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🌟 Introducing the Kansas Doll Show Awards Banquet!
We’re thrilled to announce an all-new event for the Kansas Doll Show — the Awards Banquet!
This special evening is designed to bring our doll community together in celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.
✨ About the Event
Join us for a warm and welcoming dinner as we recognize the incredible artists, sculptors, vendors, and community members who make the Kansas Doll Show truly shine. This is a wonderful opportunity to share laughter, stories, and inspiration with friends who share your passion for dolls.
Enjoy a beautifully prepared meal, delicious dessert, and the excitement of the first-ever Kansas Doll Show Awards Ceremony, where we’ll honor those who go above and beyond in creativity, artistry, and community spirit.
🎁 Special Giveaways!
Guests will have the chance to win exclusive prizes and surprises throughout the evening — a little extra fun to make the night even more memorable!
🕕 Event Details
📅 Date: [Insert Date]
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport – Ballroom
🎟️ Tickets: Required for entry; seating is limited. Be sure to reserve your spot early — this event is expected to sell out!
🏆 Contest Information
Artists can enter our show contests for a chance to win recognition in the following categories:
  • Best Reborn Doll (Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced)
  • Best Silicone Doll (Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced)
  • Best Fantasy Doll (Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced)
  • Best Original Clay Sculpture
  • Best Artist Display
  • Best Painted Hair
  • Best Rooted Hair
  • People's Choice Awards 
💵 Entry Fee: $35.00 per contest entry
Contest Skill Levels (with Experience Guidelines)
1. Beginner
  • Experience: Typically less than 1–2 years in doll making, reborn dolls, sculpting, or related techniques.
  • Skill Level: Basic skills are acceptable; work may show areas for growth.
  • Status: Hobbyist or new artist; may be creating their first dolls.
  • Goal: Encourages learning, participation, and creativity.
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Beginner Reborn Category
Who Can Enter:
This category is for artists who are new to reborning and have limited experience. It’s designed to encourage participation, growth, and confidence in your skills.
How Entries Are Evaluated:
All dolls will be judged as they are displayed on the showroom floor. Dolls will remain in place and will not be handled or picked up during judging.
What Judges Will Look For:
  • Fundamental Reborning Skills: Demonstrates understanding of basic techniques.
  • Craftsmanship: Attention to detail appropriate for a beginner.
  • Skin Appearance: Realistic skin tones, though layering and depth may be simple.
  • Mottling & Blushing: Basic mottling and blush application to create a natural look.
  • Weighting: Light weighting applied for a lifelike feel.
  • Nose and Nails: Nose shaded or drilled; nails tipped and sealed.
  • Veining and Birthmarks: Subtle veining and marks that add realism.
  • Eyelashes and Eyebrows: Rooted or applied eyelashes; natural-looking brows.
  • Hair: Painted or rooted; basic natural patterns encouraged; no bald spots.
  • Overall Impression: Doll reflects the effort, creativity, and skill level of a beginner.
  • Rule Compliance: All show and contest rules must be followed.
Note: If there are too few entries in this category, KDS reserves the right to combine it with another category or move entries to a more suitable level.
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2. Intermediate
  • Experience: Approximately 2–5 years of practice and project completion.
  • Skill Level: Solid understanding of techniques; work demonstrates attention to detail and care.
  • Status: Experienced hobbyist or emerging artist, may have a small portfolio or sold a few pieces.
  • Goal: Recognizes growing skill and refinement.
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Intermediate Reborn
Who Can Enter:
Artists with 2–5 years of experience or those who have completed several dolls/projects. Intended for those refining their skills.
Evaluation Method:
All entries remain in place on display; dolls will not be handled.
Judging Considerations:
  • Solid technique and craftsmanship
  • Realistic and layered skin tones with moderate depth
  • Mottling and blushing show natural variation
  • Proper weighting for realism
  • Nose and nails carefully finished
  • Veining, marks, and subtle imperfections add character
  • Eyelashes and brows applied naturally
  • Rooted or painted hair with realistic patterns
  • Overall presentation shows care and developing artistry
  • Compliance with KDS contest rules
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3. Advanced
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience; consistently producing high-quality work.
  • Skill Level: Refined techniques, originality, and professional-level craftsmanship.
  • Status: Professional or prototype artist, published work, or recognized in the doll community.
  • Goal: Rewards expertise, artistic innovation, and polished execution.
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Advanced Reborn
Who Can Enter:
Experienced artists, generally 5+ years or professionals producing high-quality work. Originality and polished techniques are expected.
Evaluation Method:
Dolls judged in place on display; no handling.
Judging Considerations:
  • Professional-level technique and finish
  • Complex skin tone layering and realistic depth
  • Detailed mottling, creases, and subtle blushing
  • Accurate and consistent weighting
  • Flawless nose, nails, and fine details
  • Well-executed veining, birthmarks, and other realism touches
  • Eyelashes and brows fully natural in appearance
  • Hair rooted or painted with full coverage and lifelike pattern
  • Originality and creativity highlighted
  • Overall presentation is polished and professional
  • Compliance with KDS contest rules
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Optional 4. Master/Professional (if needed)
  • Experience: 10+ years or recognized as a top-level artist in the field.
  • Skill Level: Exceptional artistry, innovation, and mastery of techniques.
  • Status: Established professional, prototype or sculpting artist with national/international recognition.
  • Goal: Highlights the very highest level of skill and creativity in the doll community.
Master/Professional Reborn
Who Can Enter:
Highly skilled, nationally/internationally recognized artists or prototype creators with 10+ years experience. Work demonstrates mastery and innovation.
Evaluation Method:
Judged on display only; dolls are not handled.
Judging Considerations:
  • Exceptional craftsmanship and artistry
  • Advanced skin tones with multiple layers and subtle depth
  • Expertly applied mottling, creases, and blushing
  • Precise and realistic weighting
  • Perfect nose, nails, and all finishing details
  • Veining, birthmarks, and other subtle features executed flawlessly
  • Natural eyelashes and brows
  • Hair rooted or painted with intricate detail, fully realistic
  • Original or prototype designs demonstrating innovation
  • Overall presentation reflects mastery and professional-level quality
  • Compliance with KDS contest rules
Note: Entries must clearly indicate prototype or original designs when applicable.
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Important Notes:
  • Contest winners will be announced over the showroom floor speakers on Sunday. This is only an announcement; winners do not need to come to the front of the room.
  • Contest winners who did not attend the Awards Banquet must be present at the show on Sunday to pick up their trophy.
  • Attending the Awards Banquet is optional, but it’s a wonderful way to celebrate with your fellow doll enthusiasts!
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