18 inch doll Infinity Scarf - Free Pattern & Tutorial on backdrops for photos

Here in Kentucky - we are snowed in from the five inches of sleet and snow (mostly sleet), so I am taking advantage of my workplace being closed and sewing.  I tried out Pixie Faire's (Liberty Jane Clothing) free pattern tutorial.  I used black Jersey Knit to make the infinity scarf.  The top shown here is a modified version from Summer in Paris pattern I purchased from LJC.

 

Here is the link for the free tutorial for the infinity scarf.

http://www.pixiefaire.com/blogs/doll-tips-and-tutorials/8536969-easy-infinity-scarf-tutorial-for-dolls

I also made my own back drops for my photo shoots when I take photos of the dolls. I purchased foam core board from the Dollar Tree store ($1 each) and purchased brick and decking board/fence scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby when it was on sale for 50% off and I used a glue stick and glued the sheets onto the board.  I put brick on one side and decking fence on the other side.  I cut out a small piece 12 x 20 and glued brick scrapbook sheets onto the board to give the appearance of walking on sidewalk or patio. You can do a lot with scrapbook paper and three trifold poster board also.

Here is the dish I purchased at Dollar Tree (see blog on Thrifty Doll Finds #3) and I used my circle punch and cut out vinyl for the dog pet dish - realistic look just like the ones you buy for real pets.

Happy Sewing/Crafting,

GiGi

Free Apron Pattern

I found this free PDF doll apron pattern on pinterest from Seams Inspired I have it pinned on my board http://www.pinterest.com/pin/165014773821224409/

Here is the link to her page http://www.seamsinspired.com/2013/09/doll-apron-pattern.html

 I modified it a little and here are two aprons I made. I decreased the ribbon from 12 to 10 inches around the neck.  I added some pockets.  I used black with white polka dots ribbon.  I love these colors together.  The aprons can be used for cooking or spa/beauty salon.  My granddaughters have the Kitchen set from Targets Our Generation, the Beauty Salon set from Our Generation and the American Girl doll Spa set.  Wished I had them to model for the dolls with their aprons.

Hope you enjoyed and be sure and click on her link to download the free PDF 18 inch doll apron.

GiGi

Thrifty Doll Finds # 3

I just love browsing stores for items to be re-purposed for American Girl dolls.  The Dollar Tree is one of my favorite stores to find items for the dolls.  They only cost a dollar.

I found this mini version puzzle of Minnie Mouse in a mini tin box.  I also found this book reading lamp.  Perfect size for the dolls desk.

 Here is the lap - has 5 light bulbs - uses 3 AA batteries and really works.

 Just the perfect size for the American Girl doll or any other 18 inch doll. there were three color choices - Hot Pink, White, and Black.

 

Here Isabelle is putting the Minnie Mouse puzzle together - perfect size for the dolls.

 

I found these three small bowls - perfect size for the dolls kitchen or...

 to be used as a pet food dish.

 

UPDATE - I used my circle punch and cut out small circles and made a dog paw print and placed in the bottom of the dog dish - making it more realistic for a dog dish.

 

 

As always thanks for browsing.  Hope you can find these items useful for your dolls play.

 

GiGi

DIY AG Hair Accessories

I love black and white items. Clothing, décor, you name it I love it.

 I found these beautiful paper flowers (see photo below) in the dollar bin at Michaels yesterday and just had to buy them. 

Today I finished up the grey and black animal print outfit and thought the paper flowers would make a great hair accessory so I got out the salon care prong clips for hair and attached it.

 It looks awesome.  I love finding bargains and love being crafty.

 

Out fit is listed on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/180425729/grey-and-black-animal-print-2-pc-outfit?ref=shop_home_active_1

 

GiGi

DIY Doll books for American Girl or other 18 inch dolls

This morning I was searching Pinterest and came across this site for making your own doll books  Doll Mag - An Online magazine devoted to dolls.

Here is the link:
http://thedollmag.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/fairy-tale-week-book-printables/

I printed off the printables and made some for the dolls. 

I also Google search for Disney clipart and made one for Cinderella, Jasmine, and Frozen.  You can do a lot with this tutorial.

Happy doll crafting.  As always, thanks for browsing my Doll Creation Blog and feel free to post comments.

GiGi

Thrifty American Doll Finds Roundup #2

When I am out shopping I am always looking for items to use for American Dolls.  I love using items that are realistic and like to use items for photo props.  One of the items I have been wanting to buy is the laptop and bag from Target.  I have not been able to find one in any of the Target stores in IL, MO, or TN or online.  I was looking on Ebay this past week and found one.  It sells for 16.99 at Target and the seller on Ebay had buy in now for 21.00 with 4.00 for S/H.  It would have cost me more if I had to drive - 2 hours for the gas to get it.  So I didn't mind paying that amount for it.  Dear hubby said you paid that for that little thing! LOL yep I did.

It is really small but I love it.

 It even has a small touch screen pen with it.

 It was brand new also.

 

The next item I seen on Ebay was another item I wanted to use for photo prop when I start making and selling doll scrubs for the vetinary. Pet Carrier.  It is also from Our Generation.

 

 Isn't it cute?

 Pink and white poodle is from My Life from Wal-mart.

 

The Dollar Tree has some great items that are just the right size for 18 inch - American Girl Dolls. I found these small cards - learning colors, ABC's, shapes and colors - 3 pack for one dollar.  I also found words, numbers, and another one (granddaughters took it so I cannot remember what it was).  Great for doll school play.

 

Trophies for anytime of win - package of 4 trophies for only a dollar.

 

 

Michaels craft store is another great resource for finding small inexpensive items for dolls. I found these USA Gold metals - perfect right now since the winter Olympics is going on. 10 in a package for 2.99 (cheaper if you use a coupon).

 

I came across this adorable metal My Little Pony - Best Friends lunch box for $3.00 and it is perfect size for the dolls.

 "Best Friends Forever"

 

Found this Hello Kitty bracelet for little girls at Target for one dollar and it just the right size for making it a dolls necklace.

Hobby Lobby has some bubblegum necklaces and bracelets for girls and I purchased the bracelet for a necklace for the AG dolls.

 

 Adorable isn't it?



 

Above is another great find I couldn't pass up - doll chest of drawers.  Hobby Lobby sells for 13.99 and I used my 40% coupon and it only cost 8.39.  I don't think my husband could have made it for that amount.  The drawers even pull out too.

 Perfect size for the dolls. Love it!

 

I hope you have enjoyed these thrifty doll finds and perhaps you can find them for your dolls.  As always thanks for stopping by and I hope I have been and inspiration to you.

 

GiGi

 

 

Making Isabelle's Doll Dress form

I have had the dress form pattern from Liberty Jane Clothing for a long time and after seeing Isabelle's dress form I decided to make one.

 

Liberty Jane Dress form pattern from Pixie Fair http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-accessories/products/dress-form-for-18-doll-clothes

 

 

I went to Michaels craft store and found the wooden candle stick (3.99), thin wooden base (package for 2.79) and I was going through the dollar bin sections and found these awesome drawer pulls for 1.00 dollar. There were only three colors - pink, purple, and teal. I used my 40% coupon on another item and since I am a teacher I got to use my 15% discount on total purchases so I paid less for them.

 

 Here is the dress form unassembled.  Making the dress form was not hard at all. Pattern instructions were clear.

 

 

 Isabelle is trying to decide on which fabric to use.

 

It's not perfect - was my first try. Cannot wait to make more. If I can only find the Our Generation sewing machine that Target sells - then Isabelle's sewing room will be complete.

 

Thanks GiGi