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| TONNERSpace Newsletter JOIN OUR MAILING LIST - CLICK HERE! |
What's New at Tonner! June 2008 |
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Welcome to TONNERSpace, our
monthly online newsletter. As June begins, we are still savoring the fun we
had at the Tonner "Dreamscapes" Convention. I hope that you enjoyed the live
event coverage, and I invite you to read our recap article in the
Spotlight.
I just
returned from Philadelphia, to attend the Wizard World Convention. I was
pleased to meet doll and character figure collectors as well as lecture on
sculpting and participate in a panel discussion while at the show. If you
missed out this year, check out the highlights in Travels
with Robert...you may just want to add this show to your 2009 event
calendar--it was a blast!
Meanwhile the reporter covering Design Room Scoop has
been VERY persistent this month in researching two very chic sisters who will
be introduced to Tonner Collectors soon......I am not saying another
word...but she just might..
I hope that you enjoy this edition
of TONNERSpace, and as always, we encourage you to sign up a friend, as this
newsletter is free to all who request it.
Enjoy! Robert Tonner |
CLICK THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER IMAGES
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SURVEY! FAVORITE TONNER
MOMENT? We're always hearing from collectors about their favorite moments with Robert and/or their Tonner Dolls. This time, we're going to JUDGE you! Top three answers will be placed in the July Newsletter...and you will each receive a special prize. So head on down your own private memory lane...we want to hear from you!
OUR LAST SURVEY: WHERE TO GO? HERE'S THE TOP LOCATIONS YOU SELECTED FOR FUTURE TONNER CONVENTIONS: TOP FIVE CITIES - CHICAGO, ORLANDO, WASHINGTON DC, BOSTON & TOP REGIONS - MIDWEST, NORTHEAST AND SOUTHEAST - THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!
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NEW Awards & Honors Nods from the Industry
DOLLS August 2008...Shauna's got a sneak peek of the glamorous duo BACKSTAGE - Click here. and a special offer from DOLLS Magazine!
Robert Tonner presents his 'How to Sculpt' panel at Wizard World Philadelphia - check out 'Travels with Robert' for a complete report.
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Spotlight: 2008 VIRTUAL Convention a BIG HIT! FIRST-TIME EVER ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION REACHES OVER 260 PEOPLE ONLINE
Robert was even so taken with the coverage, that we posted a couple of new updates to his question & answer session. AND don't forget to check in with our convention photo album - you can access that by clicking here: 2008 Convention Photo Album
LEFT: Tom sits at his online workstation during convention...hard to believe so much came from such a small space!
Thank you for being there and making the first online convention a huge success...we couldn't have done it without you!
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Dolls That Touch Your Heart®
"MOLLY TRAVELS" to Benefit Abused Children
Meet Molly Travels. Molly is a re-named Patsi in Florida doll, by artist
Heidi Plusczok. Heidi
donated her to the yahoo! Plusczokdolls group for this special project. Barlee
Rumburg, owner of the group, coordinated Molly’s visits with her hosting
families. For the past year Molly has traveled the world, visiting 14 hosts in
three different countries. She has collected over 50 incredible souvenirs from
her journey. You can read all about Molly and see all of her donations at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MollyTravels/?yguid=197793309
Molly’s journey has come to an end. She has spread the word about abused
children and the comfort and joy that only a doll can bring. Now through the
eBay auction of Molly and her souvenirs, 100% of the money raised will
continue to provide dolls to the abused children of Childhelp Village. Since
2006, 100 girls have been given an American Girl doll, carefully selected to
match the eye, hair, and skin colors of the recipient.
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Design Room Scoop: Who are the Sisters Devereaux? They're New & They're the Cat's Meow!
Shauna Perry: I know you can't reveal too much, but what can you tell us about the Devereaux Sisters? Robert Tonner: I love this line! The sisters are two new characters in our doll world and they are very glamorous. SP: Do they have new, unique face sculpts? RT: Yes, both ladies have new heads. SP: How would you describe their personalities?
SP: What was the inspiration behind creating these exciting new characters? RT: I saw a wonderful fashion spread in Vogue magazine—I was inspired to bring those images to life. SP: Where does your inspiration come from when you design their clothing? RT: I do keep the Vogue pictures in the design room, but there are also a lot of vintage photographs that we look at. We threw in a touch of "Goth," a touch of vintage and a lot of high fashion...
RT: I think 20's fashion was the original modern fashion. Women threw away the restricting under garments of the Victorian days. Fashion was inspired by a new and free open mind as well as other countries and sports—it was a very exciting time for women's fashion.
RT: It's great to get back to the roots of where modern fashion comes from—over-the-top, elegant sportswear.
DOLLS Devereaux Sisters Special For just $20* receive the DOLLS August issue featuring Tonner's new Devereaux Sisters on the cover plus a one-year subscription. That's 11 issues at less than $2 per issue! Go to www.dollsmagazine.com - Click "Subscribe" - Choose 1-year subscription. Enter promotion code 502083. *Add $15 for foreign addresses.
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TONNERDIRECT REPORT: Secret Special Memos
Look Familiar?
Internal Classified Memo Level: Eyes only – do not forward or reply Date: 080603 Subject: public image of SECRET SPECIALS From: Area 51 Marketing and FTM
This memo pertains to all personnel who either are, or could find themselves, in the position of addressing SECRET SPECIALS with the general public, press, or local investigators not privy to sensitive nature of the program. TONNERDirect and TONNERDirect.com admit no knowledge of the existence of SECRET SPECIALS. Our first response is to deny any knowledge or involvement in any such named program or initiative. Questions may be posed regarding the incredible values found on said SECRET SPECIALS page. Some of the offerings are promotional with reductions in price. Some are pieces with diminished quantities or moving very quickly. Still others are just too cool not to have. Again, if you are asked about the incredible values offered in SECRET SPECIALS, deny, deny, deny!! For your information only, not to be shared with anyone outside of TONNERDirect, items on the SECRET SPECIALS page can appear and be removed without prior notice. As we cannot risk being caught, we need to be on the move. Stay in one place too long, and they’ve got you! FTM is the enforcement arm of Area 51 Marketing. They operate under the radar making sure the SECRET SPECIALS are kept secret. A.D. Kralik is the heads up the FTM for A51M. All FTM special agents report to him. Please remember, do not share any of this information with anyone outside the agency. If word were to get out regarding SECRET SPECIALS and what they contain, there would be no telling how many consumers would be able to enhance their collections at such a great value.
TONNERDirect and TONNERDirect.com disavow any and all persons claiming to be involved in the SECRET SPECIALS program. As far as we’re concerned, not only is there no such thing, but anyone who claims there to be, is obviously unwell and possibly a danger to themselves or others. If you are one of those people who is unwell, be sure to fax your resume, including cover letter, to our HR department for placement in our talent pool. Normally our strict can-you-see-lightening-and-hear-thunder screening and hiring process is enough, but due to growing popularity, we have had to raise our standards to include only the borderline insane and moderately delusional. If you meet the criteria, someone will contact you. No phone calls please. I’m just sayin’--
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TRAVELS WITH ROBERT
MEMPHIS, TN
Robert greets happy collectors in Memphis.
VILLA ST. BENEDICTS
During Convention, Robert joined Margie Trembley and the residents of Villa St. Benedict for a chat on dolls and play. Robert spoke to the group, then met with each to sign their door prizes and answers questions about vintage dolls. We want to thank Margie for the great pics...and for asking Robert to join her with such a fun group of folks...yes, that Midwest touch was perfect!
CONVENTION
Convention was a blast...please be sure to check out other reports in this issue!
WIZARD WORLD PHILADELPHIA
The Wizard World Philadelphia show was a HUGE success for
TONNERDirect. If you attended the show
and didn’t find us, you are clearly not visiting your optometrist every year as
recommended! The folks at WW, who were incredibly gracious and helpful, put us
right at the front door! If you came in to see anything you came past or through
booth #700, and we are happy you did!
We would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Wizard World
Philadelphia show the hit that is was for us including the folks at
Wizard Entertainment, the staff of the
Philadelphia convention center, and most of all the fans who make the show more
fun than work.
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TONNERPICKS!
Madi Alexander, the proud winner of "Toni, Here Comes The Bride Doll" - Madi's grandmother, Kay Alexander, was a very valuable member and charter member of The Southern Belles Doll Club. Kay passed away a couple of years ago, but memories of her are still in the hearts of her friends and family. Congrats, Madi!
Thanks for the fun PICS, Everyone!
HEY...How about showing us your Betsy McCall Dolls for July! We'd love to include your images - please email them to help@tonnerdoll.com.
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EXCLUSIVES!
Two Daydreamers' Exclusive Character Ultimate Ashleigh Basic Visit Two Daydreamers' website at www.twodaydreamers.com
Shown above: Prototype Ultimate Ashleigh wears Tyler Ready-to-Wear Boutique™ separates (outfits not included with doll – doll has been styled for photography – due to the hand-crafted nature of this special doll, each style will vary).
Shared Exclusive Ultimate Tyler Wentworth® Basic - shared by Cherished Friends & Angelic Dreamz Visit the Retailers' Websites: www.cherishedfriends.com - click here www.angelicdreamz.com - click here
Shown above: Prototype Ultimate Tyler Wentworth® wears Madison Avenue Afternoon, Midnight Garden and Signature Style (outfits not included with doll – doll has been styled for photography; brunette wig was styled to create ponytail – due to the hand-crafted nature of this special doll, each style will vary). oldilocks - LE 200Cherished Friends Exclusive www.cherishedfriends.com - click here
Cherished Friends Exclusive www.cherishedfriends.com - click here
Cherished Friends Exclusive
Mary Lee - LE150 Little Mary Lee (Kripplebush Kids Sculpt) wears a layered lace-trimmed cotton dress in plaid and floral cotton prints topped with fresh, white embroidered cotton pinafore; includes tights, ankle boots and plaid cotton bonnet with satin ribbon trim. Contact Sauder Village at 800-590-9755 - visit the website - click here.
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MONTHLY CHALLENGE: Did YOU Know...?
Here's the complete list of ALL the CHASE Models (we won't list the non-Chase characters who have modeled for Chase like Tyler, Mei Li, etc)...these are the girls who owe their careers to Sydney:
Esmé Angelina Kit Stella Ashleigh Jac Charlotte Kagiso Winnie* Pepper* Beau* Sammie Shauna Ava Mina Zandra* Emilie
How about new challenge? You'll need your Fashion Doll Quarterly Exclusive 'VIRTUAL' Magazine Bracelet to answer this one - don't have one? Get one at http://www.fashiondollquarterly.net
In honor of Father's Day - please name BOTH Tyler's and Sydney's fathers' names - but since this is a simple 'look it up' answer...we'd also like for you to tell us the three models who are lovingly remembered and remain amongst Sydney's top faces at Chase.
Email your answers (PLEASE ONLY ENTER ONCE - YOUR FIRST SUBMISSION WILL BE SAVED AS YOUR OFFICIAL ENTRY) to help@tonnerdoll.com with "June Monthly Challenge" in the subject line - get your answers right, and you will be eligible to win a FREE ULTRA BASIC TYLER Doll!!! - check for the answers in the next Newsletter!
(for info - see Exclusives Section)
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Believing in the
Power of Play: Collector Spotlight
Okay… a collector’s point of view of the Lombard convention… where to start??
It was great!
There were so many new things to look at all weekend that it was hard to take everything in. The debuts of the Tiny Betsy BJD, Lady G, Superman, Lois, Lana and Rufus (and all the fantastic other souvenirs!) gave everyone something new to enjoy.
There was so much going on all weekend - meal events, salesroom, PJ party, raffles, competition display, and way too much to talk about in a short space... you just have to come to one of these and find out for yourself!
Just think… this much fun and wearing costumes, too!
Thanks, Marcia!!!
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COMPANY STORE REPORT: Ball-Jointed Huh?
The term “ball-jointed” refers to the construction of multiple articulated jointing that is actually patterned after the antique bisque headed dolls on composition bodies that were produced in Europe in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Of course these bodies have been perfected and the advancement of materials and workmanship is quite evident. In today’s world, the term ball-jointed doll usually refers to a resin (a type of durable cured polyurethane plastic) strung doll with many areas of articulated jointing; they are usually made overseas. Although resin BJD’s are predominately manufactured in Japan and Korea, China is now involved in the making of resin ball-jointed dolls for many companies here and abroad.
The same holds true for the hair. These dolls are wigged and the wigs are usually held on by a bit of Velcro or even the stretch cap alone. The doll can be a blonde, brunette, redhead - or even take on an anime look with hot pink mohair! Again, the only limit is your own imagination.
As you may not be aware, some BJD’s can be purchased as blanks (without their default face paint) and you can paint the lips, brows, lashes and shade and highlight your own truly custom doll. All it takes is a good set of brushes, some high quality acrylic paints and chalks, and a good sealer like Mr. Super Clear UV cut and Mr. Super Clear matt sealer. Your “face-up” (face painting) can be removed with acetone so you can start all over if you wish. You may be asking yourself why these dolls are a bit on the pricey side. The reason is that they cannot be mass produced. Not only do all of the parts have to be cast separately, strung by hand and meticulously sanded, but there is also a considerable amount of hand painting. You can imagine how time consuming it is to complete just one doll.
There are now so many sizes from the smallest at a few inches to the largest at about 70cm. There was also a line of almost life-sized paper moon dolls, but they are seldom seen. Prices usually start at a few hundred for the small BJD’s and can cost in the thousands for the largest BJD’s fully dressed.
Images shown in this article are the BJD Ultimate Tyler Wentworth (see Exclusives for more information); and Lady G, Posey & Daffie from 2008 Tonner Convention.
GOT A DOLLY EMERGENCY? If you need to speak with the Doll Doctor Noreen about non-Tonner doll emergencies, please call the Tonner Company Store directly at (845) 339-2960 or (845) 339-2961 for an estimate and appointment.
If you are local or planning a trip, stop in! Our hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10am - 6pm; Sundays from 12 - 4pm.
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TONNER COMPANY STORE - WWW.TONNERCOMPANYSTORE.COM |
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GOINGS ON: 2008 Calendar
We have many exciting events coming up this year (see
below) and if you would like your event to be added, please email event details
and contact information to help@tonnerdoll.com.
WE NOW HOST ALL EVENTS FREE IN OUR NEWSLETTER CALENDAR
- PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEXT EVENT! June 26-29 - Wizard World Chicago - visit
http://www.wizardworld.com/chicago.html for more information.
July 24-27 - Comic Con San Diego - visit
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ for more information.
July 28 - August 1 - UFDC, Las Vegas, NV.
Visit the website at www.ufdc.org
August 10 - MOLLY TRAVELS Doll Auction - The auction will start on Sunday, August 10th at 7:00 pm Pacific Standard time. Look for seller ID: nancyatletsplaydolls. To benefit The Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont, CA. September 7 - MetroDolls on Broadway 10AM-4PM, Woodbridge, NJ - Join MetroDolls for a luncheon event celebrating American theater and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Souvenir doll from Tonner Doll Company and companion items will be available! The luncheon also features a OOAK fashion doll charity auction, door prizes, and lots of other surprises. An optional Saturday night dinner includes a vintage fashion display of "Opening Nights Through the Decades" presenting over a century of elegant evening wear. Please visit www.metrodolls.com or call Marcia at 732-583-5608 for more information. ABSENTEE PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE.
October 17-19 - 2008 Tonner Halloween Convention, Framingham, MA - SOLD OUT – to be added to the waitlist, please visit www.regonline.com/2008halloweenconvention |