Getting Ready for a Doll Show
Dateline: 06/10/98
Details! Details! Details! I think that is the part that wears me out right before a big doll show. No matter how much I try to do in the weeks ahead, it always comes down to a million little things to remember at the last minute. And my memory certainly isn't what it used to be!
All the individual tags are ready: decorative script lettering on textured pearl grey paper. I typed all those out with the name of each doll, the artist, the construction, the price, and any little details worth mentioning. But there are always cast changes right up to the day before the show. I tend to forget what I have and add a few at the last minute!
One arm still needs to be attached, several heads of hair styled, a few stands adjusted, and a dress ironed. But I do have the table layout done, which took me a week to construct after deciding which dolls to take. Of course, I've bought a couple more since then that are in the mail to me at this moment, so they will have to be incorporated into the plan.
I think I am going to use the green table coverings with the ivy-on-white ruffle around the edge of the table. But maybe the steel blue cloths with the ecru lace over-lays would be better? At least they are all clean and ironed and packed. I'll decide sometime over the next couple of days . . .
Since this show is out of town, my husband and I will be leaving the day before, so I'll have to pack suit cases as well as dolls. But "my little black bag" stays packed and is always ready. It really is black and contains everything I may need at a show: a glue gun and extra glue sticks, a clothes steamer, combs and brushes, hairspray, hair pins, hat pins, ribbon, needles and threads, cotton balls, tape, diapers, and bubble wrap. I never was a boy scout, but I know to be prepared to pin, comb, stick, or wrap!
Maybe the greatest challenge is to get X number of dolls, all the extra paraphernalia, and me into the car! I keep saying I'm going to buy a van, but haven't done it yet. And, of course, I had to line up a babysitter for two days and a helper for the show. My poor long-suffering husband is getting really good at putting dolls on stands and he can unload and carry all those boxes so much better than I can.
I will make all those last minute decisions. I always do. The show will go fine. It always does. And I will do it again and be in the same dither for days before. But there is nothing in the world I would rather do than a doll show!
In weeks to come: At The Doll Show and After the Show
Take a look at these doll show related sites:
Events for Miniaturists -- Long listing of shows everywhere.
The Dollery 16th Annual Doll Show -- Info about upcoming show and details of the 15th.
Welcome to the Doll Show -- List of doll shows around the country.
