1999 Calgary Barbie Collectors Club of Alberta & Gene Marshall entrance.

Since the convention I was of course member of the Barbie Collectors Club of Alberta, and I loved being there. I learned so much with all the passionate members. We had meeting each month downtown Calgary, new dolls were brought and presented to us, vintage were described, prizes were won,  fun was floating around, surprises, and home meeting were often part of the game.
Actually it was through those Barbie meetings that I meet Gene Marshall  in "person". One of our friend brought her to show and tell, OMG! I was so in love, the scale of this Lady created by Mel Odom ! this is what convince me first, it was the size, the proportions were just perfect. she was not too heavy  "busty Bimbo", as her size could have allowed, but in the contrary, a charming very feminine figure with oldies fifties flavor, long  bendable legs, and a very tiny waist. I was already dreaming about sewing for her. I honestly was not to found of the heavy make up, but that was certainly not a reason, not to have her.

2 weeks later, she was home. A perfect Simply Gene Brunet entered my life and I was in heaven!
we started to meet between friends for special Gene reunion. Meetings were informal but very entertaining. I was discovering new dolls, new outfit and  new life as my friends were absolutely crazy about her as well. Everything out on the market, basically arrived at one house or another and during the meetings we all had the wonderful opportunity to see for real, to touch, inspect, imagine the life of Gene Marshall.

1999, Oct 03, Edmonton still in my heart

We were then living in Calgary, three hours south of Edmonton, but I still had lot of friends there, so when the Edmonton doll club called for exhibitors I was in.
I was since a while familiar with the place, the environment, the peoples, and lot of customers were then faithful friends. I was very happy to participate.

 there was always a huge attendance in this show. I discovered lot of new dolls, paper dolls artists, and even if I was to too much attracted by Artist dolls or baby-dolls, I was under the charm and passion of the creators who were surrounding me.

Time period: Calgary Ab. 1999-2007

1999 Sept.10-12 . 1st Canadian convention "Pretty in Pink"

Of course today the conventions are numerous and very well attended and documented, thanks to the digital cameras. In 1999 the WEB was still at its infancy about those very collector's  oriented events. This Barbie Convention was the first ever organized  in Canada, it was as well the fisrt (and today the only yet)I have attended. it was not the best time of the year for me, as hubby got a job in Calgary and we were just moving in the city.
I unfortunately have no pictures of Gene who was indeed present at this convention,  I just hope I will find some one day that I could ad to this page.(if you have any pictures of this event please contact me, thanks)

 I still have the 1999 1st Canadian  convention doll. she has been created by Paul Knibbs,  and the design  of the box was from Glenn Mielke. and even after all those years I  find this doll beautiful.

My very talented friend, Glenn Mielke as well design the nature size Barbies to welcome the conventioneers.

the tables were full of surprises

Expositions and contests were numerous and very exiting, 

swimsuit, evening gown, native country costume etc..

 Joe Blitman came as special guest

 I attended Andy Bremer beading seminar. I learn a lot of new trick that I soon applied to my new models

The sale room was busier like ever. Here I am near my good friend Glenn

 

Here are some of the models I offered

 It was a magnificent time, I just so regret not having any Gene pictures.

This year I registered to the Barbie club of Alberta.

 Time period: Calgary Ab. 1999-2007

1999 May 08, Red Deer doll show was always a must

I had so many friends coming in the Red Deer Doll show, that being there was not only for sale, but instead for sharing chat and coffee. Pansy, the doll club president and the show's organizer was as sweet as she was efficient.

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 Time period: Edmonton 1995-99