Double the Price Double the Fun!

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 fantastic start on getting items listed (note - need to get snaps and velcro and sewing machine needles, and lace to finish those need to be finished things!).
And the third problem I need to make a decision on. To have each shop focus on something in particular. I am leaning heavily toward yes since a terrible fiasco over the weekend convinced me that certain items will simply have to go in the other shop. 
Now off to work on some long over-due seasonal dresses for my bunny doll. I need to make another doll before I make the clothes. First up will be Halloween, the Thanksgiving/Autumn, then Christmas/Winter - I'd love to knit her up a wee hat and scarf!

Handmade Doll Clothes Dress Completed!

I am such a procrastinator when it comes to adding embellishments to stuff. Got off my duff and got this adorable little dress finished!
It's a pink and white polkadot dress with peter pan collar. Ribbon around waist and ribbon bow and rose at collar. This set includes white panties and the slipper/shoes and is available at my SweetwaterCreations Esty Shop . Only $6.00 and $2.00 shipping!
Waist measurement- 8-9 inches
Arm circumference- 3-3 1/2 inches may stretch just a bit more.

Two new dolls coming to live with us!

I really thought I was going to get in trouble for "investing" in a doll (2 actually). But hubby was pretty cool about it.
I showed him pictures of the two dolls, one was an auction win, and a couple of clothes patterns I downloaded, cringing all the while wondering how unhappy he'd be.
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise.... all he said was, "Well, it looks like you've been pretty busy. When are you going to finish that skinny doll and the bear?"
I've been struggling over what types of dolls to collect and stressing over some of the prices. I want to sew clothes for Every Kind of Doll out there, but realize that is a long term goal. Today I made the decision to simply add the Baby Face Dolls to cloth dolls and Barbies and call it a good start. DeeDee and Sandi will be coming home sometime next week. I will be making some welcome home outfits. They are going to be walk alike and talk alike twins for now.
Was this investment business/work related? Sure, why not?
Tomorrow seriously, the bear will be finished and I will be working out the details for his GIVEAWAY!!!! Stay tuned!!! He is turning out so cute!

Webpages Updated at Holly's Dollies

I've spent the morning updating 4 pages on Holly's Dollies Web Site. All about doll clothes. I've gotten a few new outfits finished and photographed.

Doll Clothes Added separate categories for the different types of dolls. 

American Girl Added 2 new dresses. 

Barbie and Friends Added a crocheted business dress and jacket for Barbie and 2 outfits for Skipper 

Baby Dolls Only 1 set finished. A jumper and shirt for 14-16" baby.

As always, custom color orders are welcome.

New Prim Cloth Doll Finished

This adorable little girl turned out so nice!
Her body is made from hand dyed muslin to a wonderful walnut cocoa brown. Of course, I saved the dye mixture for future dolls! I've tried so many times to get a nice brown color. Mostly always ended up with a maroon or purple-ey black.
Hand painted features with gorgeously shaded brown eyes done in acrylic paint and colored pencil.
Featured in my Etsy Shoppe.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65779458/prim-african-american-doll-raggedy-10

15" Raggedy Ann and Andy photographed

I don't see how professional crafters/doll artists manage! How do you juggle production, website management, PR and housework???! Kudos to those who do all of this themselves. I am having a hard time trying to manage!

Anyway, it is a wonderful challenge to get much as I can done... in  a day (week?). The frustration is having dishes piled 3 feet high in the sink, dust bunnies running rampant, and a bored kid.

I finished a 15" Raggedy Ann and Andy pair and finally got pictures taken. The quality of my pictures is improving! Getting better and better! Charlie is still trying to get pictures of lightning...keep trying bud! 

This pair was made with small children in mind. Hand painted features in non-toxic acrylic paint, sewn on wig, no buttons.

The 36" dolls are incredible! Always wanted a huge dolly growing up. I still need to add hair to one; stuff, paint and add hair to the other one. Their clothing is already made and ready for button accents.
See them here: http://hollys-dollies.sweetwatercreations.com/raggedies.html

With the sound of thunder, I shall sign off here....egads the horse and chickens will soon be sprouting gills... but the garden is looking fabulous!

Scrappy Armrest pincushion - Free pattern

Image via Wikipedia

While taking a break from sewing (winding bobbins is so boring!!!), I was surfing for free patterns and different goodies and came across this adorable armrest pincushion.

http://duringquiettime.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrappy-armrest-pincushion-tutorial.html

Another item for my "to do" list!

Making progress on the first set of 15" Raggedy Ann and Andy. I have enough flesh fabric left over that I can make a body for the 36" version....sweet talk hubby into letting me get some dress fabric!!! I'd love to make the 36" version. She'd look so cute sitting on the studio sleeper sofa (good inspiration to keep the clutter off it!).

Online Craft Mall is a Go!

Image via Wikipedia

It's official!

     I have decided to create an online craft mall! The startup of any business or venture is usually a lot of hard work with little result. I love a challenge, so this is perfect! I have registered my chosen domain name and have the hosting all setup. 
     While shopping for templates and graphics, I saw some really nice sets, but they were a bit pricey for me right now. Then I realized I could, with some effort, create my own web set. Is it worth saving $30-50? I could use that dough for advertising the site and gaining traffic. Creating my own set will take quite a chunk of my time, but we can call it sweat equity!
    The plan is to gather the images I want to use for the site and make a rough penand paper sketch of the layout design. I was going to tell the site name, butI think it should wait for the debut! Then I need to decide on ad/listing rates. Being as this is new with little to no traffic, the rates are going to be exremely low. Still researching the beginning rates.
     Going to work on a traditional Raggedy pair today. The sewing machine is getting dusty!
Be well, go out and make it a good day for yourself.