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Adelaide Santini




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​Stay informed with the latest news on IADR

Mark Your Calendar...

6/17/2025

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​This Wednesday is our first planning meeting for the next IADR Art Doll Convention for 2026.  This is a zoom event so please email me at [email protected] if you would like to be a part of the process.

The time schedule for it is 9 AM here in Montana (MST) time which makes it about 5 PM in Italy.  Check your time zone to see what your time of the day the meeting will be.
Was the IADR Art Doll Convention a success?  Yes, it could have used more artists at it... especially those offering their expertise with workshops.  Could we have had better attendance at the workshops?  Hopefully that is something that can be taken care of with more exposure of the event and more advertising.
And Yes, the IADR Art Doll Convention was a success because from the start of mentioning having a convention for 2025, we received 15 new members both in Sculpting and Fiber Arts artists.  That is a big boost to our membership and it is exciting to meet the variety of talent.
Yes, the IADR Art Doll Convention was a success because it gave us as dollmakers and people a REAL chance to meet each other, learn from each other and make new friendships.  As much as social media offers from reaching around the world, nothing beats being able to hang out with other artists sharing jokes, tips, and inspiration to help each of us grow.
Don't let the barrier of language hold you back from participating in the planning meetings.  I am amazed on how helpful the Google Translator app helps us in understanding each other.  Otherwise there is also the "type-chat" option in the Zoom meeting which can be translated too.  The main thing is to just let me know that you would like to be involved and the rest can be figured out.  
Make the IADR your Doll Community by becoming involved!  
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An  Italian Epiphany...

6/10/2025

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Don't you just love waking up in the morning with one of those "duh" moments.  This was one of those mornings as I was thinking about what to write for the IADR blog when it came to me.
I was privileged to be invited by Anna Esposito to her  home and to visit the site of Pompeii.  To see the amazing frescos of the city is truly a once in a life time experience.  But also a reminder.  The destruction of Pompeii is similar to what is happening in our world today.  Whether it is war, political upheaval, or a natural disaster like the volcanoes in Iceland, Central American, and even Alaska, all these actions are causing us to change.
What are those changes?  It is hard to say as we are in the middle of experiencing those changes now.  Did you know that Naples existed at the time of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, though luckily they did not receive the devastation of Pompeii?  Naples helps today to shine the light on Pompeii's history.  It is at Pompeii that we can see the amazing art, walk the stone roads, and just get a glimpse into an age that no longer exists.  How we have changed but also how we have remain the same too?
​I was reminded of some of the "sameness" as I walked along an ancient Roman roadway in Naples called Christmas Alley (Via San Gregorio Armeno).  It was there that I discovered that the way I structure my porcelain dolls is the same way many of the specialty figures are still made in Naples.  What are these figures used for?  They are used in the building of presepe or in English- Nativity creche. 
I was simply blown away when I saw these many displays.  Plus anything (small or large) that was created for them.  From animated figurines - to small bowls of fruit like you can see in the video.  These displays are not just about Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. They’re elaborate scenes that depict a whole village and are quite unique from your average manger.  You’ll also find modern politicians and celebrities right along side biblical characters.  Plus, they are worked on throughout the whole year.
So what was my Italian epiphany?  That there will always be a doll market.  Dolls (figurines) express our view of the world, our spiritually, and captures those day-to-day moments in time.  Just like the artwork in Pompeii showed us, dolls help with the healing.  They give us hope in our ever changing world.  We may need to adapt and evolve to reach a new market, but dolls are timeless.  I am reminded of a quote from "The StoryTeller" by Jim Henson... 'They are a luxury.  Therefore a necessity.'  Meaning - that once someone experiences a luxury, it can become so deeply ingrained in their life and habits that they begin to perceive it as essential, or a "necessity".  Such is a doll!

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​Let's also welcome June Welton to the IADR family.  She does amazing Fiber Art dolls and characters.  She from the USA and has a great sense of humor from what I have seen in a few of her posts of Facebook.  
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​Reminder that our Shylock Doll Gathering is today.   
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It's Here...

6/4/2025

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The Summer 2025 issue of the IADR Art Doll Magazine is now available to download!  Yeeeahhh!  Thank you everyone that contributed pictures and articles for it.
​This issue also highlights the IADR Art Doll Convention and what a great time that was. Congratulations to the winners of the Shine the Light juried show held at the convention.
​For those new to the IADR, the magazine is available in English and Italian.  It is FREE to IADR members otherwise it is available for a small fee when one considers all the great information in it and the work that goes into creating each issue.  Click the link to go to the magazine:
https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/art-doll-magazine.html.
Don't miss out on the fun by taking a peek into the IADR Art Doll Convention video now on our IADR YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lGLb-xPus​.

​​Have  you marked your calendar for June 10th?  That is the next Shylock Doll gathering where IADR members from around the world get together to talk dolls, share tips, and play!  It is a zoom event which start at 12:30 MST/8:30 pm Italy. If you like to join us then please email [email protected] to be sent an invitation.
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Shape the future...

5/27/2025

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We aren't even half way through 2025 and I am already thinking of 2026!!
With the fun and exciting IADR Art Doll Convention in Italy being successful and it sounds like from the comments received that we should to do another one.  So, how does that shape our future?
Since the polling responses received thus far were all for saying YES for another one, we are already talking and starting to form planning committees.
But there is more to think about as not everyone can attend a juried show in Italy.  This year's events are already planned but in looking at 2026 I am thinking there might need to be one more on-line juried show added.  What do you think?  Can we squeeze another one in?
I like keeping the Winter Blues juried show as a start to the year as that is a great opportunity for non-members to participate if they wish.  Also, it's fun playing games and winning prizes from our sponsors.
The next juried show would then be at the IADR Art Doll Convention in Italy (keeping our fingers crossed) *smiling*.  Followed by the People's Choice Event that summer.  The People's Choice is important as that it is all about exposure to the public and possible sales.  Please note the "update" article in the next edition of the IADR Art Doll magazine as I would like to improve our social media reach for the People's Choice.
The final event of the year is The YEAR END event.  The first rule for the YEAR END competition is that one must have participated in one of the previous juried shows and/or the People's Choice in order to be eligible to enter this event.  
I am all for giving our members plenty of opportunities to enter our shows, which is why I was wondering if you would like another online event after the May Convention Show (like in August, 2026)?

You can let me know by leaving a comment here in the blog or email me at [email protected].
This is where you get to shape the future of where the IADR goes.  You do have a voice here and I would love to hear your opinion.
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After the Convention...

5/20/2025

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Nothing is better than making new friends and that certainly happened here at the IADR Art Doll Convention in Florence, Italy. 

Though some met friends that they already knew from past events or our zoom meetings, they were more than willing to take some of us who are new to Italy under their wings and make us feel like we were family.

With that, lets welcome our new members, Giusy Di Rocco from Italy, Kateryna Kadatska from Ukraine, and Mark Dennis from the USA to our IADR Art Doll family.
From the exhibit of the artist's creations to the juried show, it was exciting to see the variety of mediums as well as style of dolls. Overall, the event seems to have met with everyone's expectations which was great to hear.  But now is the time to be thinking of if we will do another one?
Whether you attended the convention or not, we want your responses in helping to know if you would support and participate in another IADR convention next year.  Please take a moment to answer the poll by June 1st, 2025!
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The Fun Begins...

5/13/2025

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The fun begins at The Hotel Albani Firenze in Florence, Italy (which also a four star hotel)!  It is here that the IADR Event will be hosted.  I know we have been very happy with the customer service they have provided via long distance and through emails or phone calls (even with an 8 hour time difference) in order to have everything prepped to welcome our attendees to our first IADR Convention.

​The royal treatment can begin with a helpful valet opening the door for you and seeing if you need any assistance.
Upon entering the door the warm welcome continues as we check in with the historical decor added to the 20th century technology.  Not all of us will be staying here as others have made other arrangements, but just the opportunity of the dollmakers community coming together is almost like having Christmas arriving early.  The anticipation of seeing who will arrive and the new friends that will be made is exciting indeed.
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The actual Convention will be held in their conference rooms which is across from the hotel entrance.  Lots of spaces for the Sales Exhibit room as well as spaces for the Workshops.  Keep in mind that you are still able to sign up for the workshops on our opening day.  So, check the schedule to know when they are happening and see what fantastic learning opportunities are available.
You will find us by seeing our newly made banner guiding you to the registration area where we will be delighted to see you.
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Counting Down & Diversifying ....

5/6/2025

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Hard to believe that in less than 10 days we will be in Florence, Italy with our first ever IADR Art Doll Convention.

Are you working on your entries for the juried show? There is a 30 Euro fee for all entries to help with the cost of actually receiving physical trophies for this show only.  Also remember you must either deliver the entry yourself or have a responsible person drop it off AND pick it up for you.
Have you made arrangements with the instructors for their workshops?  Whether or not you sign up on the website, please confirm with the instructors to let them know you plan on attending so they can make sure they have all the supplies they need to teach their class.
And as we are always thinking ahead to the next project or way to diversify our reach -- talking with Bambi in our last podcast had me rethinking Pinterest.  I have since then saw a new way to grow on there again.  When I first started a couple of years ago, it wasn't that hard to work up to having a couple of 100 monthly views.  But like everything - the algorithm changed and my numbers were dropping no matter what I did.  
Now it is thinking of it as a search engine like YouTube instead of a social media platform like Facebook or Instagram.  If you have questions or like to know more of what I am doing then drop me an email at [email protected].
In the meantime, I have also developed a board on my personal page for anyone that would like to collaborate on it.  To pin on a group board is like sharing on Facebook but even bigger.  The more that join in on the board, the bigger our reach.  Since I was the one who created the group board, you have to be invited to join.  Again if this is something you are interested in doing... drop me an email.
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WELCOME to our new member Valeria Bafumi.  She is an Italian artist and the founder of WondersItalyAtelier.  She makes beautiful paper mache' dolls inspired by Italian art.

Very unique and one of a kind work and looking forward to her sharing more of her art with us.
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Sign Up ...

4/29/2025

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Sign up now for this great opportunity to not only participate at the IADR Art Doll Convention but don't miss out on the chance to receive "The Catch of the Day" by Mark Dennis.  Only registered guest receive this once in a lifetime offer to own one of Mark's creations. Check out the IADR website to see all the perks to this package deal for Guests and Visitors to the IADR Art Doll Convention at:
                  https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/convention-registration.html
Deadlines...
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Deadline April 30th, 2025
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Deadline May 7th, 2025
Sign up for one of the many workshops that are available at the IADR Convention as deadlines are fast approaching.  The instructors have materials to prep and gather to get ready for the classes.  If you would like to attend the workshop but want to wait to pay for it on the day that is happening, that is fine.  Though still send the IADR an email stating that is what you like to do so these classes can prepare.  Email [email protected] with Workshop in the subject line.  
Also check out this month's podcast on our YouTube channel as Bambi & I talk about putting all your eggs in one basket.  Or in other words are you spreading your marketing tools to diversify in our changing social media platforms.  

You can listen to it at:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sotTfW2pqHI&list=PLrtdDHQkjjJvujQZl7qsg7RAULUI4L5tw
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We Are...

4/22/2025

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Yes, we are getting the word out and I do mean WE. The IADR may begin with an "I" but it takes all of us together to make the IADR the great organization that it is.

I can't do it alone and no one should.  We are a community of doll artists and creators that are making a difference.  The IADR Art Doll convention in Italy is just one of those examples.   

Take a look at some of these amazing artists that will be sharing their talents with us at our event.   This post is on our YouTube channel but you can also see it on our Instagram account and will soon be up on our Bluesky account as well.​
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWisPtet2AA​
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We also created an event on Facebook about the convention.  If you would like to help support the event (even if you can't attend this year), why not mark yourself "interested" to help our efforts and maybe even share the event for others to see:

​​https://www.facebook.com/events/1330930464851329/
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Welcome to another new member, Kristiina Meiner.  She is from Estonia which amazes me that the IADR can not only be truly international but also how important keeping the love of dollmaking thriving is to all of us.  

In this time of global upheaval and chaos, Art truly is the connection to the heart and soul that connects us all.
As we are working on the Shine the Light convention, remember to shine "your" light by being involved with  the IADR through the juried shows, submitting ideas and articles for the magazine, or simply showing your latest creation that you have made.  There are many ways to shine your light but if you still are not sure how, simply drop me an email at [email protected].
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2025 Convention Jury Show Theme...

4/15/2025

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I was recently asked about what is the theme for the juried show for the IADR Art Doll Convention in Florence, Italy this coming May.

The theme is Shine the Light!

I was inspired with this theme after visiting Florence for the first time last year.  When one thinks of all the many famous artists who have lived or come to Florence to learn about the Arts, the theme illuminates their collective energy.
After all, one purpose of an artist is to educate, illuminate, and inspire passion or pain.  To expand the awareness and awaken the emotion of the observer to the Art.
By definition, to Illuminate is to 'make (something) visible or bright by shining light on it'.  Art helps to clarify or explain and enlighten spiritually or intellectually.
So what types of entries would qualify for the theme?  One example is Patrizia Cozzo's Fairy with Lantern and why she was selected to represent our convention.  The IADR appreciates Patrizia sharing her art with us and inspiration.  Simply holding a light source is one way to Shine the Light.
​Another way to interpreted the theme is to shine the light on history and how it was shaped by someone that influenced you or inspired you.

Or, shine your own light and influence the world with a thought or idea that you want to illuminate - like Love or Greed for example.  These are just some of the different ways you can Shine the Light.
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​The IADR juried event is open to all sculptors and makers of one-of-a-kind handmade sculpted art dolls - no matter the medium.  The Jury Show Competition will consists of two categories - Sculpted Artworks and Fiber Arts.  

Sculptured Artworks of all kinds are welcome in clay, paper-clay figurative sculpture, porcelain, polymer, or other like mediums. 

​Fiber Arts is a separate category from the other mediums entries and will include all competition entries of wool/needlefelting and cloth dolls

Each category will have five separate skill levels being Novice, Intermediate, Advance, Professional, and Master.  There will be an award opportunity for each level when meeting the competition requirement.
​The submission fee for one doll entry for the jury show is included with a convention registration otherwise a fee of 30 Euro will be charged.  

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Each person is authorized only one entry per category (Sculpted Art or Fiber Art) for the juried show competition. 

To enter a doll in the competition, it must be delivered to the registration table at the scheduled convention time and picked up after the award presentation during the Banquet Dinner.  If you have any questions please refer to the Juried Show link for the Convention at https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/convention-juried-show-submission.html​ or email to [email protected].
The Florentine...
We are also currently in The Florentine's online classified section.  We are working with them to see about an article for the convention and their May printed edition of the newspaper.  More about that as it develops.  To see the AD click the link ​https://www.theflorentine.net/classifieds.
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​Welcome back Taina Latvala to the IADR community!  You can see some of her great creations under the Registry section of the website.  I have been a big fan of her work and can't wait to see what new characters she has been creating *smiling
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