We loved the workshops! They were all so interesting and informative. And everyone had a great time! From fabulous fabric origami to creating miniature picnic food out of polymer clay to making mod belts and boots or re-attaching doll limbs, we learned a lot, and met tons of groovy people!

While we missed out on the fun ourselves, we hear Ms. Sandi Holder was serving margaritas in her room! Talk about a dream room shopping experience! Our friend Jef Beck told us he spent over an hour in Sandi's room, sipping margaritas and chatting up a storm. Sounds like fun! We saw Sandi working her tail off on the sales room floor, and wanted to send a shout out to her for being one of the nicest, sweetest, most hard-working people at the convention! You rock, Sandi, and we love you!

Our tablemate and avid Ken^® collector Susan Maxwell was thrilled to find a 1964 Allan^® in the sales room. She told us she'd been searching for him for about a year. He's in great condition, and in his original outfit. Congrats, Susan!

We were so busy covering all the convention events that we missed our opportunity to get in on any of the fabulous raffle prizes. However, the ultimate raffle prize, in our opinion, was the paid entry fee to next year's convention. And the lucky winner was Marcia Weeks! Marcia has been to 13 conventions in all, usually traveling with her best Barbie buds Robin Winder, Rebecca Brosdahl, and Philece Sampler. Congrats Marcia!

With so many talented artists lending their creative energies to the competition, we're sure it was tough to pick a favorite! However, we agree that Matthew Sutton's Scooby Doo ensemble was quite deserving of the People's Choice Award for the entire competition. Matthew, who was super sweet and kind of shy, accepted his award graciously at the Gettin' Groovy Dinner. Congratulations, Matthew! We can't wait to see what you create next year!

Three cheers for the coolest couple at the convention - David and Angie Howard! Not only were they always clad in super groovy fashions, but their contributions to the convention were numerous. David designed the super swingin' souvenir t-shirts and mugs, his Warhol-inspired diorama won 1st Place AND Judge's Choice Award in the competition, and the artwork which the convention t-shirt was based on fetched a fair price in the live auction at the Gettin' Groovy Dinner. We also spotted both David and Angie working in the sales room during the convention. They were busy folks, and yet always willing to stop and talk, pose for photos, and to share their love of Barbie with others. We think it's awesome that Barbie has brought this groovy twosome even closer together. It's so inspiring!

Like wow, all the convention gifts were smashing, Baby! However, we have a tie for our personal faves:

Hooray for Love-In Ken^®, given to us by our super sweet Fan of the Man and tablemate, Jef Beck! Jef, with the help of Linda DiCicco, created the most darling scene featuring hipster Ken in his groovin' room. According to the delightful packaging copy (he wrote packaging copy, can you believe it?!), "There's nothing but romance on Love-In Ken^® doll's mind. Looking out his groovy bachelor pad window into Griffith Park, he spots the perfect chick. Why it's Barbie^® doll, of course! You pretend he sets the mood for their first date with exotic drinks and music. And Ken doll has thought of everything! He's even packed an overnight bag for Barbie doll that includes tickets to the Shrine Auditorium to see Jimi Hendrix. You'll dig having Love-In Ken around! He's smashing!" Isn't that the cutest thing ever? Thanks, Jef! We love you AND Love-In Ken!

We were so impressed with all the totally groovy outfits we saw during the convention. Everyone looked marvelously mod! Altho who's more mod than Austin Powers? No one, Baby! Check out our picks for grooviest convention costumes. It's none other than Austin, his latest groovy girl, Dr. Evil, and Mini Me! Love them!

Kudos to the Fashion Doll Club of the Rockies for putting on such a fun-loving, free-spirited convention! You all set a super groovy tone that was infectious, and from the looks of it, a good time was had by all. Thank you!