Sunday, July 13, 2014

Remembering Tom Tierney, King of Paper Dolls



I am sad to share the news that legendary paper doll artist, Tom Tierney, passed away on Saturday, July 12, after a battle with cancer. Known as the "King of Paper Dolls," he was officially crowned during the 2011 Paper Doll Convention in Philadelphia. 

Our paper doll world has been shaped by Tom Tierney. When the paper doll industry was nearly extinct during the 1970s and into the 1980s, Tom nearly singlehandedly revitalized interest in paper dolls with the multitude of titles he created for Dover Publishing. Since that time he has produced hundreds and hundreds of paper dolls on subjects of all kinds for publishing companies, magazines, convention souvenirs and limited edition self published sets.

Because of Tom’s super-power work ethic, he not only leaves a legacy of paper dolls, but the history that goes along with it. Each of his books was meticulously researched, rendered and annotated with historic information. 

Representing OPDAG, Paperdoll Review and Paper Studio Press, I have been privileged to work with Tom for over two decades. We've had more lively phone conversations than I can count. Anyone who encountered Tom would be greeted with his bright smile and twinkling eye, and would then be regaled with stories of his extraordinary past which could include drawing posters for the war effort, cavorting with stars during his theater days, working as a fashion illustrator in New York City, or a sweet family story such as drawing characters for his nieces and nephews. My heart especially goes out to Tom’s niece, Kathy O’Tierney, who, with her husband Patrick, looked after Tom and helped with his business endeavors. After losing her husband last year, Kathy has been there to support Tom through his illness. Tom thought the world of Kathy and so appreciated her loving care.

Tom has enriched our paper doll community through his art, his knowledge and his charm. And his influence will continue to guide so many of us in our paper doll endeavors. Thank you, Tom Tierney, for sharing your life and talents with us.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

2015 Paper Doll Convention Plans are Underway!


Although the 2014 paper doll convention is still two weeks away, plans are well underway for the 2015 convention. I'll be co-hosting the event with David Wolfe, and we've chosen the charming, historic city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, for our location. We recently travelled to Chattanooga to finalize plans with the hotel and to arrange a tour of the charming downtown arts district.

So mark your calendar for June 17-21, 2015, for the 2015 National Paper Doll Convention! The location is the Embassy Suites Chattanooga/Hamilton Place Hotel. The newly built hotel is gorgeous with a modern, elegant design, upscale guest suites, generous conference facilities, and luxurious gathering areas for visiting with friends and sharing paper dolls. Hotel accommodations include a free, made-to-order breakfast and complimentary happy hour.

We will soon accept convention registrations through the Paperdoll Review website. In the meantime, click here for a printable convention flyer and registraion form. Register early to save $20!


Saturday, January 25, 2014

New Clothes for Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II has gone from dowdy to divine with a 12-page, glamorous new wardrobe in the latest issue of OPDAG's Paper Doll Studio Magazine. David Wolfe provided a paper doll figure of the Queen as a young lady, and 34 OPDAG artists created more than 70 new looks for her including everything from smart suits and sultry evening gowns to casual wear and fanciful costumes. This glorious 64-page issue is one of our biggest ever, filled with a wonderful array of queen-inspired paper dolls, royal articles, artist feature, 2013 Los Angeles convention report and much more. At just $8 for a single issue, it's a fabulous way to enjoy new paper dolls by artists of today. I hope you'll give it a try! A 4-issue subscription is just $28. Click over to OPDAG or Paperdoll Review to learn more.