Polly dolly has a Halloween dress and bloomers!

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 changes of clothing!
This set is made especially for my 12" Bunny Doll, Polly. It would fit any prim style doll with a 6" chest circumference.
Check it out on ArtFire! Only $4.00 total including postage!

Prim Cat doll sculpture - a fun project!

 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 tutorials as well. Give it a try!

My kitty will be available on ArtFire in the next day or so.

Selling Success Through ArtFire Studio

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 success with ArtFire. And some success as well with Etsy. I have decided, even though creating enough items for both shops is a full time job in itself, that I am going to keep both open for the time being.
First of all, it seems Google really loves ArtFire. With a bit of SEO work, my items are being found on the first page of Google search results. Also, ArtFire welcomes you sharing your Etsy link in your Studio. A great backlink for your Etsy Shop!
ArtFire charges a monthly fee with no final sales fee, and listings do not expire. Etsy charges a listing fee and a final sales fee. I am still weighing the benefits of which is the better deal for the seller. I love them both actually and have high hopes of continuing with both of them.
One tip would be to "Brand" yourself... Both shops with the same name. I made the mistake of having ArtFire as HollysDollies and Etsy as Sweetwater Creations. I am considering closing Etsy and opening a new one as HollysDollies, despite the fact that I create more than dolls and doll clothes.

Handknit Grey and blue baby pullover

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 suggested I try making a couple more for the ArtFire Studio.
It was made using Caron Simply Soft in Heather Grey and Navy Blue. I love how the finished garment drapes. Soft and comfy.
Putting the finishing touches on a green sweater size NB-3mo. Again a non-traditional color of Caron Simply Soft, but the effect is so charming.
Scalped myself yesterday. Trying to clean a covered chicken run with a low ceiling. I got distracted and scraped the top of my head. Only one serious scrape, but, shoot did I carry on so!

Promote your Handcraft Shop - An Advertising Bargain

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 works hard at getting the word out there, as well as The Lord's Word.

I highly recommend that you advertise as Shop of the Week at ChristieCottage. It truly is worth the small investment. Advertising dollars well spent!

Make it a productive week. Create your to do list and give it to God. He'll take it from there.

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

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!

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 be gone.

Visit the giveaway and enter!
http://knitting-monkeefan.blogspot.com/2011/07/giveaway-doll-size-quilt.html