Back from LA

I recently returned from a fabulous trip to LA for the Fall Frolic paper doll party hosted by Gene Maiden and Deanna Williams. It was a lovely day with special star guests -- Marsha Hunt, Ann Rutherford, Jane Withers, Peggy Lennon and guest of honor, Rhonda Fleming. It was a delight to meet the stars that were new to me and enjoy nice visits with Marsha and Jane. One of the highlights of the weekend was spending time with Mel Odom, creator of the Gene® Doll Collection and his partner, Charlie. I love the Gene Dolls and have one of my own overlooking my office.

My trip was extended a couple of extra days with a stay at the home of Deanna Williams who very kindly drove me to me to meetings in Hollywood. I came away with lots of paper doll possibilities, but I can't announce them quite yet. Since returning home I've been preparing contracts and proposals for numerous new paper doll books. My to-do list these day is looking more like a who's who list! As the new projects are confirmed, I will happily announce them on my blog.

My husband points out that I tend to come back from a trip with a ridiculous purchase, and this trip was no exception. This time I returned with a suitcase from Oilily. Although it was designed for a child, it was so fabulous I couldn't resist buying it for myself. I'm not sure if I'll actually wheel it through the airports, but it will be fun for car trips to visit family and friends

A New Jane Powell Paper Doll to be Produced by Paper Studio Press

Celebrating the talented actress, singer and dancer, Paper Studio Press will produce a new paper doll book of Jane Powell featuring clothes from her musical movie roles including A Date With Judy, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Nancy Goes to Rio and Royal Wedding.

It was a delight to meet the lovely Jane Powell and her charming husband Dick Moore at the paper doll convention in New Jersey last August, and I'm so pleased to be working with them personally on this very special project. Illustrated by Marilyn Henry, we plan to have the book, Jane Powell in the Movies Paper Dolls, out by summer 2009. Shown here is the preliminary cover design.

Paper Studio Press to produce a new Esther Williams Paper Doll featuring her movie clothes and swimwear!

We just signed an agreement to do a fabulous new paper doll of Hollywood's swimming sensation, Esther Williams. Her beauty an talent was showcased in more than 25 films during the 1940s and ‘50s, beginning with 1942's "Andy Hardy’s Double Life” with Micky Rooney, and continuing with the many "aqua-musicals" such as "Million Dollar Mermaid," "Dangerous When Wet" and "Jupiter's Darling." A boxed set of these films is available from Amazon.com.

Whether dressed for performances in the pool or attending posh parties, Esther was a model of perfection for MGM's wardrobe department. Many of her memorable costumes will be featured in the new paper doll book, illustrated by famed artist Marilyn Henry, who also illustrated the Marilyn Monroe and Ginger Rogers paper doll books for Paper Studio Press.

Some of the swimwear costumes featured in our new paper doll book have been reproduced by Esther Williams' own swimwear company and are available at boutiques and on the Esther Williams Swimwear Website. We expect to have the new book, Esther Williams Movie Clothes and Swimwear Paper Dolls, ready for summer 2009.