drum roll please…………………….

Annmarie Benjamin!!  Congratulations to Annmarie! And thanks to all that entered our Pinterest contest!  We hope to have more contests in the future.

Annmarie won a Perfect Morning Cami Basic and an outfit, Always Some Place to Go!

Perfect Morning Cami Blonde

Outfit – Always Someplace to Go

Enjoy!

Tonner staff at the Seuss event!

Yes, I have been slacking with the blog posts.  But I had a very good reason!  We just completed our 2013 Tonner Collectors Convention in Lombard, IL.  It was AMAZING!!  It feels like a family reunion when we greet all our attendees at registration.  Even the people we are meeting for the first time 

Tonner collectors are the best people on the planet!  They make the convention so fun – they dress up, they play, they learn new things, they meet with old and new friends.

Attendees dressed up for the Carousel Ball event.

Here’s a pic of people waiting for the opening of the Tonner/Wilde sales room – a super secret early bird special sale at 6am on Sunday morning.  And yes, people were in line from 3:30am!  Hearty Souls!!

A photo from the “Welcome to the 1960′s” event – this was my favorite – as i grew up in the 60′s – mind you i was a wee tiny baby 

Peace, Love, and Rock and Roll!

The Patsy event was decorated with kites – some flying above and some on the backdrop.  (Thanks to Joanne for the spectacular photos all through out convention)

At the end of convention, during the last breakfast event, we auction OOAK dolls for charity.  The most worthy cause was A Friend’s House, located in Indiana that helps women get through tough times in their lives.  Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, we raised over $6000 for their worth while cause.  Here is one of the lucky attendees that won an OOAK Tyler – a head sculpt that was never produced, truly a one of a kind!

Thank you all who attended and thank you to all that followed along on Facebook.  We hope to see more new faces at the next convention.

Have a happy and safe Holiday weekend!

Lady Grace Souvenir

Lady Grace (Souvenir)

• Cami Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 300

Lady Catherine Centerpiece

Lady Catherine (Centerpiece)

• Antoinette Head Sculpt
• Antoinette body
• LE 100

Lady Agnes Centerpiece

Lady Agnes (Centerpiece)

• Duchess Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 100

Lady Ann Centerpiece

Lady Ann (Centerpiece)

• Precarious Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 100

Lady Emily Centerpiece doll

Lady Emily (Centerpiece)

• Daphne #2 Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 100

I know, right??  4 simply stunning centerpiece dolls!  And each doll is majestically displayed on one of six different beautiful carousel horses from the incredible Kronemann Carousel Collection by the talented Jenny Kronemann.  As noted on her site, www.jennykronemann.com, each piece is gingerly hand-crafted from coldcast stone resin and meticulously hand-painted and glazed to a gorgeous glossy finish, and then set upon a rich, sturdy wood base with a solid brass carousel pole.  Another remarkable fun fact is they each include the artist’s signature and Certificates of Authenticity, as well.  They are breathtaking, people, and collectibles in their own right.  Some of them are even adorned and embellished with authentic, precision-cut Swarovski crystals!  We pulled out all the stops, folks  :D

Kronemen Carousel Horse

So ok, now back to the amazing Edwardian costumes!  There was a costume contest, and attendees did not disappoint!  I think Robert and Joe had a tough time picking a winner.  See for yourselves:

Costume finalists

Lorraine Bonecki: Costume Contest winner

Check out some video of the costume parade:

We dined like Kings and Queens!  After our delish meal, we turned our attentions to the screen up front, where we got to see Part 2 of the Super Secret Video.  Simply gut-busting!  Side-splitting, I tell you!

When we all caught our breath and recovered from our laugh-induced tummy aches, Robert handed out the Collect-O awards.  This is where we hand out special tiny statues, awarding our dear collectors the way they should be awarded.  With some humor thrown in.  Take a look:

Paul Bailey: Most supportive spouse

Jack made as special announcement about a Super Secret Early Bird Special Surprise in the Tonner & Wilde Sales room tomorrow morning at 6am sharp. …what on earth could that be??  Guess that means another early morning for us, doll lovers!

And then……..we DANCED!  Robert had been waiting for this moment all weekend.  He’s light on his feet, and a whiz on the dance floor.  Everyone couldn’t get enough of his groovy moves.  What can we say?  He’s an artist in every possible way!  The DJ was hot on the scene, and he spun all the right tunes.  I mean, people simply could not stay off the dance floor!  A big THANK YOU to our DJ for keeping us moving all night long.  And of course there was some dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth!  Have mercy, that was SO much fun!

Dance party!

Get Down!

Check out some video of the hot dance party:

To see ALL the pics from tonight:  click HERE!

And now….for bed.  Exhausted, but a GREAT exhausted, you know?  Until tomorrow, Doll Lovers!

Team Tonner

Hey man!  We had such a groovy time at the 60s breakout luncheon.  It was a real gas!  And the dolls were totally far out!  There were two rad centerpieces and one totally heavy souvenir.  Check them out:

Sydney A Go Go Souvenir

Sydney A Go Go (Souvenir Doll)

• Sydney Head Sculpt
• Tyler Body
• LE 125

Mod Ava Centerpiece Doll

Mod Ava (Centerpiece Doll)

• Ava Head Sculpt
• Tyler Body
• LE 75

Mod Tyler Centerpiece Doll

Mod Tyler (Centerpiece Doll)

• Tyler Head Sculpt
• Tyler Body
• LE 125

Super pretty Monica and Ana!

Groovy Team Tonner

Haha! Awesome.

Gosh, who didn’t love the sixties?  Oh, and the far out fashion!  Speaking of, Robert gave an incredible presentation, schooling us all on the Fashions of the 60s.  Magnificent!

Then we all got a real special treat.  You know how Robert loves to dance?  I may have mentioned this.    Anyway, apparently,  he got to do the Wah-Wah-Watusi with the Lennon Sisters a while back, and what better occasion to show the video of it?  I mean, the man has got MOVES.  :)  Check it out:

Then the fun stuff began.  We played Dress Up…  Rather, the collectors played dress up, with materials provided by Team Tonner.  Their goal:  to make their specimen… I mean TEAMMATE look like a Go Go Dancer out of totally random supplies, like tin foil for example!  Here’s the clincher:  Dancing included.  They were judged on their dancing, so no dance, no points.  Oh, the hilarity!  This is the stuff that probably doesn’t translate if you’re not actually in the room.  So you should totally come to convention next time and then you can see the hilarity for yourself!!!!  Anyway, feast your eyes, Tonnerados:

Yakov the Go Go Dancer

Ana Wagner a Go Go!

The 6 Go Gos

Click HERE to see all the pics from the totally rad 60s event!

And that’s a wrap!

Let’s go fly a kite!

Wow, up and at ‘em bright and early today!  We started the day off right with our sweet innocent little Patsy Breakout event, Go Fly a Kite.  The Age of Innocence was in full effect at this breakout breakfast, since no one does innocence better than Patsy!  As we entered the room, we saw colorful kites hanging from the ceiling , and Team Tonner was dressed in adorable rainbow propeller hats and cute T Shirts.  It was like being at recess in kindergarten!

Miss Nancy, Robert and Joe

Both the souvenir and the centerpiece were simply darling!  But don’t take my word.  Check them out for yourself:

Patsy in the Pink – Go Fly a Kite Souvenir

Patsy in the Pink (souvenir)

• Patsy Head Sculpt
• 10” Bend Knee Child Body
• LE 200

Patsy Baby Blues Centerpiece Doll

Patsy Baby Blues (Centerpiece)

• Patsy Head Sculpt
• 10” Bend Knee Child Body
• LE 100

Patsy Centerpiece with the handmade (at Tonner offices)

The lovely, colorful room

Robert dropped some serious knowledge on us this morning too, as he gave us the Complete History of Patsy and 100 years of Effanbee.  It was fascinating to learn all about her origins and it’s wonderful that after all these years, people still fall in love with and collect Patsy.  AND we had a special guest:  Aunt Patsy herself.  :D

Special Appearance by Aunt Patsy!

Aunt Patsy signs autographs.

To see ALL the pics from the breakfast, click HERE!

Had to beat feet from the event to Marcia Friend’s Jewelry Workshop, so off I went!  Marcia is known for her amazing jewels and doll accessories, and she very generously shares her tricks of the trade when it comes to jewelry making.  Marcia had all sorts of fun odds and ends in the kit each attendee received, and right away, we started working.  Check out everyone working hard on their creations:

Marica shows us the tricks of the trade!

Tools and parts and shiny stuff!

Bryan Marsee making jewels.

Too Sweet sporting a new wig and her new sparkly earrings! Nice.

Click HERE to see all the pics from the jewelry making workshop.

Gosh, all this running around, I’m working up quite an appetite!  Good thing lunch is right around the corner! Back into the time machine to head to the 60s next…

Daisy – Great Scott Souvenir

Daisy (Souvenir)

• Cami Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 250

Myrtle – Great Scott Centerpiece Doll

Myrtle (Centerpiece)

• Jon Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 150

Zelda – Great Scott Centerpiece

Zelda

• Cami Head Sculpt
• Antoinette Body
• LE 200

Jay – Great Scott Centerpiece

Jay

• New Matt Head Sculpt
• Matt Body
• LE 150

Have a Seat Chair – Doll Sold Seperately

Have a Seat Chair

Have a Seat Chair

• Centerpiece Base
• LE 100

So yes, the costumes were really first rate.  Attendees seemed really inspired by the theme, and went to great lengths to find just the right thing to wear.  We had announced that there would be a costume contest, and collectors did not disappoint!  Check out our amazing collectors:

Michael, Bryan and the lovely Shannon all decked out!

Diane and Sylvia

Tonner’s Crispen!

The Dobias Gals!

Costume Contest Finalists

Janis Kortyna – our costume contest winner – with Ana Wagner, a finalist!

But that’s not all.  You know how Robert loves to dance, right?  Well, we had very special guests at this event:  Roaring 20s Dancers!  They showed us how to do the Charleston like professionals and they were wonderfully entertaining!  They really made us feel like we went back in time.

Woo wooo!

And THEN they taught US how to Charleston!  Check it out:

Dance lessons!

A big fat thank you to the dancers, whose energy was as endless as their legs.  You were amazing!

Check out ALL the pics from the Great Scott Event HERE!

Whew!  All that jazz wore me out!  See you in the AM for more fun in the sun, Tonnerados!

Ann Estelle

So I had about 45 minutes to kill before the hair workshop, so I thought I would slip into the Special Exhibit Room to capture some of that for you to see.  What is on display this year is the amazing exhibit we had featured in FAO Schwarz last fall:  A Tonner Retrospective.  There are 20 different displays of Tonner creations from over the years, some from the very first collections all the way up to now.   Some really neat stuff to see in person.  Check out some pics:

AmFar Doll at Special Exhibit

Gorgeous Sydney at the Special Exhibit

22″ Wonder Woman at the Special Exhibit

To see ALL the items at the Special Exhibit, click HERE!

I could have stayed in there all day!  Fascinating.  But onward we must go!  Next I hopped over to the Raffle Room to say hello and see what goodies are up for raffle.  The lovely Raffle Team was there in all their glory.  Such a great group of people!  We don’t thank you guys enough for all that you do.  This is a huge part of convention, and we couldn’t pull it off without your hard work and dedication, so Team Raffle, we THANK YOU!  XO.  Also, WOW on the prizes.  Some great stuff here up for grabs!  Check it out:

Raffle Room!

Great prizes up for grabs!

Terrific prizes!

To see ALL of the Raffle Room pics, click HERE!

Now that the Competition pieces are judged, I was able to dip in there to show you guys some cool stuff, and you can see how they placed.

Manning the Competition Room: Donald Martin and Marty Saling – Donald loves having his picture taken, as you can see

Some cuties! Winners.

More talent!

Incredible!

Amazing work, artists, simply amazing!  Thank you to both the artists and the Competition Committee for making the Competition Room a highlight of each Convention.  You guys are unbeatable!  See all the Competition Room pics HERE!

I’m late!  I’m late!  For a very important date!  With Miss Melanie.  Off I scurried to the Hair Workshop.  Don’t want to miss a single strand!  This is always a packed workshop, because Miss Melanie is sassy and always does such a great job.  Last year, Mel showed us how to do two-strand and three-strand braids on Tyler (16” dolls) and how to incorporate them into fancy-dancy up-dos.  This year, we worked with Ellowyne heads, so we got to learn a bit more elaborate styles and things like hair decorations!

Mel schools her pupils on up-dos!

Hair Supplies and Tools

Doin’ hair!

So.  Much.  Fun.  A big thank you to Miss Melanie for such an insightful workshop that every collector can enjoy!  You go Red! (Oh, she’s a redhead.  Did I leave that out?).  Take a look at all the pics here!

Next on the Agenda:  Heading back in time to the 1920s and the Gatsby event Great Scott!  Can’t wait to Charleston my little butt off!

Team Tonner looking stylin’!

Have mercy!  That was some Wilde fun!  Everyone arrived at the event dressed in their finest Ellowyne or Evangeline-inspired garb, and we had a hoot of a good time.  There were 5 (yep that’s right!) centerpiece dolls, and let me tell you:  they were gorgeous!  People were simply swooning.  I mean, it was a scramble at each table because everyone wanted the centerpiece. Alright, alright:  I’ll get on with the details.

Dark Innocence Evangeline – Centerpiece

Dark Innocence – Evangeline (Centerpiece)

• Evangeline Ghastly
• Hard Plastic Body
• LE125

Dark Innocence Parnilla Centerpiece

Dark Innocence – Parnilla (Centerpiece)

• Parnilla Ghastly
• Hard Plastic Body
• LE 125

Falling to Pieces Ellowyne Centerpiece

Falling to Pieces (Centerpiece)

• Ellowyne Wilde
• LE 300

All Good Lizette Centerpiece

All Good  Lizette (Centerpiece)

• Lizette Dionne
• LE 150

Picking Up the Pieces Again Prudence Centerpiece

Picking Up the Pieces Again Prudence

• Prudence Moody
• LE 150

Oh, I know.  Those are some seriously lovely gals.  The 3 from the Ello line do have inset eyes, in case you were wondering.  Simply delightful.  After oohing and aaahing for a while over the amazing dolls, we got right down to it.  Back by popular demand was the Audience Participation program (you know, kind of like the Rocky Horror Picture Show?), which was a very unique and fun take on Oz the Great and Powerful.  I’ll sum it up by saying there were squirt guns given to the audience and ponchos given to Team Tonner.  I’m pretty sure mine had a big red bullseye on the back….  Anyway, what’s a little water, right?  Nooo!  I’m melting……….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Haha!

Tonner Targets… I mean, Staffers..

Bubbles!

This was all great fun.  BUT the absolute highlight of this brunch event was the introduction to a BRAND NEW DOLL COLLECTION for Wilde Imagination.  Prepare to fall in love:  Meet Sad Sally!  She’s a 7″ Resin Darling with changable eyes and hair.  Sad Sally is… well,… sad.  Her parents are two famous actors (who shall not be named), and whenever they host their infamous soirees, Sally sneaks into the coat room and snips the buttons off of the guest’s jackets. Ha ha! Sad Sally is rather sentimental, so she collects those buttons, and hides them away in a sad little shoe box underneath her bed.  OK now you’ve heard the cute quirky story, now behold the darling little Sad Sally, creation of the doll mastermind, Joe Petrollese:

Introducing Wilde Imagination’s latest Resin Charmer: Sad Sally!

Sad Sally Outfit

Sad Sally Outfit

Sad Sally Outfit

Sad Sally Outfit

Cute, right?!  Keep your eyes peeled for her later this year.  She’ll be available as an adorably melancholy dressed doll, with outfits available too!

To see ALL the pics from the Wilde Event, Click HERE!

OK now I’m off!  Going to try to capture some of the exhibit room for you guys, then dip into Miss Melanie’s Hair Workshop before tonight’s Roaring 20s extravaganza Great Scott!