can be assured of the quality of your bear when purchasing from Australia’s leading specialists in old bears and bear restorations.

‘Gabbi’ (pictured) is a 11" 1920's US Bear

Approx 85% gold mohair coverage. Felt pads with repair to one & paws. Boot button eyes. Fully jointed & wood wool filled. Original condition. Gabbi comes wearing her "Sunday Best" & the cutest little face.

With so many sweet faces, its difficult to choose just one!
For a full range of old bears visit Olde Bear Attique’s website: www.oldbearattic.com 

 - Lana Matson & Cheryl Oliver, write for DBN, sharing their expertise on antique & old bears with readers.

Huge Mould Sale!

Mould Sale… surplus business supplies… For more details, contact Janelle, Queensland Porcelain Doll Centre, Email: cranderson@optusnet.com.au

Antique Dolls

Trusted and respected antique doll expert, Kirsty Stewart has an exquisite range of antique dolls and accessories currently available. For either a private appointment, or to visit Kirsty at a doll event,
please Email Kirsty for details: kirsty@esc.net.au

- Kirsty Stewart writes for DBN, sharing her knowledge and expertise on antique dolls with readers.

Collectibles Museum

New climate controlled Collectibles Museum to open in Rosewood, Queensland.  Once opened the museum will cater for bus groups or individuals.  Exhibitions will be changed regularly and will include Antique Gowns, Antique & Vintage Dolls, Antique & Modern Bears, Antique Child and Doll Toys, Antique & Vintage Baby Furniture, Antique Furniture, Antique Tea & Dinner Sets.....and many more collectibles.  The museum is set beside a 101 year old Queenslander and surrounded by landscaped country gardens.  Opening later in 2007.

Teddy & Craft

Gerry's Teddy Bear & Craft Design has expanded with a stunning new store on the Gold Coast.  Check their website for free pattern download.

Largest range of patters, kits and fabrics in the Southern Hemisphere!  New promotion, when you register on 'Gerry's' website, you receive a monthly newsletter and special offers!  When registering, don't forget to mention 'Doll & Bear News'

Gerry's Teddy & Craft Designs www.gerrys.com.au

Record Numbers

Northside Doll & Bear Show organizers were astounded at the amount of visitors to their show held earlier in 2007.  It was reported that the number of people through the door sup parsed any previous record ever held by the club.

Excited by Auctions!

Be thrilled in bidding for items at an auction! Items may include; linen, lace, dolls, toys, teddies or collectables… experience all the excitement of an auction when purchasing your next collectable! For auction details, items, inspection times, contact auctioneers; Raffan, Kelaher & Thomas Pty Ltd www.rafkelauctions.com.au

Merrythought Toys Ceases Production!

27th November 2007, Merrythought Toys ceased production....for more details visit

Merrythought Toys' website www.merrythought.com.uk

Create - A - Doll

Have the home your doll has always wanted.....in miniature!  Latest designs in dolls houses, furniture, and all the miniature accessories you need to build your dolls dream home.  Australia's leader in all doll accessories.

For more details: Create-A-Doll

Latest Bear Creation!

‘Isadorable’ & ‘Kai’: Isadorable is 46cm and limited to two sets only. She is made from luxury ginger tipped curly Schulte mohair and is wearing an original hand made velvet hat. Kai is 27cm and is made from hand dyed rust Schulte mohair. Clasped in his left hand is his favourite toy. Inserted in both mother and son’s paws are power magnets which enables them to grasp paws. For more see Gunnies Collectibles in the directory under ‘Bear Artists’

Enchanted Reborn Dolls....

Reborn dolls are so life-like that they are often mistaken for actual babies! They have gorgeous baby features, the softest ‘skin’ and when you hold a reborn doll in your arms, they are the weight of a new baby too! For all the latest designs by Babes Enchanted Designer Reborns

visit their website
http://babesenchanted.moonfruit.com

Protect That Tag On Your Collectables

As we know, the tags attached to our collectables prove the maker and quality of the item.  Keep those attached tags in good condition with quality tag protectors.  These tag protectors are acid free P.E.T. and are for tags sized up to 94 x 63mm. 

For more details and information: Power of 2 - http://www.users.bigpond.com/power_of_2/protectors.htm

Delightful Dolls, Classes, Supplies & Accessories!

Want to start or are already involved in doll making… this is a delightful place for all your doll making needs from classes to supplies, Greenware, soft fired bisque, wigs, shoes, ‘Monique Wigs’… for more information, email your details and enquiry to Delightful Dolls delightfuldolls@optusnet.com.au 

Dollwear Designer Version 4 Has Arrived

Dollwear Designer is an interactive Doll Clothing Pattern Creation Software Application CDROM.  This latest version surpasses any previous versions and has new patters, new features, new modules and DVD training.  Desgin, Print, Sew....it's that easy!  You can find out more from Dollwear Australia

www.dollwearaustralia.com.au

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