News from the Doll World
I’ve been out of town and mostly offline for a few weeks, and much has happened during that time.
Convention News
The Modern Doll Collectors Convention has reorganized and reincorporated with a new name. They are now know as Modern Doll, Inc. - or MDI.
Their board of directors has been drastically reduced in what appears to be an effort to streamline their finances. When I joined their board in 2003, there were nine directors. That number has decreased to five this year.
The big surprise was the loss of Judith Whorton, who has been associated with the convention for 28 years.
If you have ever attended an MDC convention, you have benefited from Judith’s work in many ways - especially if you had allergies or specific food needs. Judith took her duties very seriously, she was always aware that a mistake could be a medical catastrophe for an attendee.
Judith’s programs have delighted Modern Doll Attendees, if you have been lucky enough to attend one, you know what I’m talking about. She has been an expert on dolls for many years, also, but I wonder how many of you know just how much of an expert?
Judith was on the staff of UFDC “Doll News” for ten years, and the editor of that magazine for six. UFDC gave her the “Award of Excellence.”
She also edited both the national and regional souvenir books for UFDC. Judith wrote the “Ask the Expert” column for Dolls magazine for a number of years, and co-authored “All Dolls are Collectible.” She has also taught Creative Writing at the University of Alabama. I can’t remember all of her accomplishments, but there are lots more.
Tonner Doll Convention
Tonner has announced the location and details of their 2008 Convention, which will be held near Chicago, Illinois from May 16th-18th. For more information, visit http://www.tonnerdoll.com.
Kish Convention
The big surprise in Denver was not the special Tonner Sculpt of Helen Kish - but the introduction of a new doll in a 10 inch size - Grace - and nary a Riley to be seen. Despite the disappointment, the attendees are in agreement that they had a wonderful time.
Ball Jointed Doll News
Goodreau Dolls has announced the retirement of the resin edition of their American BJD dolls.
Marl & B has begun shipping a limited edition of 150 Sybarites in their second annual store exclusive. The doll is named “Limousine” and is, as always, fabulous. For more information - http://www.marlbe.com.
Berdine Creedy has announced she will be producing a new doll in 2008 with magnetic joints, for more information, keep an eye on their website. - http://www.berdinecreedy.com.
Blind Items
Now, for the dish - blind, just like Ted Casablanca!
- We’ve been told that a doll manufacturer of some reknown has a really big surprise in store for IDEX attendees this year. So surprising, in fact, that company suits barely even discuss it with each other!
- A little birdy told us that there have been several unannounced resignations at one doll organization - and at least one of the disgruntled resignees has whispered that those leaving did so to avoid having to interact with a particular person.
- There are whispers that some doll and toy manufacturers are considering moving some of their production out of Asia, due to concerns over lead products. Where will they go? Don’t be surprised if US manufacturing returns in 2009 - along with higher prices. A lot depends on the proposed “Guest Worker” visas being considered by our politicians - and who gets elected.
- A surprisingly talkative insider tells us that selling direct online is in the works for several manufacturers - more than one has tested the waters this year - and several more are investigating their options.
I’ll be back next week with new articles, updates, and news.