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Another bear doll

She is being sent as a gift to someone who has been generous to me. I like making these – they’re really cute and feel just right to hold. My 3 year old daughter is giving much encouragement at the moment with her exclamations of “oh Mum, she’s beautiful!” and by hanging around the sewing table to watch and read to me while I work. I even have to appreciate my 19 month old daughter snatching handfuls of wool from the bag and running off with them held to her face – at least she appreciates natural materials!

A near perfect evening….

by Kelly 2 Comments

Lastnight. The children were all silently tucked up in their beds. It was cool outside with a breeze. My husband sat at the keyboard playing beautiful, relaxing and random music. I sat at the table working on a doll at my leisure. The phone did not ring, there were no disturbances.
Sigh. It was wonderful.

Dolls

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Well, most of the day was spent dollmaking, after the usual housework drudgery was satisfactorily (half) complete. My doll inspiration seems to have returned with a vengeance, I only lament the lack of time compared to the number of ideas. Just came across the Froken Skicklig blog, how gorgeous are her dolls?! (not to mention her other work). What does she use for hair? How does she get her dolls to look so warm? Aren’t the little knitted caps beautiful? Can you tell I get excited when I find dolls I love?

Happy Saturday all!

Teddy bear

by Kelly 1 Comment

I finally finished this bear for my son. Bearmakers – I take my hat off to you, this is much more difficult than I thought! I had numerous problems in the making process and was not in positive spirits when I finished. He is 13 inches tall and passed the snuggle test lastnight, so at least he’ll be well loved.

Family Finance 3. Credit Cards

by Kelly 1 Comment

I’ve never owned a credit card. The only time I would like to use one is to simplify online purchases, but there are ways around that. I do not know anyone who does not have at least one credit card, and I do not know anyone who does not have credit card debt. Here is a very simple way to save money. Cut up your credit card/s.
Interest rates for mortgage loans may be falling to an all time low, but credit interest rates don’t change. How do you think the banks make all their money?
If you don’t want to give up the luxury/ headache of a credit card, focus on paying it off. Make more than the minimum repayments. Once you have paid it off ensure that it stays paid off.
Perhaps I sound a bit harsh in this post, but I really think it is up to the individual to be responsible with money. Part of that is not spending more than you earn and not spending money you don’t have (credit). Think about how much more that purchase is going to cost by the time you pay it off on your card. Is it worth it? Could you wait a bit longer and save the money, hence paying no interest?
I know that if I did get a credit card I would be constantly tempted to use it – its a temptation I don’t need.

Waldorf teddy doll

by Kelly 5 Comments

I’ve been thinking of combining doll and bear making for ages – and here she is!
I just happened to have some left over fur fabric from the bear I’m making for the boy, its so lovely and soft. I think this one would be a perfect night time companion. She is in my Etsy shop now, although some “little people” here would prefer that she stays……

SOLD – Thankyou Krissy!

Velvet pouch doll

by Kelly Leave a Comment

I’m really into these pouch dolls of late, they’re so snuggly and cute. This one is going into the Etsy shop.

I’m working on a new waldorf type design that I’m very enthusiastic about but requires a lot of planning and thought. It will also use some materials I haven’t used before, so I have more to learn.

Its really warm here today and not much happening after Mass this morning. We’re planning a trip to the beach tomorrow as its supposed to be hot.

Wool felt rabbit

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Here is what I came up with yesterday, I would make changes to the pattern if I make any more. The kids were competing over who was to be the new owner, but the boy won out. Unfortunately the rabbit was declared “too stiff” for snuggling in bed with!I’ve been checking out the Duggar’s website, this family has inspired me for a long time, truly wondrous.I hope you enjoy your weekend in peace and joy. God bless you all.

Emmeline apron

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Here it is, it took me forever to get on to it but my sister will finally get her Christmas present! I wholeheartedly recommend this pattern, it came together beautifully and looks fabulous. You can get it here but I purchased mine from the Crafty Mamas Shop.

Lastnight I drew up a bunny rabbit design for some of my wool felt, so I hope to get time to work on one today. I’m a little in between with projects, not really knowing what to do next. My dilemma is – I want to continue making waldorf dolls but my profit margin is so slim its not really worth the time and effort put in. I don’t know whether people will still buy them if I raise the prices. I think I’ll make a couple more, put them in the Etsy shop for a higher price and see what happens. On a regular sized doll I usually make $20 – 30 for about 15 hours work. And my time is limited.

Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time is make some bears as collectables so one of my aims for this year is to make a bear that I consider good enough to enter into a competition. Fingers crossed, we’ll see how I go!

Knitted pouch doll

by Kelly 2 Comments

What a blurry photo! I just finished this little doll tonight, she is so cute! She is a pouch doll with a knitted body and hat. I used some beautiful organic Victorian wool for the knitting, it is so good to use. I’m giving her to 18 month old daughter (no hair, so she can’t pull it all out!)