I haven't updated this blog in a while. It's because there are not 36 hours in a day, so hence, no time for blogs!

I've been working really hard on creating and growing my custom doll business. Of course, I've now grown bored with it. Here's my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Plays-with-Dolls/185144718203542 I make dolls like this. Her name is Candy Graham.

I'm pretty passionless right now which is odd for me. I'm usually very consumed by SOMETHING in my life. But nothing is doing it for me now (husband and kids aside of course!). I want to write, but I'm stuck on my novel. You can read about that ongoing battle here: http://311000words.blogspot.com/ It's great reading if you are tired but can't sleep.

Lillian is at the table behind me coloring. She loves to color. So do I! I think I'm going to join her.

Scrapbooking, Pictures, Photo Albums, Baby Books and Other things I will never get Done

I think the title says it all, but I'll expound.

I have this irrational fear that if I don't do all of that then I'm some sort of a)sub-par mom or b)my children will think I don't love them. We'll be at their graduation party and they'll look around at the last minute crap I compiled over a 72 hour period and say, "OMG did you see KATLAYINA'S table? Her mother must love her a lot." Then go to college thinking I'm a schlub. That is until they get to be about 30, look back and think, "How the heck did my mom EVER raise me?"

I know, because that's what I think almost daily.

=D

Sew Cute!

Just wanted to talk about my newest doll obsession. Hopefully, it's one Lillian will share with me! I bought her 3 dolls to replace my old ones that I had used for decoration in her bedroom. She's starting to be very mobile and curious and I don't want anything she can reach in her bedroom to be hands-off.

They are hard plastic rag dolls with fabric clothing called Lalaloopsy. Each one comes with an equally adorable pet! Here are the dolls I got Lillian:

Suzette La Sweet

Seriously! What could be more precious!? I'm loving the pink poodle, especially since we dye Scarlet's ears pink on occasion. 

Crumbs Sugar Cookie

I love that this girl is wearing a jumper. She reminds me of my tomboy/girly self circa elementary school. The yellow and pink play so well together, I just couldn't resist her! And I tried! Several, several times I said "no," but then I gave in!

Blossom Flowerpot

This is the doll that started it all.  I held two dolls to Lillian when she was about 10 months old and this is the one she grabbed. I put it away for her 1st birthday, but now I'm seeing these are going to be a fun thing to collect!

I have a few more here at the house, but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them. I bought them because they are hard to find and I know there will be other moms out there that want them. I don't plan on selling them on Ebay for profit, just having them available to other moms come December when their little girl wants a doll that vultures bought 2 months before. I found these online and they were literally out of stock the next day! Here they are!

Ember Flicker Flame

Ember is even MORE adorable in person! I really want to keep her for myself because she is that darling! I might...I just might!

Tippy Tumbelina

Tippy is not as cute in person but still a cutie. Her dress is darker than what is shown here. However, I do think Lalaloopsy does a good job of providing a doll that they actually market.  She has freckles, which of course I love! But freckles are very easy to add to any doll. I think I'll be giving Crumbs Sugar Cookie some.

Swirly Figure Eight

Swirly was "sewn on" my birthday, but that would probably be the only reason I would keep her. I think it was that cute penguin that really made me think she was sew cute. She's "ok" and I'm sure there's a little girl out there that would love to have her! Can't lie...I'm tempted to debox her and just keep that penguin!


And here is the doll that I really want but can't find! Well, I can but she's been vultured out. 

Jewels Sparkle

I know it's the kitty that makes me love this doll! 


These dolls are super precious and I love them not only for their cuteness but because they remind me of all the clothes my mother made me as a child. I look at them and think about her and all the time we spent at the fabric store together. I miss those days. I know that if she were able we'd be making little dresses for these dolls and Lillian together. We'd be unstoppable sewing and crafting cute-a-holics! 

Party Prep!

I've spent several hours over the past couple of days hand-making all the decorations for Lillian's First Birthday party. It's been fun! But, boy o' boy, does it take a lot of time and make a super mess. Today's focus was the "cake pop" stand. I'm in love with it and may have to find a way to display it in her room later!

Found this at Meijer. It comes in several pieces.
Here it is set up and untouched.

My first theme for her birthday party was "Candy Shoppe Cutie," but I was unable to get some of the items I needed in time. So, I switched it over to "Patterned Dollie." Here's Lillian playing with an inspiration piece. 

I don't know which doll is cuter!
Oh, wait, yes I do!
It's Lillian!

  

I used a lot of what I had laying around the house, but I also spent a lot of time browsing Etsy and the Scrapbook Corner here in town. After using all my goodies, this is what I came up with for the cake pop stand.

Finished cake pop stand.
The cake pops slip right inside the "holders."

I've made a lot more decorations including a "Happy Birthday" banner. Some of the decorations are included in this picture. I'll post pictures of the entire party after Sunday.

Let's Play Dress Up

It's October which means it's time to gear up for Halloween! Brady and I picked out his costume weeks ago. It's going to be homemade! It's the first costume for him that I will have made. I'm excited. He's going to be a Lego Minifigure.



Lego Minifigures. There are literally 100s to choose from!

 We are going to use Pringles cans for the arms. I'm not sure how I'll construct the head yet. And with Zach's shipping store we have access to several different boxes in all shapes and sizes. (OMG...shhhh...don't tell my mother! She has a love affair with cardboard boxes. We used to have to go behind the grocery story on Thursday nights and scalp them.)

Lillian's costume has not been so easy! Below are the top choices. She's at such a cute age right now. The toddling makes costumes even more adorable!



I think I like how soft and cuddly Lillian would be if she wore this! And the antenna are adorable. I could see them bouncing around as she looked up at us.



Zach calls Lillian his "angel baby" so this would be very fitting! It just don't think it's as cute and cuddly. It is low on the list, but still an option. And I highly doubt she'd keep that halo on!




My favorite for obvious reasons!

 

This is the runner up. I'm loving all the details and the pink color. Also the yarn makes it look even more cuddly than the kitten.

Those are my choices. We'll have to see what Daddy says now!

Party Dress

I've begun my search for the perfect 1st birthday dress for Lillian. I thought at first I'd go the fun little tutu with a onesie route. But, then I thought, "This is her FIRST BIRTHDAY. You sent out over 30 invitations. She's NOT wearing a onesie." I really want a dress with polka dots, which is turning out easier said than done. Below is an abbreviated version of my journey thus far.

Things to note:
1. I want to get her 1 year old pics done in this dress as well.
2. She will not be wearing it when she eats her cake!

First things first...online retail shopping at the "big stores."

 

This is a pretty dress and of course Lillian would look super cute in it. But the theme is "candy shoppe cutie" and I feel like I could find something better.

 

If this dress is strawberry instead of red I think it's a good choice. It's cute and the color goes with the theme!

I saw this in the store last night and almost bought it, but they didn't have Lillian's size. It's darling, but the color might not be perfect for her. And with the fabric, it's certainly a "party dress" which is what I'm really going for.

This might be the winner from this category. What says party more than silver polka dots!? Lillian looks really pretty in white, too. It's on sale, and I'm going to put it towards the top of the list.



Now on to "Etsy." The selection is varied and somewhat overwhelming, while at the same time being a little disappointing.

Here's what I had in mind when I said tutu. It's sooooo darling! I want it! I don't know...I think it's going to the top of the list again.





Super cute! But I think it's better for a 3 year old. The flower headband is obnoxious.




Then, I got into the idea of a smocked dress. Reminds me of the ones my mom made me when I was little. So cute, so nostalgic. But just not right for a party dress. I think I might get one for Easter or this summer though.




This one combines a tutu and a party dress feel, plus it has cupcakes. I wish the top weren't a sweatheart neckline though. I don't see it sitting right on Lillian or any baby really.



I finally gave up and wondered if I couldn't make my own dress for her at this point. Maybe I'll make a cute tutu dress for her to eat her cake in, and buy a party dress. In the meantime, I think I'm going to buy this and wear it to the party. If only they made a dress like this for Lillian I'd be all set!



 

Yes, I realize they sell pre-made invitations. Why do you ask?

Spent yesterday on a variety of projects. The biggest one being Lillian's 1st Birthday party invites. I didn't do this all in one day, I just finally got it all done yesterday.

First, I made a bunch of blank notecards. The theme for her party is "candy shoppe cutie." The colors match her bedroom and the overall theme of just putting together cute, handmade things.

Next, I cut out a printed information block that I could add to each note card. I've spent the last 3 weeks trying to find a date everyone could make it to the party, including her daddy! So, I needed this part to be last minute. I printed them off just before I sent them out.

I then put it all together, but in the meantime this happened! 

Mommy! Look how precious I am!

I can help, too! You're just making messes, right?

Who could resist picking up that cutie!?

After spending some quality time with Lillian, I was able to finish the invites. Here's the final product.

I then had to get together some items for a custom doll I sold. I believe in great packaging and exceeding my customer's expectations. Here's the doll all boxed up with the goodies displayed.

The small photos inspired me to make an album. I thought it might be something I could sell on Etsy. But, it took longer than anticipated, so I think I'll just keep it. Maybe I'll offer "create your own" albums you pre-order. 

Mini Doll Album

Brady and I have been wanting to make Halloween decorations for a few days. We finally found the time last night, but he decided he'd rather have puppets! It was fun, and I'm still working on them. He said to me, "Mom, you're the best cutter." I was proud! Oh, the little things!

Showing off our puppets

I was pretty tired after my long day of crafting! Ha! But, that's how I spent my 24 hours, at least the parts I really enjoyed and took pictures of. Zach and I watched some TV, talked, and went to bed. All in all, a good day!