 |
|
|
Dear Diary,
Barbie® collectors have officially converged on Dearborn, Michigan for the 2001 National Barbie® Doll Convention. From the moment my taxi pulled up to the hotel this morning, I knew I was in for a seriously good time. And as I entered the hotel lobby to find people of all ages and backgrounds wearing Barbie shirts, toting Barbie merchandise, and in general celebrating our favorite fashion model, I couldn't help but grin. This is so cool! Here's what's happened so far ...
Sandi and Vicky in a sea of laptops |
|
First on today's agenda - a presentation called "Barbie in Cyberspace," given by Sandi Holder of www.dollattic.com and Vicky Lewis of www.vicky-web.com. These cyberspace-savvy ladies enlightened Barbie fans with an informative presentation on the ins and outs of the Internet. They covered everything from de-mystifying all that techno-babble (from 'spam' to 'encrypted software'), to explaining what it takes to run a Barbie website (no small task as I now know from attending the workshop!), as well as showing us many great new Barbie sites out there on the web. Sandi and Vicky even explained how to set up your own site, from finding a web hosting company to buying the software necessary to run it. It's details like these that are invaluable to anyone who uses the Internet, and/or wants to learn more.
After all the techno-speak, I was ready to relax and get creative, so I headed off to the Fairy Ornament Workshop that was given by Sheri Rhein and Natalie Merritt. In this class, we were shown how to transform adorable Kelly dolls into magical looking little fairies complete with fairy wings, halo (or antenna if you were so inclined), and glittery dresses. Everyone left with his or her very own fairy to use as a beautiful holiday ornament or as an enchanting decoration for any occasion.
Not having satisfied my creative energies just yet, I wandered over to the Hand-Beaded Evening Bags in Miniature Workshop given by Bruce Nygren and Peter Nickel. Bruce and Peter are expert designers, and do amazing beadwork on doll fashions. Bruce and Peter demonstrated how to design our purses and sew the beads onto the fabric, which can be very time-consuming. Many talented people attended the workshop, and one student even sewed an owl onto her tiny purse - amazingly with no pattern. Very cool! Each workshop lasted 3 hours, and boy did I need 3 hours to complete my miniature beaded bag! The detail that goes into just a little tiny purse is incredible.
Once the workshops were over, I meandered through the hotel, intent on discovering the fabulous "room shopping" I've heard so much about. Basically, you wander from one open hotel room to the next, checking out the dolls and accessories for sale, while meeting and mingling with fellow collectors. What a blast! I got to see my first Number 1 Ponytail up close and personal, and even re-lived some wonderful childhood memories when I stumbled across some dolls from the '70s. I didn't buy anything - yet - just wanted to get a taste for what's out there. However, I did keep my credit card on me at all times, just in case.
For dinner, I joined some fellow Mattel employees at a delicious little Italian place within the hotel. As we were leaving - heading to the Dessert & Coffee Reception - I mentioned how much I was looking forward to meeting Ruth Cronk, one of the three women responsible for starting the Barbie Convention way back when. And wouldn't you know, as we left the restaurant, who should we run into but Ruth AND former Mattel designer Carol Spencer. What a treat to meet these two incredible women! While our introductions were brief, I did manage to get a photo with these ladies, and will hopefully spend more time with them in the coming days. I'm sure they've got a wealth of interesting stories to share!
Finally, Day One ended with a welcome reception for all the convention attendees where I discovered that this year's convention proceeds will benefit the 32nd Masonic Organization, which works with children affected by dyslexia. The evening was a big hit, and everyone seemed to have a great time. So far I've run into several people who up until now, I only knew via email. It's so great to put a face with a name! I look forward to meeting even more collectors in the days to come. Right now, I'm going back out room shopping, and then it's off to bed for me. Tomorrow's another exciting day with lots to see and do. Be sure to visit again for my wrap-up of Thursday's events, including the Mattel presentation and a very special surprise.
Until then, goodnight!
|
