In the past I have many prospective students tell me that they could not attend one of the week long seminars for various reasons, and asked me to consider different class options. Because of this I offer classes set up for the student's convenience, teaching more one-on-one. The class fee is also much less cost prohibitive. The curriculum is the same and the student can cover areas of their interest.

Class fee - $350 per day  
(minimum 3 days of instruction, with no minimum number of students)

If this appeals to your situation feel free to contact Gary for more information. We will try and select class dates to accommodate your schedule.

This class is set up to teach this unusual aspect of doll restoration. A must if you are restoring antique German, and French dolls, whether they are made of porcelain, celluloid, or paper mache. You will be taught how to use the correct type of eye, and size eye's for the head having the eye system custom made to fit. The eye system will be made up to fit the doll as they were originally using the same old world technique. We will cover adding eye lashes to the eye system as was done with certain antique dolls. You will also learn the different tricks in successfully accomplishing this task, so you will have success any time you need set this type of eye systems. This is only a one day class. You can bring two of your own antique heads or reproduction heads to complete. The cost you save on having some else do this type of repair will actually pay for the class. You will really get a sense of achievement in being able to do this type of repair yourself.

Class fee - $350 for the day
(plus the cost of the eyes. Cost varies with the size of doll's head having this restoration. Average cost for German blown glass eyes runs $18 - $25.)

If you have any questions concerning availability of class dates please feel free to contact Gary.

Click on image for larger version

Directions to Sowatzka's Dolls

The Doll Camps & Creative Workshops are offered at our new private studio. The building is of timber frame construction, which is open, airy, with wonderful natural lighting. It is located in beautiful Lake Tomahawk, Oneida county, Wisconsin which is located in the northern part of the state. You will be able to take advantage of the many beautiful lakes and wonderful scenery. There are many sights and activities in the surrounding small communities regardless of the time of the year.

Automobile
We are approximately 350 miles from Chicago.
From Madison: Take Highway 51 North to Woodruff, turn right on Highway 47, 6 miles to Lake Tomahawk. In the middle of town (first cross street) turn left. One block, turn left. One block down on left, 7273 Kelly Drive.
From Duluth: Take Highway 2 East to 51 South. Turn left on Highway 47, 6 miles to Lake Tomahawk.

Plane Service
Rhinelander airport - Oneida County via Northwest Air Link. Estimated drive time to Sowatzka's - 20 minutes
North Central airport - Mosinee, Marathon County via Northwest Air, United Air, and Skyway Air links. Estimated drive time to Sowatzka's - 90 minutes. Guests will be met by arrangement or car may be rented at terminal.

For more specific directions, head to Mapquest.

Our address is 7273 Kelly Dr Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539. If you need assistance with lodging please contact Louise for more information.

 

A message from Gary to prospective students: All the people I have taught the Art of Doll Restoration over the years have gone on to either do their own restorations or have started their own doll hospitals. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment to know that they can help people through this art form of Doll Restoration, which is very rewarding for the restorer as well as the recipient of their work. Keep in mind, this work will also move on to the next generation, to love, and Cherish. If you do your restoration with this in mind, it will take you where you should be in the Art of Doll Restoration. The one thing I have learned in 30 years in this business is that you will find your own market, so don’t be afraid to help other people, and share your knowledge, it will come back to you in un expected ways. People will search you out because of the quality restoration you do, your professional attitude, and they will be able to tell that you love what you do. I can usually tell when meeting a person if they really have the fire and love of dolls to give them the drive to succeed in this endeavor. There is no secret to this, you have the desire to learn restoration or not. I give people the raw knowledge to succeed, its up to them to take that information to a new level, and make the world a better place for other people, as well as themselves.     Gary G. Sowatzka

 
Restoration Class Information:
The following is a list of the material that will be covered in the restoration class:

1. Qualifying your customer needs and expectations.
2. Pricing restoration correctly.
3. Restoration work order procedures.
4. Pictorial information and storage.
5. Doll restoration handling and storage.
6. Actual composition evaluation / what to do, what not to do.
7. Composition restoration process and product knowledge.
     a. Preparing composition for repair
     b. Filling and sanding procedures
     c. Second filling and sanding procedures
     d. Sealing process
8. Airbrushing/ working with products.  How to use related to process.
9. Finishing artwork and assembly procedures.
10. Insuring your customer's dolls.
11. Customer relation/after restoration follow up.
 
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this class feel free to contact Gary, he will be glad to help you .