Articles

Online Doll-Making Courses

WELCOME!!!!  My name is Connie Zink and I have been making and teaching porcelain antique reproduction and modern dolls for 44 years. I have a Master and Grand Master title through The Doll Artisan Guild and also a proud recipient of the “Millie” award in 1997. I spent 35 years traveling to doll shows and teaching seminars all over the country. I no longer travel, instead I do everything online, through my website, Land of Oz Dolls Facebook page, Instagram, or my eBay and Etsy store.  All courses listed here are taught strictly online now. I offer these courses hosted on private Facebook groups. (You do have to be a Facebook member in order for me to include you into a private classroom). I have a separate group for each ongoing course classroom. I currently have fourteen courses available.

Included is Course 12 Bru Costuming Class With Pam Willits but you do need to contact Pam Willits directly to register for the costuming course. Pam’s email address is ptwillie1978@msn.com for further information.

Thirteen courses no longer have weekly “Live” classes occurring in them. However, the complete class materials and all videos that were used doing the course are available in each individual classroom. They are past courses that have already taken place. Each course takes you from start to finish on the particular course subject. You can watch me prepare the greenware, clean the softfire greenware, cut eyes, and I walk you through each step of the  painting process of the complete dolls. In many of the courses I have also taught how to fire your kiln, string the bodies, set eyes and hooks and numerous other steps along the way.

 

CONTACT CONNIE at landofozdolls@gmail.com with further questions!

My Newest Course starts Wednesday night November 2, 2022 and will be the wonderfully unique 19″ A. Marque. Study the interesting history and join me on my journey from start to finish of this fabulous one of a kind doll.

Once you have completed purchase please email me at landofozdolls@gmail.com so I can get you added to the classroom. Remember we also have to be friends on Facebook in order for me to put you in private classroom so will need your Facebook name. Thanks! Connie Zink

 

  A Marque Doll Course $50.00

 

My last Course 13 was “A Bevy of Gorgeous German Lady Dolls” it started Monday, February 7th 2022 7:30 PM CST.  In this sixteen week course I demonstrated for you how to cut the eyes, carve teeth, clean soft-fired greenware, tips for firing to bisque, and demonstrate all aspects of china painting gorgeous German Lady dolls. I painted “Live” every step of the painting process from start to finish including assembling the doll on a CompoBell body.  Dolls included in this course that I will be working on are the beautiful S & H 1159 (4 sizes), iconic Kestner Gibson Girl, S & H 152 with beautiful painted eyes, Kestner 162, and the S & H 1388. I am still working on finishing up this class with some of the smaller German ladies but “Live” classes are complete. I will be showing step by step photos of the painting process of Odalie and Margret in the upcoming days. Once you have completed purchase please email me at landofozdolls@gmail.com so I can get you added to the classroom. Thanks! Connie Zink

 

    German Lady Doll Course $50.00

 

Course 10 and Course 11 are now complete and available as a Past Course

Course 10 “Bru Fest” (Antique Reproduction) First “Live” Introductory Class started Monday, September 27th at 7:30 PM CT. All classes and videos are recorded and in the classroom to watch at your convenience, you do not have to be present at specified times. When you purchase a classroom, access to all the classes and materials are available to you indefinitely even after the “Live” course ends. This course will last approximately 10 to 12 weeks with a new class coming out every week. Do not feel you have to keep up with classes, you can watch them at your convenience. This Bru Course will be concentrating on some of the Bru Bebes I did not cover in Course 1. I will be doing Bru 4, 5, and 6.  These Brus will have shoulder plate, and arms. I will NOT be teaching the sewing of cloth or leather bodies. I will be starting with many heads, in many sizes, in the greenware stage and showing preparation for soft-firing including eye cutting, soft-fire greenware cleaning, bisque firing, washes, and all the paint firings step by step for the completed painted head. I will show setting eyes, cleaning a composition body poured from CompoBell and stringing the composition doll body. Some of the other Bru Bebes I will be painting is a Bru 8, 11, and13 among others. Cost for this Course is only $50.00 and gives you excellent resources to learn to paint by. 

When signing up for this course there is also a companion CD Workbook available for students at a reduced cost of $35.00 (regularly $45.00). This gives you complete step by step written directions and full color photos to help you follow along with the video class sessions which is a huge help when first starting on your doll-making journey. It can be purchased as a download to save shipping for everyone including international students. Message me if interested in purchasing the extra download workbook. landofozdolls@gmail.com 

 

Course 11 ” A Gathering of SFBJ’s”! This new course will be covering some of the wonderful dolls in the SFBJ series including 238, 247, 251, 252, and 301 “Rosette” Bleuettes older sister. These are all charming children dolls with endearing faces and so much personality!!!

First “Live” Introductory Class starts Wednesday, September 29th at 7:30 PM CT. All classes and videos are recorded and in the classroom to watch at your convenience, you do not have to be present at specified times. When you purchase a classroom, access to all the classes and materials are available to you indefinitely even after the “Live” course ends. This course will last approximately 8 to 10 weeks with a new class coming out every week. Do not feel you have to keep up with classes, you can watch them at your convenience.

 I will be starting with many heads in the greenware stage and showing preparation for soft-firing including eye cutting and one head will have a cut out mouth with inset tongue. Soft-fire greenware cleaning, bisque firing, washes, and all the paint firings step by step for the completed painted head will be included. I will show setting eyes with upper mohair lashes, cleaning a composition body poured from CompoBell and stringing the composition doll body.

Purchase these two Courses below!!!

 

    Bru Fest Course $50.00

 

    Bru Fest Course plus CD Workbook Download $85.00

 

    A Gathering of SFBJ Course $50.00

   


 

 

Past Courses Available Now Include:

 

Course 1 Bru’s (Antique Reproduction) 26 Videos (There are actually TWO COMPLETE CLASSROOM SESSIONS ON THE BRUS) “Creating the Perfect Bru”. Learn to paint beautiful Bru Bebe’s one of the most popular and expensive antique dolls. The exquisite Bru 13 and Bru 14 are the main samples I am painting on in this course. When signing up for this course there is also a companion CD Workbook available for students at a reduced cost of $35.00 (regularly $45.00). This gives you complete step by step written directions and full color photos to help you follow along with the video class sessions which is a huge help when first starting on your doll-making journey.

 

Course 2 Jumeau’s (Antique Reproductions) 10 Videos (This course covers the gorgeous Tete Jumeau one of the most highly coveted Jumeaus). Also a CD Workbook is available for this course at a reduced rate of $35.00. Includes complete written directions and full step by step color photos.

 

Course 3 Steiner’s (Antique Reproductions) 18 Videos (Multiple Steiners were covered in this course including the “A’, “C”, “G”, and “B” series. A very in-depth look into the interesting world of Steiners.

 

Course 4 Googly’s (Antique Reproductions) 26 Videos (If you are a new doll maker I highly recommend taking this course first as it really delves into the basics of porcelain doll making and covers many types of Googly’s, a very good beginning doll.) We go over Googly’s manufactured from many companies including Kestner, Armand Marseilles, Max Handwerck, and Heubach.

 

Course 5 Lady Dolls (Antique Reproductions) 15 Videos (In this course my main painting sample is the 3 ft. Lady Grace. However also included in the course is details on a large and small FG, “Lilianne Portrait Jumeau”, Dollspart Doleac, and the Dollspart Huret.

 

Course 6 In-Depth Modern Doll Eye Painting (Blue Eyes- Straight Forward Glance) 11 Videos (It is highly recommended to take this class first to get the basics before going on to other colors). I also have a CD Workbook for the blue-eyed class at the reduced rate for students of $35.00. This CD Workbook would be extremely beneficial in helping you to learn this highly detailed technique.

 

Course 7 In-Depth Modern Doll Eye Painting (Brown Eyes) 10 videos (The brown-eyed technique is very different from the blue but taking the blue-eyed course first is very important in order to build start building your skill level.)

 

Course 8 In-Depth Modern Doll Painting (Green Eyes-Upward Glance) 10 videos ( The green-eyed course also should only be taken after completing the blue-eyed course and learning the basics.) In-Depth Modern Eye Painting is a very detailed complex art which will produce life-like human eyes.

 

Course 9 Bleuettes

This course is on the beloved antique reproduction dolls called “BLEUETTES”!!!! 16 Videos The series will include the Premier Jumeau Bleuette, Bleuette “Silver” SFBJ 301, and Bleuette “Gold” SFBJ 60. I will be making all three of these Bleuettes from start to finish including cutting eyes, carving teeth, cleaning soft-fire greenware, firing to bisque, all painting steps, setting eyes, and assembling heads on the bodies, applying pates and wigs. It includes the weekly “Live” classes that were recorded along with all the pre-recorded videos. The cost for the entire “Bleuette” course is $50.00. (Does not include supplies for you to make the dolls) Supplies may be purchased separately through me.

 

All Classrooms are available for purchase anytime for $50.00 per classroom. (Remember classrooms are currently only available through Facebook at this time but do hope to remedy that soon and also provide another classroom access.) This gives you access to all course materials, photos, and videos inside that classroom for however long you want to remain in the classroom. These courses are an exceptional value. The information provided in each classroom would cost hundred’s of dollars in a personal seminar situation. Learn at your own speed, no traveling expenses, learn the art of porcelain doll making in the convenience of your own home.

 

CD Workbooks for the Bru, Jumeau, and Blue-Eyed In-Depth Eye Painting Courses can be purchased as a download with no shipping fees which is especially great for International students. However you can purchase the CD’s for an $8.00 shipping charge with multiple CD’s being shipped together for the one shipping charge.  

Sorry if you are not a Facebook user, the courses cannot be utilized by you at this time. Thanks! Connie Zink

 

 

 

PURCHASE YOUR COURSES HERE!

 

Premiere Jumeau Bleuette by Connie Zink

Bleuette Course

 

    Bleuette Course $50.00

 

 

 

 

27" Bru 13

Bru Course

 

Bru Course $50.00

 

 

 

A 11 Jumeau

Jumeau Course

 

Jumeau Course $50.00

 

                                    

Steiner Course

 

          Steiner Course $50.00

 

 

 

18" JDK 221, 12" Chubby JDK 221, 12" Thin JDK 221

Googly Course

 

           

          Googly Course $50.00

 

 

Lady Doll Course

 

                

           Lady Doll Course $50.00

 

                                                 

                                                                   

19" April by Connie Zink

Blue-Eyed Course

 

        Blue-Eyed Course $50.00

 

 

                                                      

 

Brown-Eyed Course            

 

      Brown-Eyed Course $50.00

 

 

                                                                                     

Green-Eyed Course                                                    

 

       Green-Eyed Course $50.00

19″ Emily Painted Kit Available!

19" Emily Painted Kit

Make your own porcelain heirloom doll! 19″ Emily KIT with painted head, shoulder plate, arms, legs and body pattern is now available. Unique one of a kind green painted eyes by Connie Zink. No two dolls turn out exactly alike. Includes Expressions “Emily” wig. When completed “Emily” makes a 19″ doll on a cloth body. To purchase please email me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com or phone 815-565-0024. Cost is $295.00 plus $15.00 shipping to continental U.S. International shipping is available please contact me for shipping quote. This “Emily” kit may also be purchased in my eBay store. Only one available! Click here for eBay Listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/19-Emily-Expressions-Painted-Eye-Kit-by-Connie-Zink-Land-of-Oz-Dolls/113909941345?hash=item1a858fc461:g:uO8AAOSw-dldk~uO

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

 She was painted as a sample for an online eye painting class.The head was made from the Expressions (Dianna Effner) “Emily” head mold. I have been painting and teaching lifelike modern painted eyes now for over 15 years now. From the photos you can see that this head is painted to perfection with a realistic lifelike expression. She can be made into a beautiful lasting heirloom or if you make your own dolls she is an excellent example to learn to paint eyes from.

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

19" Emily Painted Kit

19″ Emily Painted Kit

Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Online Porcelain Doll Classes Starting!!!

Good evening to all! It’s been awhile since I stopped by the website to give you an update of what’s new around Land of Oz Dolls. There are some exciting things happening here! First news is I am beginning online porcelain doll classes through a group on Facebook. I will be doing some free demonstrations along with doing classes online for both modern and antique reproduction doll makers. By joining the group if you are a Facebook user, it will keep you informed of the upcoming classes and free demos. Joining the group does not commit you to paid classes, it just lets you know what will be available and when. If you are not a Facebook member and you are interested in online classes please contact me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com I am trying to set up a way to also do classes for non Facebook users. The group is called Land of Oz Dolls – Connie Zink. Here is a link to the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1154476334610929/?ref=bookmarks 
I also have some of my most popular doll making supplies back in stock! My three CD Workbook set is back and on sale! These include one on painting a Jumeau, a Bru, and Modern Eye Painting. These CD’s have been available before so if you already have some from me they are the same just back in stock again! The CD Workbooks are step by step full color instructions and photos that guide you through the steps for the complete doll. This year I am hoping to complete a new CD on the AT11, one of my favorite antique reproduction dolls. Here is a link to the CD’s: http://landofozdolls.net/cd-doll-making-workbooks/creating-the-perfect-bru/ Just scroll to the bottom of the page of the individual CD’s and the set on sale will be at the bottom of the page.
CD Workbook Set by Connie Zink

CD Workbook Set by Connie Zink

My French and German Paint Collections (8 china paints) will also be back in stock by the end of the first full week in February. I will also be adding in February an In-Depth Modern Doll Eye Painting Kit for Blue and Brown Eyes (11 china paints). Here is a link to the china paint kits: http://landofozdolls.net/doll-supplies/paint/
French Collection China Paint Kit

French Collection China Paint Kit

China Painting Mediums are now back in stock now for the first time in several years! Here is a link to the painting mediums: http://landofozdolls.net/doll-supplies/paint/china-painting-mediums/  
China Painting Mediums

China Painting Mediums

Also now available for the first time in several years!!! I will be carrying the Seeley Doll Brushes! Always a favorite for doll makers these brushes are now available for purchase from me and can be added in with your other doll making supplies to save on shipping. There are no shopping cart buttons for the brushes. Currently there is only a price list. You will need to email me the brushes you would like to purchase and I can add them in to any existing orders or you may purchase brushes alone. Eventually I will be able to add photos of the brushes to the page here on the website. Here is a link to the brush price list: http://landofozdolls.net/seeley-doll-brushes/
It has been a pleasure to share with all of you tonight some of the things going on at Land of O Dolls. Please let me know if you are interested in online doll classes it will be a fun and educational learning experience and a way to meet new doll making friends! Email me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com for further info. Have a great evening! Until next time!

Dolly Hugs,

Connie Zink

Enter To Win Our 2016 “Holiday Giveaway” Doll!

2016 "Holiday Giveaway" Doll By Connie Zink Land of Oz Dolls

2016 “Holiday Giveaway Bleuette Doll” By Connie Zink Land of Oz Dolls

Good morning and welcome to our 2016 “Holiday Bleuette Giveaway”! For this upcoming Christmas season, I have lovingly created this beautiful Premiere Bleuette Jumeau, I would like to gift to one of you. “Bleuette Jumeau” has blue-grey glass paperweight eyes and a dark brown human hair wig. She is wearing a very festive holiday costume that was created by Clara Pelfrey. Bleuette comes complete with a one piece cotton chemise, white stockings, and black shoes. A wooden base doll stand, and her comfy plaid blanket will also be accompanying her to her new home.  A large white bow adorns the top of Bleuette Jumeau’s head. Also included, is her carrying case in the same matching print as her costume, a victorian wooden Christmas plaque, six victorian wooden ornaments, and a red glass decorated ball ornament. Her retail value is $425.00.

To enter to win Bleuette Jumeau, please go to www.landofozdolls.net . On the right hand side of the home page will be the Contest Hopper box. Please enter your name and email address and you will receive one entry into the drawing. Only one entry per email address is allowed. Once you have entered, a drop down box will appear with social media buttons. For each share you do on social media such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. you will receive one more entry into the drawing. You must copy and paste the link provided onto your social media site to gain each additional entry.

The random drawing through Contest Hopper will be held on Christmas morning, December 25th, 2016 at 8:00 AM CST. Winner will be notified by email. Good luck, Merry Christmas, and I hope you all have a great holiday season!

Dolly Hugs,

Connie Zink

2016 Holiday Giveaway Bleuette Doll by Connie Zink

2016 Holiday Giveaway Bleuette Doll by Connie Zink

2016 "Holiday Giveaway" Doll By Connie Zink Land of Oz Dolls

2016 “Holiday Giveaway” Doll By Connie Zink Land of Oz Dolls