We are thrilled to announce the debut of "Romantic Possibilities," one of eight highly anticipated dolls making her grand entrance at TonnerFest. Created by the renowned doll artist, Robert Tonner, Romantic Possibilities is a sight to behold.
VDC Presents TonnerFest 2023 - Robert Tonner Doll Artist Special Event
Ellowyne Wilde Collector Questions Answered by Robert Tonner
It's an exciting time for doll collectors worldwide with the release of the 2021 Ellowyne Wilde Doll Collection. Many collectors have some burning questions, and Robert Tonner sat down and answered 10 of them in this blog.
Baby Doll Basic Blonde Ellowyne Wilde. Photo by Dolldom Photography.
1) The girls, Ellowyne, Amber, Prudence, Lizette, share the same birthday--October 31st. Why?
I can't really say. There is something about Prudence's mother being a bit psychic and visions of past relatives--that sort of thing--kind of explains their bond--there is something otherworldly about it. Or, it's just a really weird coincidence. :)
2) Is Ellowyne still in therapy?
Absolutely. I believe she's overdue for a therapy diary entry. Ennui does not go away quickly, but she's working on it.
3) Who really won Ellowyne's heart? Rufus or Penn?
I don't think anything has been settled. Sure, Penn's better looking than Rufus, but has anyone ever been as nice to Ellowyne s Rufus has? But I'm not taking sides.
Taking Shape Ellowyne wearing “Turning Heads” outfit. Photo by Dolldom Photography.
4) What was the inspiration for the girls' names - Ellowyne, Prudence, Amber, and Lizette?
When I was developing Ellowyne, I looked for a name I could use that wasn't already being used by another company for dolls. At the time, Mattel and MGA had used up all the common names--which was okay with me because I thought this new doll should have a unique name. I like to use vintage/historic names because, in a way, they sound new now. Anyway, after much thought, the doll was named. Gwendolyn Wilde. As you all know, that's not how it turned out. It seems that the name "Gwendolyn" was being used by a toy company for something called Gwendolyn Goose. Anyway, we had to make up a name. I believe Michelle Hodge's daughter came up with Ellowyne. (Michelle used to work with me). The other names were easier--just wanted names that fit into the Wilde world.
Basic Blonde Ellowyne wearing Face Time outfit | Photo by Dolldom Photography
5) What made you want to bring Ellowyne back to us?
I never really wanted to let her go, and of all the dolls I've done, she is my favorite character. Design-wise, she really pushed me to be more creative, and I still love designing for her. There are business reasons too. It's really difficult to do dolls these days that are relatively reasonably priced. I had to set up a new way of producing dolls, by myself, without my company (and it's taken me a while to do that). I didn't want to stop doing dolls altogether, and Ellowyne is a character I can handle doing by myself. Of course, it also helps that Rachel became a fan and can spread the word! Plus, I really don't think that collectors were finished with her.
6) Is Freddie still around?
Absolutely. He's a bit more grown-up, but he still has a touch of that nasty pyromania. Although she loves him very much, Freddy is the bane of her existence.
7) Has Amber calmed down, or is she still mean to Ellowyne?
Ellowyne hasn't said. However, although they have had breakthroughs in their relationship, Amber still has a tendency to be, well, mean.
Amber wearing Ello’s “Facetime” outfit. Photo by Dolldom Photography.
Amber wearing Ello’s “Babydoll Basic” ensemble. Photo by Dolldom Photography
8) Did Ellowyne get any more pets besides Sybil.
Sadly, no. Ellowyne doesn't trust Sybil with other animals. Do you know how Lizette loves birds and has many? Well, suffice to say that Sybil is no longer welcome at Lizette's house.
9) Where does Ellowyne get all these amazing fashions to wear?
Ellowyne has a great eye and picks up a lot of things at thrift stores and re-makes them (excellent sewer). Also, her grandmother owns a design firm--her line has a classic feel, but she loves to send Ellowyne samples she picks up from all over the world. Ellowyne has more clothes than she can ever wear, and she is very generous with them to her friends. Also, she has a tendency to overdress but feels as long as the outfit makes her happy; she doesn't care what anyone thinks.
2021 Ellowyne Collection - photo by Dolldom Photography
10) How old is Ellowyne?
She's not saying, but if I had to guess, I'd say somewhere in the late teens to the early twenties.
ROBERT TONNER DISCUSSES ELLOWYNE WILDE + SHOWCASES SOME OF HIS FAVORITE DOLLS IN HIS STUDIO FOR VIRTUAL DOLL CONVENTION 2021
Dress Pattern making workshop 101 with Robert Tonner for January 2020 Virtual Doll Convention
About Grace Marie Fitzpatrick by Robert Tonner {FREE GRACE PAPER DOLL + 5 OUTFITS}
My name is Rachel Grace Marie Hoffman, and in December 2018, I launched the very first Virtual Doll Convention. I didn't know what to expect or who exactly would help, but it has turned out to be one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many incredible educators and artists. I have had a chance to take adventures that I could only dream about before and share them with the world in a digital format.
It was an exciting day when I reached out to Robert Tonner and asked him if it might be possible to create a doll exclusively for the Virtual Doll Convention. Robert had heard great things about the Virtual Doll Convention and said yes! Through a couple of conversations, sharing some inspirational photos, and chatting fashion, Grace Marie Fitzpatrick was born. The sculpt is one of Tonner’s most popular sculpts - Sydney Chase - with completely new makeup, hair, and fashion. It is amazing how different a doll can look with these changes. A new doll truly was born.
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facets Boutique
She was met with immediate enthusiasm from Tonner collectors and doll enthusiasts of every type involved in the Virtual Doll Convention. They fell in love with her unfolding story and sense of adventure. This was my first time manufacturing a doll, and I didn't know what to expect. I decided to market my doll my own way, so I immediately let the fans in on ALL of the details. I showed the sketches to the world, brought them along during the production process, and shared every aspect as it unfolded. The doll SOLD OUT off of Robert Tonner's sketch. She was 100% sold out before we were able to show the actual doll in photos or on film. DOWNLOAD THE SKETCHES FREE IN THE VDC GIFT SHOP
In December 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Robert in New York. We had an incredible time! We filmed doll content, Robert taught us how to make a basic pattern, and we even baked cookies. We have a playlist on YouTube dedicated to our “Totally Robert Tonner Weekend.” One of my favorite memories was seeing Robert’s Doll Collection - his SECRET STASH! You have to watch this video linked below. SO FUN!
When the dolls finally arrived at my doll shop during the week of the third Virtual Doll Convention, I took a moment to savor it - savor the opening of the package and experience every detail.
Grace Marie Fitzpatrick came with a black and white printed chic daytime dress and underwear, two handbags, navy pumps, a braided headband, and a stand. In my opinion, she was just perfect in every way. I loved everything about her from her makeup to her voluminous hair to her extremely articulate body. She is perfect for sewing, travel, and creating stories.
She is your adventure buddy, a fashionista when you need one, and most of all, a friend.
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facets Boutique
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facet’s Boutique
'Grace Marie Fitzpatrick' is an American girl with her ancestry from Ireland. She enjoys travel and sharing her adventures. She does her living out in real life and appreciates all the life happening around her. She notices the sun, the clouds, the rain, and the feeling of wind in her hair. In the middle of EVERYTHING life brings, she will always see the good, the bad, and sometimes ugly and remember to be thankful.
She doesn't have rose-colored glasses—just thankful eyes.
She knows we were all made individuals for a reason - our own beauty, our own personalities, and our own story. She is SO excited to be a part of yours, too!
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facet’s Boutique
Fans of Grace Marie have a LOT to look forward to in 2020 and beyond, including a line of dolls with blonde and red hair, a new “Showtime” formal fashion with fancy makeup designed by Robert Tonner, small-batch cottage industry couture clothing, luggage, jewelry, and a line of shoes made in collaboration with Facets Boutique.
Whatever your adventure, Grace is your travel buddy. She will ride in the limo, on the bus, or is perfectly content sitting with you on a summer day admiring the sunshine.
Grace’s message is that you are not going to miss out on what was meant for you. She is just happy to be beside you - sharing moments, stories, and adventures.
This doll reminds me that there is always more - even in the still times. Grace always runs wild and free, and we are always learning and growing at a peaceful, gentle pace. I hope you ‘discover Grace’ in unexpected places this year.
XOXO, Rachel
Download your FREE Grace Marie Fitzpatrick Paper Doll with FIVE outfits by Robert Tonner- the final souvenir from the January 2020 Virtual Doll Convention
Follow Virtual Doll Convention on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to receive all the virtual doll news as it unfolds. Register for the Summer Fling event in July/August 2020 to be the FIRST to shop the dolls + new product lines.
Check back to this blog for a link to the new Grace Boutique in August 2020.
New Logo featuring Dolly Dingle and Grace for Summer 2020 by Diana Vining
Parts of this article was originally written for Doll Castle News May/June Issue.
Complete Nashville Virtual Video Playlist {15 videos}
Nashville was a hoot and a holler to say the least! For both the virtual attendees and in-person attendees, we had a spectacular time seeing and getting to know everyone.
Our Dolly Dingle made by Joelle Strathers at the VDC Meetup event in her Secret Agent Sunglasses
To live and relive the experience, I made a playlist for you to refer to with links to all the content. Most of these videos are on Facebook, and some are inside the June Virtual Convention Group. We are also adding videos to our YouTube channel today.
While we were not allowed to film anything within the actual event, we made our special content outside of the 'official' activities. We were officially unofficial and had a BLAST - please share and enjoy these 15 videos.
*Make sure to change your Facebook video view settings to the highest setting (HD) for the best viewing experience.*
Walk through the The National Doll Festival with me! We are having the BEST time. 💕🎸 (50 minutes)
www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156693168128163
LIVE at the National Doll Festival with the booth of Elizabeth Christensen (9 minutes)
www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156693117828163
The VDC Meet Up Details and Room with Bradley Justice Yarbrough and Billye B. Harris (4 minutes)
www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156695878058163
The HILARIOUS opening ceremonies to the VDC Meet Up with Kathy Turner and BelleAnne Curry!! You’ll love this song and dance. 🎉🎉🎉 (4 minutes)
www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156698098043163
The VDC meet and greet with Robert Tonner, Michael Canadas, and lots of fabulous friends. Thank you for everyone who stopped by! (11 Minutes)
www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156698164983163
Dollmaker Superstars in one room! Enjoy a chat with Helen Kish, Maggie Iacono, and Robert Tonner (8 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156698234998163/
The Pink Princess shares her gifts chat with Bradley Justice Yarbrough (5 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156698253878163/
GOOD SOUND! A fun different view of our meet up and conversation with Robert Tonner and Michael Canadas. What a fun event, thank you to everyone and thank you Billye B. Harris for sponsoring this gorgeous room for us! (11 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156698464543163/
“Bad to the Bone” Miniature Steiff Dogs Program with Steiff Gal live in Nashville (18 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156699420263163/
Kruse Collecting: A Beginner’s Guide with Jonathan Green (7 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156699821318163/
“Booth Undercover - Secret Shopper” Shopping Treasures with Michael Canadas and David Robinson (21 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156699982093163/
Meeting Gregg Ortiz by the Fountain (3 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156703830633163/
PART ONE: Tips and Tricks of the China Doll Trade with Kathy Turner and special celebrity guest filmed LIVE in a secret location! (5 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156704436603163/
Part Two: China workshop in undisclosed location with Kathy Turner and BelleAnne Curry (2 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156704621663163/
We ducked out for a fun and exciting announcement about the January 2020 Virtual Doll Convention with Gregg Ortiz! Learn about the amazing mask workshop we will have AND learn a special dance move to use in the doll salesroom. ✈️🎉💕 (4 minutes)
https://www.facebook.com/rachelghoffman/videos/10156704988453163/
Our friend Alan Pate also took his own videos that we loved and wanted to share:
Inside the Salesroom - this booth, WOW! https://www.facebook.com/antiquejapanesedolls/videos/2315650685373973/
Special Exhibit of 18th Century Japanese Fashion Dolls: https://www.facebook.com/antiquejapanesedolls/videos/662251767604368/
Enjoy a gallery of snapshots from the VDC Impromptu Meetup - thank you to everyone who was able to come by and to Billye B. Harris for sponsoring this space for us.
