May 8th, 2013
Above some lovely ladies (Cyndy, at top left) wearing their cool creations for the
“Hat & Heels” banquet on opening night at AFICC
from top left: Emily, Anne, (bottom) Katie and Nancy Jo who is taking a brake
Above from “Circus” class: Kathy, Emelia & Gigi…missing are Judy & Gayle
Hi All,
I’m glad to have an opportunity to blog as these days it’s been tough trying to find the time. My medical assisting class is going great and I’m still loving it. I enjoy learning the terminology and looking up the corresponding pictures of the diseases. Is that creepy? Naw…just getting comfortable with what I might be seeing on a daily basis and looking forward to comforting and helping those in need. I’ve just returned from two back to back conventions:
First up was the AFICC (Artistic Figures in Cloth and Clay) convention in Columbus, OH. AFICC is owned and operated by the hardworking Cyndy Sieving and her outstanding crew…whatever you need they’ll make sure you have it! I will be covering AFICC in the next issue of The Doll Club so that’s all for now…lol! I had such great students in my two workshops (see above). I hope they had as much fun as I did! The middle set of pictures show the lovely ladies from my “Heiress: workshop. The next set are the great gals from my “Circus shadow box” workshop. Ladies, thanks for taking my classes and I do hope you’ll email me pictures of your finished projects so I can post them!

Just a few highlights from the fabulous doll display at AFICC: from top left, Sherry Goshon, a wonderful piece by Steven Allen Raush, center: Janet McMullen & Gigi Callaway, bottom: Kristen Morris & Katie Jones
Second was the Art Doll and Teddy Bear Convention in Philadelphia, PA. If you are a doll or bear collector or creator this is the place to go. This place has something for everyone! The atmosphere was lively and the food was great. this is a chance to buy the newest addition to your collection and to meet your favorite doll or bear artist…win-win!
Susan and Terry Quinlan and their great staff do a great job running this. I traveled with my doll club friend and fellow doll maker, Lexi, it was her first time attending. She wanted to get an idea of what to expect if she decided to vend her dolls next year…I think she’s going for it! She also was able to get a one -on -one critique with Diane Keeler, which, Lexi says, was very informative. This was my second time attending as a vender. My assigned table happened to be right next to Nancy Wiley’s. During the course of the day we chatted up a storm, shared many laughs and discovered we that we also shared quite a few quirky similarities in our lives…hmmm…twins separated at birth???! I got to catch up with some of my doll making friends, Colleen, Christine and Gwen and met many new friends. I for one will certainly be returning to the convention next year…hope to see you there!
Marina Yax & Maggie Castillo-Bernard, below
Nancy Wiley at her table, at right: Anke Daneen, Colleen Athens, Christine Shively
Gwen Jackson and friends, Nancy & me


















































