INTERNATIONAL ART DOLL REGISTRY
  • Home
  • About IADR
  • Artist's Studio
  • Blog
  • Members Only
    • Registering Your Doll
    • Registry
    • Artist's Studio Submissions
    • Tutorials
      • Anatomy References
      • Classes for Members
  • Art Doll Magazine
  • IADR Award Winners
    • Past IADR Award Winners
  • Why Join IADR
  • 2025 Events
  • 2025 Convention Poll
  • Home
  • About IADR
  • Artist's Studio
  • Blog
  • Members Only
    • Registering Your Doll
    • Registry
    • Artist's Studio Submissions
    • Tutorials
      • Anatomy References
      • Classes for Members
  • Art Doll Magazine
  • IADR Award Winners
    • Past IADR Award Winners
  • Why Join IADR
  • 2025 Events
  • 2025 Convention Poll
Search
Picture
Adelaide Santini




​​
​Stay informed with the latest news on IADR

Just Winging It...

7/8/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​How will you know how far you can fly if you never spread your wings?  A popular quote but how can you fly if your wings are still developing?
You might not know even where to begin and that is where the International Art Doll Registry helps it's members.  As I mentioned last week, we have a tutorial section devoted to just wings.  Just a reminder, all these tutorials have been generously donated by members and are FREE to members. ​
​Visit the tutorials section to see the three new tutorials I just added.  One is my Silk Faery Wings tutorial created using crayons.  I also have added the Italian version as well.
​When to my delight as digging round looking for things in the hidden depths of my computer memories, I discovered another beautiful gem.  I now have also added Fantasy Wings by Deb Wood.

So as the saying goes: Spread your wings and fly.
0 Comments

Need Inspiration???

7/1/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Need a little inspiration or just don't know how to do something that you have been wanting to try?  Have you checked out the many resources available to our IADR (International Art Doll Registry) members?
There is a whole section called ​Anatomy Reference Guides where you will find images for bone sizes as well as muscles to help with those for sculpting adults to babies.  There are even hands and feet for those looking for an unique pose.​
Check out the Tutorial section - this is a treasure trove of inspiration!
From specific tutorials like Sculpting Hands with Deb Wood or China Painting Eyebrows from MisPlace Dolls, that is just the beginning.  There are also a Costuming section, a Wing section, and even a little bit of Miscellaneous to look at.
These resources have all been generously donated to the IADR library and they are free to IADR members.  Also this is another way to get involved!!   We are in need of some helpful tips or inspiration for the Fiber Arts as that interest grows.
Also think "Marketing"!  What do I mean by that?  When a tutorial or project idea is sent to the IADR library, it can be linked back to the person who supplied it.  This is a great way to cross-market for those that have websites.  Also, if you have supplied tutorials for the IADR Art Doll magazine, I don't automatically add them to the library.  I'll try to get better about asking about that because when a tutorial or project is submitted to the IADR Library, there is a reference to who supplied it.  This gives the person name recognition and if they share links how they can be found (for those that don't have websites) - that can help their social media platforms grow.
Let's keep our IADR library healthy by using it and adding to it.  If you wish to add tutorials or projects, send them to [email protected].


Skylock Doll Gathering-- July 8th 12:30 MST


​IADR Planning Committee-- July 16th 9 am MST - 5pm in Italy


​
​
​Don't Forget to
Picture
0 Comments

Get Involved...

6/24/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
There are many ways to get involved in the IADR and make it your doll community.   One way is to be a part of the Shylock Doll Gathering - the next meeting will be July 8th, Tuesday via Zoom.  Email [email protected] to be invited!

Another way is to join in the events that we have planned for the year.  Our next event coming up is the People's Choice event which is a great way for people to see your work.  We are working on a new way for sharing that event.  More coming out on that later.
Yet another way to get involved is in our juried shows and our IADR Art Doll Convention.  We are already in the beginning stages of planning our next convention for 2026.  Since we meet only once a month via Zoom, it doesn't hurt to get this started now for a successful event as they do take a lot of planning and work.  Why not join in and be a part of this event?  Help shape it and discover new friends along the way.
Click the link below to view the videos of our first planning meeting.  One has been translated in English and one in Italian.  Keep in mind, the AI is only so smart and so am I (laughing) but I think they are understandable.  Especially because my big plan for the Zoom account to translate for us didn't work out.  We won't give up though and will still find something that will work for us.  In the meantime, let me know what you think of the videos and you can always email me at [email protected].  IADR members only have access to the video - so when you click the link below, please login to the IADR website to be taken to the videos.  Our next meeting will be July 16th - Wednesday for the Planning Meeting.
​CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 2026 CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING VIDEOS
0 Comments

Mark Your Calendar...

6/17/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture


​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!  
0 Comments

An  Italian Epiphany...

6/10/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
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!

​

​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.  
Picture
Picture






​Reminder that our Shylock Doll Gathering is today.   
0 Comments

It's Here...

6/4/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Shape the future...

5/27/2025

1 Comment

 
Picture
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.
Picture
1 Comment

After the Convention...

5/20/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
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!
Picture
0 Comments

The Fun Begins...

5/13/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Counting Down & Diversifying ....

5/6/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Our Outreach

    Stay in touch with the latest info and posts regarding IADR.

    Archives

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022

    Categories

    All
    Artist's Studio
    Christmas Event
    Conversations
    IADR Convention
    Juried Shows
    Magazine
    Podcasts
    Tutorials

    For more information, please complete the form below:

Submit
Picture

Contact Us

© Copyright 2008-2025 - All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • About IADR
  • Artist's Studio
  • Blog
  • Members Only
    • Registering Your Doll
    • Registry
    • Artist's Studio Submissions
    • Tutorials
      • Anatomy References
      • Classes for Members
  • Art Doll Magazine
  • IADR Award Winners
    • Past IADR Award Winners
  • Why Join IADR
  • 2025 Events
  • 2025 Convention Poll