moonchild studio

Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:29:00 +0000

Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Happiest of Holidays to all. See you in the new year.

Out with the Old and In with the New

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Having just finished the final Moonchild doll of 2011, I will clean off my work table, re-group and work out some new ideas I have for 2012. I have a very full year coming up. Lots of custom dolls scheduled. Lots of ready to go dolls waiting to be created. New patterns and patterns to sell. I have a trip to Europe planned for the Fall and have lots of prep to do for that. I am so excited to get on with it all. Here are a few dolls from recent weeks.

Have a wonderful Holiday season and an inspired New Year.
Much Love, Berrie

Rousseau

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:59:00 +0000

Rousseau is available "auction" style in my Hyena Cart shop. She is a 16.5" Wild Child by Moonchild doll. She comes with 2 complete outfits that are interchangeable. Thank you for taking a peek.
xoBerrie

A Dottie Inspired Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Mr. Hamby chose #11. Aimee B said: I <3 Dottie Angel! And I ADORE you! I would love it if Mr. Hamby picked my number! Congrats on the 1,000 likes!

I have emailed Aimee and will be send my Dottie Box of Inspiration to her. Thank you to all who entered and for all of your wonderful sentiments

What inspires me? Mornings , Mr. Hamby, polka dots, a fairly clean work table, fabric, a completed creation, vintage handwork details, red, white and pink and the idea that over 1000 people seem to want to check in with what I create. My Facebook page eeked past 1000 "likes" last week. That's a big number in my quiet existence.

To give recognition where it is due, I am giving away a little suitcase of goodies that inspire me (Sorry ladies, Mr. Hamby is not included). Some polka dottie goodness in the form of mushrooms and ribbons, fabric, pink tags, German glass glitter and the best book of all. Dottie Angel and her alter-ego Tif Fussell (it is the other way around really but either way I like them both) have created a scrumptious read and I want to share it with you. Read Tif's blog and you'll understand.

Leave me a little note and this little box of goodness and delights may be on it's way to you! Make certain to leave your email so I can get your particulars. I will have Mr. Hamby choose a number one week from today (Oct 26 5pm).

xo Berrie

Custom Dolls for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:34:00 +0000

***** We had 85 entrants for the Customs List for next year. I had Mr. Hamby write down 21 numbers from 1-85. Here is the list of numbers: 1, 9, 10, 15, 16, 18, 22, 28, 33, 25, 37, 41, 43, 49, 55, 60, 68, 72, 73, 80, 85. I will go and make up next years custom calender with these entrants and then email everyone. Thank you so much to all who entered. *****

The time has come to begin planning what Moonchild Dolls will hold for 2012.

Patterns, new designs, accessories....all exciting for me. I also want to make some custom dolls for my customers. Here is the plan for next year:

I have 21 spots available from February through August. 3 spots each month.

I am offering 13" ($190) and 15" ($245) dolls.

The dolls will come with a full outfit including a hat and crocheted shoes (this is a first). You choose the size, gender, skin tone, hair color and texture (Tibetan Lambskin hair is not available for customs) and body type. You may also choose the colors you would like me to work with in making the clothing for your doll.

You are welcome to order an additional outfit at this time. The cost is $40.

Domestic shipping is $15 International Shipping is $24-43 depending on location

You have two options for payment. A $50 deposit will hold your spot. The balance is due when the doll is complete and ready to ship. You may also choose to pay in full up front in which case I will add an additional outfit at no cost (this can be in addition to a purchased one, if desired).

Because I have only 21 spots available, I will choose by using a lottery style drawing. Leave a comment in this post with as many as 3 of the months you would like to be in the drawing for. You can only have one spot but this will up your chances if you are open to when your doll will be ready.

Please leave your full name and email address. I will not include any entrants that omit this info.

On Sunday, October 9th, I will draw 3 names for each month. I will email all the spot winners and you have till Sunday, October 16th to let me know your preferred payment plan. I will send Invoices on Monday the 17th.
This is open to everyone. I have no limits on Moonchid Doll purchases.
xo

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Sophie Minuet is a 15" Wild Child Moonchild doll. She will be in my Etsy shop in a little bit.

Dear Dolphine

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:33:00 +0000

Comment number 14 was chosen. Dolphine will be going to live in Germany with Melanie! Thank you so much to all who entered and were wanting to give this little girl a spot in their hearts and homes.

Dolphine is a 15" Moonchild doll made with suntan skin tone, violet eyes and Tibetan Lambskin hair. She comes with 3 outfits and a pajama set along with a few accessories all packed in a little cardboard valise.

Dolphine in her twirly dress, leggings, shoes and headband.

Dolphine in her sundress, bloomers, t-shirt, shoes and knit hat.

Dolphine in her sundress, bloomers and shoes.

Dolphine in her t-shirt, bloomers and shoes.

Dolphine in her smock and bloomer set with her little hedgie made by Annette of Wool Creations.

Dolphine in her little pajamas and socks. She also has her wee toadstool made by Yvonne of Bunte Fabrics. Dolphine and all of her goodies are for sale comment style. The price is $395 + shipping. US shipping is $18, Canada is $28 and the rest of the world is $45. If you would like to purchase Dolphine please leave a comment with your email. Comments will close at 8pm (pacific) Monday night. The winner will have 24 hours to make payment. xo

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Sweet Dolphine is gathering up her outfits and accessories and will be available for sale comment style sometime tomorrow. More pictures and details coming soon.

Simeon

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:35:00 +0000

This wee 13" Moonchild doll just warms my heart. His mama, Kristie, gave me the go ahead to make what ever I would like for her. Because she had originally ordered a boy, I did stick with the gender she chose. When I don't have a plan, the whole thing just seems to fall into place. I like that. All of the fabric and some of the ribbon came from the lovely Yvonne of Bunte Fabrics. She has a great selection and even better service!
xo

Forest Friend Moondrops

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:53:00 +0000

This is the actual set that I am sending to the winner of the Second Annual "Hey It's My Birthday!" Giveaway. There is still time to enter. Just leave a little note in the comments on the post below this one.
xo

It's time for the 2nd Annual "Hey It's My Birthday!" Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:41:00 +0000

The winning number is #75! Vanessa Crandall Giasi said: "Happy Birthday! Mine is on Sunday. Thank you for the giveaway. My girls would love these little precious ones." I have sent you and email Vanessa
Thank you to all who entered and for all of the wonderful birthday wishes!

This year one of my dear readers will receive a sweet little box filled with my Forest Friend Moondrops. 6 little ones to delight your little ones. A Toadstool, Hedgehog, Acorn, Dragon, Boy Gnome and Girl Gnome will come nestled in a cardboard suitcase and tied with a pretty ribbon.

This is as set I made years ago and I have the new set almost finished. My birthday is this Thursday the 21st. Please leave a little note along with your email address and in the evening I will have Mr. Hamby choose a comment number to select the winner.

Thank you so much for spending a little part of your day peeking in on a big part of my life.
xo

Dear Pearl

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:39:00 +0000

My dear, my camera. I know we have gotten off to a rocky start. We have been together for almost a year and I feel like we hardly even know one another. Even though we live in the same house and I hold you in my hands many times a week, I just don't know what you are even capable of. I fear you may already know my limitations. I am much less mysterious than you. Even though you came with an "owners" manual (really...who owns who?) and it's written in my native language, I have you set on your auto mode. Such a disservice to you and your capabilities.....what a shame. I vow to become a better partner to you and to become better acquainted with your gifts and talents. Thank you for being so patient with me.
xo

Bon Voyage Sonatine

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:20:00 +0000

Sonetine is off the the beautiful country of Belgium where she will become best friends with Miss Claire. I am sure they have many years of wonderful adventures awaiting them. We will miss here here on Whidbey Island.

Turned my back for just one minute and......

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:26:00 +0000

Sweet Sonatine wanted to sit in the afternoon sun and contemplate her next move. I told her I needed to go into the house and I would be right back.

What do I see when I returned? Gasp! "Sonatine! What are you doing?"

This little cheeky sprite has climbed onto the railing. It is 2 stories up. "Hold on Sonatine I'm coming to help you" I called to her.

And then she really started to get herself in a pickle. She is such a daredevil and she is in such.......

TROUBLE!

Or not......Papa Hamby has swooped in to save Sonetine from falling off the railing. He gave her a big squeeze and a comforting snuggle. He has saved the day......again.

Sonetine gets dressed

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Sonatine

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:17:00 +0000

Oh Sonatine.....don't let the sweet name fool you. Sonatine is a Wild Child! This little one has been so mischievous about the house. Getting into my fabrics and trims, unrolling spools of thread, hiding my best scissors. She even found my little chocolate stash. I am glad she didn't get any melted chocolate on her as I doubt she would cooperate with being bathed.

Sonatine is a Wild Child by Moonchild Dolls. She is 16" tall. Her hair is mainly what sets her apart from a traditional Moonchild doll but her body is a little different as well. Very gently curved legs and very movable arms help her to be quite active and able. I think that with the right little mama, Sonatine will learn a little self control and to play well with others. Well......I hope so at least.
A 13" Full Moon Baby girl named Fifi, little rascal Sonetine and a bunch of Moonchild Clothes will be available in my Etsy store this Friday at Noon (Pacific Time).xo

An Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:54:00 +0000

This gaggle of Moonchild dolls are waiting to be chosen by their new families. I am hosting an Invitation Only Sale this afternoon. While this one has been full for some time and the August one is full too, I do have a few spots in the October sale.

The invitation only sales are set up like so. You email me to ask to be on the list. About a month before the sale I send all of the information to the participating group. You are then "invited" to join my private blog. That is where I will post the pictures and the information about the dolls for sale. At a designated day and time, I open the comment sections and the first person to comment gets to purchase the doll.

I limit the number of participants for each sale. This month has 34 participants and 17 dolls. This makes for very good odds. This is my first time selling this way and I think it will really help keep a good balance between repeat customers and new customers. I will still be listing dolls in my Etsy shop.

To see these dolls more closely you can check out my Flickr page
xo

Miss Liberty Belle

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Liberty Belle and her accessories. She is heading to California. She will then be on her way to Japan to live with a sweet little one that is turning 3 years old. Thank you Mari!

Special Edition Moonbeam Doll

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:19:00 +0000

This is Liberty Belle. She is my traditional Moonchild Doll but with one distinct difference. Her hair is made with Tibetan Lamb. It is incredibly soft and wispy. Liberty will be offered on Moonchild Dolls Facebook page tonight. This will be a comment style sale. Liberty will have a number of accessories in addition to her outfit. More pictures will be available on Facebook soon.
xo

Moonchild Extravaganza Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Numbers 6 and 17 were chosen by the Random Number Generator. Jill and Tracy. Thanks to all who entered! xoxoxo

In keeping with getting all of my customs lined up for the year, I am offering 2 custom doll packages here on my Moonchild Dolls blog. The packages will include the following:

One Moonchild doll of your choice - Traditional, Full Moon Baby or the new super limber Little Moon Baby. You get to choose the size (13" or 15"), gender, skin tone, hair and eye color and a few other details. The doll will come with 3 outfits, sleepwear, a hand knit sweater, crocheted cap and shoes and a Moonchild doll quilt. I will also be adding some extras that will depend on the type of doll chosen. Moondrops, hair ribbons, felt shoes, a purse, a little suitcase, a small doll, other little toys etc...

The cost of each set is $380 + shipping.
The complete set will be shipped before the end of October. Just in time for the holidays. If you would like to enter to purchase a set and be on your way to a custom Moonchild Extravaganza, leave a comment on this post. Make certain your email is in the comment so I can contact the winners.

I will use the Random Number Generator to choose the winners on Friday, May 20 at 4pm (pacific). I will contact the the winners and they have 24 hours to make their payment.

Due to the unique nature of these doll packages, everyone is eligible. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have concerning these doll packages.
xo

Custom Doll Information

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Tue, 17 May 2011 22:12:00 +0000

So here is the skinny:
Tomorrow, May 18th, I will list 10 slots at 9:30am and 10 slots at 3:30pm (pacific time). These will be in my Etsy shop.
Here is the info that will be with the listings:
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Thank you so much for your interest in a Moonchild Doll. The last custom slots of 2011 are happening now. These dolls will be in shipped before the end of October. They will be home in plenty of time for the holidays. Please read my policies before purchasing. Within 24 hours of purchasing I will send a convo to you to get the pertinent information about your doll. You may take the time you need to get it back to me. Please try not to make changes to your order if it is possible.

Here is how it works:
You choose size 13" or 15" (the price is the same for these listings only)
You choose body type, Traditional, Full Moon Baby or Little Moon Baby (very movable limbs)
You choose gender, skin tone, eye color, hair color and hair length.
You choose to have a nose or not to have a nose.
You indicate colors you would like or not like and I will make the perfect outfit for your doll.

You can see most of the dolls I have made here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonchild_studio/

Limits:
One doll per family please. If you have a doll on order with me already, it is okay to add another.
If you are on my "invitation only sale" list for June, it is okay to purchase a custom slot.
If you already have a little collection of Moonchild dolls please give others a chance at owning one.
I only send dolls to the name and address on the Etsy and Paypal account that purchases the item.
You may add one additional outfit if you choose. I will invoice you for the amount of $40. This does not increase the shipping costs.
I will not be adding sweaters or shoes to the dolls. You can ask Michelle of Turtlekeeper Designs to make shoes for your Moonchild doll. Sweaters are available from many shops on Etsy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These are the last available custom slots for the year. I am on the fence concerning custom dolls for 2012. We'll see.
xo

Somthing to Ponder.....

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:31:00 +0000

......custom Moonchild dolls. Offer them? Provide only in-stock dolls? Run 'Invitation Only Sales' for those who have never owned a Moonchild Doll? They each have their advantages and drawbacks.

I love to make dolls for my shop. The kind of dolls that just seem to appear from the tips of my fingers. When I am finished I look at them and say "Oh my! I made that little one" Very sweet indeed. I stock the store with them and 'poof'...they are gone.
"invitation Only Sales" provide a mix. I still make what my eyes, heart and hands naturally come up with. The dolls are then put on display in the special blog I have just for this purpose. A select group of people that have never owned a Moonchild doll will then have an opportunity to purchase a doll without going through the skilled and cunning process of an upload. Uploads can be very frustrating for sure. The doll/buyer ratio is very favorable to the buyer in this system.
Custom dolls have always been a bit of a squeaky wheel. While I have severely limited the amount of customs I offer and have also put limits what choices the buyer has, I find my wheels still turn a little slower in this department.
I have turned a custom around in a day and I have taken many many months to complete some. There are a variety factors that lead to each scenario.

There have been many occasions where thought I would hang customs up for good. While I like to have a specific child or family in mind when I am creating a doll, I am always worried about people having to wait for me. It does make me a little anxious. I love the part where I can send a picture of the new doll and let the customer know that the doll they have been waiting for is on its way.
I used to worry whether the outfit was just right or the hair was exactly the color they were expecting. This is no longer a concern for me. I choose the outfit under most conditions now. I take color preferences into consideration. I know my doll clothing is exceptional. I take great pride in my clothing construction and fabric choices. If I would change anything it would be that I had more styles ready to go.
Since I dye most of my yarns, there has to be some leeway in expectations there. I do not use bright and wild hair colors or big chunky yarns for the hair on my dolls. There are many doll makers that do this and do it well.
So to sum up:
I will continue to provide in-stock dolls in my Etsy shop
I will occasionally do a clothing upload in my Etsy shop
I will have 2-3 invitation only sales this year
I will offer 20 custom slots to be posted in the mail before October 31, 2011.
These will be the final custom slots available for this year.
This feels like a good mix to me.

This is one sweet dog!
xo

Keeping up with Lunette and Berrie makes a pool

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Lunette has landed in Anchorage Alaska and is visiting with Shannon and her family. You can keep up with this wee girl on a big journey by checking in with her new blog.

This picture has nothing to do with Lunette and her travels. This is me around 7 years old. I grew up near the beach in Southern California but still wanted a pool. This was my solution.

Lunette has left the building!

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Thu, 05 May 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Lunette is on her way to Alaska for the first leg of her "Round the World" trip. She will spend some time with Shannon of The Pine Cone Gnome. Lunette is taking gifts to share and is so excited to meet Shannon and her family.
xo

Sweet Baby Lunette

noreply@blogger.com (Berrie Hamby) — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:25:00 +0000

This is Lunette (Little Moon). She is a new style of doll I'm working on. Her arms and legs are very movable. She isn't button jointed though. I am so pleased with her 'floppiness" and all around feel.
Lunette is about to embark on a trip around the world. She will visit 11 other doll makers. They will add on to her name and possibly even make her a little something for her travels. Lunette will keep a travel diary and she will deliver gifts from one doll maker to another.
While she is getting her passport in order and packing her bags I will be making a special satchel for her to travel in. What a lucky girl.

Bon Voyage Lunette!
xo