Jen of a Heart full of love shares a love of American Girl Dolls and Crafts

 I recently interviewed Jen of a Heart full of love. Jen has a wonderful website devoted to give away's and crafts called http://aheartfulloflove.com/ 

On her site she shares how to make some really fun plastic canvas crafts for dolls http://aheartfulloflove.com/tag/american-girl-doll-crafts/

 Make an American Girl doll hair band http://aheartfulloflove.com/make-an-american-girl-headband-free-plastic-canvas-pattern/

How to make adorable plastic canvas flip flops http://aheartfulloflove.com/18-inch-doll-shoes-make-a-cute-pair-of-flip-flops-for-summer-fun/

I love how these turned out and I am thrilled to share with you her crafts and interview today.

So how did you and your daughter get into American Girl Dolls? 

A:" My 2 youngest girls are the ones who really started the whole American Girl doll craze at our house.  2 years ago we went out to the mall of America and I took them into the American Girl Doll store.  They got their first dolls that day and almost immediately I started making clothes and crafts for them.  Eventually I got a doll of my own - to use for trying on the clothes I make them LOL.  I got Julie because she is from the year I was born!"

 

Which ones do you have? 

A:"We currently own Kaya, Rebecca, Samantha, Kit, and Julie.  Although another trip to the Mall of America may expand our collection. My middle daughter has been begging for Kanani and my youngest wants Marie-Grace."

When did you get your first dolls? 

  A:"2 years ago after we visited the American Girl store at the Mall of America

When did you start crafting for American Girl dolls? 

A:" Right after they got their first dolls.  I started stocking up on 18 inch doll clothes patterns every time the fabric store would put their patterns on sale for $1.  Then I discovered Liberty Jane patterns.  I also decided to put my love of plastic canvas to good use and started making accessories for the dolls out of it. "

What is your favorite things to make for the dolls?  

A: "My favorite things to make are the smaller crafts that I can make with my daughters.  For example, we had such a great afternoon when we made the headbands for the dolls.  Also I love the challenge of adapting patterns for full-size clothing and accessories into doll sized patterns.  I do that a lot with vintage crochet patterns.  Last year, I found a free no-sew Indian Princess kids' costume idea sheet at Jo-Anns Fabrics and adapted it to fit American Girl dolls.  Turned out really cute for Kaya.  (I really should get my tutorial for that up on my blog!)  I also have enjoyed using my knitting machine to create sweaters for the dolls."

 

Jen shared with us a bit about her self and family...

" I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have 4 kids.  We have 3 daughters and 1 son - ranging in age from 7 to 18.  I am blessed to be able to work from home.  In addition to A Heart Full of Love, I also run bloggiveawaydirectory.com and help other bloggers with marketing their giveaways.  I have been fortunate enough that my websites generate enough income that I don't have to work outside the home (which leaves me more time for crafting with my daughters!)   I really love all sorts of crafts, but my favorite is probably plastic canvas because it works up so quickly and is a great way to teach my daughters some sewing basics."

I want to thank Jen for sharing with us today and hope you will visit her websites and try out her fun American Girl Doll Crafts!

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com