Welcome to Land of Oz Dolls

Welcome to Land of Oz Dolls
Museum Quality Antique Reproduction Dolls by Connie Zink Land of Oz Dolls

Monday, February 20, 2012

"Viva La Valentine" Sweet Retreat Weekend

Good afternoon, everyone!! I hope everyone's week is off to a great start! This last weekend was my "Viva La Valentine" Sweet Retreat. Upon arrival everyone checked out the "sweet treats" awaiting us.



We started off on Saturday morning with the "Googly Mirror" class. Everyone had a great time choosing and putting together their "Googly Mirror" kits.


We even had one student, Clara from Ohio who attended via the internet by webcam to assemble her Googly mirror.


Around noon, we went to "Sweet Life" Bakery and Cafe here in Savanna for a delicious lunch.

Then in the afternoon we came back and finished our "Googly's".


Pam and Holly

Becky

Kit, Jan, Holly, Pam, Becky
Sue and Karen



Kit

Karen



After having finished the class, that left time for looking around the doll room and trying on a few hats.





We spent Saturday evening working on various projects that everyone had started and were trying to get a little farther along. Some were sewing and some were painting, but we still had a lot of time for laughter, dolly companionship, and take out pizza from Pizza Hut and cheesecake for dessert! All day Sunday we continued to work on various projects everyone had brought along. I did manage to complete my arms and legs for two all-bisque dolls "Rose", I had been trying to get finished for quite awhile. They are now ready to assemble. Also on Sunday, we went back to "Sweet Life" Bakery and Cafe for a great Sunday brunch! And as if we didn't have enough sweets, Shirley the owner sent us home with about two thirds of a 3 layer chocolate - maraschino cherry cake! It was wonderful!
Sue had brought along her little crocheted cape for Bleuette so my Bleuette "Gold" decided she wanted to model it along with her new "Bluebird" dress Sue had made for me so you could see it.




The weekend was great fun! There is nothing quite like sharing a great time with great friends with common interests. I am looking forward to "Viva La Valentine" Sweet Retreat Weekend 2013!

Before I close for today, I wanted to share with you another one of my passions, bird and nature photography. Today, Monday was a holiday from school so my granddaughter Mariah (age 15) and I went up to Lost Mound Unit (old Savanna army depot) to check out the bald eagle population. I have a tour there, this Friday and next Monday to view the bald eagles. I am president of the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge which is a "Friends" group for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The pictures of the mature bald eagle below, I took this morning, and the pictures of the immature bald eagle, my granddaughter Mariah, took. Our total for the morning sightings were about 42 bald eagles.











Until next time, I hope you all have days filled with health and happiness!! Dolly Hugs, Connie

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Bleuette!!! 1905 - 2012

Good morning everyone, today February 2nd 2012 is a special day! No, not just Ground Hog's Day, but a very special birthday. Today is the 107th birthday of "Bleuette". Bleuette was  introduced in 1905 as a premium for a new magazine for girls.  From 1905-1960 the children's magazine, La Semaine de Suzette was published on a weekly basis.  The magazine featured clothing patterns for Bleuette, stories, crafts, recipes, games, and instruction in the social graces. Bleuette was born in 1905, after Emile Jumeau and other makers of fine French dolls, bonded together to form the SFBJ company.  Unlike the earlier French dolls, Bleuette was created as an interactive play and teaching tool.  Bleuette's mission was to help instruct little French girls in the fine art of homemaking. 


The girls were all set for Valentine's Day but decided to stop the Valentine's party long enough for a piece of birthday cake!! Here are some closeups of the individual girls participating.
















All of the Bleu's want to wish you a "Bleuette Happy Birthday" 107 years old and still going strong!!! Please mark your calendar for my "Bleuette Retreat Weekend" June 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th 2013
Details for the Retreat will be posted soon!! Have a great day!!
Dolly Hugs,
Connie