The Annual Enchanted Doll birthday contest!
Dear Friends, I’m back from my travels and I’m very pleased to announce that the annual 2013 Enchanted Doll birthday contest, where I give away one doll on my birthday, is now open!
I was drawing a map of some of my recent travels when I came up with the submission criteria. To enter the contest, send me a beautiful, captivating and wander-lust-inspiring travel postcard depicting any thing or any place in the world you want. It can be contemporary or vintage, commercial or custom printed, store-bought or hand-made, from your home town or another country, color or black/ white, featuring a painted, drawn or photographed image of nature, cathedrals, cities, mountains, ocean floor or outer space -whatever. Anything is admissible as long as it’s in a standard post card format and it stirs your imagination, longing and compels you to visit that place.
Your Rules:
One Card per person. No envelopes-just the postcard. Cards arriving in envelopes will be disqualified. Submission Deadline February 28th, 2013. The winner will be picked from elimination stages starting on March 1st. All the entries will be posted online on March 1st. My top favorite Cards will be selected on march 2nd, and then eliminated randomly in daily draws, until one winner is announced on March 16th.
Your Prize:
In honor of the new Enchanted Doll resin line, the winner gets a painted, wigged and fully costumed resin Enchanted Doll.
Mail your cards to:
Marina Bychkova. #105-2061 Beach avenue. Vancouver, BC. V6G 1Z3. Canada
Good luck and Let the games Begin!
January 8th, 2013 16:33
What a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to start
.
January 8th, 2013 16:58
That is so kind of you! To give the day you are suppose to receive… how beautiful. God bless!
January 8th, 2013 17:08
Does this mean we can buy postcards, or make them ourselves, or both? Because a combination of both could work.
January 8th, 2013 17:32
Eeeeee!!! Im so excited!
Thank you, Marina.
January 8th, 2013 17:32
Ohhh! This is really intriguing! Thanks so much for giving us another chance to grab your lovely work.
About the envelope… I’m over-thinking now, so you literally want the card sent to you without a shipping envelope?~
January 8th, 2013 17:52
You can buy postcards, or if you have your own image in mind, you can have it custom printed, or you can make it completely by hand.
Just keep in mind that you have to send it without an envelope, and it has to fit the postage format, front and back.
Traditionally, postcards get sent without envelopes because they have all the postage, like stamps and address info on the back.
January 8th, 2013 18:06
YES! I’ve been waiting for this for months!
It’s a very interesting criteria
January 8th, 2013 18:11
Any place ?? So it can be imaginary right
January 8th, 2013 18:35
Ok I need to sleep on this one……..love a challenge and this is a good one! Thank you Marina
January 8th, 2013 19:07
So *Exciting* A Lovely way to travel with the Imagination & the Heart to all the corners of our Beautiful World… THANKS MARINA!! ;-}
January 8th, 2013 19:10
And yes, it can be a fictional place, as long as it’s rendered beautifully.
January 8th, 2013 19:30
What an intriguing contest! Already, I can’t wait to see all of the fabulous and beautiful cards that you are going to receive, Marina! And your hand-drawn map of your recent travels…oh my goodness, it’s amazing. So beautifully drawn. I love the little train chugging along.
January 8th, 2013 20:50
Wow, hope I can think of something!
January 8th, 2013 22:57
Another wonderful map, thank you Marina! I love the Budapest balcony. Hope you can include pictures of your maps in the next Enchanted Doll book!
January 9th, 2013 01:14
That’s such a cool idea. I love it! Will have to think hard of what to send.
January 9th, 2013 02:49
Oh I can’t wait to get started! This is such a fun and unique idea!
lovely.
January 9th, 2013 03:14
Love it!! I am entering no matter what. Love the `assignment` of making map postcards. It was on my to do list.
January 9th, 2013 04:18
Excelente idea! And a wonderful price to win!!!!
January 9th, 2013 05:13
oh i love this contest, thank you so much for holding it, so exciting!
and lovelove your new travel map ♥
January 9th, 2013 05:55
Dear lord!This is the first good new to excited me after all the f**king exams!!Tnanks for Marina,I’ll enjoying this game right now !
BTW the deadline is my birthday and good luck for myself~~~
January 9th, 2013 07:49
One more question. When you mean standard, does it mean it has to be 3″ x 5? Please clarify the measurement please.
January 9th, 2013 08:58
Oh that’s so amazing! I’m totally up for it. And on the back of the postcard, do you have to put some information there or just leave it blank?
Love from The Netherlands
January 9th, 2013 10:13
Wow, what a cool idea! It’s such an open contest though, I think it’ll be really hard to eliminate contestants that have all sent something so different. I can’t wait to see all the different entries though!
Ah, what to send, what to send! Much get crafting right away. And such a beautiful prize too!
January 9th, 2013 12:34
Wow great idea I really really really would love have one of your amazing creations.
January 9th, 2013 16:00
oh my goodness this is so much fun there is so many lovely places i would love to go ^^
it is so wonderful to dream ^^ and ones some one dream will become the reality ;}
January 9th, 2013 16:47
On the back of the postcard, is there any other information that you want besides the full return address? Thank you
January 9th, 2013 20:57
Marina, how do you pronounce your last name? Would you be able to “sound/spell” it out for us? Whenever I tell people about you and your work, I am always uncertain as to how to pronounce it correctly.
January 10th, 2013 03:00
I agree with Niiv. It’s such an open contest for anyone interested. It’s great to feel that one has a chance to enter and win a beautiful resin doll. I can’t wait to know more about the little creation. =)
Oh, and I’d like to know the postcard measurements as well.
Thank you for this opportunity, Marina!
January 10th, 2013 17:48
According to the USPS standard postcards are defined as follows:
“Rectangular
At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick”
Can ours fall in the size range or would you like them all the same size?
Thanks so much for doing this again!
Candice
January 10th, 2013 23:33
Hay Marina,
Waua…this idea is great…!
I love this idea…
And I started creative…and
love it to work on this!
It’s amazing this open contest,thank you Marina
maybe I can win a little wonder…
Love &happinesssssss
from Holland..
http://www.marijkevanooijen.blogspot.com
January 11th, 2013 00:42
Hi.
Can I make square postcard?
What do You mean standart size?
January 11th, 2013 01:13
Such a wonderful idea. I am excited and can’t wait to beginn to work on it at the weekend. I love your dolls and it’s a dream for a very long time to hold one in my hands.
Thank you, Marina, for giving us the chance to own one of these marvelous dolls.
Hugs and greetings from Germany
January 11th, 2013 03:42
Hi Marina,
That’s a wonderful contest it´s will be a pleasure to participate!!!!
January 11th, 2013 05:41
Merri, maybe Marina could be persuaded to do a book just of her drawings/thought processes,that would make a wonderful book to stand alongside the doll book,here’s hoping!!
January 11th, 2013 06:14
This is very kind, Marina!
What a lovely idea as well!!!
Ilona
LIGHTPAINTED DOLL
http://lightpainteddoll.com/
January 11th, 2013 10:59
I am a big fan of your gorgeous dolls You do such fabulous work. Just mailed my post card
Your map is really neat
January 11th, 2013 11:18
Inspiring idea Marina. Off to work on my postcard!
January 11th, 2013 14:01
Wow, I had no idea you live so close by…
This changes my postcard plans a bit…
I look forward to seeing the enteries in this contest! This sounds like fun, so I am definitely going to enter.
January 11th, 2013 15:29
<3 I loved the card- idea!!!
January 12th, 2013 01:06
What a brilliant IDEA!!! This is so great!
January 12th, 2013 01:19
Ohhh, what a beautiful gesture from you!
I will now start to think about my postcard to you… ^_^
January 12th, 2013 02:17
just lower the price of your doll, Maria, before showing off
January 12th, 2013 03:19
Hi Marina,
I am so excited about this, just one question, what are the postcard dimensions you would prefer?
January 12th, 2013 03:27
Great idea, Marina ….I´m going to start thinking in a beautiful postcard.
And the Oscar goes to?………….
regards
January 12th, 2013 06:57
This sounds like a great contest, Marina .
What contact information do you want on the postcard ? Full address ? Email address ?
Do we need to write why we chose the particular postcard ?
January 12th, 2013 08:20
Thank you for this opportunity, Marina! This will be fun!!!
January 12th, 2013 12:33
@Julia 22
There isn’t much space on the back. You can write a couple of words why you like this place on the card, if you want.
@Candice 29
Thank you for providing the standard dimensions of a card for those who are asking.
If you want, you can make something smaller than the standard size, but nothing bigger please.
@Donna 32
Dimensions are stated in comment 29
@Wilma 42
Only a little bit of text will fit on the back, so you can say why you chose that image in a single sentence.
January 12th, 2013 13:22
thanks for clearing that up.
based on the info in comment 29 i calculated the metric size, here it is:
“Rectangular
At least 8.89 cm high x 12.7 cm long x 0.1778 mm thick
No more than 10.795 cm high x 15.24 cm long x 0.4064 mm thickâ€
(note: thickness is in millimetres)
January 12th, 2013 13:28
But Marina, decorative postcards are often stolen en route. The post office advises to put them in an envelope.
January 12th, 2013 13:53
Hm, really? Stolen?
Never heard of that happening.
Alright. Please let me look into it today, and if there is a likely hood of that happening, I will make a change.
January 12th, 2013 14:20
This is such a wonderful chance and really a lovely idea from your part and I really want to thank you for this generosity. I am well aware that I probably will compete against very talented people here, but I will do my very best and I have the perfect idea of what I will do. After all it’s an enchanted doll at stake here.. My heart is beating faster just of the very thought <3
January 12th, 2013 14:30
You guys, you guys….I’m so, so very touched by how enthusiastic you all are about the contest and the postcard idea.
I can’t wait to see all your entries!
January 12th, 2013 14:49
Wow omg omg I must send a card. You gave me the love of Bjd into my like. I love your dolls
January 12th, 2013 16:01
What a wonderful idea!! I love it!!!
It would be really difficult to choose just one special place. (i want my country on your map:P)
I’d love to send you a handmade card:D.. so i’m working on it!
ps: i’ve also asked at the post office (to get the info about the measures:P) and been told that a post card has few chances to get to you if it’s not in an envelope.. :-s
January 12th, 2013 16:10
M.
I have recently discovered your Art. How inspiring… and the alluring style of the competition adds a new depth and smile to your work. I’ll be posting from Australia, hope it doesn’t take a decade to reach you.
Thank you!
January 12th, 2013 16:15
I really wanted to participate, my dream is to have an enchanted doll, I’m from Brazil! I am a designer girl and I’ll send something very creative, would do anything to win an enchanted doll
I have a question, I can send him a cartoon by email?
January 12th, 2013 19:14
Love the idea, everything is pretty clear to me, except one thing. You say it can be absolutely anything on the postcard, which means it doesn’t have to be a picture of a place? It can be any image that is alluring and inspiring to us?
Thank you in advance!
-R
January 12th, 2013 19:27
ooooh Marina,
this is the most wonderful, lovely news!
This will supercharge my creativity, to try my best. I am too happy for words, that you have given us a chance to win one of your outstanding pieces of stunning artworks!
YAY – happy dance!
cheers, F
January 12th, 2013 20:34
@Rita
It has to carry an essence of a travel postcard. Choose any image that inspires you to travel and conveys that message to me on some level.
January 12th, 2013 20:48
Oh Wow!
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. I so want to be a part of it even if i don’t win.
Its great to that you will be posting all entries online…It will be great to see all those wonderful places on our Earth that other people find lovely.
Time to start getting creative!
January 12th, 2013 22:30
I really wanted to participate, my dream is to have an enchanted doll, I’m from Brazil! I am a designer girl and I’ll send something very creative, would do anything to win an enchanted doll
I have a question, I can send him a cartoon by email?
January 12th, 2013 22:38
Ah! This is so great! I dunno where to start! Thanks for the contest!
January 12th, 2013 22:39
Im from México, can I enter the contest?
January 12th, 2013 23:58
Wow … what an incredible journey you have been on! An adventure worthy of your talent. Now if I can come up with something that not only inspires you but expresses my love of travel too, what a wonderful challenge! Thanks from Port Moody.
January 13th, 2013 00:04
Forgot to ask my question …
… does the postcard have to be a “real” place or can we exaggerate/enhance the image 
January 13th, 2013 00:07
Sorry, ignore my previous post … I just re-read your rules … I guess if it can be outer space or Ocean floor we can exaggerate/enhance/imagine to our hearts content
Silly me!
January 13th, 2013 00:36
Thank you so much Marina for this opportunity .
“Italy whithout Sicily leaves no image in mind:
Only here is the key to everything …” Goethe
January 13th, 2013 00:42
Marina, it is a very inspiring idea, thanks a bunch!
I will do my best to create a lovely post card for you and possibly win the prize! It has long been my dream to have an enchanted doll and to create beautiful embroidered clothes for her.
January 13th, 2013 03:35
Great idea and I am sure it is with lots of fun. I am going to do it ^^
January 13th, 2013 04:15
Is it possible to send the chosen card twice or three times? So one might come through!
Best wishes and thanks for the contest!
January 13th, 2013 05:26
Dear Marina Bychkova,
Thank you so much for the inspiration and a chance to win such a beautiful piece of art!
I found a vintage postcard of my mother’s place of birth, and created another with the help of a professional promo-site. I’m ecstatic with anticipation which will come first, and hope I can send you my greetings with love soon, from The Netherlands!
Namasté,
January 13th, 2013 06:02
Hi Marina! This contest is wonderful.
I’m excited to partecipate.
Should I put my personal details in the back of the card along with a short message?
January 13th, 2013 12:52
Most exciting! Now I just have to decide on what to do.
January 13th, 2013 13:24
I’m enchanted… hope I succeed in doing something…:)
thank you
January 13th, 2013 15:37
@Mariana 63
Entries from around the world are accepted.
@Nada 70
Yes, you can send multiple back up copies of your entry if you have concerns it might go missing in the mail. Only one of entry from each person will count, no matter how many back ups you send.
@Alessandra 72
You personal details are necessary for mailing and contest entry. Any other writing is optional.
Attention birthday contestants! This is a modification to the mailing rules:
You may mail your cards in envelopes if you have concerns that cards might go missing in the mail. They won’t be disqualified.
January 13th, 2013 17:11
Yayyyy!!! This is excitinggg!
January 13th, 2013 22:46
Thank you for the envelope option! I did have a few concerns…..If the post man does not know who you are…..well he will after Feb 28!
January 14th, 2013 05:03
Thank you so much for this opportunity !
You’ll receive one from Paris very soon, I posted it this morning I was so inspired by the contest !
I saw you changed the rules just after i already posted it, so… hope everything will be okay !
thank you again.
C.
January 14th, 2013 08:20
I’m only 11, can I partecipate??
January 14th, 2013 08:32
professional Copywriter…
Enchanted Doll » Blog Archive » The Annual Enchanted Doll birthday contest!…
January 14th, 2013 12:54
Yes, Rubyyyy, you can participate!
There are no age restrictions.
January 15th, 2013 14:47
HI Marina ^_^
Do I have to write just my name on the back of the card or you need the address too?
January 15th, 2013 21:06
Thank you , Marina
Thank you for this opportunity .
How exciting~~~~~
January 16th, 2013 08:39
Thank-you Marina, for giving us this chance to possibly own one of your beauties!
January 16th, 2013 10:08
probably you have already planned it but if not I think that really interesting will be the map with all places you’ve received postcards from mrked on.
go to work!!!
January 16th, 2013 13:30
Wow, its wonderful idea, you are so generous Marina!Your dolls are so amazing! I totally fell in love with them ♥
January 17th, 2013 09:42
Marina, if sent in an envelope i need to write something on the card itself? (Address, name, etc.)
January 18th, 2013 18:00
Thanks sweet Marina.
January 19th, 2013 10:41
Woohoo
Just sent my postcard! Marina this contest so exiting as usual!
January 19th, 2013 16:49
wow! Your heart and giving spirit match your beautiful dolls!
January 19th, 2013 16:54
I have always wanted one of your dolls since I
seen the creativity and love you put into them.
I am so excited to be able to participate in this
contest. I just want to make sure that it is alright to put the postcard in an envelope for safe keeping. I do not want to be disqualified.
January 20th, 2013 15:28
I’ll send one from Uruguay! Q HOPE arrive on time, hope you like!!
January 20th, 2013 17:15
Yay! Happiness! Thanks, Marina. Happiness, ever!
January 21st, 2013 02:12
I’m so excited! I have a wonderful idea for a homade postcard and hope you like it!
January 21st, 2013 09:20
I shall conquer her, against and with wild winds, open seas, and fire.
Love
January 21st, 2013 17:04
Is there a hight requirement i.e can things be proud of the card surface, and if so, by how much?
January 22nd, 2013 04:20
Hello!!!
January 22nd, 2013 06:53
Just sent out a postcard from Taiwan, Happy Enchanted Doll Birthday!
January 23rd, 2013 08:49
helle Marina,
good luck for every people !
I send my card today !
thank you very much Marina.
January 24th, 2013 12:23
Wonderfuly inspiring !
Many thanks Marina …
January 24th, 2013 21:24
Happy Enchanted Doll Birthday, Marina!
Thank you for this generous and thrilling opportunity!
I have just sent my postcard from Australia xx
January 27th, 2013 16:35
Hello friend I have two questions to ask.
1 Even when the call ends?
2 Where I can send my letter?, Since I’m from Mexico.
January 30th, 2013 00:31
Dear Marina
Your idea is wonderful!
I’ve yet sent my postcard made only for you!
I hope you receive it soon from Rome!
January 30th, 2013 08:34
My aunt and I are sending our entries today! We are so excited! Thank you for this opportunity to own a beautiful doll, I hope your birthday is wonderful!
January 30th, 2013 13:39
Hi Marina,
Do you have to have all postcards received by Feb 28th? Or do they just have to be postmarked by then? I’m not sure how long it will take to get there so I’m trying to gauge how much longer I can work on it before I have to have it finalized. Thanks so much!
January 31st, 2013 06:31
should we write our name and contact info or something on it? so you can find out who sent it?
February 1st, 2013 11:05
Post cards come in small, medium and large size. Starting at about 3.25 x 5.50 inches and up to 6 x 11 inches.There is no real size of a post card.
February 1st, 2013 15:25
I’m from Portugal and i dont think that if i send you a postcard will arrieve on date, plus i’m not that good in drawing landscapes and using computer darwing programs…oh well i’ll try it, althoug i think i can’t beat some great artists i saw on last year contest. Love your doll’s wish i could have.
February 1st, 2013 16:12
Sonia,
While I can’t find any official documentation, a postcard should be smaller than 11 inches.
February 2nd, 2013 09:06
Hi Chad,
I found these sizes for postcards online. I can’t believe these sizes either. I understand a postcard to be no bigger than about 4 inches by 6 inches. Different Countries have different standards for postcards. I just received 2 postcards from Romania and they both were different sizes and had different spaces for writing on the back. Cheers!
February 6th, 2013 04:59
Hi Marina, I have another question.
I was wondering if the postcard itself has to be made of paper. the rules state it has to have the right measurements, but I see nothing about the material.
And thank you so much for giving us this chance to win one of your gorgeous dolls!
February 6th, 2013 06:36
HELLO, COLLEAGUE MARINA!
ALREADY SENT MY CARD!
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
February 6th, 2013 11:01
yay!!!! I’m so excited!
February 6th, 2013 11:20
do we have to write something on the back of the postcard?
February 7th, 2013 22:18
Mine and my aunts postcards are already on the way! You will be choosing your favorites on my birthday!!! I hope mine will be among them.
February 8th, 2013 01:51
I hope my postcard is arrived!
From Italy
Kisses!!!!
February 9th, 2013 17:39
I hope you received my post card I sent in Jan. and I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Thank you for the opportunity. L. Garrotte from Santa Maria, California
February 12th, 2013 10:53
What a cool contest & idea. Great Birthday present for evryone! Love it.
February 12th, 2013 11:15
Sent my postcard out today, hopefully it will make it within the deadline. Can’t wait to see the entries
February 18th, 2013 11:38
Hi Marina,
Is the Feb 28th deadline the date the postcard has to arrive at yours in Canada?
Thanks!
Rachel
February 18th, 2013 16:18
Hi Marina,
Same question as above. Is the 28th the deadline for arrival or can the card be postmarked by then?
Thanks,
Terran
February 19th, 2013 00:36
Marina,
I just dicovered this contest today, I am very excited and can’t
wait to get to work on this post card! Thank you for your generosity.
Be Well and Happy Birthday Sara
February 24th, 2013 17:43
Hi, I’m sending my postcard tomorrow and hope it gets there in time! This was such a fun project! Best wishes to all, can’t wait to see everyone’s entries.
February 25th, 2013 01:03
Is anyone wondering what the doll will look like? I have been going crazy pondering this question.
I was quite late sending mine in since I was so stumped with the challenge. How can I choose one place? We live in such a wonderful world.
February 25th, 2013 22:41
Hope mine is already in marina’s hand now
Cross fingers 
And curious to see all entries in this contest . First participation for me.Cross fingers 
February 26th, 2013 15:37
It’s driving me crazy not knowing if my card made it to Canada. I’m crossing my fingers so hard, I really hope to win. Good luck everyone!
February 26th, 2013 17:18
Hello, I just mailed mine today because my husband forgot to and it had sat in his truck for a while. I hope you will take ones post dated prior to the deadline. It is coming from America. If not…enjoy the postcard and you are an amazing artist. Love your work.
February 26th, 2013 23:23
Hi Marina, I mailed my postcard a few days ago and I am worried that it will not get to you in time. I live in Sydney, Australia. I hope you accept my card if it arrives late as i submitted last week. Your work is amazingly beautiful and inspiring <3
February 28th, 2013 01:46
Hi Marina,
Is there a list someplace with names for those whose cards you have received? I am so very very hopeful mine made it to you.
Gratefully yours!
February 28th, 2013 10:23
Greetings Marina,
I am so excited about this contest! Thank you for being so generous . Looking forward to seeing all the post cards.
Thank you Sara
March 1st, 2013 14:51
Dear Marina,
I can’t wait to see all the entries and as I thought of it I also wanted to wish you an extra pair of spirit hands to help upload them!! .
I also hope my card has reached in time for the deadline,but if it hasn’t at least it will reach you for your birthday
Big hugs from Uk
March 7th, 2013 11:24
HOPE MY POSTCARD MAKES IT TO YOU IN TIME. ITS A PARTIAL REMAKE OF ONE I HAVE FROM THE 1800′S A VERY OLD CARD OF DOLLS AN I MADE THE REST OF THE CARD.I HOPE YOU GET IT. INTERSTING. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
DIANE