Monday, November 30, 2015

Shopping Warnings for Sur La Table Doll-Sized Christmas Ornaments

One of the places I like to poke around in for doll-sized Christmas ornaments is Sur La Table.

They have a lot of kitchen and food-themed ornaments.

Last year we ordered a lot of copper ornaments from them for the dolls.

WARNING:

We will WARN you -- even though these say material: copper -- when they arrived the labels said they also contained lead and to wash our hands after handling them.

Um, thanks Sur La Table.

We had purchased extra to re-sell, but once we saw the lead thing, we decided not to list these in Maple's DW Emporium (on Shopify when we were open).

Here is the Pinterest Board for the items we once-upon-a-time were selling: https://www.pinterest.com/thedollwardrobe/maples-dw-emporium-products/

So these copper ornaments below do contain LEAD, most likely.

And you shouldn't give them to little kids.

But if you are an adult who can wash their hands after touching these, and you won't lick them...we thought most of these were very good scale for our doll kitchen.

Just don't lick these.


Tea kettle


Stock pot

Have I mentioned, don't lick these?


Saute pan


Mini colander

Don't lick these.


Round-bottom sauce pan -- doesn't sit up very well on it's own, fyi.


Wok-type thingy pan

^^^ Don't lick any of those ornaments.

So another line of ornaments that Sur La Table offers is these kitchen utensils...

BUT DON'T BUY THEM FOR YOUR DOLLS!!!


Rolling pin


Egg/potato/dough masher


Whisk

Those ^^^ three things.

DON'T BUY THEM FOR YOUR DOLLS.

When we bought them, the scale was way way WAY too big for the dolls.

Have I mentioned, DON'T BUY THEM FOR YOUR DOLLS.

I mean, if you just want them for other purposes, go ahead and buy them, haha.

But they are too big for the American Girl dolls.

Sur La Table also has these...


Bacon


Waffle-maker


Wedge of cheese


Cheese grater

But we haven't bought any of these ^^^, so I am not sure of the scale.

Just wanted to point out the other amoosing items they have that might work.

Head on out to a Sur La Table near you to see them in person.

Also, one of the most useful items from them is this white colander ornament...


And we think it works pretty well for the dolls.



Our pics of it ^^^.

So the next time you jog past the kitchen store at the mall, 
pause, stop in and look around at their ornament selection.

ALSO

ALSO

ALSO

I recommend waiting until right at Christmas or after Christmas to shop online for ornaments on sale. Unless there is something you see right now that you absolutely have to have.

There is no guarantee that the ornaments will still be around after the holiday -- but they often are, and at deep discounts.

So patience has its benefits, sometimes. ;-)

Thanks for visiting us today!!!



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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Check Out Local Shops' Christmas Ornaments for Doll-Scale Items!

If you follow our Instagram account thingy, you'll have already seen the Christmas ornaments we photographed at Walmart.

So you can skip this post, haha. ;-)

If you don't, please read on!

When we are out and about -- and remember to -- we check out the Christmas aisles in shops for ornaments that work in one way or another for the dolls.

Some people may say things we find are too big, or too small, or too this or that -- but I find it's really a matter of personal preference.

And I'd rather people know that some Christmas ornaments are out there rather than not telling you fine people. ;-)

Here are the pics of Walmart Christmas ornaments I found that may/may not work for your dolls.

(At Walmart all of these are $1.94 each.)






^^^ You could craft these into a doll antler reindeer headband



^^^ Everyone needs a weird-looking squirrel...


^^^ Could work as a wall or door wreath









So the next time you are out and about shopping, whether it be Walmart, Target, Michael's or wherever they sell ornaments -- be sure to look for doll-sized ones to add to your collection!

p.s. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!

Thank you for visiting us today!!!

 And again, Happy Thanksgiving!
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Nov. 26, 2015: Question of the Day!

Happy Thanksgiving People!

If you live in the United States...

If not, you probably already celebrated Thanksgiving or you don't celebrate it at all if you aren't like...Canadian. Hmmmm.

But nannyways, Happy Day You Can Celebrate Whatever You Want To!

There.....phew. ;-)

There are like something like 28 days or something like that until the day like that big guy like Santa comes down the like chimney and like gives you like prezzies.

Did I sound like a teenage girl?

Or just someone trying to give a speech in debate for the first time?

Nannyways....

Santa...28 days.

Looking for places to shop?

Check out the shops in today's "Question of the Day!"

Today's Question: 

 What are your New Year's Resolutions for your shop? What are you looking forward to for 2016?

Our answer: So while we are not currently trying to run an actual shop (as we just don't have the room to manage the stock in our current house) -- we do want to post on this blog daily in 2016. That is our New Year's Resolution! Weeeee!!!

And on a more basic doll-related note, we are looking forward to Lea Clark's release, and the new BeForever doll coming in 2016.

We don't really have any interest in Lea's clothing, as we have seen so far, but we definitely want both of these new dolls. :-)

Party With Felt's Answer

"More items/pictures - I sell mainly at craft shows - 
so my Etsy shop doesn't have all it should have in it."

Mia Kate Apparel's Answer


"I guess I just want the word to get out more about MiaKateApparel! I hope to sew many more cute items, make more sales, and have more happy and satisfied customers! I'm looking forward to seeing my shop grow."

The Glam Doll's Answer


"Such a good questions as we approach the end of the year! My New Years resolution for The Glam Doll is to be more focused and narrow in our aesthetic. I am looking forward to what the new year holds whether it is meeting new people or customers, creating new collections, and seeing where creativity takes me!"

Clarisse's Closet's Answer


"I’d like to do more with hats and other accessories in 2016- 
I think they’re what really make outfits special."

Pippaloo's Answer


"Well, my resolution has been and continues to be to post more often on my blog. Each month I post my menu list but I'd really love to post more about my dolls and doll finds as well as do more reviews and commentaries. There just isn't enough time in the day to get it all done. And I've learned that I'm no good at doing the juggling act- everything suffers when I try to do too many things well at once. "

Cupcake Cutie Pie's Answer


"We will continue to expand the stylings offered for 18" dolls 
as well as designing new patterns for Simplicity."

Closet 4 Chloe's Answer


"I’d like to try to focus more on collections. 
 I feel like I’m a little all over the place right now."

Dollhouse Designs' Answer


"Ah, Resolutions! Yes, I want to improve my workflow & increase my output so I can get more done. I have some amount of health limitation so I am trying to improve my productivity.

Definitely excited about the new projects I mentioned before. Especially those WIGS! I am also looking forward to making some video tutorials that will be added to patterns and the hair accessory guides."

Noodle Clothing's Answer


"I’m going to work on improving my planning and following through on it."

Whoa It's Me's Answer


"I have only recently joined Instagram, and am excited to be part of the AGIG community. There are so many fabulous IG accounts to be inspired by, and I am constantly amazed by the photo quality! I hope to increase my IG presence over the coming year, and hopefully my new camera will help with that. My other goal is to improve my time management skills, which will help me to spend more time in my sewing studio."

Made by MoMo Couture's Answer

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyMoMoCouture

"To try some new patterns and put out more dresses. Dresses are a rare commodity in my doll closets! I am looking forward to doing some winter pieces. I have a puffer jacket to try and some vests. Gotta get that cold weather gear out!"

_______________

Thank you for reading these Etsy sellers' answers!!!

And please check out their shops for your holiday shopping. Hint. Hint. ;-)

Stay tuned for another "Question of the Day" post right around the corner!

p.s. If you own an Etsy shop, or a doll-related handmade item website, please feel free to email us at nora.demington@gmail.com to participate in the next round of "Question of the Day," which will probably begin in Jan. 2016. 

Thank you!!!


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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Nov. 25, 2015: Question of the Day!

As we teased you with in yesterday's post....

We are starting a new series!

We ask Etsy sellers questions.
They give us answers.

We post them here.
With one pic per day, as an extra bonus.
Exciting stuff!!!

Today's Question of the Day:

1) What do you want customers to know about your shop? 
Do you have any upcoming releases planned? Any exciting news around the corner?

Okay, technically that was three questions. But ssshhhssshhhh.

Our answer: While we did TRY to start a shop up, we currently are not running one. :'-(

BUT!

We will be posting about the shop we did make, so you guys can learn about it if you have no clue what we are talking about, haha. And you can find out the types of things we were selling in it, and where we found those items. :-)

Pippaloo's Answer



"Pippaloo offers realistic polymer clay food for American Girl dolls. I release new items every month on the 15th at 12:00 noon EST...with the exception of next month-in December. I always move the date up a few days early in December to allow a little extra time for packages to arrive for the holiday. 

Usually around the first week of each month I will post a menu list on my blog of the foods that will be available that coming 15th- that way you can get an idea of what types of foods there will be. In January of the new year I will resume listing new items on the 15th at 12:00 noon EST."

Cupcake Cutie Pie's Answer


"I've been designing new patterns for Simplicity this year. We currently have three that are available: 1486, 1220, 1089 and another four that should be released in 2016."

Closet 4 Chloe's Answer


"I would like my customers to know how much I appreciate them and thank them for supporting my shop. I have lots of fun new pieces planned so keep an eye on my shop."

123 Mulberry Street's Answer


"My shop is a good mix of trendy and traditional for all types of American Girl Dolls. 
My most exciting news is that 4 of my Sweater sets are going to be in DOLLS Magazine! Yea ! Canadian Doll Designer Kim Arnold is featuring them on her beautiful dolls. Check her out at The Trinket Box."

Dollhouse Designs' Answer


"Dollhouse Designs is a very beloved endeavor for me. My little company allows me to care for my little family by working from home while using my creative and artistic abilities. It completely makes my day when one of my patterns or items brings happiness or joy to someone.

I am so excited about future projects!! I am developing a few HAIR related projects that will be available early next year involving DIY pattern guides for making wigs and hairpiece accessories for dolly hair. These are a little different and I think people will really like them.

There will also be some new designs for patterns (and some outfits available) plus I am working on outfits for some of the Tonner dolls like Evangeline Ghastly & Ellowyne as well as Disney dolls."

Noodle Clothing's Answer


"Despite starting to make patterns to sell, I still intend to sew for my shop. I like to do a mix of separates and complete outfits so there should be something for everyone. The next pattern that I want to do is for the white coat that is in my most repinned outfit on Pinterest."

Whoa It's Me's Answer


"Although I have been selling on Etsy since 2009, for a couple of reasons I was mostly inactive for the past year. I am now sewing regularly again, and eager to greatly expand the selection in my shop, focussing on current fashion trends. I have lots of interesting ideas in the works for Whoa It's Me.

Also, almost all of my items have been one-of-kind, and I have had to disappoint customers because of this. I am going be more flexible in this regard, so my shop will have greater availability of some items.  

I would also like to mention that all profits generated by my shop are used to support women in developing countries who sew to support their families. This is possible by making small micro-finance loans through Kiva.org. So when you buy from my shop, you may be helping a single mom in El Salvador send her kids to school!"

Dollicious Clothes' Answer


"I am the sewer and designer but I can't do this alone. My husband is my fabric cutter, organizer, photographer and runs the shop. My daughter is working with us part time as my assistant. My newest interest was sparked by a customer request for a boy outfit. I now have two boy models and I'm beginning to indulge into the boy clothing too."

Party With Felt's Answer


"I love my little corner of the market - Fun Hair Accessories for dolls - 
just like a little girl would wear!"

QTpie Doll Clothing's Answer


"I love designing current fashion and I love AG dolls. I love the challenge of making my designs look like they were shrink with a shrink ray."

Mia Kate Apparel's Answer


"I am not a perfect seamtress, but I strive to do good work on the clothes I have to offer in MiaKateApparel. I make clothes from both new and second hand materials. Each purchase is packaged with care and great excitement! I don't really list my items in big releases at this point....when I have time and fabric and inspiration I sew a few things and then list them in my shop."

The Glam Doll's Answer


"Well, I would like customers to know that every item is made by me. I am truly passionate about the items that I create. Every collection feels like it is about to be shown on a runway. There will be an upcoming release titled, Songbird, that is set to be released on Black Friday."

Clarisse's Closet's Answer


"We just introduced our 'THEO' line for boys this fall, so keep an eye out for more boy items in our next collection!"

_______________

Thank you for reading these Etsy sellers' answers!!!

And please check out their shops for your holiday shopping. Hint. Hint. ;-)

Stay tuned for another "Question of the Day" post right around the corner!

p.s. If you own an Etsy shop, or a doll-related handmade item website, please feel free to email us at nora.demington@gmail.com to participate in the next round of "Question of the Day," which will probably begin in Jan. 2016. 

Thank you!!!



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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Starting Tomorrow: Question of the Day!

Thanks for visiting us today!


So today we announce a new blog series, but first we'll do a brief round-up of some posts we have done recently.

Maple recently finished a series on how 
Truly Me shoes currently for sale are (mostly) useless.

There were four parts:






We did a Honest Editorial on Fightings Feelings of Obsoletion:



And we begged for money from you with our Paypal Donate Button in the right side menu,
feel free to donate!

Poke poke. 

$5 would be an awesome holiday gift to us this year!!!


Subtle, huh?


And we did a call-out for Honest Editorial topic suggestions, 
in case you want to suggest something to us:



So starting tomorrow is a new series called "Question of the Day."

We asked a bunch of Etsy sellers a bunch of questions.

Each day that we post a part of this series we'll post a bunch of their answers.

The first day will introduce you to their shops, and then after that the questions and answers will appear in random order -- to spice up the posts, :-).

This is a great opportunity to learn about Etsy shops and their owners as you prepare to shop during the holidays!


So if you want to find out which Etsy sellers answered our questions, come back tomorrow!

Weeeee!!!!

Ooooooo!!!! The suspense!!!




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Saturday, November 21, 2015

Maple Insists: Why Truly Me Shoes Are (Mostly) Truly Useless, Part Four

So some of you might have been like -- 
"OMG! Maple forgot the ivory boots!!!" in that last post.


No, I didn't forget them.

I just tried to block them from my mind in frustration.

White boots are mostly useless UNLESS you have white in your outfit that matches them.

If you don't, and you dressed in your all-emo outfit of blacks, grays, reds, etc. -- your white boots will look like slippers or hospital booties from the asylum you just escaped.

So you HAVE to have white in your outfit that matches them.

And that's very difficult to accomplish.

The instant you wear a different shade of white, one of them is automatically going to look dirty.

I'd love to put those white boots with doll-size outfits like these...


But the whites/creams/ivories HAVE TO MATCH.

And basically, it's nearly impossible to accomplish this goal when you are mixing and matching.

Which is why everyone uses shearling in their boots instead of an attempt at pure ivory or white.

Shearling gives you a lot of wiggle room, without looking "off" or dirty.

So I have a TON of white doll boots.

A TON.

But the whites have to match.

And that is a constant source of frustration when styling outfits.

 So now that I've beaten the boot horse to death....

Dress shoes and flats....


These 2 prs are fine for posh outfits ^^^.

But patent leather (especially with sparkles) does not transfer past formalwear.

You can't wear these things to school with some skinnies.

You'll look like you forgot to take off your shoes after dance class.

No.

Goes with nothing.

Never.

Totally useless.
Burn them.

And then burn my eyes because I saw them.

Oh wait...I will buy them right after I get this dress....


With those classy pockets to help my non-existent hips flare out more.

And I will have to master the seductive squint in order to pull this look off.



^^^???

Because American Girl could only afford a little sparkle for each shoe???

These just look stupid.

Never mind trying to put them in an outfit.

I want these ^^^ to work.

I really do.

But they are tough. Not a lot of neutral colors in there.

I have yet to find an outfit to put them with.

They always look out of place, especially since they're not even black-black as their base color.

It's a weird muted grey-black.

Thanks, American Guuuurrrrlllll.


These ^^^ are more useful. 

Probably the most useful sandals in the Truly Me line at this time.

If you don't have these for next year's spring and summer outfits,
 order them when that outfit goes on sale.

They just look...gasp!....normal.


Okay. I see what you are trying for here ^^^.

It's not like Urban Outfitters doesn't sell gold shoes.

They do.


Lots of trendy places sell gold shoes.

But are the bows necessary?

And the layer of glitter?

No. And No.
And these ^^^^.

What were you thinking?

Did a two-year-old design these?

You don't put pink, gold, and silver together and then try to make them into a loafer.

What the _______???


What outfit are these ^^^ supposed to go with?

No, really. What outfit?

Please send me a pic of an outfit these go with.


Alright, we move into useful territory.

I don't like the color of these things ^^^.

But at least you could put them with some jean shorts and a white t-shirt and not look like you were wearing Kim Kardashian's shoes.


Bee costume crocs.

I know.

But I like them.

Why?

Because they are simple.

They could work for a lot of things.

It would be better if they weren't crocs though.

And clearly the yellow clashes with some things.

But caution yellow can work as a shoe accent (in small amounts!!!) 
to make it slightly sporty-looking.


So the winner for the most-realistic shoes?

Yes ^^^ these Adidas sandal rip-offs.

Maybe not with the socks, unless you are a soccer player.

But these are perfect for shuffling down into the dorm kitchen to make ramen noodles.

Especially on the nights when your crush might come by and you don't want him to see you in your stuffed Eeyore slippers (yet).

But are they useful?

No, not really.

Only for summer outfits.

And right now it's fall and winter, baby.

So unless you live in Argentina....
_____________

As a final note....I want these in AG size...




Like I said. I like wild. I like weird.

But it has to work with my wardrobe.

These are playful without being overbearing.

You could wear your Urban Outfitters clothes with these ^^^ and not look like you were cray cray.




Alrighty then.

Hope you enjoyed this latest series of Maple Insists.

Stay tuned for more posts!!!



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