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

"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

visit www.RobertsRoostCountryGuestHouse.com

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

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

"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

"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

"Little Lou" "Photo of the Day"

My "Photo of the Day" for August 31st, 2014 is a modern doll. Originally sculpted by Diana Effner, I made 10" "Little Lou" from an Expressions Mold several years ago. Always one of my favorite little modern dolls, she has such a sweet face. She has expressive painted eyes and her costume was created by Clara Pelfrey.

Have a great dolly day!
Dolly hugs, Connie Zink