Dolly Bureau, Volume I - A new pattern book by Megann Zabel

Poppy Parker/Misaki Pattern, a photo by theartofmegann on Flickr.

Doll patterns in a book, all to scale, with clear instructions in English, designed for beginners to intermediate dolly couture fans? Sounds too good to be true--but it isn't! Check out Megann Zabel's newly released book, Dolly Bureau Volume 1, available now!

The retail price of the book is $27.95, and you can currently find it for sale from DollyBureau.com, Amazon, Denver Doll Emporium, The Doll Peddlar, The Swell Shop, and also at Azone's booth in doll shows in Japan. This price gets you a 100-page full color book, in 8.5x11 size. Inside, you'll find 14 full outfits (lots of mix-and-match pieces) for various dolls.

Volume I includes outfits for Momoko, Poppy Parker/Misaki, Chip (FR:Homme), and 1:4 (MSD) and 1:12 (Lati Yellow and Pukifee) sized BJDs. Additionally, lots of full-color photographs display other dolls, such as Pullip, Odeco, J-doll, Tiny Betsy McCall, Model Muse Barbie, Ken, Limhwa To You, and Liv. The patterns are to scale, and require only tissue paper to transfer.

Megann Zabel, the owner of MegannArt, has a background in fine arts and design, which really shows in this publication. The attention to detail in her patterns, illustrations, and overall design of the book is amazing. The book is beautiful--it is a must-have for any fashion doll fan, in addition to the budding designer.

In addition to her gorgeous layout and photography, I must add that the instructions are really wonderful. Megann includes a step-by-step photo tutorial of the first pattern, which--for me--is particularly helpful. Even if you have no (or limited) prior knowledge of sewing in smaller sizes, the supply lists, techniques, and clear instructions (such as what exactly "easing" means), all make me want to try again.

Additionally, the author invites her readers to share the results of their endeavors online. While the patterns are designed for personal use, you can join the group on Flickr here--plus sneak a peek at the terrific patterns inside the book. Personally, I am in love with Megann's photography!

This is Megann's first publication, and I happen to know Volume II is in the works now. I'm thrilled to see more from her, and am so excited to see this new line of easy-to-use patterns.

This book would make the perfect gift for a young doll collector, in addition to those of us who have been collecting for a while. My nine year-old Lauren is really inspired, and I hope to be sharing some of her creations shortly!

Look Inside Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II!

The Look Inside feature is now live on Amazon.com! You can preview my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II, on Amazon.com. Also, various international sites, such as Amazon.de, Amazon.it, Amazon.es, Amazon.fr, and Amazon.uk.

All the look inside features seem to be active, and Prime shipping is available. Thanks for looking, and for your early support. I look forward to seeing your reviews online, and hearing your honest feedback!

Steffie: Out of the Box Volume II - it's on the shelf!

Check out my post over at Out of the Box Publishing for the latest and greatest on the publishing world here at the Fashion Doll Review, including a coupon code for $5 off my latest book, Steffie; Out of the Box Volume II.

I'll be expecting my first shipment on May 20, but Amazon seems to already have them in stock!

Steffie: Out of the Box is on sale!

Steffie: Out of the Box

My first book, Steffie: Out of the Box: An inside peek at a fan's eclectic collection (Volume 1), on Mattel's Steffie sculpt is currently on sale at Amazon.com. List price is $20, and Amazon has it on sale for just $16.60.

Prime members can get this book with free shipping!

Alice: Out of the Box featured in Epic Indie Book Fair of Awesome!

Alice: Out of the Box has been featured in the Epic Indie Book Fair of Awesome, as shown on Saturday Sequins blog.

Check it out if you get the chance--it looks like there are a lot of interesting titles on there.

Thanks!

Interview on DollObservers

Check out the interview about my book, Steffie: Out of the Box, at DollObservers. Simon was kind enough to ask for one, and feature it on the site.

If you're not already a member, go join! It's a fun place to keep up-to-date on the latest and greatest in the doll world.

Doll Observers scheduled for maintenance and upgrade

From Simon at DollObservers.com:

Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that we need to perform some simple but necessary maintenance on DollObservers.com on Saturday November 17. We’ll need to take the site down at 6am GMT for about 15 minutes, during which we’ll simply show a message asking ya'll to check back later. Thanks in advance for your patience while we tune up the site!

Nothing to panic about, as I tell myself regularly.

Got Amazon Prime?

If you do, and if you're part of Kindle's Lending Library... I need a favor!


Would you mind downloading a free copy of Steffie: Out of the Box for testing? I'd love to hear your feedback.

I don't own a Kindle Fire, but I'd love to hear your opinion on several devices. This is my first attempt at a digital book--and you'd think the portability would be easy. But graphics, well--not so much. I've decided that, at least for the iPad reader, the photos are too small. However, I probably won't be able top upload the corrected version today, as my computer is being "fixed." (My DH is off  work today.)

Thanks!

Update:

So--I believe I was able to upload a new Kindle file, which should be live by tomorrow morning. Perhaps for you Apple iPad/Kindle Fire viewers, it might be best to wait till then to view. I'll keep you posted.

The issue is a small problem with the preview application versus what I see in my word processor versus what the device will actually show. I'm hoping it's all fixed now! :) There is a reason I didn't major in software engineering, I see.

Suggested reading - more doll blogs!

Love reading about dolls online? Here is a handy way to keep track, and don't forget to leave comments and add your own favorite sites as well.

Best Doll Blogs - Fashion, Collecting & Photos

View more lists from Tonner Doll Company

Like lists? Top sellers from Tonner Doll for the week

The top selling dolls from Tonner Doll Company this week are now available in list format. (I really think this is cool--you can make your own lists as well.)

Top Sellers on Tonnerdoll.com - 7/20/12

View more lists from Tonner Doll Company

Alice: Out of the Box - Look Inside the book!

Finally - you can use Amazon's Look Inside feature to peek inside my latest publication, Alice: Out of the Box. I'll have it for sale at IFDC, so come see me if you'd like a signed copy!

I look forward to seeing you there!

*Look Inside* Steffie: Out of the Box - my new book!

The Look Inside feature is available now for my new book, Steffie: Out of the Box. You can browse through selected pages on Amazon before you commit to buy.

I'll have this book at IFDC next week, as well as the Alice: Out of the Box book.

I'm on my way!

Alison, editor of the Fashion Doll Review

I'm off to Barbie convention today--just in case you need to see me there, I should be easy to spot! I'm the one with the pink and blonde hair.

I'd love it if you said hello! Come find me, and buy my new Steffie book (and Alice book) in room 1074 from Kathie. Also, I will have the Steffie book in the salesroom.

We're in Europe!

Hooray!

For my European customers, Steffie: Out of the Box is available today in Europe. The Look Inside feature should be uploaded and functioning within a week.

Amazon.com.uk
Amazon.de
Amazon.fr
Amazon.it
Amazon.es

Alice: Out of the Box is also available:

Amazon.com.uk
Amazon.de
Amazon.fr
Amazon.it
Amazon.es

Some of the prices are updated with a 5% sale. Also--if you're an Amazon Associate, I'd love it if you posted Associated links on your blogs for my books--that would just make my day! Thanks for looking, and thanks for your support!

My books are listed on Amazon...

As previews only, so far.

If you are in Europe, this will probably be your best bet! Thanks so much for looking!

Alice: Out of the Box has also arrived!

As if working on one project at a time weren't enough:

Alice: Out of the Box is an eclectic scrapbook of Alice in Wonderland-themed dolls that have graced the author’s collection over the years. Alice fans and doll collectors alike will enjoy this friendly showcase, including both traditional and contemporary dolls.

From vinyl to resin, the editor of the Fashion Doll Review introduces both restyled, one-of-a-kind, and manufactured eye candy, from girlish befuddlement to Lolita-style ball-jointed beauties. While the author herself does not profess to be a photographer, she hopes to bring her passion for Lewis Carroll’s timeless heroine to the page--in a tiny, redressable, posable art form.

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in pages filled with color photographs with descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled, dressed, and fashioned according to the book’s theme. Resources and references are included.

Currently for sale on CreateSpace directly, this print-on-demand title is also for sale on Amazon--I'll keep you posted as soon as a preview is available. If you live in Europe, check out this post. I will have copies of this book with me at the Barbie convention and also at IFDC.


List Price: $16.00
8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
Full Color Bleed on White paper
76 pages
The Fashion Doll Review
ISBN-13: 978-0983681625
ISBN-10: 0983681627
BISAC: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


I am so excited to share the Out of the Box series of books with you. I can't wait to share what else we have in store!

Attention, Steffie fans!

It's here, it's here!

My new book, Steffie: Out of the Box, is now available for ordering.

What is it? Here's my description:

Fashion doll, Barbie fan, and Steffie collector Alison Rasmussen shares her eclectic collection with untraditional color photographs in this fun reference book. While not a professional photographer, the author includes many candid photos of various dolls created between 1971 and 2011, as well as a reference list of Steffie-faced dolls manufactured by Mattel and its licensed affiliates.

Publication Date: Jul 02 2012
ISBN/EAN13: 0983681635 / 9780983681632
Page Count: 90
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 8.5" x 8.5"
Language: English
Color: Full Color with Bleed
Related Categories: Antiques & Collectibles / Dolls


About the Out of the Box series of books:

The Out of the Box series is a casual visual reference for doll collectors and fans of the Fashion Doll Review blog. An affordable paperback collection, this series examines specific doll styles, sculpts, and collections in 90 pages of color photographs and descriptions. Fashion dolls are styled and dressed according to the book's theme. Resources and references are included.

Why should you care? Well, first I just about killed myself to finish the book before Barbie Convention. I should have a few copies for sale, if I can get them in time--look for Kathie's Fashion Dolls and the girl with short pink hair if you're interested in an autographed copy. (I just don't know what I was thinking with planning to finish the book after school was out for summer, LOL!)

Second, the retail price of the book is $20. From now through July 31, you can buy the book for just $15. Use coupon code PTUB5SGH when you check out, and you will save $5 off the cover price. That's less than the cost of a basic doll! (The coupon only works through CreateSpace.)

This book is now also available from Amazon. If you have prime shipping or if you are in Europe, this might be a better deal for you, so just hold tight. Plus, I'm hoping to provide a Look Inside preview of this book on there as well.

These books are printed and shipped on demand from CreateSpace--this allows me to print just the copies I need and not have a garage full of them. It's a really affordable way to go in the printing business. In fact, if you have a book you'd like to write, I can highly recommend their services!

Third, you'll know you're supporting this doll blog when you buy a copy of this book. I think you'll like it. In fact--I think you'll like it so much you might want to recommend it to a friend!

How do you feel about multi-tasking?

Generally speaking, are you a multi-tasker? As it turns out, I'm not so much. However, I do go in productive creative spurts that border on mania. Well, perhaps these spurts could be described that way. Possibly another way to describe this phenomenon is inspiration and procrastination--combined with artificially and unrealistically set goals.

Or maybe I just really don't want to do the laundry.

I uploaded the proof for my next project, the next in the Out of the Box series, all about Mattel's Steffie sculpt late last night, after I received the proof via UPS for Alice: Out of the Box.

My goals are:

• Finish Steffie: Out of the Box by Barbie convention. 
• Finish Alice: Out of the Box in time for IFDC. 
• Stay off the news.

We shall see.

Really, though. It makes me wonder why I'm doing this. Wanting to throw all PDF-related products out the window, never to be seen again? Terrible reviews on Amazon? $2 per book?

No! Because I love dolls, I love photography, and I love writing, darn it! Tears and all.

Sneak peek - what's uploading today?

Alice: Out of the Box

I'm uploading the manuscript to CreateSpace today--I hope, if it will ever in a million years finish! I'll keep you posted!

Suggested reading: OOAK Zoo Blog

OOAK Zoo blog

Love repaints? You must subscribe to James Mitchell's blog, OOAK Zoo. For fabulous repaints of ball-jointed dolls, and 16" fashion dolls (both resin and vinyl), you simply must check out his amazing work.

He has done repainting of every brand from Tonner to Sybarite, Fashion Royalty to JamieShow. He creates his own eyelashes for each repaint, and also does restoration, body blushing, and french manicures. He has even been featured in DOLLS Magazine (in the March 2012 edition).

Additionally, you can subscribe to his photo stream on Flickr, for more fabulous photos.

This is just a fantastic site for eye candy! Subscribe--and then request your own time slot!