How to: Mini-Dolls

Need something quick and easy to make for your children? Thes mini-dolls are super fun to play with and can be sewn up in an afternoon.

Pick out fabric that you'd like to use. I chose this cute Japanese import with little girls. Fabric with animals or other people work well also. Many of the Japanses imports have a small scale to the design.

Cut out the pieces you'd like to use. Don't worry about them being perfect. I made these into small circles, but depending on the scale of your "dolls" you can stitch them around the body shape.

Pin them to a felt backing. This will give them a little bit of structure [stiffness] and help them stand up better. [any thick-ish material will work]

Sew around your dolls. Make sure to leave an opening so you can turn them right side out and stuff them.

Turn your doll right side out and stuff. I like to use bamboo stuffing. It have a great shape and feel to it inside children's toys. Any polyester, cotton or bamboo stuffing will work though.

Stitch up the hole. I stitch these by hand, as they are pretty small.

Play!! I made a little tote purse for these girls to live in. Keeps them all in one place, and it's extra fun for your little one. A blanket and a kitty were added for accessories. Get creative!

Tiny Canary this weekend!

Just a quick reminder for anyone local, Tiny Canary is this weekend! Get all your holiday gifts, handmade and all in one spot this weekend.

This weekend, November 14-15th @ Junctionview Studio's.

10-6pm each day.

I will be there both days, so stop by and say hello. I'll have all my usual finding, some fun new bib prints and lots of yummy, colorful quilts!

It's a great show that houses lots of talented artists! Plus, the organizers are passing out to the first 100 in attendance each day:

A FREE Tiny Canary tote bag stuffed with coupons and other goodies!

Mini Houses

Over the long weekend, I was able to get a bunch of stuff completed, and spend time with the family. I finally got the studio tidied up. Some furniture was moved around, some went to the garage and my favorite thrifted find came back in, a cool old table [I'll show you pictures later this week].

With the new table added to the studio, I now have a computer space and a sewing space separate from each other. I used to have to move the sewing stuff, while on the laptop and clear away all my papers and files when I wanted to sew. Sometimes it was just too much energy and I decided against sewing. Often I only had a few minutes anyways and didn't want to spend it shifting materials. It's so AWESOME to have a nice clear desk to sew whenever my work calls to me!

So, with all this new found space I had to work on a couple things! I've been making these mini houses for a few weeks now. Each one is stitched by hand, with lots of love. I've found that I can handsewn while schooling the kids, so when I finish one of these, I feel like I accomplished two things in the time of one-yay. As a mom of three young kids, this is rarely a feeling I have. I love the texture and little bits of other things sewn in. I hate throwing away fabric, even tiny bits, so these houses make me happy to see my little pieces made into something cool.

They can be hung on a wall [I recommend three in a row], used as an ornament or added to a shelf that needs a little fun. These few still needs their sides stitched up, but I wanted to show them off. I will have a small batch of them at the Independence Day show.

I have more "new goodies" to show off later this week. I've been working hard at a few new products and I'm really excited to show them off!

Hang Tags

I've had several requests for info lately about my hang tags and sewn in tags. I thoughts I'd share my approach with everyone.

1. I set up a file, business card sized. I added my logo twice to the card, equally spaced out. They can be horizontal or vertical depending on your design. They can be as simple or complex as you'd like, single or doubled sided depending on how good your skills are at making sure they line up correctly.

2. Upload and order file you created from a card company. Make sure to check your proof!

3. Your brand new box of business cards arrive at your home. Say "Woo-Hoo" at the mail box and rush into your house.

4. Take a paper cutter and cut those pretty new tags in half.

5. Hole punch the ends. [I use a TINY hole punch purchased from a craft store]

6. Attach to your fine, handcrafted item and your done!

I attach mine to my items with the plastic tags that big box stores use. It keeps them secure and I like the professional look. You could also use yarn, twine, cool frayed & textured fabric, chord--anything you'd like!