Hollys Crafts Blog

Barbie Doll Diorama Box

2012-01-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Started to create a new room for Barbie and Fashion Doll Photo shoots. The idea for this is to use a foldable cardboard box for easy storage but provide an interesting background for taking photos of Barbie and her friends.Here are photos of the progress. Items used printable dollhouse wallpapers, calender photos for outside window scene (interchangeable!). This is planned out to be a

Drop Spindle Spinning - Success at Last!

2012-01-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Success at last! For about 2 years I have been trying to learn how to do hand spinning on a drop spindle. A lady gave me a bottom whorl version and it just would not talk to me. No matter how many videos I watched or how many people tried to help me learn, it would not click. I watched a video or two or three of folks using a top whorl drop spindle and decided to order one. While waiting for

Dress Pattern Design for 8 inch Berenguer Baby

2011-12-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

After some trial and error, I have designed a dress pattern for the 8 inch Berenguer Baby doll. The first one was too big. No biggie since it fits the Toddler Baby. This one fits a bit tightly on the shoulders. The arm holes are tight. Will tweak the pattern pieces just a little. Then it is on to working out a panties pattern for a set. I think I might offer the pattern, after tweaking. If I

Very first homemade apple pie (crust too!)

2011-11-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

This has been put off way too long. I have always been so afraid of trying to bake a pie from scratch. We've been working hard on changing what we eat and how it's prepared. Today, I baked my very first homemade apple pie crust and all. We haven't sampled it yet, but it sure looks pretty! It wasn't nearly as hard as I had convinced myself it was. This fantastic website,"My Home Cooking" helped me

Round Ripple Baby Blanket

2011-11-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

This Round Ripple Baby Afghan was created using Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn in Turqua, Yellow and White. Finished size is 36" across. It was fun and fairly fast to work up. So many color ideas. I'd love to do one queen size in turquoise, white and tan for our bed.This blanket is available at ArtFire. Custom color requests are always welcome. Pattern is a free pattern available here

SuperPoints - Earn Points and cash

2011-11-07T18:39:00.002-07:00

Simply by completing offers, viewing videos and playing the SuperPoints Button game, earn points which are redeemable for cash, gift cards, Wii and Xbox 360 and more. And you can earn from your downline as well! By spending as much as 30 minutes a day, you could earn $5-15 weekly. The links below are for one person per link. I will have 4 links here and will add more as they are used up. http:/

ArtFire Collection "Colors of Autumn"

2011-11-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this great collection featuring splendid fall colors in items created by the talented artists in the Power Promoters ArtFire Group. #widgetcont p{ padding:0; margin:0; } .title_brown, .title_brown a, .title_brown a:link, .title_brown a:active, .title_brown a:visited, .title_brown a:hover { color:#dfa754; font-weight:bold; } .title_charc, .title_charc a, .title_charc a:link, .

Purple and White Hand knit baby sweater complete

2011-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Put the finishing touches on this cute sweater. I love the slip stitch pattern. Pattern is from Leisure Arts Precious Layettes to Knit, pattern #4 "Dapper". Definitely not as hard as it may look. I used Caron Simply Soft acrylic yarn in purple and white. The drape of this yarn is fantastic. This pattern has been used to create 2 layettes (one in lavender and white, and one in mint green and white

Hand knitted scarf project

2011-10-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

There has always been a fear of knitting scarves! I had this idea of knitting the same row over and over and over again was going to be too boring for me to hold my interest. Seeking a challenge I chose a lacy leaf pattern. Was it ever a challenge!!! With two boys at home 24/7, there isn't much quiet time and I am not a multi-tasker, though I have tried to teach myself to do more than one thing

Lavender crocheted Barbie Bed doll on ArtFire - Price Reduced!

2011-10-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Bills are piling up, and I want to be able to create some new items, so.... I will be cutting prices on many items in my ArtFire Studio. The first is my Lavender Barbie Bed Doll. This beautiful set includes the doll, gown, slip, and pillow form. Reduced to $50 from $75. http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/HollysDollies/3532205

Polly dolly has a Halloween dress and bloomers!

2011-10-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

I've had this outfit finished for a week or so, but with so many orders coming in for items, I haven't had a chance to get it photographed and listed on ArtFire. Finally! This adorable little outfit consists of a purple background with witches, ghosties, spiderwebs, black cats and pumpkins. The orange frayed apron is sewn onto the dress. Neckline and bloomers waistline have thread ties for easy

Prim Cat doll sculpture - a fun project!

2011-09-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

A wonderful paperclay cat doll tutorial was shared in a sculpting group. (S)he was so cute, I had to give it a go! I used polymer clay instead of air dry clay and decided the arms and legs on mine will be primitively jointed. The photos do not do this cute kitty justice. This project would be very well suited to beginners. Paper Clay Kitty Doll Tutorial There are also a lot of other great

Selling Success Through ArtFire Studio

2011-09-03T10:53:00.002-07:00

Today is Shop Hop Saturday, where shop owners share links and help promote others in their online selling endeavors. For those who have been following along with my DRAMA over whether to try ArtFire or stick with Etsy or both or neither, this may be of some enlightenment and encouragement to follow your heart and the rest will come. Since opening my studio, I have been having great

Handknit Grey and blue baby pullover

2011-08-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

This cute little boys' knit pullover was a custom order in grey and blue to fit a 6 mo old. As usual, I think I made it a wee oversized, but that's ok, the lil tike can grow into it over the coming winter! I hadn't thought about using non-traditional baby blue, pink and mint green colors. My husband even commented on how nice this pullover looks, and that is a major compliment in itself! He

Promote your Handcraft Shop - An Advertising Bargain

2011-08-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Image by Isolino via FlickrMy ArtFire Studio, HollysDollies, is featured in "Shop of the Week" at christieCottage blog for the week of August 14-21. The Sales Fairy has already visited! Through the link to my shop, someone visited the link to my blog and purchased an item. ChristieCottage is a fantastic blog host, the owner really knows how to promote her site and other crafters products. She

The winner of the giveaway doll quilt is......

2011-08-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ruthi, aka abitosunshine! Congrats, Ruthi! Email me your shipping address and I will have it in the mail tomorrow! monkeefan66 at gmail dot com

One day left to enter the doll quilt giveaway!

2011-08-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

Only one day left to enter the giveaway. Only 6 valid entries so far. Come on! You can have up to 3 valid entries per day. Simply tweet, facebook share and comment on the giveaway post. I need confirmations of tweets and shares. The drawing will be tomorrow evening at 7pm mountain time. The deadline will be 6pm mountain time. We'll be out fishing again tomorrow and no telling how long we will

New addition 8 Inch Berenguer Doll

2011-07-31T18:04:00.002-07:00

Friday, I met a new friend at a craft shop. She encouraged me to try designing my own crocheted doll dresses and such. I was really hesitant to try to do this with a larger doll, like the American Girl Doll. So while we were shopping at Wally World, I browsed the dolly section to see if there was a smaller doll that wanted to come home with me. Well, of course they were ALL crying to me. I found

Giveaway - Doll Size Quilt!

2011-07-26T08:05:00.004-07:00

Front Of Quilt Back Of Quilt This giveaway is for a 14½” x 14½” doll quilt in the 9-Patch pattern. Strips are a white floral print and backing is a country girl print. Machine quilted. Perfect size for 18” dolls like American Girl Doll, Our Generation, Gotz, Madame Alexander or even a baby doll to cuddle in.This is the first quilt I’ve made in over 20 years

Double the Price Double the Fun!

2011-07-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I cringe at the thought of having two shops open (plus one other which is free so it won't count in the stress factor). One fear is can I produce enough to supply both shops? I think I can I think I can. Another fear is the fees. Can I afford the fees? Not so sure on that one, but I have to try. I've made some really good friends on each. Dear Lord knows I have enough supplies to make a

Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice Collection on ArtFire

2011-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Fond memories of nursery rhymes! Sugar and Spice and Everything nice, that's what little girls are made of! This collection features items that are sugary, spicey and ever so nicey! take a peek and please do leave a comment! thank you! #widgetcont p{ padding:0; margin:0; } .title_brown, .title_brown a, .title_brown a:link, .title_brown a:active, .title_brown a:visited, .title_brown a:hover {

"Sharing The Love" ArtFire Collection

2011-07-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

This collection was put together featuring items from a group of artisans who gathered together to help promote each other. More folks are signing up, so we can all make more collections! These items would all make excellent gifts. #widgetcont p{ padding:0; margin:0; } .title_brown, .title_brown a, .title_brown a:link, .title_brown a:active, .title_brown a:visited, .title_brown a:hover { color:

Handknit Dishcloth small

2011-07-14T10:09:00.002-07:00

Got quite a few items finished up yesterday! One is a really cute "mini" dishcloth that I minied a tad more! It is The Foaming Waves pattern by Nettie DiLorenzo. This one was knitted in yellow with blue bands to add some spark. The finished size is 6.75" x 6.75". It is available in my Etsy Shop. Foaming Waves Mini knit dishclothhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/77785191/

ArtFire Collection Posted - Frogs And Snails And Puppy Dog Tails

2011-07-09T16:49:00.001-07:00

My very first ArtFire collection was created this morning entitled "Frogs And Snails And Puppy Dog Tails". It is a collection of 12 fantastic items featuring Frogs, Snails and Puppy Dogs. It turned out to be a really cute collection! Please be sure to visit this collection and check back as I gather items for future collections!

Knitted Picture Dishcloth Rooster

2011-07-07T20:44:00.001-07:00

Picture Dishcloth Rooster Bringing back the memories! Way back in 2005, I taught myself how to knit with an instructional book and the Internet. My first project was a dishcloth with a rooster, "Rodney". I used the wrong type of yarn (acrylic instead of cotton) and I am sure the wrong size needles. Now 6 years later, I've done another one. This time with the correct type of yarn and needles.

Baby Face So Surprised Suzie - those wascawy wabbits!

2011-07-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Suzie and I went out to the garden yesterday afternoon to check on how things were looking. Mom can't seem to keep it watered well enough, but ..... Little Miss Suzie insisted that she wear the "New Old Clothes" I made for her, since it was so hot outside and she feels like such a big girl when she gets to wear her bra tops. Lo and behold! What did we find? A wabbit was eating the corn stalks!

Crocheted Barbie Bed Doll - lavender

2011-07-02T15:52:00.003-07:00

I finished adding the embellishments to the Barbie Bed Doll and got some photos. "Miss October" in lavender and purple from the Victorian Ladies Centennial Collection. I still need to work on styling her hair. I will update the photos once I do get a successful style accomplished.The bodice, skirt, train, bustle and bustle pad are crocheted in lavender; the crocheted ribbon and lace trim ribbon

ArtFire and promoting other artists

2011-06-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

I signed up for a free 30 day trial at ArtFire this morning. I am going to give this a try to see how well sales go. I transferred two of my expired Etsy listings over and will transfer two or three others later in the week. Please head over to Holly's Dollies at ArtFire and let me know what you think. I will be spending the rest of the day getting it all set up. I have also been following along

Dress for Baby Face

2011-06-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased with how this turned out! This set has a white with sunshine print petticoat, yellow overskirt and cape that is yellow lined with the sunshine print. This set would fit most 12-14" toddler type doll, like Betsy McCall, Galoob Baby Face (modeled by Miss Susie). Also finished, but not photographed is a "Recycled Challenge" outfit of denim bellbottom pants and bandana bra top for

Raccoon Counted Cross-stitch Progress

2011-06-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got a color copy of the raccoon pattern. I am not quite as happy with it now. The back feet are nowhere to be seen. And for some reason that is going to bother me to no end.But, I will keep plugging along with this one. Progress has been pretty good. I had to re-do the ears area, I skipped a row and refused to fudge that little goof, especially since it is the raccoon's head. I need a

Finished handmade Barbie Doll Clothes

2011-05-21T18:52:00.002-07:00

I spent several hours yesterday going through all the fabric remnants and scraps trying to figure out some nice outfits for Barbie and Skipper. Not many small prints. Found some great pieces for a patchwork bear or two. Today, I sewed two rompers for Barbie and finished one wrap gown and another almost finished. I am still looking for a well loved Skipper doll to use to make sure these outfits

Counted Cross Stitch - Frustrations overcome!

2011-05-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

I've never done cross-stitch. I love seeing completed framed examples. While shopping to redecorate the kitchen (Roosters, sunflowers and crows), I saw a Rooster Counted Cross Stitch kit that I really loved and thought I could do it. Three-and-a-half years later, I am not even a third of the way done. The kit was poorly designed, especially for a beginner (and I really shouldn't have picked

Handmade 18 inch doll clothes

2011-04-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

I spent the past few days sewing some doll clothes for the 18 inch slim dolls like American Girl, Madame Alexander, Our Generation and others of similar size. One outfit is a lavender short tank top and purple floral shorts. The other is a hearts print short dress and capri shorts. Both sets are available and can be found on the Handmade Doll Clothes 18" webpage. We have secure PayPal buttons

"G" is for Granny Square Afghans

2011-04-08T08:56:00.004-07:00

Image by eef-ink via FlickrI am falling behind on the A-Z challenge. I honestly don't think I will get them all done by the end of April. I will attempt to spend the next few days getting as much as I can accomplished. Today is "G" for Granny Squares! I love the old fashioned granny square afghans.I've made 5 over the years. Two were color themed (one was various shades of yellow and the other in

“F” is for First Name – in Japanese

2011-04-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Image by DominusVobiscum via Flickr