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

7th Day of Christmas! This is What’s on Sale!

It’s the 7th Day of Christmas and this is what’s on sale:

Today’s featured item is my “In-Depth Modern Doll Blue and Brown Eye China Paint Kit by Land of Oz Dolls! The kit includes eleven colors of dry china paints, all the colors needed to paint both blue and brown eyes. Included is the paints to completely finish painting a modern doll. 

19" April by Connie Zink

19″ “April” with Blue Eyes by Connie Zink

19" "April" with Blue Eyes by Connie Zink

19″ “April” with Blue Eyes by Connie Zink

 

China Paint Colors in the Kit: Darkest Blue, Blue-Grey, Pale Blue, Aqua Green, German Dark Brow, Innocent Pink, French Lip, Rose Sugar, Pupil Black, German Dark Hair, and Dark Coffee Bean. 

Regular Price is $74.00 on sale through December 20th for $65.00. To order please email me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com or phone 815-565-0024. 

Don’t forget the “April” Eye Painting CD Workbook is currently on sale for $35.00 through December 20th. I also have a Modern Doll Eye painting Brush Kit available. Painting these beautiful eyes is a challenge but oh so rewarding. I love watching them come together over multiple firings. 

Modern Eye Painting Brush Kit

 

Until tomorrow, have a great dolly day! 

Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

2nd Day of “Twelve Days of Christmas Sales” 19″ “April”

19" April by Connie Zink

It was the 2nd Day of Christmas and this is what’s on sale! This Doll Has Been Sold!

19″”April” by Connie Zink 

19" April by Connie ZinkThis beautiful 19″ April with blue painted eyes is a true work of art. She has an all porcelain body. April was originally sculpted by Dianna Effner and made from a mold available through Expressions. Her exquisite smocked costume was crafted for me by Sue Sharp of the The Sharp Needle. April stands 19″ tall but you need to allow 21″ in height on a shelf to accommodate the bow. She is wearing a yellow print cotton dress with a hand smocked cotton pinafore. She has a cotton slip and underwear along with yellow shoes and cotton stockings. I have been painting and teaching lifelike modern painted eyes for over 15 years. It takes numerous firings to achieve the depth as shown in these painted eyes. From the photos you can see this doll is painted to perfection with a lifelike realistic expression. The regular price on this doll is $550.00. For the Christmas sale she is reduced to $495.00 plus shipping. Sale ends December 20th. I am not including a shopping cart button for this doll as I only have one. Please email me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com or phone 815-565-0024 if you are interested in purchasing her and I can send a Paypal invoice or you can call with credit card info.19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink19" April by Connie Zink

Have a great dolly day! See you tomorrow for the “Third Day of Christmas Sales”

Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

Please contact me if you have any questions!

 

The “Twelve Days of Christmas Sales” Are Starting! See What’s On Sale Today!

24" Kimple Father Christmas

Welcome to my “Twelve Days of Christmas Sales”!! This is Day One! Every day from now through December 18, I will be offering an item or items on sale for your Christmas pleasure. The items will remain on sale through December 20th or whenever the items are sold out, whichever comes first. Some items I will have multiples of, but many will be limited to one. I will not be including shopping cart buttons for these items. I do not want to take a chance on selling them more than once. The item will go to the first person who emails me and wants to purchase the item. Once the sale is confirmed I will send a Paypal invoice or you can call me with a credit card. So get ready! Here goes!

First Day of Christmas: 24″ Father Christmas Ready to Costume!

24" Kimple Father Christmas24" Kimple Father Christmas

This 24″ Father Christmas made from the Kimple mold was completed in 2008. I’m sorry to say he never was finished with costume so I have decided to offer him for sale as an undressed doll. He stands 24″ tall and is complete on his cloth body with the under robe and metal doll stand. I do not have a costume pattern to go with him. He has a beautifully painted porcelain head with beard, bisque hands and painted brown boots. Father Christmas has blue painted eyes. Completed with a traditional Father Christmas robe he will make an awesome addition to anyone’s Christmas collection. He will be my one and only offering of this size. I lost this mold in the storage unit fire of 2012 and was never able to replace it. He is a one of a kind offering from me. I do however still have the large size Father Christmas mold from Kimple that I offer soft fired greenware and blank bisque. 
Regular price is $450.00 however his sale price through my “Twelve Days of Christmas Sales” is $375.00. If I list him in my eBay store or Etsy he will be listed at the $450.00 original cost. Sale price is only available through the website sale here. To purchase please email me at landofozdolls@mchsi.com or call me at 815-565-0024. The first person to contact me will receive him at the special price. I can then figure out shipping costs to your location. He is available for both domestic and international shipping. Here are some more photos of Father Christmas:

24" Kimple Father Christmas

24" Kimple Father Christmas

24" Kimple Father Christmas

24" Kimple Father Christmas

24" Kimple Father Christmas24" Kimple Father Christmas

 

Until tomorrow, have a great dolly day!

Dolly Hugs, 

Connie Zink

Please contact me if you have any questions:

CD Doll-Making Workbooks

Complete Selection of Monique Doll Supplies Available at Discounted Prices From Land of Oz Dolls!

Human Hair Helen Wig By Monique Trading

Human Hair Helen Wig By Monique Trading (Shown on a Bru Jne R Painted by Connie Zink)

Good day to all of you! I wanted to let you all know about some new discounts I have on Monique Trading products. I have been a Monique distributor for so many years now I have lost count, but way over 30 years now. They now have a price list with some photos in it to help with your selections. They have some beautiful human hair wigs, along with synthetic mohair wigs and the largest selection of mod-acrylic wigs on the market, shoes, socks, doll stands, and many other accessories. Orders placed through Land of Oz Dolls will be drop-shipped directly to you from Monique Trading Co. Orders must be placed through Land of Oz Dolls by either email landofozdolls@mchsi.com or phone 815-565-0024. You can not order directly through Monique and receive the discounts below. Their will not be any shopping cart buttons available on these items here on my website.

$0.00 to $49.00 = 10% off Retail Prices

$50.00 to $99.00 = 20% off Retail Prices

$100.00 to $299.00 = 30% off Retail Prices

Over $300.00 = 35% off Retail Prices.

Please Click on this Link to view the 83 page Monique Catalog and Price List”! 

Please let me know if you have any questions or need help with your order. Have a great day!

Connie Zink

 

 

Land of Oz Dolls To Participate In “All River Road Talent” Art Drive February 6th and 7th, 2016

Land of Oz Dolls will be participating in the “All River Road Talent” Art Drive Saturday, February 6th and Sunday, February 7th. Hours will be 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. If you are in the area please stop by and see the beautiful doll room displays of antique reproduction and modern dolls that are for sale. I have a collection of modern artist dolls that I am selling for a friend who has moved into a smaller place and does not have room for them anymore so some great bargains are available. Mail orders will also be available for dolls and supplies.

Happy Valentines Day Bru 13 by Connie Zink

Happy Valentines Day Bru 13 by Connie Zink

I have been busy working on some new dolls for the Art Drive. Here I am preparing a large Bru head for its bisque firing in the kiln.

Preparing the Heads for Bisque Firing

Preparing the Heads for Bisque Firing

I have also begun the china painting process on some heads.

First China Paintings On Some Heads

“Photography by Connie Zink” will also be open for the February “All River Road Talent” Art Drive. Many of my award winning photos of the Savanna-Sabula Bridge, nature photos and “Old Barn” landscape prints, both framed and unframed will be available for purchase. Drop by and check out the selection for Valentine’s Day gifts.

Savanna Sabula Bridge Photos Open House 1website

Here is a list of participating artists in the February “All River Road Talent” Art Drive:

February Participants in the All River Road Talent Art Drive "ARRT"

February Participants in the All River Road Talent Art Drive “ARRT”

Virtual Tour – Christmas in the Doll Room at Land of Oz Dolls!

Welcome everyone, to my new virtual tour of the Land of Oz Dolls doll display room. Everyday is Christmas at Land of Oz Dolls! For those of you too far away to visit during our Christmas Open House on November 14th and 15th, during the second weekend of the Great Route 64/84 Shop Hop, we put together this virtual tour so you would n’t have to miss seeing a thing. ( I will not be open the first weekend of the Shop Hop due to the Des Moines, Ia. and Davenport, Ia. doll shows.) Sit down, relax, have a cup of tea, and enjoy the tour! Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink

“Tour of the Doll Room” Continues On!

Good evening all, I am posting another nine photos of my doll room, continuing on with the tour. I know many of you are too far away to ever be able stop by for a visit and some of you had asked for a tour on the website. The response has been tremendous and thank you to all who have taken the time to comment or send me an email. There are still many photos to share, so until next time, have a great dolly evening! Dolly Hugs, Connie Zink