Karen Mom of Three's Craft Blog

My Library Visit In Prep For Our Summer Reading Camp

2013-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my nieces Laura and Thea and I went to our local library branch, while they enjoyed story time, I enjoyed flipping through a few American Girl Titles.

I loved that the Playway's were Checked in, I was hoping to get Rebecca's but it was already checked out. I highly recommend these playway's and if you can get them at your library do so, it is the entire series on one pre recorded MP3!

I checked out Is This Normal?and I wished I had had this book when I was growing up, if you get a chance to read this as a girl (or mom, aunt or Grandma) it is truly worth the read.

I am currently working my way through Money Makers and even though it is an old one it is a good one! I will do a review on this book for sure.

If you would like to join in our Summer Reading Club, please do, you can join by commenting, or just by reading my blog. If you would like to review any of the American Girl Books you have read or are reading please email me your review (or I can send you a few questions, with your parents permission of course) and I will share your review here this summer on my blog. I am putting together thank you envelopes to mail to the Guest Bloggers who review books this summer on my blog as incentive and a thank you for your review and time.

Be sure to click on the SUMMER READING CLUB tab at the top of my blog for updates and links to Summer Reading Club posts.

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Spotlight on Girls & Dolls an Etsy Shop by LoriLiz

2013-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have recently had the pleasure of connecting with another wonderful Etsy shop owner Loren of Girls & Dolls. Loren shared a bit about her shop and sewing and today I am sharing our interview with all of you.

What attracted me to Loren's shop was the colors and styles that my own nieces would love to wear.

I started by asking Loren how long she had been sewing for and what motivates her to sew still today...
Loren: "I grew up watching my mom sew. I dabbled in making some pieces for myself as a teenager, fashion being my absolute passion. I thought I could own some of the Vogue styles, at much less the cost. Needless to say, that failed miserably, and I decided sewing wasn't my forte. However, I picked it back up again as a mom, making my daughter clothes when she was a baby/toddler. That was fun! I love the creativity of sewing, and being able to design something that's unique."

I also wanted to know how Loren came to be an Etsy shop owner and how she began sewing for American Girl /18 inch dolls...
Loren: "When I started my business, I actually designed baby and toddler clothing. Coco and Kellan were young, and I was surrounded by mom's with kids the same age, and babies on the way. But the children's market was/is so saturated with similar items that I made, that it was difficult to differentiate myself. So as my kids grew, my company did too, in a different direction, as I realized what a huge, and untapped market the American Girl® doll industry is. I have always had a partner, Terry, who is a true seamstress by trade. She's brilliant with a sewing machine. And she has always loved sewing doll clothes (which started with Barbie clothes). So together, with my love for fashion, and her sewing expertise, we collaborate to make modern, fashion-forward designs for 18" dolls."

I always love to know what Etsy shop owners like to make most and I have to agree with Loren on her answer, I truly loved this outfit too, I wonder if she would make it in my size as well?
Loren: "I love seeing the results of the the matching nightgowns and dresses. My favorite dress right now is the black and white polka dot sundress with a hot pink sash. It's dynamite in person!"

"I also think our bathing suits are amazing! I think we have a run on the market with our styles (and since Spandex is such a pain to work with no one wants to attempt it). The yellow and floral bikini with white coverup and sandals is too adorable."

One of the things I love about Etsy owners who sew for dolls is that they are usually doll lovers themselves! I always ask and love to know what dolls shop owners have....
Loren: "I have 3 dolls: Kit, which was a hand-me-down from my niece, who is still an American Girl fan at heart. I also have two My American Girls: one that was my daughter's, who thought she might try getting into the doll trend, but truly hates it (I have to pay her to model for me); and I am embarrassed to say that I just got a red head for my 44th birthday from my mom. It was sort of a joke, and meant to be used for my business, but I have to admit, I love her!"

I also like to know why shop owners choose Etsy...
Loren: "I actually struggled against opening up an Etsy shop with my baby clothes. I did, just to see what it was all about in 2010. But I never really used it, until I started doing Girls & Dolls™ in 2012. I thought having my own website was much more savvy and sophisticated. Especially, since my background is design and marketing - I wanted more freedom of expression. Boy was I wrong! Etsy has been great! I am truly impressed with everything they do and have to offer."

I asked Loren to share a bit about what she would like my readers to know....

Loren: "I strive to offer high end, stylish clothes for the dolls; something a girl might wear herself. I am constantly perusing catalogs and magazines to keep up with the seasons and trends. I welcome suggestions and comments in order to make my customer's shopping experience great each time they come back. Enjoy!"

Thank you to Loren for sharing with us today about her shop and sewing passion. I hope you enjoyed today's post and that you will visit Girls & Dolls. You can do so by clicking any of the highlighted words in this post.

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Kit!

2013-05-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Kit! Today is Kit's birthday and to celebrate I thought I would share with you some of my Kit Favorites from American Girl and Around the Dolly World.

I was so excited with the introduction of Kit's Birthday set but sad to know it is back ordered until June so I created my own set for Daydream Doll Boutique back in March click here to see how I made mine!


For Mini Kit click here

If you read my blog regularly you know I love the Mini Dolls! Mini Kit is so beautifully made! Bring her home for your collection!

Be sure to check out A Theif in The Theater a wonderful and award wining Kit Mystery! Click here for listing on American Girl

I hope you will join me in wishing Kit a Very Happy Birthday!

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Please Welcome Alex, a New Doll To The Dolly World

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am so thrilled to introduce to you Alex. Alex is a new doll on the Dolly World Scene and she was brought to my attention by Kath one of our wonderful readers here. I had to learn more about this fantastic new doll!

Alex is an 18 inch doll that is very extraordinary, not only can she get wet but she can bend in ways other 18 inch dolls on the market can not!

I immediately wrote to Via E the company behind Alex and they have kindly agreed to my interview. Here are my questions and the answers Ellen of Via E shared with me....

Can you tell me what motivated you to create Alex and your doll company?

"It’s a funny story. I was one of those who lost their job in the banking industry. As part of my participation in my son’s school’s PTA I created a few baskets for a silent auction. In them were 18” dolls and my hand-made clothing. Mom’s went crazy and the baskets were one of the top producers of funds. The moms urged me to create a company, so I did. I have always had a strong imagination and played with dolls when I was a girl, so now I just reach back to those days and try to create a world rich with “hooks” for girls to develop and enrich their imagination too. I am also an adjunct professor for the University California, Irvine – Extension were I teach sales and marketing. I have the honor of participating in the international program where post graduate students come from around the world to learn from this notable institution. The parent in me has grown quite alarmed with the sexy dolls being pushed out by the large toy manufactures and the teacher in me understands the depth of the developmental impact playing with such toys can create. What makes it worse is that these sexy toys are also turned into books, sexy music and cartoons so girls are completely surrounded in this imagery. Even writing about it now elevates my pulse. Statistics show that teen pregnancy is going down due to preventative measures, but pregnancy under the age of 15 is going up! This is just one statistic that shows a tragic trend growing in our society."

"I have researched memory and child mental development. This led me to write a detailed paper on the effect children’s play things have on their development and how they perceive themselves. The repetitive nature of play creates the foundation of their mental maps—a basis of which they will form other higher level thoughts. So play is so much more than entertainment—it is the rehearsal of who they will ultimately become. That though is enough to motivate me to give up my big house, many of my own toys and put all available resources into building a better play system. I can’t just sit by and watch big business do this to our girls."

"As a mom, I have purchased the latest educational toys but found that kids just don’t play with them without being pushing into it. So I thought, why not build education into the things they DO want to do? Children love to draw, tell stories, sing, dance…etc. They stop when “learning” comes into the picture…the “red pen” of correction. This is a necessary part of formal education, but as a toy company I could help celebrate their creativity without a “red pen.” So their confidence can grow and their creative minds can reach new heights. This is how all the educational programs became a part of Via E."

"When I introduced this concept moms and dads loved it. I used a character to provide girls with a healthy role model friend…Alex. It soon became apparent that Alex needed a physical form. Alex should be a girl that relates to all girls no matter their heritage or culture. So she was given medium toned skin, dark blond hair, friendly blue eyes and a warm smile so she adds happiness where ever she goes. It took an entire year to get her right. She also needed to be able to play like a real girl—do the things today’s girl does. Girls no longer sit in their rooms role playing as a primary activity…they play baseball, volleyball, dance, gymnastics, run…they are active! If Alex was really going to be a friend, she has to be able to go anywhere, do anything."

Can you tell me what made you want to create a doll that could get wet?

"I think the better question is WHY can’t dolls get wet? It just seems to be a basic part of doll play."

Where we can buy Alex and where she will ship too?

"Right now we are taking RSVPs for the very first production dollfriends (we don’t like to use the word doll, because Alex is so much more than just a doll—she is a dollfriend). There are only 500, each signed and numbered to mark them as first production forever. Our web site is www.via-e.com and our Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/Alex.Dollfriend . To RSVP, you just need to send me an email with shipping address and phone number. I will send back an RSVP Certificate with the Alex dollfriend number. We are anticipating this first shipment to leave the factory the end of May. I’m keeping everyone updated as we work through this first production. Everything has to be perfect, so I am in constant contact with the factory, making them evidence every step. My email address for RSVPs is Ellen@via-e.com."

"Once the shipment arrives, we will open up our new website where you can purchase Alex, clothing, accessories, her books, her music, and participate in the educational systems. We publish the stories girls write, post their music performances, give discounts for A papers received in school and have support for home schooling. You can see there is so much for us to talk about!"

"We have a reseller in Europe and will ship to Canada and the U.S. out of California. Alex’s story takes her all around the world so we will be working to ship her where ever her story carries her—to any girl who wishes to be Alex’s friend. As a true startup company, we will grow as fast as we can sell. The RSVPs help me because I can immediately place another order with the factory for Alex so the supply can meet increasing demand as we get Alex’s story out to the public."

Will 18 inch doll clothes already on the market fit Alex?

"Yes. Alex’s waist is the same size as Goetz, Madam Alexander, but about half an inch smaller than American Girl. So we sell a super cute “International Bow Belt” that can be used to belt clothing that is a little large around the waist. The International Bow Belt was named such because half the proceeds are donated to the International Smile charity. We are really looking forward to getting this program started. The hope was that Alex could share smiles around the world and this charity does exactly that. All of the clothing we manufacture will fit both Alex and the standard 18” dolls including American Girl. We add elastic in the back to create a nice fit and flexibility to meet the needs of girl’s existing doll collections. When designing our products, I think about the desires of moms and girls—and try to make room for charitable contributions."

I love Alex's toes do her toes make her easier to stand up and pose?

"This is a fun detail! Really her feet functionally work like the flat feet of the standard 18” dolls, their just cuter. I designed Alex like a collector’s dolls with 22 points of realism but kept her durable for play. I think it helps build the bond between Alex and her girlfriends. It is the joints in Alex’s arms and legs that make her easier to stand up and pose."

How do we care for Alex's hair and what is her rooted hair like?

"All play doll hair is made out of a type of strung plastic. Alex’s hair is a very high quality with each strand being truly “hair-like.” She has lots of it too. To care for her hair you can use baby shampoo and conditioner. The conditioner will help comb the hair out—always start detangling by combing from the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. The Aussie brand of hair products works really well. We will have Alex care instructions on our website and there are water play care instructions included in Alex’s box."

Is Alex fully articulated?
"I actually interviewed girls to determine what they want their dolls to be able to do and what type of joints would they accept. Girls do not like G.I. Joe type of joints. Because of this, full articulation would not work because it required for you to see the “ball” in the joint and a pin. There are those who use an internal wire to facilitate bending but I ruled this out due to the unnatural folding of the vinyl and possibility of injury if the internal wire broke. So I made some compromises to my original goal of full articulation. The quest became a balance of a fluid line yet movement for play. So Alex is strung like the existing 18” dolls but instead of string we use a thick gauge elastic which provides a natural resistance in the joints and accommodates rotation and soft bends. Only the elbows and knees are jointed—not as a cost savings but as a design decision. Girls don’t like joints but they want their dolls to be able to do more things so I analyzed movement and found that we could provide the best balance between action and beauty by having only these two jointed locations. I’m proud that Alex’s body looks athletic and very pleasingly natural."

Are there any plan's to add Alex's friends to your doll line?

"Oh yes! Every year we anticipate two new friends. Alex travels around the world with her family. So her friends will represent the girls she meets in each country. This is a way to connect girls from all around the world."

Can you talk about her Health Care Policy?

"This idea came to me when thinking like a parent. We spend a lot of money on our kids toys now days and it is upsetting when they get broken and thrown away. So we tend to limit what kids can do with these toys. But I don’t want Alex to be a toy—I want her to be a friend. So then how can I protect mom and dad’s investment while still allowing Alex to do anything girls want to do? Other doll hospitals charge almost as much as buying a new doll! Yikes. So I thought about it and came up with the My Kare™ health care policy. If she gets hurt in the first year, we will fix her for free. To extend the health care policy, we give health care points with every purchase of Alex’s books and accessories. This way, Alex can have health care for as long as she is played with and we are protecting our loyal extended family of moms and dads (calling them customers just doesn’t describe how I think of each family.) The idea is to keep health care coverage by purchasing things you would likely purchase anyway during the course of Alex’s play life. You can also extend her healthcare policy by purchasing a renewal at just $30.00."

I asked Ellen what she would like you my readers to know and I loved her answer!

"I guess the thing I wish to tell your readers the most is that I have a dream…a goal to build a company where parents have a voice, where girls are motivated to love reading, writing and strive to build goals for their future. Alex’s theme song is, “Just as Long as I Believe.” This pop sounding song is designed to inspire. It is sold with a track to listen to and two Karaoke tracks--one with the vocal low and the other just the instrumental. It also comes with the lyrics sheet and music score so girls can create their own instrumental. We will even post their recordings or videos so they can share their talent. You see, Alex is real whey they share things girls love to do."

"Alex and Via E is about parents and girls—I’m just the facilitator and my company works for them."

Thank you to Ellen for sharing with us today all about Alex and we look forward to having her in our Dolly World! To find out more about Via E and Alex on Facebook please click here

As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Brandy's Farm Yard Fun Find!

2013-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Brandy emailed me earlier this week about her Fun Farm Yard Find!
"Emma and I were running errands and had some time to kill before picking up Jayla from school. We stopped by Toys R Us and found a cute little FAO Schwarz stuffed pig. Makes a great addition to their AG animal collection. Made very similar to AG's products.... And a much better price."


Click here for FAO schwarz listing

Click here for Toys R Us listing.

I also found on line this adorable little lamb! Click here to see his listing.

There are so many wonderful items you can re-purpose into doll play items and I think you will agree these are a perfect fit!

Thank you to Brandy for sharing her photo with us today.

As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Our Generation Pieces To Love! My Our Generation Wish List.

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

My Niece Laura has the Our Generation Wooden Wardrobe and I have been very jealous of it for some time now.

While I know my dolls collection will spill out of it in no time flat, I still love it.

The Tea Parlor Table and Chairs are such a great set. I have seen so many of our readers with their tables and chairs and this one is one I would love in Doll and People Size!

I love that the dolls legs fit so nicely under the table!

I am so impressed with the dolly kitchen that I have this one on my list as well. Honestly nothing has been forgotten here. It is all the tiny detail attention that has this set the tops on my list!
Now that Target has just opened in Canada I am so thrilled that so many of our doll lovers will be able to take advantage of such great doll play items that are so reasonably priced!

I would love to see your Our Generation Collection Photos as well so email me yours at karenmowen@gmail.com, let me know what your favorite Our Generation Doll items are and what you would recommend to those of us who are just getting to know the line here in Canada.
As with all my posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Would you like to form a Summer Reading Club? What are you Reading this Summer?

2013-05-16T06:39:00.000-07:00


Image from Google

Summer is fast approaching and I am wondering if you would like to form a Summer Reading Club?
This would be a free read and discuss the American Girl Books you are reading here on my blog.

You can read and review any of the American Girl Books you currently have, have borrowed from the library or from a friend. On a Special Tab I am going to create at the top of my blog you can also join the club by commenting at the bottom of the tab in the comment section. You can also email me photos of the books you are reading and you can include your dolls in the photos which I will use on the blog and share with all our readers. **You do not need to be in the photo, just the books and your dolls!

Check out your library for books, Audio books and more this summer. I love the Audio books as you can follow along in the book while listening to it. This is a great way to encourage younger readers who would like to read the slightly harder books.

I love the American Girl Mystery Books and I highly recommend them! Share them with your friends, trade them with a neighbor, rescue them from yard sales and church sales...keep your eyes out for these books and when you are done with them, donate them to someone who you know would love to read them.

If you have read a bunch of the American Girl books and you would like to share your thoughts on the books with my readers email me at karenmowen@gmail.com and we can arrange a Summer Reading Club Guest Blogger Post for you! I have Thank you dolly envelopes ready to mail out to our guest bloggers so if you have your parents permission or if you are an older doll lover who loves the American Girl Doll Books I would love to hear from you!

I hope you will join me in this Summer Reading Club. I would love to hear your thoughts!
As with all my posts please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Madelon's Play Wonder Set from Target

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Madelon bought this set at Target a while back when it was reduced to $6.50. It is all wooden with a fabric cushion.

Even the "grass" came with this set.

This set works great with the mini dolls! Have a look with in your own doll play collections, at yard and church sales and your local big box stores for items like these you can use for your mini dolls!

As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Springfield Fashions on my Wish list! All under $5!

2013-05-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

I love wish lists. Today I am sharing with you so my Springfield Favorites that are under $5 and on my list for my own collection and items I will be picking up for birthday gifts for the doll lovers in my life. Did you know you can also make an on line wish list on the Springfield Website? I just love that, this way I can keep track of my wish list and that of my nieces!

I love the Pink Camo Shirt on sale on the website for $1.99!!! This is such a sweet deal! I had to share it with all of you. It is fashion forward, goes with everything and is defiantly on my list! Click here for website listing.

Another amazing deal is the Black Zippered Hoody on sale for only $2.99 . Click here for on line listing.

New and under $4 are the fun dark sunglasses a summer must have!

These Strappy Sandals are the perfect summer foot wear for your dolls offered at $4.99 your doll can dress these up or down and they go with almost everything a fashionably dolly will be wearing this summer!

My Ruthie loves her Springfield Polo's Bermuda's and Summer Shoes

Springfield doll items offer value and accessibility for 18 inch doll lovers. Their items are well priced and made making them my first choice for Birthday Gifts for Doll lovers as well as for my own collection. As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Madelon's Mini Doll Fun Paddywhack Lane Cary House.

2013-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last year Madelon picked this up last year on discount at Barnes and Noble. "The little doll in the riding outfit shows us her home."

This is a cardboard house and the drawers open and the bed folds down...

The Pillow, Sheet, Blanket and Rug fit in the drawer under the seating area.

These fun little accessories came with the set.
Keep your eyes out for fun mini finds like the ones Madelon keeps coming up with.
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Wonderful Fundraiser for The American Lung Assocaition Come take a look.

2013-05-14T07:14:00.005-07:00

You know that saying "be the change you want to see in the world" ? Well there are special people out there doing that each and every day. My friend Holly has created a 5 piece Regency Era Gown that she has donated and is auctioning of for the American Lung Association .

This all came about because of a friend Holly has who is affected by Cancer and yet she sent Holly this beautiful piece of embroidered organza. Holly has accepted that organza and transformed it into this beautiful set. To get the message out there about Lung Related Illness and Cancer Holly is donating partial proceeds of this outfit to support her friend and to bring awareness and a bit of beauty to the Dolly World to The American Lung Association .

This Ebay Auction is on going now and you can take a look for yourself by Clicking Here. We can change the world one step at a time and we can make a difference in the lives of those living with and affected by Cancer. This is just one way you can help. To learn more about the American Lung Association please click here.

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Pre Order a Saige Mini Doll - Are Mini's Taking over the dolly world?

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Doll Diaries for this photo.

I read that you can pre order the Saige mini doll that will be released with the Saige Movie in July. I am truly excited about this mini doll and hope that they will continue this trend of Girl of the Year Mini's.
To order on Barnes&Knoble Click here

Many of you already know how much I love mini dolls and I am so thrilled that American Girl has these 6 inch dolls that tuck really easily into a purse, bag or back pack and can travel easily around the world!

My mini Ivy has come from China (where she was made) to the UK where I ordered her from, to me here in Canada and I have taken her to Arizona and to Hawaii, the little books that they come with are also a wonderful addition to my doll play collection.
Every where I look these days I am seeing amazing things for Mini Doll's popping up all over the dolly on line world.

A great new mini blog Snickerdoodle Street is one to keep your eyes on. Click here to visit and see the amazing things going on on this great blog!

Auntie Robin has been adding new mini doll outfits to her shop and I can not wait to share with your our shop interview and spotlight coming out later this month.

I purchased this pattern a few years back for the mini's and you can find it on etsy by clicking here

I recently got my first order from Dough Ditties and it is so well made. I highly recommend this amazing shop!

Click here for shop and listings.

I just stumbled upon this fantastic knitting pattern for the mini's click here for shop StylingDollKnitz and listing (if you are a knitter and want to swap I would love to sew and swap an outfit for your mini if you have the talent to make one of the above! email me at karenmowen@gmail.com )

I can not say enough about the patterns from Creations by Deevee, this is a must have pattern for my mini loving doll friends. Buy it now and start for Christmas or a birthday and you will not be sorry! This pattern pays for it's self!! Click here to begin your sewing adventure.

I am so inspired by the mini dolls that as soon as I dig out my sewing area and patterns I am going to try to knock out some new mini outfits for my dolls and hope to share my adventure with all of you.
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Mariena Creates a Stick Horse for her Dolls a "Yester Year" Craft

2013-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Dolly World on Facebook is such wonderful resource and I have been lucky to "meet" some truly talented people through these Facebook connections. Mariena is one of those people. She agreed to let me share her craft with you today. I hope you will all love it as much as I did!

The Stick Horse of Yester year

                                         What you will need:
                                                      Drawing of horses head
                                                      2 Pony tail holders
                                                     Googly eyes
                                                     Glue
                                                    Wooden dowel ( I used a half of one )
                                                    Needle point thread ( or some strong thick thread )
                                                    Scrap peace of fake leather or other scrap.
                                                    Something to stuff the head with.

Directions.
Cut horses head out of you scrap fabric ( I drew the eye placement on at this time ) put right sides together making sure to tuck in the ears.
Start with sewing the bottom of the head Important leave about an inch in the middle for turning and stuffing.

Okay we have the head sewn together now, start stuffing but keeping a check on how the dowel rod is fitting when you get the head stuff put the dowel rod in

padding stuffing around making a tight fit, sew dowel rod in ( you could glue it but this will take hours this is a fast fun short project gluing make it take longer).

After sewing the dowel in, Using needle point thread wrap around dowel rod tightly until you are 1 to 2 inches below the horses head, tie off and glue.

Making the horses mane using the needle point thread wrap around your 2 fingers about 4 to 6 times cut you thread in half sew it to the horses head just in front of the ears.
then start behind the ears making the loops with 3 fingers as before cut in half sew on until you are happy with the length of the mane.

Glue on the eyes at the eye placement marks, Now take you pony tail holders put one from the mouth to the back of the head, Take the other pony tail holder and wrap on your fingers once place on the horses nose. At this point you and put a small piece of need point thread for the hand hold if wanted 1 of mine has it one doesn't.
Now you have a stick horse of yester year for your doll.

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful craft with us today Mariena! I am so thrilled to see it and can not wait to try to make my own! To learn more about Mariena aka Naragon Writer of Words visit her Facebook page by clicking here.
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Aunt Bees Old Sew N Sew offering 20% off Now until the 22nd!

2013-05-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Aunt Bee's Old Sew N Sew is offering my readers a great deal! 20% off your orders until May 22nd!

Be sure to check out all the fun new shirts as well as the wonderful socks, underwear and more!

From now until May 22nd use the coupon code "yourmom" to receive 20% of your purchases
Be sure to check out Aunt Bees Old Sew N Sew by clicking any of the highlighted words in this post
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Mothers Day Outift Madelon's Fun Find Walmart!

2013-05-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Mothers day hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Today Madelon Shares this Fun Find she got at her local Walmart...
"I found this size 0 to 3 months top with leggings at Walmart. I tightened up the top to make it look like a dress."

This gift card holder works as a perfect Doll Purse! Great find Madelon!
Hope you are enjoying your day. As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Happy Mothers Day!

2013-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all of you today! Mom's, Step Mom's,Mum's, Mamma's, Aunt's, Grandma's, Nana's, Me-maw's, Gran's and all the Dolly Mommies I know today is for you.


Pink Butterfly Apron's for Mom, Daughter and Doll Click here for listing.

In celebration of Mom's I wanted to share some of my favorite Etsy finds for Mom's, Daughters and Dolls. The above is so darling and worth a stop in your Etsy travel's click here to see the shop listing of Pink Butterfly Apron's

Barbie Boutique Basic's Also offers Mom, Daughter and Doll aprons Click here for shop and listing.

If you love vintage looks you will love Blue Star Vermont and their vintage styles

Click here to see some of the most fun Apron's for Dolls, Daughters and Mom's from Blue Star Vermont!

I hope you enjoy your day with those that you love.

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Mini Gardening Set a Madelon Another Fun Find for Mini's

2013-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

This cute little set Madelon found was on clearance for $1. It contains a tiny canvas gardening bag, hoe, pack of seeds, butterfly poster and magazine. Perfect for our mini dolls!

I love how tiny this set is! A great find.

Here is the close up of the little poster and magazine! So darling!
Keep your eyes out for fun mini finds like these in your craft or scrap booking sections of your local stores, you never know what you will find that will be perfect for mini doll play!
Great find Madelon and as always thank you for sharing your fun finds with us!
As with all our posts we would love other from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Madelon's Mini Kit Adventures! Mini Doll Fun Finds!

2013-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love the Mini Dolls and Madelon has kindly shared some of her Mini Doll Re purposed Finds with us today. I think you will agree Mini Dolls have as much play potential as the 18 inch dolls with just a little imagination you can create an entire dolly world at a fraction of the cost!

Here Madelon's Mini Kit sports a Hawaiian Inspired Outfit thanks to an outfit meant for Barbie, this dress purchased at Walmart for under a $4.

Often Barbie outfits will fit our mini's with wonderful results, keep your eyes open for fun new fashions, pull out your old Barbie sewing patterns or Barbie doll clothes from your own collections. Use what you have.

Turns out doll collecting runs in Madelon's family, with this miniature sewing machine that Madelon's mom purchased.

This mini sewing machine and table is perfect as Madelon points out it is just like one Kit may have used in her time.

Such a great mini doll find!

How about this fantastic mini tea service for two. Madelon found on one of her dollar store trips!

This set works wonderfully for the mini dolls and is as much fun to look at as to play with !

The Peter Rabbit Detail is exquisite.

Kit is ready for tea! I love this set and all Madelon's wonderful finds. I am truly inspired by these photos and ideas. I hope you have been as well. Remember to keep your eyes out for fun finds for mini's like these in your every day travels.
Thank you Madelon for all your wonderful ideas and photos!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Hawaiian Dress Patterns From Eden Ava, Which to choose?

2013-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

While on Vacation in Hawaii, I picked up some truly fun fabric and now it is time to start sewing some Hawaiian Dresses. But the problem is which pattern would you choose?
The above pattern is offered on the Liberty Jane Pattern Website as well as their Etsy Site for PDF Downloadable patterns.

The above pattern is designed by Eden Ava and is a front runner in my favorites at the moment. You can view the Etsy Shop Pattern by clicking here

Also a Fun & Easy Pattern also by Eden Ava and you can see how hard it will be too choose! Click here for Liberty Jane Etsy Shop Pattern site

Also offered by Eden Ava is this Sundress pattern that offers two bodice styles and looks very easy to sew! Click here for Liberty Jane Etsy Shop listing.
I would love to know which styles you prefer! I have a bag of fabric just waiting for the perfect patterns!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Ivy and Her Hawaiian Doll from Wee Wonders

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in Hawaii, Ivy tagged along as some of you may know and here she is with her Hand Made Hawaiian doll I purchased at a Farmers Market on our first full day in Hawaii.
I met Mitsuko at the Kailua Farmers Market where she sells her handmade dolls every third Sunday from 9-1 but you can contact her at her Etsy shop you can also contact her via email at shizen@hawaiiantel.net
Mitsuko creates these hand made needle felted treasures by hand and sells them at a Farmers market on Oahu.

Here handmade dolls and outfits were truly amazing. She hand stitches the hair piece by piece for durability. The quality is second to none!

If you are not able to get the Hawaiian Island of Oahu you can contact Wee Wonders through her Etsy shop for more information on how to bring one of these wonderful dolls home for your collection. Currently her online shop is empty but you can message her there for more information.
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Madelon's Repurposed Bathing Suit A truly Fun Find!

2013-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love getting email from Madelon, When I got this one I could not believe how cool this fun find was!

Madelon is always on the look out for items she can re-purpose into doll play items and I love that she found this dog bikini and it fits our dolls!

I love this little set and it is a perfect fit!

Keep your eyes out for these fun finds! Don't you just love the ruffle?

Thank you Madelon for this truly fun find!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Brandy Makes Over A Rescue Kirsten Doll For Her Daughter

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Brandy recently gave her daughter an Kirsten American Girl Retired Doll, that Brandy had to make over before she could giver her to her daughter as a gift.

"The doll had to be completely cleaned. Her hair was brushed, washed, and flat
ironed. Flat ironing was my only option because her hair was very dry and
frizzy. Took me almost 3 hours because the hair was so tangled. I had
already flat ironed the left side before I remembered I needed a "before
picture." The straggly ends of her hair were then trimmed."

"As you can see the doll had lost all of her pink coloring to her complexion.
I used red face painting make-up and very little, applied it to the dolls
cheeks. I used a very fine detail paint brush and q-tip to apply the
make-up to the lips. You have to be careful not to get any on the teeth. I
chose face painting make-up because it is more like paint and it if let to
dry it will stain its surface."

All of the doll's clothing was washed and repaired. I think she turned out
great!

I can not believe the difference in the doll!

Brandy did a great job and her Dolly Make Over don't you think? I can not believe how much work went in to this make over and I know just how much this labor of love will be appreciated!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Madelon's Target Fun Find Tutorial- Dolly Lolly Pops!

2013-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Madelon has found a fun way to create dolly lolly pops from items she found at Target!

Using Stickers and cotton swaps from Target she was able to create fun doll Lolly Pops Easily!

She started by removing the cotton from the ends of the cotton swabs and then attaching the stickers to one end.

The back will be sticky, so Madelon added a bit of clear tape to the back

Thank you Madelon for this fun tutorial for our dolls!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

May The Fourth Be With You! Star Wars Themed Patterns For Your Dolls!

2013-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is May 4th and as a mom of three boys who love Starwars, I have to share with you today the most fantastic PDF pattern from Donna Cotterman's Etsy Shop.

Donna has been interviewed here on my blog before and she is one of my most favorite people in the doll world. She has continuously inspired and motivated me with her work. Now she is offering this fun pattern for Doll Lovers and Starwars Buffs alike.

Mrs C as we know her in the Dolly World has so many wonderful items in her Etsy shop

Mrs. C has also made her Princess Leia Gown Pattern available for purchase in her Etsy shop and I could not be more excited!

Click here for PDF Pattern Listed in her shop

From outfits lovingly handmade to patterns of her own design, this shop is one of my most favorite.

Remember to watch a Starwars Marathon today or pull out your Star Wars DVD's and sit down and enjoy some of my most favorite movies! May the 4th be with you!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Need a Doll lunch box or Carry On Suitcase? Check out Madelon's Fun Find!

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today Madelon shares with us a wonderful way to reuse a candy tin for your dolls lunch box or carry on luggage!

This candy tin is the perfect dolly sized accessory.

This little tin fits an outfit and book for your doll!

Madelon says you can decorate the tin easily to make it your own,or leave it as it, either way it is doll play fun!

Keep your eyes out for wonderful every day items like these that you can turn into doll play fun!
Thank you Madelon for this wonderful idea!
As with all our posts I would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com