A handmade leather duo for your 11 inch fashion dolls!

 This new two-piece ensemble is handmade, and stitched in leather.  The vest back is black snakeskin, and the front and side gussets are brown suede.  The vest has a chain closure, a la steam-punk, there is a metal fleur-de-lis charm hanging from the chain.  The handbag is tan leather with black leather side gussets, and a flap closure.  Check them out at the shop Craftique Redux!

A cute do-it-yourself project...

 Sometimes you've just got to 'make it yourself', because what you'll find on the shelf is not to your taste, or you have an idea for a unique creation.  Here's a pattern to create a tiny leather doll purse; you can substitute vinyl if you prefer.  The pattern is available at the Craftique Redux shop in the Etsy online marketplace, as an instant PDF download.  

Skeleton Lady Pincushion....or Voodoo Doll?

Unless you totally despite ultra-bony girls who wear patchwork skirts, my vote is that this creation is a....Pincushion!  I think it would look extra cute with a vintage brooch or two pinned to her skirt also.  You can find her in my Craftique Redux shop at Etsy.

Hot Mama Llama!

This llama was fun to make, though a bit time consuming (each of her 'hairs' was added on by hand!).  Although I was inspired by the pattern offered by the Red Heart yarn company, I went off-grid (just created her without a pattern) since I like to crochet when I'm watching TV, and it's too hard to try to follow a printed pattern then.  She stands 15" tall, and you can find her here:

I'm selling my model!

I've decided I don't want to fuss around with sewing on tiny buttons, tiny pattern pieces, etc. in doll clothing any longer, so I am selling my model Audrey.  She's an 18" Our Generation doll, and she can fit many different brands of doll clothing.  Find her at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dollcraftbuyselltrade/

Facebook Groups are the Outpost and Meeting Place for the Like-Minded

I've got SO many doll-making books (actually both teddy bears AND dolls) that I figured offering them in a group setting would ensure they get to happy new homes of other dollmakers.  I've started the Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dollcraftbuyselltrade/

Here, members can buy, sell, trade, and advertise their doll-related items in their shops - i.e., Gypsy Spoonful, Etsy, eBay, etc.). 

There weren't that many other doll groups on Facebook that had as wide a range of interests, they seemed limited to a certain type, etc..  But I'm quite eclectic in my doll tastes; I would love to have a beautiful Gene doll dressed to the nines; but I also love funky art dolls.  So if you too love dolls of any sort, come join in the fun!

Doll Fans unite in Facebook Group

If you love dolls, love making dolls, love trading dolls, selling and buying dolls and anything doll related (such as doll books, magazines, clothes, dollhouses, and doll furniture); I've just started a new Facebook Group to do just that.  Just visit Doll Craft Buy Sell Trade on Facebook; the more members, the more dolls!

The year is halfway over; have you gotten creative yet?

Well, June is fast approaching, and the year will be half over!  Have you kept up with that resolution to be more creative this year?  Check out Pokey Pokey Needlecraft Shop for a multitude of things to learn and do.  There's sewing, painting, wood craft, needlecraft, and more in books and kits. 

Back Issue of Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine October 2006

This back issue of Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine is from October 2006, and features the 'wickedly easy Gingerbread Witch' doll pattern, among others.  How about a cute Oktoberfest costume for your American Girl doll, for starters?  Many other projects, articles, and photos for inspiration in your doll making!  Find this issue at the Craftique Redux shop in the Etsy online marketplace.

Make a pretty Fantasy Puff Doll

Recycle a damaged 11" fashion doll into a pretty fantasy creation. It's a great way to use up your stash of embellishments, fabric, and imagination! Includes the full sized pattern:

http://www.lulu.com/content/multimedia/make-a-fantasy-puff-doll/8141919

Meet Kitty Pearl....

Kitty Pearl is a 6" wool felt cat doll that is wearing her favorite dress (made of pearls!). The tutorial for Kitty Pearl includes the full size doll pattern and the directions for making her pearl dress, with instructions and photographs.

Art Doll Pen Tutorial

Create an adorable art doll on a refillable pen. These little dolls are addictive to make, and are a great way to use up beautiful bits of fibers and beads from your stash. The tutorial includes a full size pattern, and directions. $5.00

The mermaid's tale is finished....

The little mermaid is now completed. Her tail is completely beaded, her fiber embellishment has been added, and a beaded Grecian up-do has been styled for hair. She's now ready to bask peacefully on a stone....

A Mermaid's Tail....Follow her progress

I am going to document the creation of an art doll. I made a mermaid doll form, about 4" long. The form is half-polymer, half-fabric, a type which I sell occasionally on Etsy (look for busycrowstudio); and sometimes on eBay (look for serendipitydoo). The mermaid is posed lying on her tummy, with tail outstretched. This form has no hair, because it will be added last. Otherwise, it would only get in the way. I will probably do pure bead fringe for the hair, with some nice fibers blended in. The body is a deep blue color, and the batik fabric matches, but the fabric will be covered completely with bead embroidery.

Busy Crow Studio

Busy, busy crow..... with beading, sewing, dollmaking, gourds, carving, paper crafting, and much more. What drives one to create so? For this bird it is a relaxing pasttime.... I've landed on this blogspot due to Robin Atkins' Bead Journal Project. I haven't quite kept up, but am on my way to starting my second entry.