My name is Rachel Grace Marie Hoffman, and in December 2018, I launched the very first Virtual Doll Convention. I didn't know what to expect or who exactly would help, but it has turned out to be one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many incredible educators and artists. I have had a chance to take adventures that I could only dream about before and share them with the world in a digital format.
It was an exciting day when I reached out to Robert Tonner and asked him if it might be possible to create a doll exclusively for the Virtual Doll Convention. Robert had heard great things about the Virtual Doll Convention and said yes! Through a couple of conversations, sharing some inspirational photos, and chatting fashion, Grace Marie Fitzpatrick was born. The sculpt is one of Tonner’s most popular sculpts - Sydney Chase - with completely new makeup, hair, and fashion. It is amazing how different a doll can look with these changes. A new doll truly was born.
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facets Boutique
She was met with immediate enthusiasm from Tonner collectors and doll enthusiasts of every type involved in the Virtual Doll Convention. They fell in love with her unfolding story and sense of adventure. This was my first time manufacturing a doll, and I didn't know what to expect. I decided to market my doll my own way, so I immediately let the fans in on ALL of the details. I showed the sketches to the world, brought them along during the production process, and shared every aspect as it unfolded. The doll SOLD OUT off of Robert Tonner's sketch. She was 100% sold out before we were able to show the actual doll in photos or on film. DOWNLOAD THE SKETCHES FREE IN THE VDC GIFT SHOP
In December 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Robert in New York. We had an incredible time! We filmed doll content, Robert taught us how to make a basic pattern, and we even baked cookies. We have a playlist on YouTube dedicated to our “Totally Robert Tonner Weekend.” One of my favorite memories was seeing Robert’s Doll Collection - his SECRET STASH! You have to watch this video linked below. SO FUN!
When the dolls finally arrived at my doll shop during the week of the third Virtual Doll Convention, I took a moment to savor it - savor the opening of the package and experience every detail.
Grace Marie Fitzpatrick came with a black and white printed chic daytime dress and underwear, two handbags, navy pumps, a braided headband, and a stand. In my opinion, she was just perfect in every way. I loved everything about her from her makeup to her voluminous hair to her extremely articulate body. She is perfect for sewing, travel, and creating stories.
She is your adventure buddy, a fashionista when you need one, and most of all, a friend.
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facets Boutique
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facet’s Boutique
'Grace Marie Fitzpatrick' is an American girl with her ancestry from Ireland. She enjoys travel and sharing her adventures. She does her living out in real life and appreciates all the life happening around her. She notices the sun, the clouds, the rain, and the feeling of wind in her hair. In the middle of EVERYTHING life brings, she will always see the good, the bad, and sometimes ugly and remember to be thankful.
She doesn't have rose-colored glasses—just thankful eyes.
She knows we were all made individuals for a reason - our own beauty, our own personalities, and our own story. She is SO excited to be a part of yours, too!
Photo by Marcia Friend - Facet’s Boutique
Fans of Grace Marie have a LOT to look forward to in 2020 and beyond, including a line of dolls with blonde and red hair, a new “Showtime” formal fashion with fancy makeup designed by Robert Tonner, small-batch cottage industry couture clothing, luggage, jewelry, and a line of shoes made in collaboration with Facets Boutique.
Whatever your adventure, Grace is your travel buddy. She will ride in the limo, on the bus, or is perfectly content sitting with you on a summer day admiring the sunshine.
Grace’s message is that you are not going to miss out on what was meant for you. She is just happy to be beside you - sharing moments, stories, and adventures.
This doll reminds me that there is always more - even in the still times. Grace always runs wild and free, and we are always learning and growing at a peaceful, gentle pace. I hope you ‘discover Grace’ in unexpected places this year.
XOXO, Rachel
Download your FREE Grace Marie Fitzpatrick Paper Doll with FIVE outfits by Robert Tonner- the final souvenir from the January 2020 Virtual Doll Convention
Follow Virtual Doll Convention on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to receive all the virtual doll news as it unfolds. Register for the Summer Fling event in July/August 2020 to be the FIRST to shop the dolls + new product lines.
Check back to this blog for a link to the new Grace Boutique in August 2020.
New Logo featuring Dolly Dingle and Grace for Summer 2020 by Diana Vining
Parts of this article was originally written for Doll Castle News May/June Issue.