Dolly Days of Summer

Hello dear friends!  It's been a while since I last posted on my blog and a lot has happened in the mean time.  This has been a crazy month for me, firstly, I've officially quit my job as the manager of the building we live in (YAY!!), and can now devote my time to doing what I love the most - creating dolls!  My dad has taken over the position as manager and I've been training him in all aspects of the job.  Into the first week of August (just as my dad was beginning his new job), we had a tragic event in our building.  One of our long term tenants sadly took his own life and I was devastated as he'd been a good friend too.  I cannot tell you how I wish things had turned out differently for him, and I can only imagine the despair he must have been going through.

So, for most of this month, I've been concentrating on surrounding myself with people I love and doing the things I find enjoyment in.  I think it's very important to find as many positive things in life to hold onto and cherish!  And one of my biggest pleasures is creating and sharing my ideas with you!  These are the dolls I've been working on.

For those of you who have requested a pattern for the Little Ladies, you'll be happy to know that one is forthcoming!  As you can see in the photo, the two dolls on either side of the one in the center are very similar to the original Little Ladies.  They are slightly smaller than the original dolls in size, but nevertheless, it is basically the same pattern. 

They measure about 11 inches tall and I'll include the instructions to make the dress, shoes and undies. 

Also new are the Little Miss Camilla Dolls.  I had so much fun making these little girls!  Their sweet little faces make me smile!  They measure about 10 inches and have removable shoes.  I'll be starting to write up the pattern for them today and it'll be the first pattern to include step-by-step photo's instead of my usual hand drawn illustrations.  Thought I'd try something different:)

 

These kitschy-kooky girls are big (well for my standards anyway), soft and cuddly and measure about 14 inches tall.  I'm not sure if I'll do the pattern for them, though if you think I should, I'd be happy to!

Wishing you all a week filled with happiness and love!

~Shelly xo

Congratulations to the Winners!!

Please know that I am just so grateful to all of you for supporting my work and for all your wonderfully kind words!  It means so much to me!

I'm so glad to hear that many of you are eager to try and make your very own mohair bear and, though it might sound like a daunting task, it really is a lot easier than you might think!  And oh-so-worth  it in the end!

So, a big CONGRATS to the winners, who are:
Tamina Allen
Melissa Kindblad
Jaquie
Kimberly Patrick
Belka - Please re-send your email address as the pattern came back as undeliverable.

Your patterns have been sent via email and I'm looking forward to you sharing pics of your little bears once they're completed!!

I'm off to list the new pattern in my shop for anyone who'd like to try one too:)

~Shelly xo

Bella and Lulu Pattern Giveaway!!

Hello everyone!  I'm pleased to announce that I'm having another pattern giveaway!!  This adorable pattern will allow you to create a little mohair bear, complete with a summer dress, tote bag and two tiny felt friends.  The completed bear measures about 6 inches tall and is very easy to make!  I'll be giving away five patterns and the draw will be held on Wednesday, August the 8th.  If you'd like to enter, please leave your name and email address in the comments section:)

 
That's Bella and Starry on the left and Lulu and Cloudy on the right.

Also recently completed are the Pocket Pets.  The patterns for this little set of felt animals are now available in my shop.

Best of luck to you all!!
~Shelly  xo

Sweet Animal Barrette Tutorial

About a year ago, I posted a tutorial on how to make the adorable Sweet Animal Barrettes.   Unfortunately, the link to the download disappeared a while ago and since then, I've had a number of people asking if I'd put it up again.  Well, good news!  I finally found the teensy, tinsy, itty bitty pattern pieces and have persuaded my dearest hubby to pdf them put them in the place you'll need to click on to get them!  Please click here to go directly to the pattern tutorial and you will find everything you need to make these sweet little barrettes!

Have fun!!
~Shelly xo

Congrats to the Winners!!

Thank you all so much for your entries as well as your wonderful comments for the pattern giveaway!  I am delighted that you love these new dolls and their outfits and accessories!

As you know, each winner will receive the doll pattern as well as the outfit pattern of their choice.  And the lucky winners are:

Julie McMaster - Bake Set
Karen Lawson - Garden Set
Maria Nakamoto - Beach Set
Mrs Pigglebottom (Louise Peters) - Beach Set
Eilinor Rigby - Beach Set
Pat C - Wrap Skirt and Top
Denise - Bake Set
Paeonia Drop (Maggie L) - Beach Set

Congrats to you all!!  It seems that the Beach Set was definitely the favourite outfit set!!

I've sent the patterns off via email to each of the lucky ladies, I do hope you'll enjoy making them!

Have a happy weekend!
~Shelly  xo

PS  The patterns are now available in all of my shops!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gingermelon?ref=si_shop
http://www.luulla.com/store/gingermelon
http://gingermelon.bigcartel.com/
http://www.zibbet.com/Gingermelon

New Pattern Giveaway!!

Okay, who's ready for another pattern giveaway??  If you've been following my facebook page and flickr photos lately, you'll notice that I've been working on two special little dolls.  I'm happy to say that I've finally finished them up and have even started writing up the patterns, which should be ready within the next few days!

For this giveaway, I'll be including the doll pattern as well as an outfit pattern of your choice too!  Yay!!  So, if you'd like a chance at winning, please leave your name and email addy, as well as the outfit set you'd like to receive and I'll choose 7 winners on Saturday, July 21.  I know that only leaves a couple of days, but I'm sure you'll want to get these patterns ASAP!

These little cuties have been a joy to create!!  The pattern will feature two different hairstyles to choose from, a sweet little dress and a pair of slip-on shoes.

I've also made a few different outfit sets, that will be sold as separate patterns.  That way, you can choose which of them you'd like to make for your dolly.

My personal fave - the beach set.

LOVE those glasses!  Might have to make myself a pair! lol!

The bake set, complete with iced pastries, sandwich biscuits and a vintage inspired apron.

The gardening set.

The wrap-around skirt and top set.

For those of you who are unable to leave a comment on my blog, please post your info to my facebook page.

Best of luck to you all!!
~Shelly xo

Our Trip to Galiano

Hi!  We've just returned from a romantic getaway on the beautiful island of Galiano, where we spent four glorious days at the Galiano Inn and Spa.

 The mural in the lobby of the inn, which is made up of individual tiles, each painted by numerous artists from around the world.

We treated ourselves to a blissfully relaxing couples massage in the garden house.

This is where we enjoyed a wood-fired pizza on the ocean front terrace of the inn.


Located just off the coast of British Columbia, Galiano is considered the 'gem' of the Gulf Islands and boasts a Mediterranean climate, spectacular views of the surrounding islands, and magnificent wild life:  orca whales, sea lions, cormorants, deer and otters.

View from The Bluffs, overlooking Active Pass.

An interesting carving I spotted on an old sail boat.

Enjoying the view from a sea cave we found at Montague Harbour.  So glad I brought a hat as it was a scorcher of a day!

Now that we're back home, I'm trying to think of a way for us to permanently move to this wonderful island, or one of the surrounding ones!  It's a dream for now, but one that I'm going to strive to make come true!
~Shelly xo

Congrats to the Winners!!

Hello dear friends!  Thank you all so much to those of you who entered the pattern giveaway!  Your encouragement, support and kind words are so endearing to me!  This has been a huge project and it's been a pleasure to share it with you all and also hold this giveaway:)   So, without further ado, here are the names of the lucky winners:

Liew Pey Shy
Vicky Carlin
Angie (craftangiecraft)  I'll need your email address please :)
Jackieb
Teresa Jensen - Please confirm your email address for me :)

Most of the patterns have already been sent (Teresa, yours was undeliverable) and Angie, I'll send yours off as soon as I hear from you ;)

The patterns are now available in my shop  for those of you who'd like to give them a try.  Pattern includes instructions to make the doll, bunny, outfits and all accessories shown above.  Clara measures about 14 inches tall and her bunny friend Pearl stands at about 5.5 inches from the tips of her toes to the tops of her ears.

Before I go, I'd like to share a sneak peek at another little project I'm working on.  I was invited to be a part of a project within the Blythe community.  Here's the link to read more about it:  http://fortheloveofblythe.wordpress.com/.  You can also pop over to the facebook page to see more:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/For-the-Love-of-Blythe/217402788347743, and for our team page on flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/groups/1987714@N23/

For my contribution to this amazing project, I'm making two little bears to go with our Gypsy theme.  Here's a peek at the first wip.

Again, a HUGE thank you to all of you for entering the draw and to the winners, hope you enjoy making Clara and Pearl!
~Shelly xo

I'm Having a Giveaway!!

Anyone fancy a little giveaway?  I know I do!  But, better yet, I love having them!  As most of you know, I've been working on a special doll project (you can read about it here if you haven't already).  Since the pattern is oh-so-close to being ready, I'd love to give 5 lucky readers a chance at winning it!

This adorable pattern will include instructions to make the 14 inch doll, her sweet little outfit, shoes and bag, and her dear little bunny friend.

Bunny fits snugly into the bag which converts into a little bed, complete with a teeny pillow:)  The flower pin may be used to close the bag, or as a sweet little hair ornament for the doll.

A close-up of her face.

If you'd like a chance at winning one of these brand new patterns, please leave your name and email and I'll draw the winners on Tuesday, June 26th.  Patterns will be available in my shop within the next few days:)

Best of luck to you all!
~Shelly xo

A Special Project

Goodness me, how time flies!  I didn't realize how long it had been since I last posted anything on my blog, but I've been working like a bee on a very special project and I'm finally ready to share it with you!

A little while ago, I was contacted by Simplicity Patterns.  Yes, the Simplicity Patterns that have been around forever!!  They wanted to know if I'd be interested in designing a doll for their Spring/Summer 2013 catalog.  WOW!  What a question!  Of course I'd be interested!!  So, for the past couple of weeks, most of my time has been devoted to designing and making this little girl, her clothing and accessories.  Please meet Clara and Pearl, her bunny friend!

Clara and Pearl are both made from wool blend felt.  Her dress, jacket, shoes, convertible bag, as well as Pearl's bonnet, were made with hand woven felt.

The little flower on the front of the bag is set on a button pin, so it can keep the bag closed and also be used as a hair ornament.

As you can see, bunny fits snuggly in the bag, which converts into a little bed just for her.

Tucked inside the bag, is a little pillow:)

And when she's done her nap, out she comes and the bed can now be used as a little bag again!














Now that I'm finished working on the design, I'll be writing up the pattern and sending everything off to Simplicity's headquarters in New York.  Keeping my fingers crossed that they like what I've come up with!!
~Shelly xo

Pattern Winners!!

Hello everyone!!  Thank you all so much for the lovely comments you left for the pattern giveaway!  I'm so glad you like the new collection of International Dolls!

I used the random number generator to pick the winners, and here they all are:

Maria Jose Cazalilla - Native American maiden
Nicole Allen - Japanese Geisha (please send me your email address so I can pop her over to you)
Amy Dunn - Dutch girl
Nikki Kilimnik - French mime
Donna - British palace guard
Kendra1125 -  Native American maiden
Emily Campbell - Japanese geisha
Sammy Goldsmith - Dutch girl

Congratulations ladies!!  I've sent the patterns along and hope you all fun making them!!

Have a lovely weekend!
~Shelly xo