Introduction

Welcome to my blog covering the 2016 International Paper Doll Convention.  I hope you will enjoy it.  I write the blog mostly for the benefit of those who are unable to attend the convention.  Please feel free to share it with any other interested parties.  The names of the "posts" are listed on the right.  Some posts continue into the next section, while others don't. So be sure to click on each post link on the right side of the page to make sure you don't miss anything.  Also, some of the photos can be enlarged if you click on them. Enjoy!

The wonderful convention logo (above) was designed by Shannon Finch.  

Hotel / Wednesday Reception

 The 2016 International Paper Doll Convention was held in Phoenix, Arizona June 21 to 26, in the Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore Hotel.  Jane Rasor was the convention chairperson.

Jane is pictured on the right.  With her are Paula Sherrick, from Tucson Arizona, and Bruce Patrick Jones from Toronto, Canada.  Jane did an amazing job planning the convention, making hotel arrangements, choosing the menus, implementing the convention theme and setting up the museum tour and tour of Phoenix.  Jane is a retired attorney who worked as an in-house lawyer for a large electrical company in the Phoenix area.  She grew up in Boston, but moved to Phoenix after she finished her education, looking to settle somewhere warmer than Boston.  Obviously Phoenix fit the bill.  Jane had a charming, easy-going way as she led us through each day of the convention.  She knew the first and last names of every single person attending and did her best to make sure that everyone felt welcomed.  Hats off to you, Jane, for another GREAT convention!!  Thanks from all of us!

At the Welcome Fiesta Party we were treated to a fun game put together by Jane Borg and her sister, Jeanette Craker.  These were Neva Schultz drawings that came from the children's magazine Story Parade in the 60's.  We had to guess the nationality of each pair.  It was HARD!  Winners were Mary Herzog, Margie Seltzer, and Debra Van Dyke. 

Phoenix Museum

On Wednesday, those of us who had arrived early visited the Phoenix Art Museum and took a bus tour of Phoenix and the surrounding area.  We viewed the exhibit described below. 

Defning Moments: Fifty Years of Fashion at Phoenix Art Museum  
April 2 – August 7, 2016
Ellman Fashion Design Gallery and
Orme Lewis Gallery

Featuring more than 50 works drawn from across the history of fashion, this exhibition highlights masterworks and milestones of the permanent collection. Providing insight into how the treasures of the collection were acquired and formed an internationally respected fashion archive, this exhibition will feature a roster of world-class designers including Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Chanel alongside stunning historical works.

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We actually went in two different galleries.  One gallery had costumes from much earlier time periods.  The second gallery showcased works from the designers listed above.

To be honest, I'm not all that interested in fashion history, but a great tour guide (or docent, as she called herself) can make it really interesting.

This was the dress Kate Winslet wore to the 2005 Academy Awards.  It is described as a cerulean blue gown with sparkling jewel details.  It was designed by Badgley Mischka. 

As you can see, Kate fills the dress out much better than that mannequin did!  The color has also been called "periwinkle." :-)

The museum also had a fabulous miniature collection (dollhouses etc).   Some of us did a quick tour through that section. Here is a photo of one display.  Yes...this is tiny furniture in a little display box!

What would a museum visit be without souvenirs!!  I bought this box of notecards featuring some of the gowns in the collection.  The designers are:  Christian Dior (green), Fontana (strapless), James Galanos (orange),  Mainbocher (dull orange), Cristobal Balenciaga (red and white).

Also bought this "Day of the Dead" necklace.  I loved the colors and the size of the beads. Plus you can adjust the length.  The kindergartners will love it, too!

Any great museum trip has to include lunch at the museum restaurant.  Kwei-lin Lum snapped this photo of Ron Fong and myself.  I think I had corn chowder and it was yummy!

Workshops

Teri Petit gave a delightful presentation on Vivian Trillow Smith, an artist who worked for Hallmark from 1924 to 1970.  She is believed to have done approximately 11,500 cards for Hallmark. Teri has done extensive research on this artist, even going as far as investigating her geneology.  We were able to see her family tree, see where all she had lived, etc.  In this slide Teri shows some of Vivian Trillow Smith's original artwork, which would eventually be part of a greeting card. Teri has developed a very good "eye" for Smith's work and can usually spot an unsigned "Viv" greeting card.  For more information you can go to Teri's website.  Just type in "Teri Petit paper dolls" in any search box.   Thanks, Teri.

It's hard to take photos during a presentation because obviously the room is dark and you are engrossed in what's going on.  Patti Fertel gave an informative presentation on all things "Alice in Wonderland."   Patti's presentations are always well-researched and interesting.   Thanks, Patti!

Jenny Taliadoros gave a presentation called "Secret Stories of a Paper Doll Publisher."  Jenny was funny, charming and informative all at the same time, and not everybody can pull off all three!  We got to see Jenny's boat, her office, the huge printer at the company where she has her paper dolls printed, and boxes and boxes of paper dolls being stored in the printer's warehouse.   She also told us about some of the celebrities that she has worked with, along with photos of their homes.  She warned us ahead of time that we would laugh and we would cry, and I certainly did.  Thanks Jenny, for sharing with us!

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I do not have photos of the other presenters.  If anyone would like to share I can insert their photos to the blog later.

Kwei-lin Lum gave an in-depth presentation called "Around the World with Paper Dolls and Toys," sharing images from the internet.  There was never a dull moment in this presentation, which was full of surprises.  Thanks Kwei-lin.

Bruce Patrick Jones gave a presentation called "Foreign Paper Dolls."  He had an unbelievable number of slides, mostly of magazine and advertising paper dolls from all over the world.  He explained to me that he has lots of friends around the world who keep their eyes open for him, and they send him whatever paper dolls they find.  I'm not surprised he has so many friends....he is a sweetheart of a guy!  Thanks, Bruce.

Ralph Hodgdon had several sessions of "Gossip and Paint with Ralph."  I talked to Karen Coker who attended one of the sessions.  She had a ball, picked up some painting tips, and even won one of Ralph's paintings.  You could hear laughter coming from that room......maybe that was the gossip part??

Beverly Micucci and Sandy Vanderpool led a workshop called "Making Paper Doll Cards."  They provided materials and little slogans which participants could use to design their own cards.  This is card designed by Tracy Williams.   I heard lots of good things about this workshop.  It sounded like it was a lot of fun for all the participants.  (Photo courtesy Tracy Williams)

Linda Hoerner led a workshop called "Design a Paper Doll Wardrobe."  Linda provided a doll and a doggie, along with pretty papers and embellishments.  Again, this was a no-fail project.  Here is a lovely doll and wardrobe designed by Lori Lawson.  (photo courtesy Lori Lawson)

This was a random photo I took one day during happy hour.  Jeri Traw is from Tempe, Arizona and Margie Schmitz was from Scotsdale, Arizona.  I think they were having a good time!

This is me on the evening of the Artist Showcase and Special Exhibitions.  Since I was participating I did not get photos of any of the other displays.  I may add some of those later, after I track down the photos.  

Salesroom

Scott Jorgenson told me he didn't like to have his picture taken but too bad, Scott, I got you!  Scott and I got to know each other a little better this time around.  I asked him to explain what he does for a living in 25 words or less.  Sorry, it's too hard for me to explain here. 

 Norma Lu Meehan and her daughter Mary Meehan Firtl smiling for the camera at their sales table.  Norma Lu was selling her lovely paper dolls and Mary was selling pendants and other interesting items. 

Linda Hoerner makes a sale to Garth Lax.  Linda told me she hates promoting herself.  I thought that was quite interesting. Hmmmm.....

Patti Fertel had some lovely creations for sale at her sales table.  I also managed to get much of her life story out of her in probably more than 25 words.  She spent many years working as a counselor to students in med school at Ohio State.  Lately she's been writing articles on paper dolls for DOLL NEWS.

Mary Herzog is a long-time collector and had all kinds of things for sale.  I spent time visiting with her at the Welcome Fiesta Party.

Every time I attend a convention I take a picture of Kwei-lin Lum and it always turns out to be a very good picture!  She and I have been friends for a long time.  Kwei-lin always has imaginative things for sale and you never know what she'll come up with next!!

Tracy Williams got to spend some time with her sister, KC Skinner, who happens to live in Phoenix.  I understand that KC did the sales while Tracy painted.  Tracy was painting on-demand outfits for anyone who had a paper doll that needed a wardrobe.  Lori Lawson was happy to oblige.  Tracy is displaying one of the "commissioned" outfits.  What fun! (bottom photo courtesy Lori Lawson)

More fun in the sales room!

Beverly Micucci had a sales table next to me so we had fun visiting.  Beverly was selling things from her collection and also some paper dolls that her daughter-in-law had made.

Here I am at my sales table.  I never sell a lot, but I always sell enough to inspire me to have a table next time.  I enjoy showing my work and talking to people about it

Of course a post about the salesroom would not be complete without sharing what I bought!!  This was my favorite purchase.  It's called "Toddler Twins," and it was published by the Samuel Gabriel Company.  These dolls were published earlier and separately in two other sets, "My Doll Jack" and "My Doll Jill."  No specific dates are given in the reference books.

Here are my other purchases:  A Hilda Miloche set called "Birthday Party;" two Alina Kolurri books "Let's Play Paper Doll Dress Up," and "Let's Play Paper Doll Christmas;" Linda Hoerner's new book, "More Paper Pals Paper Dolls," A Peck-Aubry book "Cissy;"  "Una Verse--A Novi Star," by Tracy Williams; A black and white paper doll, "Chelsea," by Karen Prince; and some fun French repro sheets called, "Decoupages."  See....I didn't go TOTALLY crazy!!

I almost forgot!! I bought two new dresses for my Tiny Betsy Doll from Margaret Brown. Tiny Betsy is a reproduction of my favorite doll---Betsy McCall---that I got for Christmas when I was in the 3rd grade. I still have my original Betsy but her legs don't stay on any more.  

Banquets and Souvenirs

Wednesday night was the Mexican Fiesta Welcome party.  Some attendees dressed appropriately.  We had Mexican hors d'oeuvres.  Jane Rasor did a super job with the food.  I loved it.  Very unique!

Thursday night's theme was "Exotic Asia."  Again, some attendees chose to dress accordingly.  (Some of us had too much else to think about and suitcases that were already full!).

Kevin Wilkins had a good time with the "Exotic Asia" theme and everybody else enjoyed his costume as well!

This was my table group on "Exotic Asia" night.  They are (front row left to right): Marveen Vimislik, Marveen's granddaughter Elizabeth Esquer, Garth Lax,  Diana Lax. And in the back row (left to right) we have Marveen Vimislik's daughter (name?), Marie Rosales, Anne Donze, Tracy Williams, and Teri Petit.

Here is another happy table at the "Exotic Asia" night banquet. Front row (left to right) Beverly Micucci, Sylvia Kleindinst, Sandy Vanderpool, And Marian Creamer.  Back row (left to right) Scott Jorgenson, Jenny Tailadoros, Lori Lawson and Ron Fong.  

 

Linda Hoerner designed the menus for each banquet.  They were very cleverly done and I really enjoyed each one.  Thanks Linda!  (I got this photo from facebook.....don't know who took it. if you took it, please give me permission to use it and I will give you photo credit.)

 We received this souvenir in our goody bags.  The artists who did these dolls are:  (front row left to right)  Brenda Mattox, Larry Bassin, Patricia Courte Rooney, Gregg Nystrom , Alina Kolluri (back row left to right) Kwei-lin Lum,  Eileen Rudisill Miller, D O'Tierney, and Ralph Hodgdon.

On "Exotic Asia" night we received this lovely souvenir from Sandra Vanderpool, "The Mysterious Geisha."  

On "Roman Holiday" night we received this souvenir which had contributions from several artists.  The cover doll and dress was done by Eileen Rudisill Miller.  Other aritsts contributing were:  Ted Menten, Marilyn Henry, Norma Lu Meehan, Bruce Patrick Jones, and Karen Hunter. 

Jim Howard did the souvenir for "Paris Chic" night.  Here are photos of his book, "Dior Paris." 

 

 

Show and Share / Raffle

"Show and Share" was a brainchild of the convention chairperson, Jane Rasor.  I think Jane should have been pleased with how it turned out.  Each attendee was asked to bring something from their collection to share--a favorite item or something unique.  There were definitely things on display that didn't really fit in the Competition, nor were they "collections" that would have made sense in the Special Exhibits.  Since this was a big success, I would suggest that future "Show and Share" exhibits reserve an even larger space, so the shared items could be spread out and given even more display space.

This was one of my favorite items in the "Show and Share."  Lori Lawson's son Duncan made this paper doll for her as a Christmas present when he was 5 years old.  Lori notes that since her birthday was right after Christmas there are several holiday-themed outfits.  Thanks, Lori.  This was GREAT!

This was my "Show and Share."  It is a boxed set I bought from Jim Howard a few years ago.  It is based on a French doll, Miss Rose Percy.  I love Jim's work.  It always looks so effortless.

Sondra Leeds once again took on the task of running the raffle room.  The purpose of the raffle is to raise money in order to keep down the cost of registrations at the convention.  She was assisted by Debra Van Dyke.  The two of them sold tickets, organized the donated items, stood guard over the items and ran the actual raffle when the time came.  Thanks to both for all your hard work!

This is a photo of the raffle room.  A bag is placed by each donated item and attendees put tickets (with their names) in the bags of coveted items.  If there is something you REALLY want, then you stuff the bag with YOUR tickets.

 These attendees are anxiously awaiting the Saturday afternoon raffle.  They are:  (left to right) Maxine Penny, Vivian Yee, Kay Smith, Barbara Duranczyk, and Sue Brewer.  

On Saturday I had lunch with five newbies.  They are (left to right):   DJ Chappell, Lynne Hills,  Karen Coker, Karen Smith, and Melissa Smith.