Eleven

I just realized that I never introduced my first elephant. Well, actually, she wasn't my first, she was my ELEVENTH. No, not a typo. It took many, many tries to get my pattern just the way I wanted it. Fifteen to be exact. Just when I was ready to give up and try a different species, I took another look at each head I had created (the trunk was the hard part so I made lots of heads) and realized I had gotten the look I was after a few tries earlier.

I just love the upturned trunk and big ears.

This gal was my first attempt at the pattern made out of an entirely different fabric, a mohair fur. This stuff is tricky to work with and very expensive, averaging over $100 per yard, but the results are so worth the cost and efforts! I am planning an upload Thursday evening, time to be announced, of fur elephants.




The fur elephants are fully jointed and have glass eyes. Because of this , I am legally required to list them as being suitable for adult collectors. They will be priced at $98 to start while I get the hang of things.

I will have preview pics of the elephants for the shop tomorrow, please check back around lunch time... If all goes well they will be done by then  :)

xoxo Debra

Elephants!

I know it has been quiet around here.... but boy have I ever been busy!  I have been working super hard on something I think is extremely cute, and I hope you find them cute too :)

I just love elephants.... these three are on their way home. 

Each elephant is about 9 inches tall and made from cotton corduroy and stuffed with wool.  They have black safety eyes but are button jointed so I don't recommend them for small kids to play with... but they sure would be sweet sitting on a shelf as part of the decor!  I have several more cut out and am working on some variations as well.  Can't wait for the rest of the fabrics to arrive! 

Please remember to subscribe to these posts to stay up to date, Facebook is rolling out more changes and it may get even harder to see my posts there.  My plan is to use the blog as my main source of letting everyone know what is on my worktable, then to tweet about it (I am @Honeydotz if you are on Twitter) and the tweet will generate a post on my page.... I think.... assuming I have it all set up correctly.  Anyway, the blog posts will be brief for a bit as I will be working hard on sewing up a whole herd of these little guys. 

I am off to watch some Charlie Chaplin movie shorts with my kids.... love Charlie Chaplin!

xo Debra

Last Dolls of 2012

Finale

I just finished putting the final touches on 2 very special little dolls...

Kara

and Sadie...

These dolls will always hold a very special place in my heart for so many reasons.  First off, they each come with a set full of wonderful accessories.  Not only are they each wearing fabulous outfits by The Melamoose Co. , Melanie made them each a few extra outfits:  Kara has 2, Sadie has 3.  Each gal also has a very special little elephant friend I made from a pattern designed by my new friend Shelly of Gingermelon.  The little elephants were so much fun to make.  I have been longing to create a couple of sets for a while now.  I always love the idea of getting a doll with a complete wardrobe and a special friend.  And a suitcase.  You have to love a pink suitcase!

The other reason these dolls will always be special to me is they are most likely the last dolls I will make under the Apple Tree House name.  Don't worry, I will still be making dolls!  I will just be doing them all under my Honeydotz brand name.  I am registering with the CSPIA to make sure I am in compliance with all laws governing things made for children and it will be much easier to keep track of things if it is all in one place.  Please take a moment and "Like" the Honeydotz Facebook Fan Page and check out the Honeydotz Web Site.  I am planning a lot of fun stuff, including a giveaway (or 2!!) and some free stuff as well.

For now, both dolls are available in my Apple Tree House Etsy Shop.  I will copied this post from my AppleTreeHouse blog so everyone would know what was in store :)

As always, thank you so much for your continued support on this fun adventure!

xo Debra

Waldorf Doll Making Kits

I have been having so much fun making these new rag dolls and seeing what people are making with my patterns.  I thought it would be fun to go ahead and offer some Waldorf doll making kits again as well for people who prefer that style.  The dolls will bear the AppleTreeHouse name but be sold in the Honeydotz Shop as it is easier for me to keep up with just one for now and that is where I have been listing my yarns.  The kits are limited quantities for the moment but pretty much ready to ship.  Here's a couple of pics of the colors I have available:

  Peachy

  Fair

Tan

The kits are specially priced at $55 and include:

♥ a pre-made head with a cute little nose
♥ a pre-sewn body
♥ eco-wool for stuffing
♥ easy to follow, pre-printed instructions
♥ a simple doll tunic and underpants pattern

♥ ♥ Plus your choice of color of crochet cap and 100 yards of one of the mohair yarns in my shop! ♥ ♥

You will need some sewing needles and other basic items easily obtained at most craft style stores.

I am currently working on a new rag pattern.... for a softie.... I will share more soon!

xo Debra

A Little Helper

We had a little visitor at our house today... she was quite taken with the rag dolls.

 I didn't even realize she had found them, but I looked down the hall...

She was making a break for it!

She was so busy, putting them all where she thought they needed to be.  

When she packed them up and told me it was time to take them to the park, I agreed that it sounded like a great idea, so off we went.

When we got to the park, she busied herself, making sure each doll looked just right. 

Taking pictures can be so much fun.

But it looks like the sun is going down and it is time to go home....

Phew, what a great time!

The End.

Please click on the "Doll Shop" tab to see what's in the store!

xo Debra

Guess What?!?

Just when I thought it couldn't get any more exciting....

My rag doll pattern is now also available at Lil Blue Boo!

I also am working on some patterns for some other softies.... feel free to leave your suggestions of what you would like to see, or your guesses about what I am working on!

xo Debra

Cyber Monday Deals!

Pssssttt.... I am running a little special in my Etsy Shop this week.... it seems Cyber Monday has turned into a week long event these days :)  Two of the dolls are offered at a discounted price... click on the "Doll Shop" tab above or the hyper link in the post to be taken there to see who!

Also, I have had several people ask about a photo showing the difference between the 3 shades of doll skin that I carry in my shop.  From top to bottom., we have:  fair, light, and medium.   This stuff is super soft and the same high quality cotton knit that the pro Waldorf doll makers use.  It stretches just right and holds up oh so well.  

The colors of doll skin that I carry in my shop

I have one more special doll I am working on for this year.... I gave a little peek at her a short time ago... I hope to have her done in the next week or so.  Please check back soon!

xo Debra