Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event

a big thank you to Scott Publications

2011-12-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to Scott Publications for their donation of three copies of the issue of Doll Collector magazine that has coverage of PUDDLE 2011 and the 2011 photo contest. The magazines will be prizes at the 2012 Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event.

Thank you to Kemper Dolls

2011-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to Kemper Dolls (http://www.kemperdolls.com). A new sponsor this year, they donated two wigs, two pair of shoes, and two pair of boots. Here is the darling pink pair!

2011-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Another really nice article on PUDDLE 2011 has been printed, in the Winter 2011 FDQ (Fashion Doll Quarterly). The article mentions winners and sponsors by name and has a really nice layout. So far there have been articles in Dolls, Doll Collector, and FDQ, and I'm still hoping we'll see babelglyph's article in Doll Reader. Please show your appreciation to the doll magazines by buying copies!

story in Dolls online

2011-11-13T18:24:00.001-08:00

A story on the 2011 PUDDLE is online at Dolls Magazine:
http://www.dollsmagazine.com/events/553-pullip-and-dal-doll-lovers-event.html

Tokidoki plush from PullipStyle!

2011-10-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to PullipStyle for their donation of two Tokidoki plush!

Thanks to the Ruby Red Galleria

2011-09-26T17:03:00.001-07:00

The Ruby Red Galleria has signed on again as a sponsor of the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event. Thank you!

You can visit the Ruby Red Galleria here: http://rubyredgalleria.com

Thank you to Hegemony77!

2011-09-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Hegemony77 for a generous donation to PUDDLE!

Visit Hegemony77's etsy shop here: http://dollclothesstore.etsy.com

New sponsors

2011-09-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

I have updated the list of sponsors (so far) for the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event 2012. Please check it out and patronize our sponsors!
http://puddlestyle.com/sponsors.html

New sponsors this year include Hegemony77 and dncnllama.

If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact TrueFan!

Dolls November 2011

2011-09-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Another story on the 2011 Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event, this time in the November 2011 issue of Dolls magazine. The story is accompanied by a large group shot and smaller photos of the costume contest, the customization workshop, and the custom doll contest.

2011-09-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

The November 2011 issue of Doll Collector magazine has a three-page spread on the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event. I've attached some small photos, but I encourage you to buy a copy of the magazine if you are happy to see the coverage.

The first page is a story on and photos from the event, while the second two pages cover the photo/art contest. It lists the three winners chosen by gogojimmy and the three fan favorites and 17 of the entries are shown, along with the names of the photographers and artists. (I sent all of the entries, but some of them had been resized to be too small to print in a magazine).

Enjoy, and keep an eye out for upcoming issues of Dolls, Doll Reader, and FDQ.

2011-08-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Astrophel! WellerMade donated me to the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event 2012 to be raffled off to raise money for charity. I don't have a star-themed outfit yet, but TrueFan is on the lookout. If you would like to donate a star-themed shirt or outfit for me, please let TrueFan know!

PUDDLE 2012 logos

2011-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who submitted a logo for PUDDLE 2012: kirakira, maines, mrsmarks, and krista. The winners are kirakira and mrsmarks. You can see the new banner on the website that incorporates kirakira's entry. We hope to use the mrsmarks logo at Cafe Press or a similar site.

If you would like to create something for PUDDLE 2012, feel free to use any of the logos.
http://www.puddlestyle.com/images/pullip_banner_mrsmarks.jpg
http://www.puddlestyle.com/images/puddle.lowercase_kirakira.JPG
http://www.puddlestyle.com/images/puddle.uppercase_kirakira.JPG
http://www.puddlestyle.com/images/puddle5logo.jpg
http://www.puddlestyle.com/images/puddle2012_maines.png

Thanks to Asashi!

2011-08-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Asashi! She donated some stock items to PUDDLE and I have sold enough to pay for shipping of the photo contest prizes (five of the winners live outside the US) and to buy a bait Dal, currently in the hands of myufish to be customized. And I am close to having enough for a second bait doll!

2011 Gallery updated online

2011-07-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

I have updated the gallery with photos from 2011:
http://puddlestyle.com/gallery.html

PUDDLE 2012 date and location

2011-07-14T07:51:00.001-07:00

Decisions have been made! The fifth Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

Thank you very much to everyone who voted in the survey or gave me feedback on the date. The votes for June 2 and June 9 were very close, but June 9 got 10% more votes. (The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend had a fair number of votes, but it also had as many “anti” votes from people who said they could not come Memorial Day weekend.)

Going into this year’s event, I really thought we’d be moving next year to a new location. However, overwhelming feedback (from the survey and given to me in person and online, from event-goers, people who have never attended, and people who live closer to both coasts) was to stay in the Chicago area. I especially appreciate the offers from those located near Boston to help with the planning if we held the event there. (Perhaps we can hold a small satellite PUDDLE in Boston!)

We will hold off on choosing a charity group until closer to the event. Send along your suggestions at any time.

The number one feedback suggestion was more vendors for next year. I wholeheartedly agree – if you know of a vendor you would like to see at PUDDLE, please feel free to invite them.

The theme for 2012 is STARS with five points representing the five years of PUDDLE. This should be an easy theme for use in the photo/art contest, custom dolls, and doll clothing and accessories. I expect lots of creativity!

Speaking of which, there is still time to submit a PUDDLE logo. I’ve already received a few entries but would love to receive more. We also need a new banner for the website. Contact me if you are interested in submitting one. I have photos of my Dal Puddle and a Pullip in some star-themed dresses that can be used.

Also, a reminder that there is a facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/149743208427307?ap=1

2012 theme chosen! And a logo contest

2011-07-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

The theme for the 2012 Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event has been chosen! It will be *stars* with five points representing the five years of PUDDLE. Stars got 60% of the votes in the poll. (Owls came in second with 20%, so we may want to consider that for 2013.)

We are looking for a logo - would you like to design one? If you would, create it and send it to me as soon as possible. If we receive multiple entries, we'll have a contest.

The logo should include the word PUDDLE (either in all capital letters or all lowercase letters) and at least one five-pointed star. It should not include the words Pullip or Dal, or anything else copyrighted. The entry needs to be a high-quality image that could be reproduced on t-shirts if desired. It will also be used online on the website and on various PUDDLE promotional items (like bookmarks).

I should know the date and location of PUDDLE 2012 within the next week. Once all that is determined, I will want to update the website with the information and the logo as soon as possible.

2011-07-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Willowbrook Wildlife Center has posted the following "thank you" on their website:

A Special Thanks

Willowbrook Wildlife Center would like to extend a special thanks to Pullip & Dal Doll Lovers for their generous $500 donation.

***
See it online here:
http://www.willowbrookwildlife.com/content.asp?pageID=THANKS

Take the PUDDLE 2012 survey!

2011-06-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has given feedback on PUDDLE 2011. If you are interested in PUDDLE 2012, please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CKH9TSH9Y

Some of the feedback received so far:

- Most people requested that PUDDLE stay in the Chicago area and at the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn specifically. However, there is a chance to vote formally on the survey.

- There were requests for more vendors with a greater variety of items for sale. I agree! The vendors we had were great but the Doll Peddlar was certainly missed. If you know of a person or a shop who might be interested in selling at PUDDLE, please tell them about it once the date is set. (We did have several individuals and one doll shop who were going to sell this year but had to cancel.)

- Someone requested an art contest, so this is a reminder that there is an art contest. It's at the same time as the photo contest. This year we only had two art entries; as soon as we receive more, the photo and art entries will be judged separately. The photo/art contest is held online before PUDDLE (1) to give people who can't come a chance to participate and (2) because we only had a few entries when we held the contest at the event.

- Several people requested chocolate on the tables! If we have a little leftover cash next year, that's a possibility. :-]

- Someone requested a two-day PUDDLE. I think that's an intriguing idea, but it would mean raising twice as much money! Feel free to comment on this idea on the survey.

- There were requests for more workshops. I'd love to see that too, but it does mean we need volunteers to lead them. If you are interested, please let me know.

PUDDLE 2011 a great success!

2011-06-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Another PUDDLE has come and gone, and I think this year's event was the smoothest yet. As some of you know, I wasn't feeling my best Saturday morning and it was wonderful how, with just minimal direction, everyone just took care of getting everything set up. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success. We raised over $500 for the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. I also got a wonderful number of nude dolls for my housing authority doll programs. I should be set for at least two years.

There are threads on a number of doll forums where you can post comments or photos of PUDDLE to share with others who were there and those who weren't able to make it this year.

I will be writing up stories to submit to doll magazines in the next day or so. If you'd like to contribute photos, please email your best five to ten high resolution (right off the camera - no resizing) photos to me as soon as possible. (It is much easier for me to submit photos if you email them to me.) Please include your real name to be listed as the photographer.

Planning is already underway for PUDDLE 2012. If you filled out a survey at the event, thank you. If you have any comments on (1) where next year's event should be held; (2) what next year's theme should be; (3) what organization we should raise money for next year; or (4) anything else, please email it to me. Also, we are looking for bait dolls or heads to be turned into next year's customs!

One good bit of news - the hotel told me they had raised the meeting room rates when I booked the room last June. To my surprise, when I got a receipt, they charged us the same rate as last year! So that saved us over $100 which can be used as seed money for PUDDLE 2012.

2011-06-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

I've created an event thread for PUDDLE at the PullipStyle forum. Please feel free to post even if you aren't coming!
http://pullipstyle.com/resource/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=36634

Spotlight on: charitable opportunities! Money from the raffle prizes will go to benefit the Willowbrook Wildlife Center: http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/.

The Center is about 10 miles from where PUDDLE is taking place. The Center is a wildlife educational and rehabilitation center that is home to 80 native Illinois animals, including permanently disabled eagles, songbirds, owls, racoons, and foxes. Last year they had sandhill cranes, which inspired the theme for this year. Everyone is invited to visit the Center on Sunday, probably shortly after lunchtime. We'll work out the details at PUDDLE. We are likely to get a behind-the-scenes tour by staff. Last year we raised over $250- let's try to beat that this year!

Also, I am collecting new or gently used naked fashion dolls for an after-school program at my local housing authority. Around the December holidays, each girl in attendance will receive a free doll and then we'll spend an hour making clothing. If you have naked dolls looking for a home I'd be happy to receive them at PUDDLE.

Less than two days until PUDDLE!

need a ride? a rider?

2011-06-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Anyone need a ride to PUDDLE, or a rider? Look for one at the forum:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/

spotlight on the group photo, and we need a tea kettle

2011-06-03T05:29:00.001-07:00

PUDDLE is almost here! I hope everyone who is coming is getting ready. Gifts from sponsors continue to arrive - this week I received some darling knitted dresses and tops from Louise Caroline, an adorable dress from applecandy, and three doll carriers from Debbie (salukimom).

Babelglyph is hosting the Friday night tea party at the hotel - can anyone who is driving bring an electric tea kettle? She is flying on Sunday and would rather not drag her tea kettle along for the ride. (Also, a reminder that everyone is invited to the Friday night events, even if you aren't staying at the hotel or can't come to PUDDLE on Saturday).

Spotlight on the group photo: Around 10:30 am we'll gather for a group photo of people holding dolls. If you are uncomfortable appearing in the photo that’s fine, but please stick around – you can take photos, and the door prizes will follow the group photo. Here is one of the photos from last year, which appeared in a couple of doll magazines.

Spotlight on the BST

2011-05-28T18:29:00.001-07:00

Do you have a doll in need of a wig? Or do you have more wigs than you know what to do with? If either or both of these apply to you, you are not alone. The wig and chip buy-sell-trade event at PUDDLE can help solve your problems. Shortly after PUDDLE begins, we'll find a spot where everyone with extra wigs/chips can display their items. It's a perfect opportunity to try a wig style or color on a doll before committing to purchasing the wig, or to examine some chips in real life instead of on screen. This opportunity is for everyone looking for wigs or chips, even if you don't have anything to sell or trade.

If you are bringing items, it's a good idea to get organized before PUDDLE and to price everything in advance. Separating the items into baggies is also a good idea, as is labeling them with your name. Also, identify any dolls you have that need new wigs and bring them along to PUDDLE and to the wig/chip BST. So far as I know, there will not be any vendors selling doll wigs this year, so the BST is your best chance to find the perfect wig or chips.

There will be informal selling and trading going on throughout the day, but this is a great opportunity to catch everyone all at once. Also, be sure to bring some cash, as that's the easiest way to handle purchases at PUDDLE!

last day for the hotel convention rate!

2011-05-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to get the convention rate at the PUDDLE hotel. The group code for reserving a room is PDS. You can book online or by phone. You can choose a king, a queen, or two doubles. The room rate is available for June 10 and June 11.

Phone numbers: Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010
Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY
Website: http://www.hielkgrove.com

Also, the first 60 attendees to pay the registration fee will receive premuim gift bags, and they are almost gone. If you are definitely attending and haven't yet paid, I recommend you pay soon if you want a premium bag. (There will be standard gift bags for 20 additional attendees.) The registration fee is $13 per registered attendee. Disinterested parents/spouses/relatives do not have to pay the fee (and will not receive a gift bag.) Contact TrueFan for information on how to pay. Payment at the door is $15 per attendee.

Only two weeks!

Spotlight on the Dress Like Your Doll Parade

2011-05-26T08:09:00.001-07:00

Spotlight on the Dress Like Your Doll Parade:

Anyone can enter this contest! You can enter with any kind of doll – not just a member of the Pullip family. You do not have to wear a fancy or expensive costume. You and your doll can dress in matching jeans and t-shirts if you like.

Each person who enters will walk across a riser. Babelglyph will introduce you and your doll, and say somethng about your outfits. Keelyvh will judge the contest and award prizes from her shop. Audience members will also vote for their favorite. Everyone who enters will receive a coupon to use at Keelyvh's sales table!
Here is a link to her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/keelyvh

There is no advance registration for the contest. The parade will take place about 3:30 and you can decide to enter any time up until about 3:25. So start looking for your matching outfits!

2011-05-26T08:08:00.001-07:00

Spotlight on Friday:

If you are arriving for PUDDLE on Friday, join us for dinner at Mitsuwa Mall around 5:30 pm. You can go early to shop and meet up with us there or meet in the lobby to head over. Mitsuwa is Chicago's premier Japanese marketplace, with authentic Japanese (and Korean) restaurants as well as a fabulous bakery. You can also check out the gashapon (capsule toy) machines for little items for your dolls! (Sometimes there is Rement for sale, but there hasn't been much lately.)

After dinner there will be informal outings to the hot tub/pool (make sure to pack a swimsuit). A tea party will start around the same time if you prefer not to get wet. Bring your doll decked out in her party finest. You can wear your party finest or your pajamas (or your swimsuit!) to chat with other collectors before the big day. We will probably watch some episodes of Rozen Maiden series while we sip our tea.

If you live in the area but can't make it to PUDDLE on Saturday, you are welcome to join us Friday night.

2011-05-22T18:38:00.001-07:00

New PUDDLE sponsor KerriaRosette has a fun Decorate the Dress contest going on, with some terrific prizes. Details here:
http://kerriarosette.com/

More sponsors - Jackiekie and KerriaRosette!

2011-05-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

I've received the lovely donations from Jackiekie! Dresses for Dal or Byul, mini dresses, and caps for Dal, Byul, or Pullip. Thanks, Jackie!
http://www.artfire.com/users/Jackiekie/

Also, KerriaRosette has volunteered to be a sponsor! That's exciting news - her outfits are gorgeous too. Thank you!
http://kerriarosette.com/

Thank you to Caroline Louise!

2011-05-19T06:37:00.001-07:00

Caroline Louise is now a sponsor of PUDDLE 2011! You can see her darling outfits here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LouiseCaroline

http://www.carolinelouise.fr/

2011-05-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

New Facebook PUDDLE group!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_149743208427307

PUDDLE is only four weeks away!

2011-05-13T17:38:00.001-07:00

This year's Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event is only four weeks away! PUDDLE 2011 will take place on June 11 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The theme of this year's event is CRANES. There is still time to register! The registration fee is a low $13 per person. Check out the website for more information: http://www.puddlestyle.com/

A number of custom dolls will be raffled off to raise money for charity.

Johanna, a complete custom by Mioshu; Puddles the Clown, a complete custom by Requiem with outfit by Keelyvh; and Whoopie, a Lala modified by me.

Tickets for Puddles can only be purchased at PUDDLE, but tickets for Whoopie and Johanna are available to anyone. Tickets are $5 each or three for $12. Please contact me if you are interested. Proceeds benefit the Willowbrook Wildlife Center for their work with Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife. View their website here: http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/

You can see Puddles here:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5623144220_53223ab0d7.jpg

Thank you to myufish!

2011-05-10T05:25:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to Myufish! She drew an adorable paper doll for this year's PUDDLE. I'm keeping this year's doll as surprise for the day of the event, but here is last year's for you to admire.

2011-05-09T15:32:00.001-07:00

Today I got an email from Yosuke Oba at Jun Planning USA. He is sending me "Pullip Sticker, Puzzle and Poster for PUDDLE Events." I don't know what he'll be sending exactly, but I'm excited!

Thank you to Dolls Magazine!

2011-05-06T06:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Dolls Magazine for donating recent issues to be distributed at PUDDLE. Dolls Magazine always contains fascinating articles and beautiful photos.

Check out their website here:
http://www.dollsmagazine.com

Vote for your favorite entry!

2011-05-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

The entries are up for the photo/art contest, at the PUDDLE forum. Please vote for your favorites! (A judge will be picking the official winners, but we'll have a fan favorite as well.) Please vote for no more than three.

View them at the link below, then vote in the poll!

http://puddle.forumotion.com/t47-2011-entries

Thanks to everyone who entered!

PUDDLE gift bags and effiethedal outfits

2011-04-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

Check out one of the adorable outfits made by effiethedal and donated to PUDDLE. The fabric featuring paper cranes was custom designed especially for PUDDLE. Each of the 60 premium gift bags (given to the first 60 paid registrants) will contain one outfit. If you want one, make sure you are one of the first 60 to pay the PUDDLE registration fee! And a big thank you to effiethedal for all her hard work and creativity.

The 60 premium gift bags are each a work of art. Here are some photos from Delightfulfreak's flickr stream showing some of the bags she is working on and others already finished by Myufish.

2011-04-29T08:38:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that the deadline for this year's photo/art contest is May 1 at midnight (no matter what time zone you live in). I have posted the entries so far on the forum:

http://puddle.forumotion.com/t47-2011-entries-so-far

New event: WIG SWAP!!

2011-04-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you have a box of extra wigs and one or more dolls that need wigs but not the ones you have. We will have a new event at this year's PUDDLE (thanks to babelglyph for the suggestion).

At a specific time, we will have a wig buy-sell-trade. Bring any wigs you are willing to sell or trade along with your bald doll(s) and meet up with others in the same boat. The dolls can try on any of the wigs available and the humans can work out a swap, a partial swap, or a sale. It's the perfect way to try out some new wigs without buying them first. (And if you need help removing your doll's wig, someone will help you!)

I hope to be "finalizing" the event schedule in the next week or so. I hope you are as excited as I am!

2011-04-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder about the convention code for reserving a guest room at the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn. The group code is PDS. You can book online or by phone. Only 10 rooms are guaranteed at the convention rate, so book early! You can choose a king, a queen, or two doubles. Ask for a room with a refrigerator if you want one - most of the rooms have them.

The room rate is available for June 10 and June 11. Room reservations must be made by May 27, 2011 to get the convention rate.

Web site: http://www.hielkgrove.com/

Phone numbers: Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010 Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY

Don't forget to email me your digital photo or artwork for the online photo contest. The deadline for that is May 1.

Thank you to AintThatCunnin!

2011-04-10T18:24:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to etsy seller AintThatCunnin! She donated three adorable aprons to PUDDLE.

Visit AintThatCunnin here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aintthatcunnin

Pullip Complete Style book from WellerMade!

2011-04-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to WellerMade, who donated a copy of the Pullip Complete Style book to be raffled off at PUDDLE to raise money for charity.

2011-04-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I've spent the day sorting through the many things I've got for PUDDLE. We have some terrific items once again this year, for raffle and door prizes, for contest prizes, and for gift bags.

In other news, etsy seller AintThatCunnin has agree to become a sponsor! http://www.etsy.com/shop/AintThatCunnin

If you are considering donating anything to PUDDLE that you haven't already told me about, I just want to mention that what I most need are items that can be used as contest prizes or items for the gift bags. At past PUDDLEs, each gift bag included a special item unique to that bag, normally worth between $5 and $20. I'm particularly short on items that fall into this category right now, so if you sew, knit, crochet, etc. and would like to donate a few doll items, please let me know. Thanks!

Also, because PullipStyle is preparing to move, they will not continue to replenish stocks as we get close to PUDDLE. If you are sure you want to buy a particular doll at PUDDLE, they'll need to know by May. Otherwise you may be disappointed. They will have dolls on hand for last-minute, unexpected purchases, they just won't be able to guarantee that every doll will be in stock on June 11.

Keely prizes!

2011-03-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

I met with Keely yesterday and she gave me the three wonderful doll outfits she is donating to PUDDLE to be used as prizes. (She will be judging the dress-like-your-doll contest and the original doll outfit contest.) Check out the photos - aren't they gorgeous!

And visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/keelyvh

thank you to the Sleeping Elf!

2011-03-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to the Sleeping Elf for two gorgeous mohair wigs to be raffled off at PUDDLE. I know they will be very popular, as they have been each year. We appreciate the generous donation! Visit the Sleeping Elf here:
http://littlebloomers.tripod.com/thesleepingelf/id33.html

Thanks to the Mimi Collection!

2011-03-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today I received from the Mimi Collection (www.mimiwoo.com) 60 copies of Dolly Whisper magazine - one for each premium gift bag. This issue includes an informative comparison of obitsu body comparisons. A big thank you to the Mimi Collection for this wonderful donation!

Thanks again to RubyRedGalleria.com!

2011-03-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to RubyRedGalleria.com! Their donation to PUDDLE arrived today - a very cute complete moon-cake festival costume and piles of jewelry and hair accessories. Their generosity is very much appreciated!

2011-03-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Only 12 weeks until the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event – can you believe it?

Don't forget to:

- Register and pay the registration fee

- Make or buy matching outfits for you and your doll so you can enter the Dress Like Your Doll Parade and contest (you can enter with any kind of doll – not just Pullip and family)

- Take or draw a photo of your doll from the Pullip family and enter the online photo/art contest (anyone can enter this – you do not have to attend PUDDLE)

- Customize or modify your dolls from the Pullip family and bring them to PUDDLE for the customization contests (the doll does not have to be fully customized to be entered)

- Put together items for a gift swap bag, gather up your items to sell or trade, start saving money for all the great things that will be for sale, and get ready to have fun!

If you have any questions, let me know, or visit www.puddlestyle.com. (And let me know your email address if you'd like to be added to the email news list.)

Ddung dolls!

2011-03-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

One each of these adorable Ddung dolls will be available for purchase at PUDDLE!

Hip Hop, Versailles, Earplug Santa, Magica Angel, Alps Girl, mini Alice, and mini Little Red Riding Hood.

2011-03-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Each year at PUDDLE we raffle off custom dolls for charity. I'd like to introduce Whoopie, one of the dolls being raffled off this year.

Thanks to the donation of the doll by Wellermade and the rest by me, 100% of the proceeds will go to charity. The PUDDLE charity this year is Willowbrook Wildlife Center, which does great work rehabilitating Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife. (Visit their website here: http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/ )

However, 100% of the proceeds from raffle tickets sold the next couple of days will be donated to the Red Cross for their relief efforts to the people of Japan and others affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Raffle tickets for Whoopie can be purchased to anyone – you don't have to attend PUDDLE to win. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12. The drawing will be down the old-fashioned way – I will fill out a raffle ticket for you and the winning ticket will be drawn at PUDDLE on June 11.

The theme of this year's Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event is CRANES. Whoopie is a craniac – a maniac for Whooping Cranes. Her box has been decorated with photos from Volo Bog and Whooping Cranes.

Whoopie is a modified Lala with a fur wig from CanCan and CoolCat chips. (I'm not sure who made her outfit – if you do please let me know.) For modesty's sake she wears a pair of micro shorts under her dress. Her socks are from Sugarblocks. They haven't arrived yet but Whoopie will come with a string of seven paper cranes, for good luck in her new home.

"Graceful flight, haunting call, ancient bird, thoughts of peace…Feel Like So."

As a fun bonus, Whoopie comes with two Whoopie Pies, one for her and one for her significant other when they meet. The Whoopie Pies were made just for her by etsy seller MinnieKitchen.

If you are interested in buying raffle tickets before PUDDLE, please let me know!

2011-03-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have noticed that many Pullip collectors admire Ddung dolls but don't have one. I have made arrangements with ddung.ca to offer a few Ddung dolls for sale at PUDDLE.

If there is enough interest, I was thinking of holding an inexpensive lottery - no more than $1 a ticket - for the chance to buy them. If you are coming to PUDDLE and are interested in DDung, please let me know what you think of this idea. The lottery money would go toward our charity, the Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

Thank you to cmair1202!

2011-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to cmair1202! She donated a nice box of body parts for future PUDDLE customs.

Thank you to eTradersPlace.com

2011-02-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to eTradersPlace.com! I received their PUDDLE donation of two Rement packages and two sets of Kabaya toys, along with eco bags to carry them in.

RubyRedGalleria.com is now a sponsor!

2011-02-22T18:56:00.001-08:00

RubyRedGalleria.com is now a PUDDLE sponsor. They are donating the adorable moon-cake festival costume seen here as well as 100 hair and jewelry accessories. A big thank you to RubyRedGalleria.com for the generous donation!

2011-02-17T19:02:00.001-08:00

A big thank you to WellerMade! Today I received a box of 11 adorable sweaters to be used as prizes at PUDDLE. (The photo is WellerMade's.)

2011-02-04T06:28:00.001-08:00

Hello! It's time to think about entering the 2011 PUDDLE online photo/art contest. Anyone can enter. This is a great way to participate in PUDDLE if you can't make the trip!

Last year's winning entry, Kisses When Wet by effiethedal, appeared in Doll Reader magazine (as you can see in the attached photo). I'm not sure what the prizes will be this year, but the last two years the winner received a $50 gift certificate to online store Panik's Toy Box.

The theme of this year's PUDDLE is cranes. You can represent the theme in your photo or artwork, but it's not required. What is required is that the entry be your own work, be new and taken or created specifically for the contest, and that it show Pullip, Dal, Taeyang, Namu, Byul, Isul, mini Pullip or Dal, or Angel Pullip or Dal. Photo manipulation is allowed, just tell me what was done to the photo when you submit it to me. If we receive enough entries, at the judge's discretion categories may be created and additional prizes awarded.

To enter, email a digital image of your photo or artwork to me by May 1, 2011. Complete rules here, or let me know if you have questions.

http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

Also, I have uploaded photos from 2010 to the website.
http://www.puddlestyle.com/gallery.html

2011-02-01T14:09:00.001-08:00

As you saw in the earlier post, Yosuke Oba of Jun Planning USA sent me an email about the new Dollte-Porte series, asking me to put a notice and some photos on the www.puddlestyle.com website. I was happy to do so since JP USA has supported PUDDLE with donations of dolls and cute items the last couple of years. (I've attached a photo.)

He also mentioned that he would like to come to PUDDLE one day to “visit and bring some new products sample to show.” He can’t say for certain that he will be able to come this year, but it’s a possibility. Wouldn’t that be exciting! Of course we already have PullipStyle and their wall of dolls for sale at PUDDLE, but it would also be fun to see display samples from JP USA. So keep your fingers crossed!

If you register and pay for PUDDLE by Valentine’s Day, you will receive two free raffle tickets. Also a reminder that if you are looking for a ride, riders, or roommates, post at the PUDDLE forum!
http://puddle.forumotion.com/

Dollte Porte

2011-01-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

Yosuke Oba of JP USA sent me information about the new Dollte-Porte series. It's a complete line-up of the full-sized dolls in the Pullip family plus a tie-in to human clothing. (I hope the clothing comes in many sizes.) The release date is June - perhaps we will get some tie-in advertising at PUDDLE!

P-034 Pullip Dollte-Porte Henri

D-127 DAL Dollte-Porte Charlemagne

T-219 Taeyang Dollte-Porte Alfred

B-314 Byul Dollte-Porte Leroy

I-906 Isul Dollte-Porte Vesselle

"’Doll is an existing person.’’ If you are a doll user, no matter how small or big, uou must have dreamt once or twice that a ‘’Doll is an existing person’’ inside your doll-loving heart. Unlike personification, like ‘’Sister’’, ‘’Daughter’’, ‘’A woman that you admire’’, or ‘’A replica of yourself’’, this is a dream that wonders ‘’If it was only real person’’. Then if you could project yourself or someone in your life, then a part of your dream will come true….’’Dollte-Porte’’ is a project that will fulfill such a dream. Specifically, MANGO PARK, PULLIP’s designer, designed and produced outfits in your size that was originally developed for dolls. The doll apparel brand ‘’Dollte-Porte’’ is a human-size apparel brand.

- Doll Apparel Brand that has developed goods in human size for the first time in the Doll Industry.

- A model that will appeal to true doll fans.

*More detail for human size apparel brand information will announce shortly."

2011-01-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and PUDDLE 2011 is only six months away (June 11, 2011). Now is the time to resolve to attend! Just a reminder that there is a PUDDLE forum where you can look for rides, riders, and roommates:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/index.htm

Also a reminder that there are a number of contests at PUDDLE - start planning now so you can enter! Entries for the online photo/art contest can be submitted to me anytime. The photo/art contest deadline is April 1. (The other contests will take place at PUDDLE.) Anyone can enter the photo/art contest, even if you are not attending the event.

Full contest details can be found here:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

Also, if you want to make items to put in the gift bags or to be used as contest or raffle prizes, now is a good time to get started. If you'd like to make your hotel reservations, find details here:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/location.html

If you have questions about anything, please let me know, and happy new year!

PUDDLE charitable opportunity

2010-12-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

Most of us occasionally buy a fashion or other doll for her outfit. We strip her and are left with a doll we don't need and have trouble selling because she's not worth too much.

I've been keeping such dolls in a box for the last few years. This year, I made arrangements with the local public housing authority to go to two of their after school programs with my box of naked dolls and another box of felt and other fabric scraps. Each girl who came to the program chose a doll and then we made clothing for the next hour. It was a ton of fun for me and the girls. I gave away 30 dolls and could easily have given away another 10. (More girls showed up than had been invited, but it worked out okay because older girls helped younger girls with the outfits and didn't take dolls themselves.)

I would love to do this again next year, but I am all out of naked dolls. If you have some of those naked dolls around and would like to find them good homes, please consider bringing them to PUDDLE and giving them to me. I promise that they will be put to good use. They do not have to be Barbies. Most of mine were Barbie or similar fashion dolls, but I also had some small porcelain dolls, Dollar Store Bratz clones, little Cabbage Patch kids, and others. Boys are less popular - the four I had were the last four dolls to get taken - but I'll take them too if that's what you have. Oh, and if you have any spare shoes, I'd love those too (since it is hard to make shoes out of felt!).

Questions, please let me know, and thanks for considering donating your naked dolls to a good cause!

2010-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say thank you to McKenna, Staria, Kira Kira, WellerMade, and Asashi! McKenna donated a Pullip body; Staria, part of an obitsu; Kira Kira a doll, body, and chips; WellerMade, a head and obitsu body; and Asashi an assortment of bait heads, bodies, and eye mechs.

And also a big thanks to those who are donating their customization skills! Requiem, blair, Kisa, DayDreamerDolly, and myufish are all working on customs for PUDDLE.

If anyone else has bodies, body parts, heads, or eye mechs to donate, please let me know! (We especially need a boy body for a Namu head donated by Asashi.)

2010-11-19T07:44:00.001-08:00

The website has a terrific new banner for 2011 from Stephanie Mansell. Thanks, Stephanie!

2010-10-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to WellerMade for sending me a copy of the Winter 2010 FDQ with its PUDDLE coverage!

FDQ Winter issue

2010-10-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen the inside yet, but as you can see from the covers (there are two alternate ones) of the next Fashion Doll Quarterly (FDQ), there is PUDDLE 2010 coverage inside!

2010-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to effiethedal! Her photo "Kisses When Wet," which won the 2010 PUDDLE online photo contest judged by gogojimmy, appears in the October 2010 Doll Reader magazine! There is also a short blurb about PUDDLE. I've attached a couple of photos.

2010-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi. Just wanted to mention that the Willowbrook Wildlife Center now has a thank you for our donation on their website:

http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/content.asp?pageID=THANKS

If you live near one or more decent bookstores, please be on the lookout for stories on PUDDLE in doll magazines! Let me know if you find something.

2010-09-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

The November 2010 Doll Collector magazine has a one-page article on PUDDLE 2010 in the Doll Shows section! The piece includes photos taken by mamasllama of the dress-like-your-doll participants, the group shot, Keely's Cute Kimono, and my Dal Puddle. WellerMade is quoted, and effiethedal is mentioned as winning the online photo contest and making the outfits for the gift bags. Judge gogojimmy is also mentioned by name.

The magazine costs $6.99 on the newstand. Check a Borders or Barnes & Noble near you for a copy!

In addition, I have the opportunity to buy issues at a reduced rate. I have to buy them in sets of six. If you would like to order a copy for $6 including shipping from me to you, please let me (TrueFan) know right away.

A copy of the magazine donated by Doll Collector will be raffled off at next year's PUDDLE, and Doll Collector will be added as a PUDDLE sponsor.

2010-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

There is a nice article and plenty of photos from PUDDLE 2010 in issue 4 of Ningyou magazine. I've attached a couple of pictures of them.

It's a lovely issue with other photos and articles of interest. Contact NingyouMag@dollymarket.net if you want to buy a copy of your own.

Also, a big thank you to Kanamai and Ningyou for donating one copy of the magazine to be raffled off next year.

2010-07-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've updated the PUDDLE website with a new banner (thanks to Stephanie Mansell!) and the hotel code for next year. It's the same as last year - PDS. The guest room rate is $74.

The first "registration" deadline is December 10. Anyone who registers by that date will receive four free raffle tickets.

There won't be much happening for the next few months, but if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions at any time, please let me know!

2010-07-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have attached the thank you letter I received for our donation to help sea turtles affected by the Gulf oil spill.

Reports about and photos from PUDDLE 2010 have been sent to 7 magazines - be on the lookout! And let me know if you see one of the stories. The magazines are: Adore (online only), Ningyou (from the Dolly Market Forum), Doll Reader, Haute Doll, Dolls, Doll Collector, and Fashion Doll Quarterly (FDQ).

2010-06-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

We received a nice thank you note from the Willowbrook Wildlife Center for our $200 donation.

They also invited us, on our visit after next year's PUDDLE, to introduce ourselves at the desk and get a behind the scenes tour!

Announcing PUDDLE 2011!

2010-06-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

PUDDLE 2011 will take place on June 11, 2011.

The hotel has not yet been set, but it will be in the Elk Grove Village area of Illinois. The theme for 2011 is cranes.

See www.puddlestyle.com for more details.

2010-06-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

The third Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event was thoroughly enjoyed by the 70 attendees who made the trip to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, on June 5, 2010. Attendees came from 11 states and from as far away as California.

The theme of PUDDLE 2010 was “turtles,” and turtles abounded. Raffle ticket sales brought in $250 to be donated to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellen, Illinois, for their work with endangered turtles, and to the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program to help turtles affected by the Gulf oil spill.

While the total value of the convention was over $6000, all but $1000 of it was covered through generous donations of talent and goods. Thanks to the generosity of the event sponsors, each registered attendee took home at least one door prize.

Sponsors in 2010 included PullipStyle, Jun Planning USA, Adore Magazine, Ningyou Magazine, eTraders Place, Panik’s Toy Box, Re-Ment, the Doll Peddlar, Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s Teddy Bears, the Mimi Collection, the Sleeping Elf, JPOP Dolls, Denise’s Dolls, nekoshiei, and etsy sellers effiedalshop, sewgrandmacathy, blythesocdcloset, salukimom, daydreamerdolly, wellermade, sugarblocks, kanamai, and jackiekie.

Beautiful gift bags by Delightfulfreak and Matsuda:

WellerMade's Byul reads her copy of Adore magazine:

Group shot! (About half the people at the event)

The raffle prize table:

Dress-like-your-doll:

Just some of the many dolls that were present:

Custom turtles by TrueFan:

Custom Pullip, raffled off to raise money and winner of the custom contest, by Day Dreamer Dolly:

Pullip paper doll by nekoshiei:

donations

2010-06-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

We raised $250 at PUDDLE for charity. I have just sent $50 to the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program to help turtles affected by the Gulf oil spill, and I will be sending $200 today to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center to help rear, care for, and rehabilitate endangered turtles. Thanks for your generosity, everyone!

2010-06-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have created a very brief survey about the date for PUDDLE 2011. If you are seriously considering attending, please vote. Thanks!

Click here to take survey

2010-06-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all for another successful PUDDLE! I had a great time - I hope all of you who attended did too.

PUDDLE is solvent this year! I have been reimbursed for my expenditures (which include purchasing Lala and Chanti, ordering the infamous mugs, and making bookmarks and the like) from registration payments, and the rest of the registration fees plus a generous contribution from PS will cover the cost of the meeting room. We sold about 60 gift bags and had about 70 people in attendance (compared to 44 gift bags and 60 in attendance in 2009, and 30 in attendance the first year).

I am not quite done sorting out the money from raffle tickets, but thanks to your generous support we raised at least $350. We'll keep $100 for seed money for next year's PUDDLE. I will send $200 to our charity group, the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, and I'd like to find an organization working to rescue sea turtles in the gulf for the rest. Five of us visited the Willowbrook Wildlife Center Sunday and we were very impressed. There were animals in various stages of rehabilitation and permanent residents all over the place, and it is obvious that they do good work.

If you have any feedback on this year's PUDDLE or suggestions for next year, please let me know. The number one comment I've heard so far is that we need more tables around the edges. I agree, and I will be discussing that with the event manager if we decide to stay at the same hotel in 2011.

Payment is due on the website. If you'd like to sponsor one month of hosting the website without advertisements, please let me know. Sponsorship is $5 for a month and your name will appear on the list of sponsors:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/sponsors.html

2010-06-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's almost here! There is still room, so if anyone decides on Saturday to join us, you'll be welcome!

2010-05-27T06:59:00.001-07:00

I am happy to confirm that we will have a workshop at this year's PUDDLE, conducted by Requiem. She is one of the best Pullip customizers in existence and will share her knowledge with us.

If you have any customization questions, this will be the perfect time to ask!

Requiem will also be judging the customization contests.

The photo shows the two Requiem customs I own, Ditto and Noirette.

You can see her doll galleries here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/requiemart/collections/72157622816604041/

2010-05-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

A number of great items will be raffled off at PUDDLE. Each item will have its own bin. You put your raffle tickets in the bins of the items you most want to win.

Each gift bag will contain one raffle ticket. Additional regular tickets are 50 cents each or 3 for $1. There will also be three special raffles of dolls. The doll raffle tickets will cost $10 each.

First is a limited edition Comic-Con Lala Pullip. No more than 25 tickets will be sold, with a minimum of 12 needing to be sold for the raffle to take place. Second is a limited edition Doll Carnival Chanti Dal (assuming Jun Planning USA sends her in time!). No more than 40 tickets will be sold, with a minimum of 15 needing to be sold for the raffle to take place. The last raffle doll is a lovely one-of-a-kind custom Pullip made from a rescued doll by May/Day Dreamer Dolly. There is no minimum or maximum number of tickets for her.

Raffle winners will be chosen at the end of the day. A lot of lucky winners will go home happy! Raffle proceeds go to our charity group, the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, for their work with endangered turtles, and to help cover the cost of PUDDLE.

2010-05-17T18:23:00.001-07:00

I arrived home tonight to find a big box that turned out to be filled with 25 mystery packages of Re-Ment! The packages contain sets from a rare series no longer available for retail and are a donation from Re-Ment. I peeked inside one and I'm sure everyone who receives a set as a prize (gift bag, door, or raffle) will be pleased.

I also received a big bag of gift bags from Delightfulfreak! She and her friend have been drawing on them and they are cute, pretty, and cool. Thank you!!

2010-05-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Please consider entering the PUDDLE dress-like-your-doll contest!

Although it's great if you have a fancy cosplay outfit for you and your doll, you can also enter in matching jeans and t-shirts or any other coordinated outfit of your choice. Keelyvh will be judging the contest and distributing the three gorgeous doll kimono she donated as prizes. (You can see and buy examples of her work at her etsy shop: http://keelyvh.etsy.com/ .)

***

A reminder that you can post on the PUDDLE forum if you have items to sell at PUDDLE (especially dolls), or if you are looking for a split partner:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/buy-sell-trade-splits-f4/

2010-05-14T06:45:00.001-07:00

Grab your camera or your favorite art supplies and create some entries for the PUDDLE photo/art contest!

There are two categories: (1) photographs and (2) artwork of Pullip, Dal, Taeyang, Byul, or Namu with an obvious or subtle connection to the PUDDLE theme of Turtles.

There will be multiple prizes, depending on the number and kind of entries. Each person can submit up to two photographs and two pieces of art. Bring your entries to PUDDLE. They will be displayed for judging and a fan favorite vote. Complete rules here:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

Go have some fun and make some art with your dolls!

- True

2010-05-13T07:12:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to May, Jackie, Dave, and MissMandyLynne!

May is donating a number of things, including a turtle bed and a wonderful custom doll made from a bait head I purchased. She will be raffled off, with a limited number of special tickets sold. Thank you to Jackie! Jackie, who lives in Portugal, has donated 10 wonderful clothing items for Dal or Pullip. I've attached a photo of some of them. I've purchased quite a few Dal items from Jackie, and they are well made and cute. Her Artfire shop:
http://www.artfire.com/users/Jackiekie/
Her etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jackiekie

Dave's Dolly Decor has been added as a PUDDLE sponsor. Dave is donating two Little Pullip/Dal sized Rocking Chairs. Dave is taking special orders to be delivered at PUDDLE. You can visit Dolly Decor on etsy:
http://kanamai.etsy.com/

MissMandyLynne sent me a nice big box of cute little items for the gift bags.

Thanks, all!

2010-05-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Khait from The Doll Peddlar is attending PUDDLE and will be selling Monique wigs, Petite Luxury furniture, and other doll accessories (no Groove dolls though - please contact PullipStyle about those).

She is travelling by car, so she will have limited room to bring stuff. If there is something in particular from The Doll Peddlar that you'd like her to bring, please let her know in advance.

The Doll Peddlar is also donating items for the gift bags!

2010-05-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hi all. This is just a reminder that the deadline for getting the hotel convention rate of $69 plus tax per night for June 4 and June 5 is May 15.

A note to those of you who aren't planning on spending the night: last year a number of people were sorry they hadn't booked a room. Although PUDDLE "officially" ends at 6, we have a room reserved in the hotel dining area so we can continue socializing over dinner. In the evening we'll have a doll pajama party (which basically consists of us chatting and playing with our dolls), and last year's didn't end until well after midnight! It's also nice to have a place to stash your stuff or to change for the costume contest.

If you are at all tempted to stay the night, you can advertise for one or more roommates to split the cost on the forum:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/

The group code for reserving a room is PDS. You can book online or by phone. You can choose a king or two doubles. Most rooms have a frig and microwave. Holiday Inn Chicago Elk Grove Village Hotel web site: http://www.hielkgrove.com/

Phone numbers: Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010; Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY

2010-05-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

There is still time for you to create one or more entries for the PUDDLE customization contest! There are four categories: (1) customized full-sized dolls (must have new or significantly altered chips, wig, faceup, and clothing); (2) modified full-sized dolls (anything less than as described in number 1, so a stock doll with a new wig and chips would qualify); (3) customized and modified mini dolls, including Angel dolls; (4) any doll, stock or customized, in an outfit completely made by the contestant.

There will be multiple prizes, depending on the number and kind of entries. Each person can submit up to four entries total. (All four can be in one category, or one in each, or any combination across the categories.) You do not have to make the outfits of the dolls in the customized and modified categories (although you can), as long as you note on your entry form who did make the clothing. The exception is the fourth category, which is specifically for an outfit as designed and made by you.

Complete rules here:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

Entry slips will be handed out at the event, or you can go ahead and type/write up the information and bring it to PUDDLE. Your entry will be given a number at the event.

Go have some fun and customize/modify/create!

2010-05-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our online photo contest winners! Gogojimmy has chosen "Kisses When Wet" by effiethedal as the Grand Prize Winner:

She says: "I think it stands out because of the color choice - as if it's taken directly out of the 70's, and since you can't really see the Dal's face you automatically focus on the kiss and thereby the turtle, so it's perfect for the theme. Also the fact that last year's theme is present is really nice to see."

She picked "Mermaid" by Strawberry Cuteness as the second prize winner and "Claire and turtle 1" by mioshu as the third place.

She says, "It was really hard to pick! As you can see it has taken me days ;) - all the photos are great!"

Congratulations to effiethedal, mioshu, and Strawberry Cuteness! Effiethedal wins a $50 gift certificate to online shop Panik's Toy Box. Strawberry Cuteness and mioshu will receive a set of notecards of the new minis (donated by Jun Planning USA last year.) (Winners: If you are not coming to PUDDLE, please send me your address so I can mail your prize.)

Thank you to gogojimmy for judging and to everyone who took the time to enter.

I'm particularly happy that effiethedal won. Although she can't come to this year's PUDDLE, she made a Dal, Pullip, or Taeyang outfit for every gift bag, a very generous donation of her time.

2010-05-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Only four weeks to go now! Our charity group this year is the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, located close to where we are holding PUDDLE.
http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/

Anyone who is interested is invited to visit the Center after we leave the hotel on Sunday. We'll work out details at PUDDLE.

One of their activities is rearing endangered Blanding's Turtles. We will be donating a portion of the money raised from raffle sales to the center, but they also sent along a list of items they can use, if you would like to donate items.

- Reptomin® floating food sticks (turtles)
- ZooMed® Aquatic turtle food
- Aquarium thermometers
- Gift certificates: PetCo, Petsmart, WalMart, Visa, MasterCard
- Duetto® internal multi-filter (model #DJ100)
- Replacement parts for Duetto filter, including: Mechanical pre-filter, Biological filter, Chemical filter cartridge

2010-04-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Only a month to go until PUDDLE! I hope you are all excited as I am.

If you are planning on attending but have not yet registered, please send me your information even if you are not ready to pay. So far, we have 58 total attendees, with 45 receiving gift bags. People are travelling from 11 states: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, California, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Arkansas, Ohio, and Massachusetts.

Please check the list of nametag names below. If you think you have registered but are not on it, or want something else on your nametag, please contact me (TrueFan). Please note that, for security reasons, everyone who will be in the meeting room will need to wear a nametag when they are in the room.

Attendees/Nametag Names:

Mike/PullipStyle
Shana/PullipStyle
True
Blythes OCD Closet/Diane
Gina
Tafka
Keely
MissMandyLynne
Babelglyph
Pat Weller/WellerMade
Abby
Lara Mae
Elizabeth
Kathleena
Annie/icravemeowmix
Tricia
Megan/ravenwcatz
Kari/JrFanKari
Lori/May
Jan
Kim
Vicki
Stephanie
Dan
Caroline/Cara Chan
Karmin
Dwayne
Ben
Debbie
Athena/Asashi
Brian
Avi
Kisa
Renee
Claire
Julie
Laura
Carleigh
Kenly/Khait
Sohj
Taylor
Karen
Lynne Larkin/Queen-Bee
Kanamai
rpb3000z
Sheepie
Snowy
Requiem
Mamasllama
Kate
Krissy
Izzi
Lily
Rebecca
Bobby
Lynet
Joseph
Nicole

2010-04-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

I visited the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn on Friday. It is very nice and staff were helpful.

I got to see a guest room and was happy with it. Two thirds of the rooms come with a mini frig and microwave in addition to coffeemaker. To make sure you get one, when you check in ask for an "Executive Suite" (or specify you want a frig and a microwave). Just a reminder: the deadline for reserving a room at the convention rate of $69 per night plus tax is May 15. The group code for reserving a room is PDS. You can book online or by phone. You can choose a king or two doubles.

Holiday Inn Chicago Elk Grove Village Hotel web site:
http://www.hielkgrove.com/

Phone numbers:
Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010
Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY

There is a large open area with tables (and where breakfast is served) where we can congregate in the evenings for our "pajama parties." There is also a small outside seating area. There is free wireless throughout the hotel and two internet computers for guests. There is a pool, jacuzzi, and workout room. There is a free airport shuttle to/from O'Hare.

****

The meeting room I currently have reserved is huge. On Friday I was given an option to use only half the room at half the price. (A wall can be pulled across the middle.) Right now we have the same number of people attending as last year. (That's paid attendance.) Cutting the room in half would greatly reduce my money worries, as we are a long way from paying off the double meeting room. Last year's meeting room was 625 square feet. The larger half of the room is four times that - 2500 square feet. The full room is more than seven times that. Comments please.

****

The hotel is in a busy business area. There is an Old Chicago restaurant in the hotel. Across a busy street are Wendy's, Starbucks, Panda Express, and Quizno's. There are more places a short distance across more busy streets with many stoplights, so those are the best meal opportunities.

I need input on meals. Please let me know if you have any feedback.

- Friday night I suggest an informal meeting at 6:00 or 6:30 (any preference?) for anyone who has arrived. I suggest either Quizno's or Panda Express, which should have vegetarian options and enough space although we might not get to sit at one table. Any thoughts?

- For Saturday lunch, I suggest we are on our own. You can eat at Old Chicago, walk across the street to one of the fast food places I mentioned, or brown bag taking advantage of your frig/microwave. That way people can take a break from PUDDLE if they want, or bring their food into the room. Sound okay?

- Old Chicago has a room that can be reserved. It fits about 40. I am thinking of reserving this for Saturday evening. Anyone who'd like to keep partying can meet for dinner a short while after PUDDLE ends. We might have the option of a limited menu or buffet (pizza, drinks, salad for around $9 per person) if I let them know in advance. This would speed up when we eat. Old Chicago is more expensive than fast food but not extremely pricey. Thoughts on this option? I have to let them know pretty quickly if we want to reserve the room and also if we want the limited menu/buffet.

- Last year a few of us stumbled across each other having breakfast in the hotel. I'm inclined to leave breakfast to the same sort of arrangement next year. I'm sure many people will be hitting the road quickly. We can also make informal plans to meet at Starbucks or a Dunkin' Donuts down the road at PUDDLE if we like. If anyone is interested in meeting up at Mitsuwa Mall or going to the wildlife center we are supporting on Sunday, let me know.

Please let me know what you think about all my questions. Also please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

do you need sales table(s)?

2010-04-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

I visited the convention hotel on Friday. More on that later, but for now, I need some information.

If you are bringing merchandise from a shop to sell, do you want one or more sales tables? They have six foot and eight foot tables. Please let me know which you need and how many. Thanks!

2010-04-09T05:47:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Denise's Dolls for donating a lovely outfit - the dress, overskirt, necklace, and boots in the photo. Asashi will be selling other outfits from Denise's Dolls at PUDDLE.

Just a reminder to get to work on entries for the PUDDLE contests! Bring one or two photos or artwork with a turtle theme to enter in the photo/art contest. Find matching outfits for you and your doll for the dress-like-your-doll contest. Modify or fully customize one or more dolls for the customization contest, and/or design and sew an original outfit. We will have lots of wonderful prizes for the winners!

Details on the website:
http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

2010-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Sleeping Elf for a generous donation of three mohair wigs, including the gorgeous mint green wig seen in the attached photo. Please visit her shop:
http://littlebloomers.tripod.com/thesleepingelf/id33.html

***

If you are pretty sure that you are attending PUDDLE but are not yet ready to pay, please go ahead and send TrueFan your registration information as soon as possible. If you don't know all the particulars, you can send the missing info later. You do not need to pay now, but we need a better idea of how many people are attending. It's only two months away now!

Here is the info needed:

- Your name
- The names of all others in your family who are coming, if applicable
- Your nametag name (and nametag names for everyone who will be in the meeting room)
- Where you are coming from (City, State, or Country) and approximately how many miles you will be travelling
- Your email address
- Other information you'd like to pass on, or any questions

Thanks!

last day to enter!!

2010-04-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder - today is the last day to enter the online photo contest! Please take a photo of your Pullip, Dal, Taeyang, Namu, or Byul with some sort of turtle theme and send me a link via PM on the various forums or email the photo to truefan@live.com. Entries will be accepted as long as it is still April 1 somewhere in the world!!

2010-03-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jpopdolls for their wonderful donation of four wigs! A photo of three of them is attached here. If you order from Jpopdolls, please thank them for their support of PUDDLE. Here is their website:
http://www.jpopdolls.net/
***
April 1 is the deadline for the PUDDLE online photo contest, and only a few people have entered. It's going to be a nice weekend in many places - please consider taking some photos of your doll for the contest!

All you need to do is take some photos of your doll and send one (or two) to TrueFan. While there needs to be a connection to the PUDDLE theme of "turtles," it can be very remote. A turtle toy, an outfit with turtles on it, a turtle button, a doll reading The Tortoise and the Hare, a picture of a turtle or a turtle-shaped cloud in the background. And you could win a $50 gift certificate to online store Panik's Toy Box! It would really help me out if some of you would enter. Thanks!
***
If you'd like to prearrange a doll split at PUDDLE, don't forget about the forum:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/

2010-03-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all. This is just a reminder that the deadline for getting the hotel convention rate of $69 plus tax per night for June 4 and June 5 is May 15.

The group code for reserving a room is PDS. You can book online or by phone. You can choose a king or two doubles.

Holiday Inn Chicago Elk Grove Village Hotel web site:
http://www.hielkgrove.com/

Phone numbers:
Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010
Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY

You can advertise for rides, riders, or roomies on the forum:
http://puddle.forumotion.com/

2010-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Keelyvh! She is donating three beautiful kimono to PUDDLE, to be used as prizes in the costume/dress-like-your-doll contest (which she will also be judging). You can see photos here:
www.flickr.com/photos/keelyvh/sets/72157623636372614/

And more of her work in her shop:
http://keelyvh.etsy.com/

Online photo/art contest deadline approaching!

2010-03-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

Want a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Panik's Toy Box? Enter the PUDDLE online photo/art contest! I haven't received any entries yet, so you have a really good chance of winning! (You can submit up to two entries online and two different entries at the event if you are coming.) The deadline is April 1. You do not have to attend PUDDLE to enter!

The complete rules are here, but the main things are that it must be your own work and connected in some way to the PUDDLE theme of turtles.
http://www.puddlestyle.com/contests.html

Gogojimmy will be judging the entries. Here's a link to Panik's Toy Box. They have a lot of cool and creepy stuff.
http://www.panikstoybox.com/

So, take a chance and take some photos! Thanks!

big thanks to WellerMade

2010-02-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

I received a big box with 13 beautiful handmade outfits from WellerMade! One person at each of the 13 tables at PUDDLE will receive one as a door prize. Check out her handiwork at her etsy shop:

http://www.wellermade.etsy.com/

Thank you for the generous donation!

2010-02-21T06:29:00.001-08:00

PUDDLE is now listed on the Jones Publishing online calendar of events:
http://www.jonespublishing.com/jphome/jphome_calendar.asp

big box in the mail today!

2010-02-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

I got a big box in the mail today!

I don't want to spoil the surprise by showing you exactly what's inside, but here is a clue:

Many thanks to Sugar Blocks! The items were not a donation, but they were discounted so PUDDLE could afford them. Be sure to visit the sugarblocks etsy shop!

http://sugarblocks.etsy.com/