The dolls have safely returned from the Kansas City Doll Fair. This is my report-

First there is Jane. She is a gourd head doll. She was entered into the professional category of “Original” dolls (not cloth) in the “Character” division.

This is what I wrote on my entry tag- She is inspired by folk art portraits. Gourd head, painted with acrylic paint. Jointed, undressable doll, not posed.

She came home with a Blue Ribbon and a score of 94. This is what was written on the judging form-
“I love the gourd-doll concept and the use of it in a 19th century doll! Your next task- in my mind- is pulling it together so the viewer’s eye is not drawn to particular “parts”. For example, I love the face, the head, but immediately thought it wass too big. I know it should be larger then normal proportion, but if the body were even 1- 1 1/2″ taller, it would help. Also, the shadowing around the eyes could be a little more subtle. To me, it calls attention to the shadow- not the eyes. I’m being picky, and as you can see I gave you a great score. It’s the nuance now that I’m addressing.”

My take? odd- I had thought that the body was approaching too tall, so I guess I don’t agree there. I appreciate the judge taking the time to write so much. What a job it must have been. Unfortunately I can’t say I got anything useful from this evaluation.