Instructors are listed in order of last name
Blyth, Pat GMDEd.
146 Bicentennial Dr.
Jerrabomberra, ACT, Australia
Phone 011-61-2-6299-8105
Email: pgblyth@iprimus.com.au
Pat considers herself one of the luckiest! She was able to turn her passion for porcelain dolls into a very successful dollmaking business in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra. Together with her youngest daughter, Lara, she operated Blithe Bebe Dollmaking Studio for twenty years. Pat's philosophy is if you share knowledge, you double it, not half it.
Born in England, Pat and her family arrived in Australia in 1970 after having spent three years in New Zealand, where her husband George worked as a journalist. Ten years later, she discovered porcelain dollmaking when she searched to buy little folk to inhabit a dollhouse George had made. At that time Pat had no idea there was such a thing as an antique doll, but having followed up on an advertisement, she enrolled in dollmaking classes hoping to be able to make the dolls needed to inhabit the dollhouse. The rest is, as they say, history.
In the early 1980s there was not much information available in Australia on the hobby of porcelain dollmaking, but Pat was lucky enough to travel to Germany and England regularly on the quest for more information and to learn new techniques. She also traveled to Europe and America to visit doll museums and attend doll events. In the course of her travels pat was exposed to and influenced by some of the world's top dollmakers. Pat wrote many articles on her travels for the Australian magazine Doll Digest.
Pat eventually attended seminars through the Doll Artisan Guild School of Dollmaking and earned the D.A.G. Master and Grand Master of Dollmaking titles. Her dolls won many rosettes at doll shows, and in recognition of her excellent dollmaking skills Pat was appointed a D.A.G. Instructor in the early l990s. As a D.A.G. Instructor and judge Pat has traveled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand and has also participated in D.A.G. events in America and Europe.
As a traditionalist Pat loves the antique French and German dolls and is always trying to go that extra step to make them as authentic looking as possible. Dolls with moving eyes are her specialty. She is also enthusiastic about modern dolls and has developed an unusual technique for fusing glass beads onto porcelain shoulder heads to create jewelry, thus adding another dimension to the decoration of modern dolls.
Pat believes today's dollmakers are very lucky because not only do they have the advantage of the D.A.G. seminar program, but there is also a wealth of porcelain dollmaking information available through books, the Internet and magazines like Dolls Beautiful. In addition, she feels the constructive criticism that students receive when they submit a doll for evaluation in competition is not only a helpful learning experience, but is also an incentive to go on to make more and better dolls.
Although now retired as a studio owner, Pat is still a traveling Instructor and is heavily involved in participating in dollmaking events. Pat enjoys teaching all aspects of porcelain dollmaking and says that her favorite doll is the one she has just finished! With the completion of each doll Pat experiences a feeling of "satisfaction that borders on euphoria." She feels that if more people could be exposed to this wonderful world of dollmaking perhaps they would be happier and less stressed.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Clausen, Jo MDMEd.
3017 Majestic Oak Circle
Cottonwood, CA 96022
Phone ((530) 347-9299
Fax (530) 347-9399
E-mail: clausen@cwo.com
Jo and her husband Ken ran a very large wholesale antiques operation for many years. Within the general realm of antiques Jo discovered a real love of antique dolls. She was lucky enough to be able to travel extensively throughout Europe for her business and was also able to study antique dolls along the way. Learning how to repair and restore the dolls allowed Jo to purchase more dolls for resell, as well as for her collection.
Jo soon realized, however, that the dolls she really wanted to add to her collection were too expensive. At the suggestion of a friend, she decided to take up porcelain dollmaking so she could complete her collection with her own antique reproduction creations. After she began taking dollmaking seminars in 1984, Jo found she also liked modern dolls because of their expressions and beauty. Soon she began to share her doll making knowledge and skills with any of her family and friends who would sit still long enough!
After selling her antiques business in 1990, Jo "retired" to a small doll shop in San Jose to teach doll making and sell doll making supplies, antique dolls, modern dolls and antique reproductions. Since becoming a D.A.G. Instructor in 1994 Jo has been teaching D.A.G. seminars at her own shop and other studios on the West Coast and in Thailand, and in 1997 she was awarded the DAGSD title Master of Dollmaking Educator.
Jo loves teaching all types of seminars, both modern and classic, beginner and advanced. She has been successful at teaching a combination of modern and classic dolls in seminars such as "Walking Dolls" or "Ethnic Dolls." For some seminars she has even been able to provide the antique doll for the students to use as a painting reference. Among the seminars currently on Jo's teaching schedule are "Modern Doll Rochard", "Candy Container", "Bru Clown in a Box", "Small Kestners" and "Sleep Eyes."
Jo currently resides in the northern California town of Cottonwood.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Condrey, Joyce MDMEd.
2907 Poplar Circle
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone (704) 484-8867
Fax 704) 484-8921
E-mail: joycecondrey@carolina.rr.com
Joyce started her career as a ceramics hobbyist in 1970. In 1981 she discovered the art of creating dolls and has been hooked ever since. In 1993 she took early retirement from her job with the local power company, and within a month she was working as an instructor of ceramics and doll making at a local community college where she has continued to work for the last 11 years.
In 1995 she was appointed D.A.G. Instructor, a job she loves, not only because she enjoys teaching, but also because she enjoys traveling. By participating in the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking educational program she has earned her D.A.G. Master Educator title.
Joyce enjoys teaching the Apprentice and Beautiful Doll seminars because she believes these are the foundation of successful doll making. She finds the enthusiasm of the beginner dollmakers to be contagious. On the other hand, she also enjoys the challenge of teaching specialties in both classic and modern dolls, but has a special place in her heart for the antique reproductions. She loves French Fashion and Parian Dolls as well as the appeal of the German Character Dolls. Some of her favorite seminars to teach are, Jewels, Lace and Roses and the Rochard Technique. Costuming is another challenge that she enjoys and combines that with other skills like wig making, shoemaking, hat making, and crocheting.
Joyce also teaches workshops and has enjoyed writing articles for Dolls Beautiful, Doll Artisan, Dollmaking and Doll Pro. She states that dollmaking can't ever be boring as there is always another skill to learn as well and improving the skills that you have already acquired.
Joyce is a charter member, first President and past Secretary of the Doll Artisan Society of Piedmont Porcelain Doll Artisans. She helped found this club to help unite all doll makers in the area and to share ideas and sponsor competitions. Over the years Joyce herself has won numerous top awards in competition and has helped judge several shows. She served as Arts and Crafts Director of the Cleveland County Fair for five years and coordinated the Cleveland Mall Doll Show for 13 years.
Joyce and her husband have lived in the same home in North Carolina for over forty years and have three grown, successful children, eleven grandchildren, and a cat. They both enjoy RVing and travel whenever they can get away.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Eason, Linda MDM
54 Tyrell Rd.
South Benfleet
Essex SS7 5DQ
Linda took up dollmaking as a hobby 10 years ago when she joined the Doll Artisan Guild and enrolled in the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking. In 1997, after winning top awards in competition, Linda was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor. In addition to teaching D.A.G. seminars at various studios around the U.K., she also teaches weekly classes in her studio in Benfleet, Essex.
With a special interest in antique reproductions, Linda is inspired by the skills of yesteryear and encourages her students to discover the satisfaction of creating their own masterpieces. Linda is especially talented at developing projects from her inspirations and turning them into exciting seminars and workshops focusing both on painting and costuming.
You may contact the D.A.G. Seminar Office for more information about Linda's seminars and workshops.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Ehmen, Stephanie GMDMEd.
565 Short Circuit
Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone (830) 980-2745
Fax (830) 980-2942
E-mail: srehmen@gvtc.com
When asked why she likes teaching, Stephanie replies, "My job as a teacher is to help each person feel as if she has made improvement in her skills by the end of a seminar. Each person learns differently and different techniques work for different people. I get a thrill out of seeing the delight in a student's face when she finally gets the feel of the stroke or technique."
Although Stephanie was in the banking business when she became involved in porcelain dollmaking, she had always had an interest in art and "dabbled in " watercolors. She saw an ad for a dollmaking class and signed up, and it did not take long for her to realize that dollmaking was not just a passing hobby for her. Dollmaking allowed her use her other creative skills such as sewing, dress designing, crocheting and embroidery.
It was not long before Stephanie changed careers by opening a doll studio in her home in Austin, Texas. Although she worked harder than ever, she enjoyed every minute, eventually becoming a Seeley Area Manager for West Texas. Because Stephanie had such a zeal for learning she began taking seminars through the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking and eventually earned her Master of Dollmaking, Grand Master of Dollmaking and Master Educator titles. One of the greatest thrills of her career was winning the Millie award in D.A.G. mail-in competition.
Stephanie was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor in 1997 and has enjoyed traveling to many different states to teach all types of seminars: modern and classic, beginner and advanced, painting and costuming. Some of her upcoming seminar projects are Oriental Bru and Mulatto Jumeau Arielle; Authentic Kimono for Bru; Himself as "Uncle Mistletoe"; Bluebell with Candy Container; Advanced DDP with new and different ideas; and Back to Basics, which focuses on eyecutting, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Referring to her seminar projects, Stephanie says, "Much of my inspiration comes from my students. When I finish a seminar I go home with fresh ideas and inspiration. I get ideas from many other places as well: doll books, children's stories and even collectible doll shows." She advises that ideas can come from very unlikely sources and that you must "keep your eyes and ears tuned."
Stephanie actively participates in D.A.G. events by lecturing and teaching workshops, has written articles for DOLLS Beautiful and other dollmaking magazines and designs crochet patterns for dolls. She, her husband and cat have recently relocated to the "Texas Hill Country" north of San Antonio, where she also helps her husband with his business in her "spare" time. Her advice to new dollmakers is, "Never stop learning!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Freeman, Thu-Tam MDMEd.
Creations by Thu-Tam
6616 Northwest Melody Lane
Parkville, Missouri, 64152
Phone (816) 741-5940
Thu-Tam is a native of Vietnam, although she has made her home in America for more than thirty years. Shortly after her arrival in her new country she was introduced to the ceramics hobby by a neighbor. Being artistic by nature Thu-Tam also took up tole painting and painting on canvas. Her ceramics hobby soon branched out into stoneware and china painting on porcelain plates, but Thu-Tam says it was the beauty of porcelain that intrigued her and captured her imagination.
Thu-Tam says she "bumped into dolls" in 1978 and because of her china painting background the transition to painting dolls was easy. Dollmaking soon became her passion. In the early days of her new hobby Thu-Tam says that she gleaned most of her knowledge from Mildred Seeley's workbooks. Later, after improving her skills by taking every D.A.G. seminar available, she opened her own teaching studio. Soon both Thu-Tam and her students started winning top awards in local doll competition, and in 1990 she was invited to become a D.A.G. Instructor.
At the 1993 D.A.G. International Convention in Rochester, New York, Thu-Tam received her D.A.G. Master of Dollmaking, Master Educator and Ambassador titles and was recognized as a Seeley's Super Doll Center. Thu-Tam says, "As I walked up on stage to receive all those awards I was on cloud nine!" Sadly, two months later her shop was inundated in a 500 year flood and she lost almost all her inventory. Undaunted, however, Thu-Tam started over, and she has been in business in Parkville for twenty-two years.
Thu-Tam says that although she did not have any dolls to play with as a child she has since made up for that deprivation through her dollmaking. She has also met many friends all over the world who share her love of dolls. Thu-Tam's students and doll friends have become her "big family circle", supporting her through her personal ups and downs. Thu-Tam feels she is truly blessed and wants to share the joy of dollmaking with everyone who crosses her path. With her characteristic enthusiasm Thu-Tam declares, "It is good for your soul!"
Thu-Tam teaches D.A.G seminars throughout the U.S. and in her own studio, where she also conducts weekly classes. She loves teaching all aspects of porcelain dollmaking--both modern and classic--as well as decorative arts techniques.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Gale, Ginger GMDMEd.
516 Golfpark Dr.
Celebration, Florida 34747
Phone (407) 566-8947
Fax (407) 566-8957
Email: ginger.gale@celebration.fl.us
Ginger says she was not particularly interested in dolls as a child, but developed a love for dolls some years ago during what she jokingly refers to as her "second childhood." After taking some local dollmaking classes in 1985 she was definitely hooked. She particularly enjoyed reproducing antique dolls because of the history behind them. This growing interest in dolls led her to take seminars through the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking (DAGSD), and she eventually earned her Master of Dollmaking, Master Educator and Grand Master of Dollmaking titles.
"Because I enjoyed working with people and sharing my knowledge of dollmaking I was enticed to start my own doll business." In 1987 she founded Dolls of Yesteryear in Apopka, Florida, near Orlando, later becoming a Seeley Area Manager.
Through the years Ginger has also been very active in doll clubs in the central Florida area. She helped found, was a charter member of and has held various offices in both Doll Creators of Central Florida, a branch club of International Dollmakers Association (IDMA), and Greater Orlando Doll Club, a branch club of United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC). She has also served two terms on the Board of Directors of IDMA.
Since being selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor in 1997, Ginger has enjoyed teaching all types of seminars, both modern and classic, beginner and advanced. She feels the Apprentice and Beautiful Doll seminars are the most important to a dollmaker's education because the basic techniques learned in these seminars are the foundation for everything else a dollmaker needs to learn. When asked to share a few words of advice to new dollmakers, Ginger said, "Enjoy yourself while you are learning and you will make many life-long friends."
Some of the upcoming specialty seminars Ginger will be teaching are: All-Bisque Dolls; Faberge and Egg; China and Parian; Fashion Doll and Costume; Daisy Garland and Costume, Rochard (modern and classic), Wigmaking, Shoemaking, and Sleep and Flirty Eyes. Another fun-filled seminar is Victorian Treasures, featuring a pin cushion doll, Lullaby and Gabrielle.
Ginger lives in Celebration, Florida, with her husband John, who is very supportive of her dollmaking career.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Guilette, Cynthia GMDMEd.
China Doll, Inc.
655 N. Brookfield Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045
Phone/Fax (262) 787-1921
Cynthia, who is a native of Wisconsin, has been teaching porcelain doll making for the last 12 years. Before becoming involved with porcelain dolls she traveled throughout the Midwest teaching hand painted china and glass lamps, and has served as President of the Midwest Teachers Organization.
Cynthia is the owner/operator of China Doll, Inc., a Seeley Super Doll Center, and is the Seeley Area Manager for the state of Wisconsin. In this capacity she assists and provides training for other doll studios who are starting doll businesses.
In 1992 she was appointed D.A.G. Instructor and has traveled extensively throughout the U. S. and Europe teaching D.A.G. seminars with both classic and modern doll, with special interest in Dimensional Doll Painting. Cynthia is also a certified judge for D.A.G. competitions around the U.S.
Recently Cynthia was invited to hold a one-woman show at the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Among Cynthia's work displayed during this one-month exhibit were hand painted china and porcelain dolls and a table setting of hand painted china. A lecture was also presented to the general public.
Cynthia is charter member and President of the China Doll Artisan Guild of Wisconsin, a D.A.G. affiliated club which was founded to promote education in porcelain doll making. In 1997 this club, along with China Doll, Inc., hosted the first regional D.A.G. supported event in the U.S. The event was open to all doll makers, collectors and the general public.
Cynthia is active in many other doll and china painting organizations, her dolls have won numerous awards in competition and she frequently writes articles for magazines, including Doll Artisan, DollPro, Doll Reader, Dollmaking and International Porcelain Art Teachers.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Hearn, Linda MDM
38 Southsea Avenue
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex SS9 2AX
England
Phone (44) 01702 711 639
Before taking up porcelain dollmaking as a hobby 15 years ago, Linda studied graphic design and worked in an advertising agency in London. Linda soon found she had a talent for dollmaking. In 1988 she won the professional D.A.G. Millie award in Biel, Switzerland, and was later appointed D.A.G. Instructor in 1992. In 1995 Linda was awarded the Master of Dolllmaking title. After a brief absence to pursue other career opportunities, Linda resumed teaching D.A.G. seminars in 1999.
Linda loves to create antique reproductions, and in teaching her special areas of interest are costuming, wigmaking and shoemaking. She is well known for her wigmaking seminars and workshops, and her beautifully costumed antique reproduction dolls are much sought after by collectors.
Linda lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, and has two grown children who have both followed and supported her interests in the creative arts.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Jolly, Barbara DDMEd.
22 Mountain St.
Grimsby, Ontario L3M 3J8
Canada
Phone/Fax (905) 945-0913
When Barbara ("Barb") decided to take up dollmaking as a hobby her college background in art and design proved to be invaluable. She quickly mastered painting techniques, and she found that costuming her dolls was second nature to her because of her fashion design studies.
A great believer in the value of continuing education, Barb fine tuned her dollmaking skills by taking seminars offered by the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking. She earned her Master of Dollmaking title in 1989, and her dolls have won numerous ribbons and rosettes in competition, including the professional D.A.G. Millie award in 1991.
Barb's has a special interest in ethnic dolls and classic French dolls in authentic costumes and enjoys the challenge of making dolls with mechanisms, both manual and mechanical. She has created dolls which sleep, flirt, kiss, walk, talk, eat and nurse. In 1993 she was earned the Doctor of Dollmaking title with a thesis on a mechanical baby doll with flirting eyes.
Barb was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor in 1991, and teaches seminars in all aspects of dollmaking. Some of her current specialty seminars are Twirp with Costume, S & H Oriental with Costume, Eating Bru with Costume, and Kissing Bru with Costume.
Barb, her husband James, children Jade and Dane and three cats live in a period home in Grimsby, a small town on Lake Ontario. She is helping her husband restore their home in her "spare" time and makes costumes for several dance studios.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Jones, Lis DDMEd.
56 Peacock Parade
Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Australia
Phone (61) 2 9451 3273
Fax (61) 2 9451 7871
Lis is Danish born, but in 1981 she relocated to Australia, where she soon became interested in making dolls. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the DAG Millie and Gold Rosette; 1er Prix Concours Mondial, Paris; and Australian Doll of the Year Award for Original Dolls. The adorable all-bisque Lisbeth, whose mold is available through Seeley's, is one of her original creations.
Lis became a DAG Instructor in 1992, and has achieved the DAG titles Master of Dollmaking, Master Educator and Doctor of Dollmaking. Her doctoral project was a thoroughly researched thesis on the dolls of C.F. Kling, a German porcelain manufacturing company.
Lis is a prolific writer for various dollmaking magazines worldwide, including Doll Artisan and DollPro. She teaches all aspects of dollmaking and sculpting, with a special interest in small dolls, Victorian toys and automata. Lis also travels extensively to lecture and conduct workshops at both national and international doll shows and events, and with her engaging sense of humor and unique, creative style, Lis has become a popular teacher with worldwide acclaim.
Lis is married with three grown children and two special dogs. Her hobbies are nature and bush walking.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Kessler, Marika MDM
Rundstrasse 25
St. Wendel, Germany D-66606
Phone (49) 6856-1099
Fax (49) 6856-1253
Like many skilled dollmakers, Marika has had an interest in art from a very young age. When she recollects her childhood just after World War II she can see her father, who earned his living as a police officer, sitting in front of an easel and painting landscapes in oil. At the age of three, Marika would sit on a little stool beside her father and use her paper and colored pencils to "work with" him. This was how her painting career began.
Up until she completed secondary school Marika took private art lessons with a local professional painter. After completing her university studies in French, German and Fine Arts, she began her professional career as a schoolteacher. During school breaks and vacations she would study pottery and jewelry making in France and Italy, and at one point even took up the hobby of silk weaving and painting.
Once Marika attended a class to make her first porcelain doll, however, she "got the infection" and "could not stop making dolls." She started spending her vacations taking D.A.G. seminars in Switzerland and Aachen, Germany, honing her dollmaking skills. After she was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor in 1995, she started teaching all aspects of porcelain dollmaking in her own home studio and at the Château de la Poupée near Lyon, France, a museum where groups of French, Japanese and American students came to study.
Marika is a frequent contributor to the German doll magazine Puppenmachen and is currently Seeley's European Business Trainer and Technical Representative. Because of her background in working with pottery and clays, Marika was also recently selected to become a Seeley's Stoneware and Porcelain Educator. She is excited about the opportunity to help create a renewed interest in the stoneware and porcelain arts in Europe, where they once flourished.
Marika feels that her interest in art from a very early age has had an extremely positive influence on her life, and now that she has retired from her school teaching career, she has found a new zest for life teaching others about porcelain dollmaking and the high-fire ceramic arts.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Koseki, Kuniko DDMEDd.
Mikuni Bisque Dolls
2-27-11-3 Tosen Build.
Nerima-Ku
Tokyo, Japan 82
Phone/Fax (81) 33-929-2192
Pioneer is the perfect word to describe Kuniko with regard to her influence in the porcelain dollmaking industry in Japan.
Kuniko grew up with a love for art and formally studied oil painting in Tokyo. It was while living in Chicago that she was introduced to and became interested in the art of making antique reproduction dolls. After taking lessons and seminars to learn the techniques
she eventually started teaching classes in her home in Chicago. After winning the D.A.G. Millie in 1985 she returned to Tokyo and opened a studio and Seeley's Distributorship, and in 1987 was appointed D.A.G. Instructor.
With a special interest in French antique reproductions, Kuniko has been instrumental in introducing porcelain dollmaking to countless enthusiasts in her native country. Through the years she has extensively promoted the art through classes, seminars, lectures, books, exhibitions and events. Ten of her students have become D.A.G. Instructors and are now teaching their own classes and seminars. Many of her students have also won top awards in competition, including two D.A.G. Millie awards and numerous rosettes. "I feel so happy and proud, it is as though I have won. That is why I teach," says Kuniko.
Kuniko, who has earned both the D.A.G. Ambassador and Grandmaster of Dollmaking titles, advises her students and other dollmakers not to give up when encountering difficulties achieving the desired results with their painting. She says, "Try to spend 30 minutes a day practicing and improving your painting technique. After 3 months your hands will move evenly without even thinking about the technique."
On five occasions Kuniko and the Japan Bisque Doll Association have organized and sponsored the Tokyo Doll Festival, a D.A.G. supported event. At the Tokyo event in 2000 Kuniko was awarded an honorary D.A.G. Doctor of Dollmaking Title for her outstanding body of work.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Kotaska, Gudrun TCDMEd.
Wilhelmshoeher Str. 18
Schauenburg D-34270
Germany
Phone (49) 56 0192 5060
Fax (49) 56 0192 5062
Email: kotaska@t-online.de
Gudrun ("Gundie")began her dollmaking career with stuffed dolls, then progressed to porcelain dollmaking in 1990. Gundie enthusiastically took advantage of the D.A.G. educational opportunities available in Germany, and within three years she had won the coveted Millie award in D.A.G. competition. In 1994 she was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor and shortly after that was certified as a D.A.G. Judge.
Gundie teaches both modern and classic seminars in Germany and other European countries and offers specialty seminars in both painting and costuming. She has a special interest in painting and costuming French and German reproductions and in designing patterns for both classic and modern dolls. She lectures at various D.A.G. events around the world and is a frequent contributor to DOLLS Beautiful, Puppenmachen and DollAmi magazines.
In spite of her very busy schedule, Gundi has also manages to continue her own dollmaking education. In 1995 she earned her Grand Master of Dollmaking title, and in 1998 was awarded the D.A.G.'s first Laureate of Dollmaking (LDM) at the D.A.G. International Convention in Atlanta. For her LDM thesis Gundi researched and documented the history of traditional costumes of the Schwalm Region of Northern Germany, an area which is the setting of more than half of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. She also developed patterns and step-by-step instructions and diagrams for making a complete doll-sized reproduction Schwalm costume. In 2001 Gundi received her Triple Crown of Dollmaking title.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mitchell, Sue MDM
1204 Bakers Bridge Rd.
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone (770) 949-1737
Email: wmitche3@bellsouth.net
Sue's love of dolls started when she was a very young child growing up on a farm in Tennessee. When her mother taught her how to make clothes for her dolls Sue never imagined she would be putting those sewing skills to good use when she took up the hobby of porcelain dollmaking in the early 1980's. Sue believes that her interest in many other crafts and artistic endeavors throughout her lifetime have also enhanced her dollmaking skills. She says that oil painting lessons taught her "how to study photos of antique dolls to see what is really there when it comes to shape, placement and color of individual features such as lips, eyelashes and eyebrows."
After taking up porcelain dollmaking as a hobby Sue attended seminars trough the International Foundation of Doll Makers (IFDM) and earned the Silver Bell award in competition in 1992. In 2001 she completed the seminars and other requirements to earn the D.A.G. Master of Dollmaking title and in 2002 was selected and certified as a traveling Doll Artisan Guild Instructor.
Over the years Sue has enjoyed sharing her dollmaking knowledge and skills, and her students always praise not only her teaching abilities but also her gentle manner and infinite patience. She first taught small groups of friends around her kitchen table and then later conducted weekly classes for Atlanta area doll shops. Currently Sue holds classes and D.A.G. seminars at her large in-home studio just outside Atlanta and frequently teaches workshops at dollmaking events around the U.S.
Sue is a charter member and past officer for a local branch club of the International Doll Makers Association (IDMA) and has served on the international Board for that organization for a number of years, most recently in the office of Treasurer. Sue has also written numerous articles for dollmaking publications, lectured on the subject of porcelain dollmaking at women's clubs and organizations and displayed exhibits at a local art center.
Sue enjoys traveling and teaching D.A.G. seminars on all aspects of porcelain dollmaking, including seminars for beginners and specialty seminars on modern dolls, reproductions of antiques, costuming and accessories.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Riehle, Julie DDMEd.
1113 Twiggs Lane
Amelia, OH 45102
Phone (513) 753-5648
Fax (513) 753-3441
Email: jriehledollstoo@cs.com
Julie, who earned a B.S. degree in art education from Miami University (Ohio), has been a D.A.G. Instructor since 1991. She won the Millie award in 1990, received her D.A.G. Master of Dollmaking title in 1991 and was awarded the D.A.G. title Doctor of Dollmaking in 1993.
Julie likes teaching every type of seminar, both modern and classic, but has a soft spot in her heart for antique reproductions. She is especially drawn to all-bisque dolls, and one of the D.A.G. seminars she currently teaches is entitled "How does your garden grow?", featuring any three of Seeley's all-bisque dolls with the "flower" names. Costuming is another of Julie's favorite specialties, although she says she is like most other doll makers and has the ever present "nudist colony" of dolls in her studio.
It is especially rewarding for Julie to teach a new doll maker who has started a seminar saying, "I'll never be able to do this?" and ended the seminar with, "Wow, I never thought I could do this!" Julie feels it is better for a doll maker to develop the proper skills from the beginning than to have to change bad habits, so she encourages her students to practice often and to enter competition to learn from the feedback.
When she is not traveling around the U.S. to teach D.A.G. seminars or to participate in various D.A.G. events, Julie conducts weekly classes in her home studio in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. Her very supportive family includes her husband Bob, who she says is the "wind beneath my wings"; three married sons; nine grandchildren and three hairy dogs.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Schaeffer, Helen DDMEd.
647 Plum Creek Rd.
Bernville, PA 19506
Phone (610) 488-6568
Fax (610) 488-0122
Email: DollmkrPC@aol.com
Helen has had a love affair with all kinds of dolls throughout her life. In 1970 she began working with porcelain, then graduated from figurines to dolls in short order. In 1972 she established a teaching studio, but because not too many students shared her enthusiasm for doll making at that time, she also taught all aspects of high fire ceramics and wrote extensively for several ceramic publications. In the early 1980's, as porcelain doll making became a more popular hobby, Helen's Plum Creek Ceramics went through a metamorphosis and became the present Plum Creek Dollmakers.
Helen has received the Master Educator and Doctor of Dollmaking titles, and in 1988 was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor. She has written numerous articles for The Doll Artisan, DollPro and other publications, and has authored several books, including Joys of Porcelain (1987) and the doll maker's handbook Beautiful Dolls Made Easy (1994).
Helen especially loves turning new students into proficient doll makers, and enjoys teaching the Apprentice Series seminars because she recognizes the importance of giving the students a strong foundation on which to build their advanced doll making skills. She also rises to the challenge of advanced specialty seminars, and through the years has successfully taught nearly every kind of D.A.G. seminar in the program. Known for her gentle humor and good-natured encouragement, Helen also has the ability to present technical information in an easy-to-understand manner.
Helen lives in an old fashioned farmhouse in rural Bernville, Pennsylvania, with her understanding husband Stan, two dachshunds, and a cat. She has four grown children and two grandchildren....her "living" dolls. When not teaching, Helen devotes much of her time to promoting doll making and running her Seeley's Super Doll Center and writing articles for DOLLS Beautiful and other magazines. Her hobbies include collecting antique dolls, restoration projects and going on international adventure treks with her husband.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Schenck, Annette MDMEd.
A & D Ceramic and Doll Supply
705 Industry Dr.
Seattle, WA 98188-3409
Phone (206) 575-4655
Fax (206) 575-6449
Email: AandD705@aol.com
Annette's ceramics hobby developed into a family business when she established A & D Ceramics Supply in 1967. She started making dolls in 1976 after receiving extensive instruction from Shirely Augustine, and expanded her business to include doll making supplies and classes. She later won rosettes in D.A.G. competition, and was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor in 1988.
Annette is also an avid collector of antique dolls and enjoys sharing her knowledge of these antiques in the seminars she teaches. She loves teaching all types of antique reproductions, but has a special interest in German dolls. Annette has written numerous articles for Doll Artisan and has traveled extensively to teach seminars across the U.S. and in Europe.
Annette, who lives in Seattle with her husband, Dale, says that at one time or another all five of her children have helped her with her business. She has ten grandchildren, who help make her life wonderful.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Schlegel, Annette LDMEd.
Wahrstedter Str. 7
Grafhorst, Germany D-38462
Phone (49) 5364-2071
Fax (49) 5364-8565
Email: annette.schlegel.puppendesign@t-online.de
Annette became interested in doll making before D.A.G. seminars were available in her area. She began by studying books and the antique German dolls in a local museum. Later she was able to take seminars and won a D.A.G. Rosette in her first competition. She became a D.A.G. Instructor in 1992 and subsequently earned her Master of Dollmaking and Grand Master of Dollmaking titles and became a certified D.A.G. judge. Annette received an honorary Laureate of Dollmaking title in 2004 in Heidelberg, Germany.
Annette particularly enjoys sculpting, antique reproduction German dolls, the Rochard inspired technique of set-in jewelry, lacedraping and designing special outfits for modern dolls and embellishing them with antique needlework techniques. It is also rewarding for her to teach doll makers how to create different versions of the same doll.
Annette has written numerous articles for Doll Artisan and the German magazine Puppenmachen, and teaches seminars in her own and other European studios. While attending D.A.G. events around the world Annette enjoys giving lectures and workshops, judging competition and making new friends.
When she is not on the road Annette devotes her time to her own large Seeley's Doll Center in Grafhorst, and says her understanding family completely support her busy career!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Smith, Elaine Marcell GMDMEd.
4305 Bat Falcon Dr.
Austin, TX 78738
Phone: 512-373-3171
Email: elainemarcell@yahoo.com
Elaine, a San Jose native, has been an artist for over 25 years. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's she created works in oil, acrylic and mixed media. She received significant recognition for her work through exhibitions at many local events and by winning awards in area competitions.
In 1990 Elaine began to channel her artistic talent and her expertise as a seamstress into the art of porcelain doll making. In 1993 she opened her home-based teaching studio and showroom, Marcell Dolls. An article about her successful studio and her students' achievements appeared in the March/April 1995 issue of Doll Artisan and in Rolf Ericson's book More Business in Dolls.
Elaine's dolls have won many ribbons and awards, including the coveted "Magge" award for modern dolls. In 1995 she received the Master of Dollmaking title, and in 1997 she was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor and Seeley Area Manager. She received her D.A.G. Master Educator title in 2001.
Elaine frequently writes articles about doll making and the business of dolls for Doll Artisan and Dollmaking. She also assisted the Doll Artisan Guild by organizing and managing the salesroom for the 1999 and 2000 San Jose Dollmakers' Festivals.
Elaine has a special interest in modern dolls, and she enjoys teaching both Beautiful Doll seminars and modern doll specialties. Elaine's dolls have a unique flair, and she teaches her students how to use their imaginations to create their own works of art.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Snels, Carla MDMEd.
Doll Emporium
184 Mill Street West,
Acton, Ontario, Canada
L7J 2N7
Phone (519) 853-3686
Fax (519) 853-2487
Email: info@dollemporium.ca
Carla was only 10 years old when she and her mother first talked about opening a store together. They had no idea at that time that they would eventually become partners in a porcelain doll shop. As a child Carla did not really care for dolls, but after making a doll at her mother's urging, she was hooked. By the time that first doll was finished Carla was planning her next ten!
Although formally educated in business and photography, Carla has had a love of crafts throughout her life. She would try one craft for a time, then switch to something else. Eventually she realized all the handicrafts and needlework she had learned could be applied to making dolls. She still likes to try out new ideas and techniques, but now her new skills are adapted to enhance her dollmaking.
In her thirst for knowledge Carla has traveled all over the world to take seminars from many different instructors. She has also attained recognition for her work by winning rosettes and top awards with her dolls, lecturing and teaching workshops at doll events and writing articles for various dollmaking publications. In 1994 she was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor.
Carla, who enjoys making and teaching both types of dolls, points out that making antique reproductions will provide discipline and making modern dolls will allow freedom. She disagrees when she hears people say that modern dolls are "boring." Experimenting with color and painting with expression can provide many challenges and rewards for makers of modern dolls. According to Carla, "There are no boundaries; anything your mind can imagine can be created."
Carla teaches her students that an important component of learning is experimenting and practicing. "It is wonderful as a teacher to see my students take what they have learned and go further with it." Her advice to new dollmakers is to "let your imagination run wild."
Carla resides in Acton, Ontario, when she is not traveling to teach D.A.G. and Seeley's business seminars, and she and her mother Ellie operate The Doll Emporium, a Seeley's Super Doll Center.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Thor, Alessandra Marcellan TCDMEd.
1912 Cottonwood Valley Circle
Dallas, TX 75038
Phone (972) 255-3888
Email: alethor@verizon.net
www.alethor.com
Alessandra was born and raised in Padova, a small town just outside of Venice. From the time she was a young girl, Alessandra was interested in art, taking extra courses in school on different sculpting and painting techniques. Alessandra also learned needlework arts from her mother.
When Alessandra was a young woman, she started designing and sewing dresses for the dolls she made from whatever materials she could find. Within a year, she had sold over 100 dolls and defined her passion for the rest of her life. The success of those first dolls kept Alessandra going until she discovered the Doll Artisan Guild's School of Dollmaking in 1997. She began her formal doll education in Italy and continued her training in Canada and America.
Alessandra earned numerous ribbons, Rosettes and Top Awards in D.A.G. Competitions, including the "MAGGIE " Professional in 1998 and the "MILLIE" in 1999. Today, Alessandra is more enthusiastic about dollmaking than ever. She has her D.A.G. Doctor of Dollmaking title, and began her career as a D.A.G. Instructor in 1999. She earned her D.A.G. Master Educator title in 2002 and her Triple Crown title in 2004.
Alessandra has written articles for DOLLS Beautiful , Doll Crafter, Doll Costuming and other publications, and continues to explore new ways of pursuing and developing her love for dolls. Her dream is to spend her life continuing to learn and share the art of dollmaking with others. Alessandra is especially interested in turning her inspirations into exciting new seminars and workshops. She is most known for the elaborate costumes on her antique reproduction dolls, as well as the realistic Dimensional Doll Painting on her modern dolls.
In addition to dollmaking, Alessandra enjoys cooking, swimming, aerobics, and chasing her cats all over the house. Alessandra lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Kirk.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Toele, Femmy GMDM
Jac v. Maerlantlaan 42
1702 GP Heerhugowaard
The Netherlands
Phone/Fax: (31) 72-571-5901
Email: drsptoele@hetnet.nl
When Femmy attended a doll show in 1989 she realized what she had been missing when it came to utilizing her creativity. As she embarked on her new dollmaking hobby, she started making dolls with what she learned from doll magazines. Several years later she attended her first Doll Artisan Guild seminar in the USA, and thus began her quest to become a D.A.G. Master of Dollmaking. She eventually received this title "with honors" in Norway. Several years and a number of seminars later she also earned the D.A.G. Grand Master of Dollmaking title.
Femmy's talent and dedication have earned her numerous ribbons, rosettes and top awards in porcelain dollmaking competition at many events around the world, including two rosettes at the D.A.G. International Convention in Orlando, Florida, in 2000. One of the highlights of her career was winning the D.A.G. Best of Show and Director's Choice Awards at the Illinois Doll Festival in August 2001. A few weeks later she won the Aral Award of Distinction at the Norwegian Dollmaking Festival.
Femmy's porcelain dollmaking articles have appeared in numerous dollmaking magazines, including Doll Artisan, Doll Costuming, Doll Crafter and the Dutch magazine Dolls of Niesje Wolters.
Recently, Femmy was selected to become a D.A.G. Instructor. She will be teaching all aspects of dollmaking, both modern and classic, in the Netherlands and other locations around the world.
Femmy, who is the mother of two sons, lives in the Netherlands and helps her husband run a dental technical business.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Toro-Rosas, Lourdes GMDMEd.
Dolls by Inspiration
7191 Taft St
Hollywood, FL
Phone/Fax (954) 963-3655
Email: lourdes_dolls@hotmail.com
The need to make beautiful dolls inspired Lourdes to take up porcelain dollmaking as a hobby, and the desire to learn and meet new challenges was the force that motivated her to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the Doll Artisan Guild School of Dollmaking. Because of her accomplishments in the field of porcelain dollmaking, Lourdes was appointed DAG Instructor in 1992, and she feels her greatest dollmaking achievement has been sharing knowledge with her students.
Lourdes, who lives in Florida, is a former social worker, speaks fluent Spanish and has been instrumental in expanding the DAGSD Seminar Program into Puerto Rico, Mexico and Argentina. She has been awarded the DAG titles of Master of Dollmaking, Master Educator, Grand Master of Dollmaking, and Ambassador and has written a number of articles for Doll Artisan and DollPro magazines.
Although she personally loves antique dolls, Lourdes teaches all types of seminars, both modern and classic. She especially enjoys teaching beginners and watching the "light that shines in each face" as students begin to master the various dollmaking techniques and realize that they have the ability to make beautiful dolls. Students in her seminars speak highly of Lourdes' talents and her classroom wit and enthusiasm.
Lourdes' latest specialty seminar projects are: Annika as a storybook character in her new dress; Giselle with an exciting look; A.T. Nina with a complete costume, including hat and boots; and a German doll specialty which includes Marilyn, her cousin Ruth and their little dolly 6 1/2" Hilda. Lourdes has also created for her seminars two antique reproduction trunks: one is wooden with a barrel top and brass trims; the other has a camel-shaped top, drop front and is completely covered in faux leather.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Vlcek, Lauren GMDM
695 Georgetown Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Phone (719) 532-0976
It was only natural that Lauren would become interested in porcelain dollmaking because she had been exposed to all types of artistic media from a very early age because of her mother, an art teacher. Lauren's hobbies have included decorative painting, quilting and creative sewing and she has taught heirloom sewing, embroidery and smocking at a local needlework shop. She even has an undergraduate degree in design and architecture.
Several years ago Lauren and her mother took up the hobby of porcelain dollmaking together because they could incorporate all the handicrafts and artwork they both enjoyed. After Lauren attended her first seminar she became seriously involved in advancing her dollmaking education through competition and the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking seminar program. Her dolls won numerous awards and rosettes, including Best of Show. She also earned the D.A.G. Grand Master of Dollmaking title and was selected in 2001 to become a certified D.A.G. Instructor.
"I like to approach each doll as a composition, carefully evaluating color, form design and detail," says Lauren. "History and research make recreations of antiques come to life for me. Learning their stories makes me fall in love with the dolls."
Lauren advises that it is never too early to start taking seminars and entering dolls in competitions. The constructive criticism on the evaluation sheets from D.A.G. competitions is a valuable tool that lets dollmakers know where they need improvement, and dollmakers can measure their progress with each seminar and competition.
Lauren travels throughout the United States teaching all aspects of porcelain dollmaking, including the Apprentice and Beautiful Doll seminars for beginners. She also enjoys teaching specialty seminars on the painting and costuming of both modern dolls and recreations of antiques. Two of her current specialty seminars are Bleuettes and Surprise Dolls.
Lauren, her husband and two sons happily reside in the foothills of Colorado.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Williams, Sheryl DDMEd.
322 Drive C
Strathmont Park
Elmira, NY 14905
Phone (607) 732-0242
Fax (607) 734-4902
Email: sherylwilliams99@yahoo.com
When it comes to doll making, Sheryl feels there is nothing more rewarding than to help students learn how to make beautiful dolls. "For me, the measurement of my accomplishments is through my students' successes," explains Sheryl, whose students do well in porcelain doll making competition, with many of them winning Millies and other top awards.
Sheryl first became interested in doll making in 1979 when she enrolled in an adult education program. She could not believe it was possible to create something as beautiful as a porcelain doll in one's own home. She had been interested in a variety of crafts, needlework and sewing since she was a teenager and while studying for her college degree in occupational therapy, she developed a strong background in the arts and psychology. It seemed that all these interests came together to form a solid foundation for her budding doll making career.
A firm believer in education, Sheryl honed her doll making skills by taking many seminars through the Doll Artisan Guild School of Doll making (DAGSD), eventually earning the D.A.G. Doctor of Dollmaking title with a thesis and educational exhibit at the Arnot Art Museum in Elmira, NY, entitled "Ladies and Gentlemen of Porcelain: Past and Present". In D.A.G. competition her dolls won blue ribbons, a Millie and a Gold Rosette. Because of her doll making skills and numerous accomplishments Sheryl was appointed D.A.G. Instructor in 1989.
In addition to being one of the Guild's most popular instructors for both modern and classic seminars, Sheryl is much sought after as a featured lecturer and workshop teacher at conventions and doll making events in the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia and South Africa. She has been selected to research and create three D.A.G. convention souvenir dolls: Sonneberg Child and L'Intrepide Bebe for the 1991 and 1993 D.A.G. International Conventions and Miss Pamela for the 1999 Australian D.A.G. Convention. She is a Senior Judge for the Doll Artisan Guild and has judged numerous competitions in the US and overseas.
An avid researcher and prolific author, Sheryl has written numerous articles on doll history and doll making techniques for various publications, including DOLLS Beautiful, Doll Crafter and Doll Costuming. She is also a Course Advisor for the DAGSD Apprentice program and has worked closely with Seeley's staff in the technical development of new products.
She is an active member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs and has been an invited seminar instructor and has given many workshops at their national conventions. She also was the Competition Director for Santa Fe Doll Art, an independent original doll artist's showcase.
Always looking for innovative new ideas for seminars is key in her career. When pushed to name the seminar she most likes to teach, Sheryl points out that the last doll she created is usually her favorite. She does admit, however, that the beautiful faces and costumes of the French dolls, especially the lady dolls, really appeal to her and get her "excited about creating the next, wonderful project."
Sheryl lives in Elmira, NY with her husband Ed and is the mother of two grown sons, She shares her upstate home with two incredible cats, a Bengal and a Somali. When not on the road teaching and traveling, she enjoys scuba diving with her family and antiquing in her area.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Wilson, Elizabeth MDMEd.
34 Gay Meadows
Stockton-on-the-Forest
York YO3 9UF
England
Phone (44) 1904 400446
Fax (44) 1904 400324
Email: ewdolls@amserve.net
Elizabeth has always enjoyed crafts and managed to turn most of her hobbies into small businesses. Flower arranging was her first real success; then came soft toys, exporting and supplying schools. As with all these businesses there came a time when the challenge disappeared, until she discovered dolls! Fifteen years after getting into porcelain dollmaking she is still inspired and learning.
Now a D.A.G. Instructor living in York, Elizabeth's greatest thrill is teaching and inspiring her students to enter competition. Two of her students have won the Millie and the Magge awards. Elizabeth herself remembers the thrill of winning her first blue ribbon, then later her first rosette, and feels it is every bit as rewarding to see her students succeed.
Elizabeth loves teaching both beginners and experienced students all aspects of porcelain dollmaking, from reproduction antiques to modern dolls. She also enjoys teaching specialty seminars and workshops on wigs, shoes, hats and full costumes.
Working very closely with Elizabeth in her studio in York are her husband John and her daughter Deborah, who is now leaning dollmaking. Elizabeth says she never stops learning: "There is always something new and exciting and so many beautiful dolls out there. I see the challenge going on and on..."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Zoch, Mary DDMEd.
Mary's Porcelain Treasures
3721 West Eddy
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone (773) 463-4129
Fax (773) 463-4219
Email: maryzoch@aol.com
Mary is one of the pioneers of dollmaking. She has been teaching classes in her own studio since she started her dollmaking business in 1965. After becoming a D.A.G. Instructor in 1986 she started traveling all over the world to teach D.A.G. seminars. Many of her former students in both the U.S. and other countries have won top awards, started their own doll businesses or have gone on to become D.A.G. Instructors.
Mary's dolls have won many awards and trophies, including a D.A.G. Rosette. She actively participates in every D.A.G. Convention by teaching workshops, giving lectures and judging dolls in competition. She is a Senior Judge and D.A.G. Ambassador, and has also earned the D.A.G. School of Dollmaking titles Master Educator, Grand Master of Dollmaking and Doctor of Dollmaing. She has written many articles for Doll Artisan and other magazines and books and has organized a number of doll clubs and events in the Illinois area.
Mary teaches all types of seminars: modern and classic, beginner and advanced. Her latest specialty seminars include Pattern Making, Fortuneteller, Farmer's Family, Goldie's Friend, A.T. Celine and Mother and Daughter.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright © Doll Artisan Guild
Doll Artisan Guild is a registered trademark owned by the Doll Artisan Guild.
All information in this website is copyrighted and should only be for your personal use.
|