Welcome to Land of Oz Dolls

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Modern Dolls With Painted Eyes

Good evening everyone! I just returned home from the doll-makers show in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Many thanks to Jody Cook, of Our Villa Dolls, and all of the ladies from their group for a great show and wonderful banquet! Dennis and I really had a wonderful time seeing old friends we hadn't had a chance to visit with for several years now.

As most of you know, I mainly concentrate on creating antique reproduction dolls, but occasionally I like to mix in a few modern dolls. I love doing painted eyes. I have a special order that has been sitting here for months waiting for me to get started on it. It will be a 19" all-porcelain Portrait #5 sculpted by Dianna Effner. The mold was produced and sold through Expressions. This doll was chosen for me to do by my client,as it looks like his granddaughter. After I have finished her, I will post some photos of her. In the meantime, here are a few photos of dolls I did with painted eyes several years back.
"Molly" by Connie Zink
This is "Molly" a 24" doll originally sculpted by Dianna Effner. The molds were produced and sold through Expressions. Her eyes were an experiment of colors. I love the way they turned out.

"Ashley" by Connie Zink
This doll is "Ashley" a Dianna Effner sculpture. The mold was produced and sold by Expressions. She makes a 28" doll when completed.. I have painted her with green eyes. 







The little 10" doll above is "Little Lou", another Dianna Effner sculpture from Expressions. This is one of my favorite little modern dolls of all times. I painted her with brown eyes. She is wearing a dress that was created by Sue Sharp of "The Sharp Needle".

I hope you have enjoyed my little tour of a few of the modern dolls I have made. Have a great evening!
 Until next time,
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Several New Bru Dolls Finished!

Good morning everyone! I had a few minutes and wanted to share with you some of my latest dolls. If I had to choose an absolute favorite antique doll it would probably be the Bru, even though I love them all! Here are some photos I wanted to share with you this morning of some of my latest Brus.







Well, I am getting ready to head out for the second day at the Oklahoma City Doll Show Expo 2014. Have a great dolly day!!! 
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Saturday, September 20, 2014

"Googly Hand Mirror" Kits Available Soon!

"Googly Mirror" Kits

Finally after two years, I will have the "Googly Hand Mirror" Kits available for purchase. I taught the "Googly Mirror" workshop back in February of 2012, but have never had the time to get more kits ready for sale and finish the detailed, pictured instructions. I will be teaching this workshop at the Oklahoma City Expo 2014 on September 27th. This was the driving factor in finally completing more kits. Here is a link to info on the show if you are in the Oklahoma City area:
http://www.ourvilladolls.com/PDBAO

After I return from the show, kits will be available for purchase. Complete details for the kits and ordering kits are on my website:
http://landofozdolls.net/taking-orders-for-googly-hand-mirror-kits/

"Googly Mirror" Workshop 2012






The "Googly Hand Mirror" is a fun project and a great Christmas present for your "Dolly Friends".The "Googly" head comes completely painted with eyes set in, ready for assembly. There are several styles and colors available for the kits. Cost for the kit is $90.00. Please refer to the website for complete details.
Have a great Dolly Day!
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Land of Oz Dolls is Proud to Announce the Opening of "Roberts' Roost Country Guest House"

Good morning all, I wanted to let all of you know about the new developments at Land of Oz Dolls this summer. When my dad died 10 years ago, I inherited a small 900 plus square foot country home in beautiful northwest Illinois. My daughter and granddaughter lived there for the last ten years until my daughter relocated with her job in June. Dennis and I have spent the entire summer renovating this little home into a beautiful garden retreat. Located only six minutes from Land of Oz Dolls, it is the perfect place for rest and relaxation among the flora and fauna of our beautiful area. It is the perfect place to stay when you come to visit the shop or attend a seminar or workshop.

Let me introduce you to Roberts' Roost Country Guest House:

Roberts' Roost Country Guest House

Here are some photos of the rooms:

Bathroom

"Birds and Blooms" Bedroom

"Burgandy  Bedroom

Kitchen

Living Room

Roberts' Roost Country Guest House sits on one third of an acre that was once part of the original 160 acre Roberts' family farm that has been in my family since 1860. (My maiden name was Roberts). For the complete history of Roberts' Roost please visit the History page of my website: http://robertsroostcountryguesthouse.com/about/ 

Many of you know my second love, after making dolls, is nature photography. Here are some photos I have taken of the flora and fauna of Roberts' Roost.

Indigo Bunting

Swallowtail Butterfly

My Grandpa's Tiger Lillies

Red Admiral Butterfly

Sunflowers

Swallowtail Butterfly on Hosta Flower

Roberts' Roost is steeped in my family heritage. Here is a couple of photos of a large Burr Oak tree that is one of a line of three marking the original lot lines of the property. The trees are estimated to be way over 150 years old.

Dennis and the Burr Oak Tree

Dennis and the Burr Oak Tree

This tree over the years has grown around a metal fence post stake and the barb wire fence. The base of the trunk is one tree that is now splitting from old age.

The views at Roberts' Roost Country Guest House are breathtaking. Here is a photo taken from the outdoor eating area the other night as the full moon was rising.

Full Moon Rising at Roberts' Roost

Sunrise at Roberts' Roost

Campfires are always fun at Roberts' Roost Country Guest House. We have an outside fire pit and picnic area.
Campfire

I also couldn't resist throwing in this photo of my neighbors cows. I stop to visit with them every day. It really is country living at its best. 



Well, it is time to say goodbye, I have given you the highlights of Roberts' Roost Country Guest House. For complete info, rates, and more nature photos please visit: http://robertsroostcountryguesthouse.com/

While you are there please sign up for the drawing for the free two night stay at Roberts' Roost good for anytime in 2015. 

Until next time have a great dolly day, 
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink


Friday, September 5, 2014

"Fall" Open House Continues Tomorrow!

My "Fall" Open House continues tomorrow Saturday, September 6th through 5:00 PM. Here are a few of today's visitors.  I am the one on the left, then Sue Sharp, Pam Willits, Jo Lovig , and Conni Lynch on the right. Pam and Sue make a lot of the costumes I show on my dolls. Conni and Jo were my first official guests at Roberts’ Roost Country Guest House. To learn more about Roberts’ Roost
It was great to see them all today!
If you are in the area please stop by tomorrow from 9:00 to 5:00!
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Kestner 171 "Daisy" Photo of the Day

Today's "Photo of the Day" for September 3rd, 2014 is another photo of "Daisy" The Doll That Came To Life through the Ladies Home Journal in 1911. This "Daisy" is wearing a costume made by Pam Willits. I had given this "Daisy" brown glass eyes instead of the usual blue and she is wearing the Kemper mohair Daisy wig.  Have a great dolly Wednesday! 



Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

"Photo of the Day" September 2nd 2014 "Mary Marie" Jumeau

Good morning all, my "Photo of the Day" for Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014 is a collage of "Mary Marie" Jumeau dolls. These dolls are my interpretation of the doll in the "Mary Frances Sewing Book". I created these dolls from the S-253ST E.J. Camille mold from New York Doll Products. She fits on the FB14JS composition body, stands approximately 17" to 18" tall and is able to wear costumes reproduced from the patterns in the book. The costumes shown were made by Clara Pelfrey. Have a great dolly Tuesday!

Dolly hugs,
Connie Zink

Monday, September 1, 2014

"Fall Open House" at Land of Oz Dolls Special Sales - Also for Mail Orders!


Land of Oz Dolls will hold their annual “Fall” Open House on Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. View the fabulous doll displays and take a stroll through the “Gardens of Oz”. Special discounts on selected items will apply and refreshments will be available. Discounts will also apply to mail order sales for people out of the area, who are unable to attend the two days of the Open House.
Special sales that will apply to both those attending the open house and mail orders are as follows:
10% off NYDP Composition Bodies In-Stock and Special Orders Placed During Open House
20% off all In-Stock Greenware and Soft-fired Greenware
40% off all In-Stock Synthetic Doll Wigs From Monique Trading
10% off all In-Stock Mohair and Human Hair Wigs (Bravot wigs not included)
20% off all In-Stock China Paints and Mediums
20% off all Metal and Wooden Base Doll Stands
20% off all In-Stock Doll Patterns
Other selected items too numerous to mention will also be on special for those attending!!
If you are planning on attending the open house that weekend and have some extra time, it will also coincide with weekend events at Picket Fence in Lanark and Prairie Path Sampler in Mt. Carroll. You won’t want to miss these two great shops. If you want to spend the night in the area to enjoy some of the other attractions, please contact me on the availability of a room at Roberts’ Roost Country Guest House. Currently Thursday night is booked but Friday and Saturday is open for rental. Please call me at 815-565-0024 for details or to learn more about Roberts’ Roost Country Guest House visit www.RobertsRoostCountryGuestHouse.com

I hope to see you September 5th or 6th! Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

"Daisy" The Doll That Came To Life! "Photos of the Day"

Today's "Photo of the Day" September 1st, 2014 for Land of Oz Dolls is actually three photos that were taken back on February 9th, 2011. The two larger dolls are an 18" Kestner "Daisy" on the left and the 18" Handwerck "Daisy" on the right. The Kestner 171 "Daisy" is made from the Seeley mold. The Handwerck version of "Daisy" is made from an old Handwerck 109 mold I had found. Both heads are on the same Daisy body, but one has a slightly larger forehead than the other so the difference in height. The smaller one in front is the "Daisyette" Kestner from the Collectible Doll Co. mold. Costumes were made by Pam Willits and Clara Pelfrey.








 Have a great dolly day! Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink