GDS Convention, Thuringia, Germany

Weary but happy Lesley, Trudy, Vivienne, Sue, Elaine and Graham arrived back home on Sunday after a packed few days at the GDS Convention.

We enjoyed tours of the porcelain factories, museums and flea markets as well as participating in the Puppenfest in Sonnebad, where the workshops were being held.....And the Southern Belles did well in the competition, Vivienne and Elaine came away with Golds, popular choice and costume and Trudy did well too. Sadly I didn't get any pictures so you will have to wait till after the meeting on Saturday...........

 I think we did pretty well on the dance floor too!

 At the museum in Coburg.

 An old style kiln packed as it was in the days of yore.

 Trudy and Vivienne concentrating on their bears in a workshop.

One of the older exhibits at the glass factory

May Meeting..........

We were a reduced gathering today but I think we made up for those who couldn't make it for one reason or other with the conversations, I think we not only put the world to rights but discussed several dolly related issues contributing our collective knowledge.

The plan was to make the body for 'Lucy' our project doll for this year but there was little body making going on!

























Carole brought a load of lace and fabrics, Jackie  is having a clear out - Thankyou Jackie for thinking about us as we are thinking about you at this time.

We should also say CONGRATULATIONS! to Linda who has been asked to be president of ODACA! we are so proud of her!

Now looking forward to the GDS Convention at Thuringia in Germany, several of us are going so looking forward to having a good time

Looking forward to the April Meeting tomorrow, usual time and place. We're painting heads and hands and going back to basics to remind us about how it all works!!

See you there!

The March Meeting

Everyone gathered for the March Meeting, the weather was so much better and it was good turn out.
Greenware for the little project doll 'Lucy' was handed out and some chose to get on with it there and then and others chose to take their work home.
We revisited the Do's and Don'ts of cleaning greenware, reminding everyone of the dangers of fine dust, that is its a No No to dry clean anymore.

This Years project doll, sculpted by Jayne Louise and in her memory

It was a lovely Show and Tell, Carole Brought in an original papier mache doll she had made in the old fashioned style and Margaret brought in several lovely Christening gowns that were handed down to her.

And this month was the quarterly Bring and Buy, helping everyone to redistribute their stash and raising some funds for the club.

Our next meeting is this weekend - Sun.9th March at Wellow Hall as usual. Drive safely everyone.

 Looking forward to starting this years project and participating in our quarterly 'Bring and Buy'

'Lucy' sculpted and made by Jane Louise - in her memory

This months newsletter

February Meeting........

We have had a very wet Winter so far making travelling anywhere a bit hazardous. We had a small but select gathering at our February Meeting, the weather conditions were just too risky for those who travel a long distance to join us.
But, for those who did make it, it was good to see a concentrated effort in sewing the baby bonnet, which Sue will be teaching in Germany in May

Pat brought in a beautiful little composition doll given to her by a friend who had been given it by her father in Singapore in the 40's. She is exquisitely dressed and a delight.

Welcome to 2014..........

Welcome to 2014!
The Southern Belles met for a belated Christmas party and the AGM to plan for next year........looks like its going to be great fun! 3 events to think about.....the GDS convention in Thuringia in Germany in May, the IDMS event in September and Ellies fun day in October. Plus plenty to be getting on with for this years project and scope for imagination.

 Last years project doll, pressed felt........

 Christmas secret Santa, always exciting!

 Lots of lovely food....as we haven't eaten enough already!!

 More finished project dolls......

And this years project, a 'Memory' doll designed by Jayne Louise who is sadly no longer with us but fondly remembered. It seams fitting to use her doll in our 21st year as she was one of our founder members. 

You can see a full programme of workshops this year on our website www.southernbelles1.homestead.com