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

12″ Chubby JDK 221 Googly

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

 

This Doll has been SOLD and is no longer available!!!!

This Googly is on the shorter chubbier B-258 composition body Dennis and I made. She has an adorable upsweep synthetic mohair wig with long tendrils from Monique Trading. She has blue blown glass German eyes, black vinyl shoes, nylon stockings, wooden base doll stand, and the most adorable dress and underwear made by Sue Sharp of The Sharp Needle. She is also available as both a dressed doll or undressed doll.  Only one available! First come first serve!

 

12″ Chubby JDK 221 Dressed Googly $350.00

12″ Chubby JDK 221 Undressed Googly $295.00

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12″ Thin Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

UPDATE: THIS DOLL HAS BEEN SOLD AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!

This is a 12″ thin body JDK 221 Googly. She is actually about Bleuette size. She has brown vintage glass eyes, a size 7-8 light brown mohair braided wig, and an adorable little school dress with underwear made by Sue Sharp of The Sharp Needle. She has red leather shoes and nylon stockings and comes with a wooden base stand. She is available as both a dressed doll or an undressed doll. Only one available! First come first serve! 

 

 
12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

Two New Googly’s Available! Website Fixed!!!!

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

 

Welcome back to Land of Oz Dolls! 

Hi everyone, sorry it has been so long since I have posted on the website. I have had major issues with my website for almost a year and a half. Awhile back I had a major Word Press update that went through and wiped out all of my shopping cart buttons and left none of them working. I am going to let you in on a little secret! I struggle with all the modern technology that keeps this website running smoothly. Back in November I changed website hosts and it fixed some of my issues but not the shopping cart buttons. However yesterday was the day, do or die! I sat down for 14 1/2 hours yesterday in front of this computer and made up my mind I would fix my issues or die trying. I watched a ton of YouTube videos until I found the one that explained my whole problem! Yes! I fixed it. I have a lot to update on the website and many things to republish I had taken down when things weren’t working correctly, but YES I am back up and running.  In celebration of this website renewal I am listing my two newest Googly’s for sale on here before they are listed on eBay. They will both be offered as a dressed doll and an undressed doll. 
Let’s get started with sharing my two newest Googly (JDK 221’s) with you! I currently have an Online Googly Class running and this is my first samples from the class I finished last week. The larger one, the 18″ JDK 221 undressed Googly is not currently for sale. She is visiting the seamstress (Pam Willits) and is having an adorable red and white pinafore and dress made for her. So when she is all dressed she will be here to show off for you. Dennis and I made her composition body and it is just adorable. She is the largest Googly I have made. More about her later! Now on to the other two Googly’s that are for sale. 
I will start with the 12″ JDK 221 Googly on the thinner body. She is actually about Bleuette size. She has brown vintage glass eyes, a size 7-8 light brown mohair braided wig, and an adorable little school dress with underwear made by Sue Sharp of The Sharp Needle. She has red leather shoes and nylon stockings and comes with a wooden base stand.
12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

 

THIS DOLL HAS BEEN SOLD!

 

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

Now let’s move on to the 12″ Chubby Googly JDK 221. This Googly is on the shorter chubbier B-258 composition body Dennis and I made. She has an adorable upsweep synthetic mohair wig with long tendrils from Monique Trading. She has blue blown glass German eyes, black vinyl shoes, nylon stockings, wooden base doll stand, and the most adorable dress and underwear made by Sue Sharp of The Sharp Needle. She is also available as both a dressed doll or undressed doll. Both dolls are just the cutest little Googly’s. Only one of each available! First come first serve! I will list them on eBay in a couple days but giving my website customers first chance at both of these dolls. 
12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

 

Here is a link to her shopping cart page: https://landofozdolls.net/dolls-for-sale/12-chubby-jdk-221-googly/

 

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

12" Googly JDK 221

12″ Googly JDK 221

I hope you enjoyed my post of these two new darling little “Googly’s! Stay tuned for more to come. I have many samples I am working on for the online class. Also hopefully the new 18” JDK 221 will hopefully in the next week or so sporting her new red and white polka dot dress!  Have a great “Dolly” day and talk to you all soon! 
Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

New Workshop at Land of Oz Dolls With Lorna Yates

Lorna Yates and Connie Zink

Lorna Yates and Connie Zink

Land of Oz Dolls is very proud to present our first workshop of the year 2017 with Lorna Yates of “Lorna’s Loveable Dolls”! “Little Googlie’s Tub Time” workshop will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 29th and 30th!

Lorna's Little Googlie's Tub Time

Lorna’s “Little Googlie’s Tub Time”

Register now! This limited edition workshop with Lorna will fill up fast! This “Little Googlie” will be painted and completed with mohair wig ready for you to dress in her bedtime attire. You will also assemble and decorate the bathroom box. Limited edition kit includes the completed doll with painted eyes and mohair wig, costume kit with cotton laces and silk ribbons, and also supplies to complete the box.

Join Lorna and I here at Land of Oz Dolls for a great weekend of dolly fun and take home your completed project. Special kit price for workshop is $175.00. For those too far away to attend Lorna will also have kits available for purchase that you may put together at home. Those kits will include the bathroom box and all supplies along with the mohair wig and the soft-fired greenware pieces for the little Googlie that you can paint and assemble yourself. The cost for the kit to do at home is $115.00 plus shipping.

Contact Connie at 815-565-0024 or email landofozdolls@mchsi.com to reserve your spot now! For overnight accommodations, Connie can also let you know on the availability of Roberts’ Roost Country Guest House along with other local overnight establishments. Lorna and I hope to see you in April!

Dolly Hugs,

Connie Zink