Summer is a super busy time for me most years, and this year was no exception! June was spent celebrating my 8th grade kiddo. He had tons of activities and loved every minute of it. July was a bit more laid back with a few appointments (two kids in braces), day trips, and trying to chill. August was bonkers! We typically have our family vacation in August. This year, the annual paper doll convention was also in August. I went from the convention straight into my family vacation...after seven hours waiting in a plane for take-off in a thunderstorm!! It was hectic and fun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
It was such a great convention! Sharry & Micheal O'Hara and Beth & Kevin Wilkins put on SUCH a wonderful event. I was thrilled to make new friends, meets up with dear friends, and talk about the art form I love so much.
Jenny & I shared a table at the convention, as usual. I brought a few new things (Timeless Beauty of the Teens is my newest), a few previous things (Sisters at Heart is very near & dear project), and my favorite thing - enamel pins! If you were at the convention and didn't get a pin, or you just think they're the coolest (like I do), let me know. I have a few left that I'll be selling at the Morgantown party in May.
Because I knew my trip would be hectic, I chose to travel carry-on only. That proved to be a very wise descicion! I couldn't shop as much as I would have liked and Jenny graciously swooped in to get the rest of my things home, which just makes for an excellent reason to see Jenny! Here are a few things I just had to have from the convention:
I'm not really a big collector. The Star Wars and Heart Family books are purely nostalgia. I have the other Star Wars paper doll and needed to add this one. The Heart Family book is something I very clearly remember playing with on my couch while dealing with chicken pox! Often, I'll add a book to my collection as reference. Maybe it has great dolls or a fantastic cover design, things like that. I want to take a minute to share why I grabbed the two from the 70s since they were before my time..
First up, Casual Co.
I really like the design of this one. It reminds me of David Wolfe's fashion illustrations and other distinctly 70s art. The dolls are a bit goofy but the clothing is fantastic! And the overall design is very cool. This is one that I'm sure with stick in my brain while designing layouts!
One of three dolls. Very elongated figures with slightly odd proportions...
...but the wardrobe! Tell me that butterfly jumpsuit isn't just THE coolest thing ever?! LOVE!
The other book that jumped out at me was Suzanne's WOW Wardrobe. I like the odd format of some of the vintage books, especially the boxed sets. I also like the cut-out in the book where the doll peeks out a bit.
The cover design is neat. There's a lot of interesting movement and contrast. It has a really dynamic late 60s/70s color palette.
The doll has a very lively, youthful pose. And I like the base outfit! The page design is good, too, with the pop of background color and the strong flower elements.
That pinstriped suit is very David Bowie! And the smock/mini dress in the top corner has a great color scheme and fun pattern.
Hello mod! That yellow & black set is just too great. I also really like the pink lace and the yellow & gingham set. All very young & fun.
That's it for now. There will likely be a part two once I get together with Jenny. I have some real treasures that I'll be sue to share!
