Paperdoll Review Issue 43 is at the Printer

Time sure does go by quickly between issues of the Paperdoll Review magazine. But for subscribers, it must seem like an eternity! There are just two of us (Marilyn Henry and myself) putting these issues together, so we do our best to put out a top-notch publication between our many other paper doll projects.

Marilyn went all out for Paperdoll Review Issue 43 with gorgeous cover art and a full color paper doll. David Wolfe provides a fantastic look at fashions of the 1960s with lots of great photos and paper doll examples. Also, Gina Bridges Clarke talks about her childhood paper doll memories of the 60s and 70s.

We have feature on Quirky Paper Dolls, ones with roll-around eyes, "real" hair, cling-on clothes and other unusual features. Our featured artist is Barbara Bradley who had a talent for drawing children for both the advertising and paper doll world. For Merrill Publishing, she illustrated several paper dolls including Heavenly Blue Wedding, B is for Betsy and Pink Prom Twins.

We also have a short biography of Suzy Parker, our In the Kitchen segment, The Readers Page (including the 2008 New Jersey Paper Doll Convention Report), New Book Reviews, and more!

Ginger Rogers Paper Doll Coming Soon

I'm delighted to report that Marilyn Henry is busy working on the long-awaited Ginger Rogers Paper Dolls & Movie Clothes book. Over the past year, Marilyn has been studying Ginger Rogers’ films (an enjoyable task for her!) to fill the eight clothing pages with glamorous, memorable costumes from films such as Top Hat, Swing Time, Carefree, Fifth Ave. Girl, Kitty Foyle, Flying Down to Rio, Lady In The Dark, Follow The Fleet, In Person, and Roberta.

Ginger's beauty and grace delighted us on the silver screen, and this paper doll book is sure to delight fans of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, as well as those who love classic movies and paper dolls. Although this is a preliminary cover design, I think it looks gorgeous! Thanks to Pierre Halé for his help with the title lettering.

Published by Paper Studio Press, we expect to have the paper dolls ready to ship in December 2008.

Paper Doll Convention Updates

The 2008 Paper Doll Convention, held August 6-10 in Piscataway, NJ, was fabulous! Convention organizer Linda Ocasio and her team did a fantastic job. The event was filled with paper doll workshops and talks, programs and exhibits, dress-up dinners and everyone's favorite--the sales room! Two side trips were offered, one to the New Jersey Historical Society and one to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

David Wolfe was our emcee for this year's convention. A highly regarded speaker in the fashion industry, we certainly appreciate David's willingness to volunteer for our paper doll group. Another talented speaker, Mel Odom, creator of the Gene doll collection, treated us to a lovely program on Sunday morning. Our special star guests were Jane Powell and her husband Dick Moore who attended our dinner and program Thursday evening. We all received a special souvenir paper doll by Marilyn Henry of Jane featuring her movie clothes. Artists Tom Tierney and Gregg Nystrom presented Jane with their own Jane Powell paper dolls. Look for Gregg's art in the upcoming issue of Paper Doll Studio featuring Broadway paper dolls.

Next year's convention is scheduled for September 30-October 3, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Las Vegas. Details are posted on OPDAG's website. Pre-convention activities will be offered on the 29th, but we don't have details yet. The convention host is Deanna Williams who can be reached by email or phone 626-284-1502.

Paper doll conventions are a great way to connect with other people who love paper dolls and escape into a world of paper doll delights.