Last day of June, Did you know Gone with the Wind was published on this day?

Did you know that on this day in 1936 the Epic Novel Gone with the Wind was published?
 This lead me to look for some Etsy inspired 18 inch Doll Clothes for our dolls inspired by this time in history. The above photo is from It's Sew Susan and can be found in her Etsy shop by clicking here

There are so many wonderful Civil War Era outfits for our dolls on Etsy, the above photo is an outfit from Aloha Girl Doll Clothes and can be found by clicking here

Best Doll Boutique offers this wonderful 1860's outfit in her Etsy shop click here for listing

If you are looking for your own Civil War Era patten take a look at what Thimbles and Acorns Etsy Shop is offering by clicking here

If you are looking for 1800's inspired hats for your doll my favorite hat shop of all for our dolls is Cape Cod Curiosities  you simply must check out her shop. Click here to see for yourself why her hats are at the top of my list!


I hope you have enjoyed today's post and if you are one of my older readers I recommend a Gone with the Wind Movie viewing party and perhaps a summer re-read!

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

A great summer project for beginning seamstresses!

I am so thrilled that the Liberty Jane Pattern site has come up with some truly adorable new patterns.
This one is sure to be a favorite and one I think every one should try!

The new Ruffled Apron pattern is offered at $10 and you can create ruffled aprons for your dolls, yourself and adults! These are so adorable!

I learned how to sew with Liberty Jane Patterns and it is their step by step photos that give confidence to new sewers! I highly recommend them!

To check out this new pattern  on Liberty Jane's Pattern Site click here

If you wish to share your Liberty Jane creations with me you can always email me at karenmowen@gmail.com and in the subject line write "LOOK WHAT I MADE" and I may just share your photos in an upcoming post!

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

Way to go American Girl!

I am so excited to share with you all my favorite new additions to American Girl. Take a look at the new dolls with out hair. I am so thrilled that American Girl has taken this approach!
Click here to go to the website. Below is from the AG website.

"For more than a year, American Girl has been hard at work developing a doll without hair option for girls affected by cancer, alopecia, or any medical condition causing hair loss. Debuting today as part of the My American Girl® line, the new dolls provide even more possibilities for a girl to create a friend that’s as unique as she is. Due to special handling, orders for the new dolls will be taken exclusively through our contact center by calling 1-800-628-5145. These special dolls also will be included in our $100,000+ annual doll donation to the Children’s Hospital Association.

We recognize the passion and interest expressed for this product over the years and are excited to introduce this new option for girls! Learn more: http://bit.ly/bampbG"

 

 

I love this, last year I knew this would be coming and I am so thrilled it is now here. I love the direction that American Girl has taken to represent every girl.

I love all the new items but not all the new prices even as an adult doll collector I could not justify the $410 to get the entire Julie's wash collection and outfits. But it is still so cool to look at click here for listing

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

Summer Share your doll Collection Photos with us!

                                   (my friend Breanna's collection)
I now belong to several doll groups on line and I love my Facebook  doll friends that I have made.
I love the photos they post and it is because of their photos I am inspired for today's post.

 I would love to see your summer doll photos, how your dolls spent their summer vacation with or with out you! So send your photos to me before August 25th to karenmowen@gmail.com and I will share your summer photos with all our readers at the end of August.Please make sure you have your parents permission to do so first!

                          (My friend Sarah Beth's collection)

 Even if you have one doll or 47 dolls. Share with us your dolls summer holiday memories! Your dolls do not have to be American Girl Dolls, just your favorites! I will do my best to post all the photos I receive.

My friend Angela's Dolls.
A random draw will be done from all the entries and the winner selected will receive a  Dolly Mail Surprise envelope in September.

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

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

Dear Jillian

Dear Jillian, 
I am an 11 year old girl and I love to study bugs and insects. 
I want to be an Entomologist when I get older. The trouble is other kids think this is really weird and "icky" and they say that I am weird for liking bugs and insects. Do you think I am weird too?
 From,
Bug Girl


Dear Bug Girl,

I think it is so cool that you love to study bugs and insects. It is so great that you have an idea of what you would like to do when you grow up! Science is so fascinating isn't it! Sometimes it is hard for me to understand why others are not as excited about it as I am. I can tell you are a very smart girl who already knows this, but liking something even bugs doesn't make you weird. I have a good friend who is obsessed with shoes, she wants to have 100 pairs of shoes. I do not understand why she wants to have 100 pairs of shoes but then again she doesn't understand why I like frogs. We just accept that each of us likes different things. I know that she may not be as excited to hear about my latest frog discoveries and she knows I may not want to go to every shoe sale with her, but we are still friends.
I also know that when I want to talk about frogs with someone who understands I find my friends who I know are interested in what I have to say. I even started a club all about frogs for some of my "froggy friends". Even though my shoe friend and I do not share my love of frogs, we are still great friends. So my advice to you is to find other things to talk about with friends you know do not like bugs and when you want to discuss your bug findings with other people seek out people who would be interested in hearing what you may have to say!
Ask your science teacher, science center or librarian if they know of any kids groups you could join or start to make friends who share your same interests!

Your friend,
Jillian

As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com or askjillianharper@yahoo.ca

Skippy's Mom has a new Etsy shop and a great pattern for sale

My dear friend Skippy's Mom has just opened her Etsy shop and is now offering her pattern for horse blankets for our dolls horses for sale.

 I have pattern tested this reversible horse blanket and it is so easy to make! A great beginning sewing project for a young horse loving seamstress!

Skippy's Mom is offering this PDF pattern for only $3.00 in her shop and this is a pattern that you simply must add to your collection!

Here is my horse Pickles  in the blanket I made!

Check out Skippy's Mom's Etsy shop  by clicking here and be sure to let me know how your projects turn out!
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

A Fundraiser to help the family of Nolan and Wanda who passed away this past weekend.

 This past weekend a family in PA suffered a loss no family should ever endure. Nolan 7 was swimming in a river and slipped into a strong current  and his grandmother Wanda drowned while trying to save him. Their community is trying to raise funds to help the family financially. I have a photo and link to the families pay-pal fund to the right of this post.

 There are also members of the families community who are stepping up to help the family here is one fundraiser that has just started.

" This online SCENTSY fundraiser is to benefit the family of Nolan Ritchie, the 7 year old child who lost his life along with his grandmother in an accident in the Lehigh River this past weekend. The family did not have life insurance... 100% of my commission in the sales for Nolan will be donated to the Ritchie family. You can save yourself $5 (If you're local to the Palmerton/Lehighton PA area) and get it shipped to me! 

Maybe you want to donate that extra $5 back to the family?! Please contact me for free shipping, as I must enter your order on the consultant end. Canada Friends: There is a flat rate shipping to you of only $7 if your order is up to $35 (or 20% of your order if its above that amount). Any help would be appreciated! Please contact Kelly Warner by phone 610-751-6033, or kellybwarner@hotmail.com if you have any questions. The link is https://kellywarner.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=93409549 - I will end this fundraiser on Friday, June 30th @ midnight so the commission can be sent to the family by mid-July. Please pass this link to your friends! Every little bit helps!

Also, in true "Scentsy Party" style, the host gets perks. I will give all of my perks (1/2 price items & free product) to the BIGGEST SHOPPERS! I'll contact you via phone/email if you qualify! Thank you everyone for your kindness & generosity during this difficult time!

https://kellywarner.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=93409549

kellywarner.scentsy.us"

 

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

 

Summer Reading with PLAYAWAY Audio Books American Girl Stories

I have to tell you how excited I was to find that my local (Canadian) library had the American Girl Historical books available on loan and then so surprised to find that these wonderful book series were also available as pre recorded MP3 players that you just use your own ear buds to listen to.

My sons teacher recommended that we use "books on tape", now CD's and MP3's such as PLAYAWAY, along with the books to help with reading fluidity and consistency.  Well my son enjoyed "boy" type stories, I was thrilled to find these books and borrowed the Julie series.
This PLAYAWAY MP3 player has all the Julie Stories on it and is more then 8 hours long. Perfect for listening too while following along in the book, on a family car trip, airplane ride, or cleaning the house as I did while I listened to it.

If you have a young reader who is also struggling to find the joy of reading but you do not want them to miss out on the wonderful historical series that American Girl is known for, I would recommend seeing if your library has these wonderful PLAYAWAY Preloaded Stories. My Library has them, maybe your Library does too. You can also click here for the PLAYAWAY Website where you can order these wonderful pre recorded books. PLAYWAY also offers these  pre recorded books for sale to the public for a little more then you would pay for the hardcover series or your favorite books. I believe that  American Girl Series may only be available from your local library but check PLAYAWAY to be sure

If you are going away this summer and wanted to take these players or books from your library with you, most library's have a vacation mode that allow you to take books out with out renewing for up to six weeks!

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

Color her world Gray Swap

My Swap bot had a color her world Gray swap and I am thrilled with how  my dress for my partner turned out. I loved this fabric at Walmart in the the fat quart section, it was $2.97 here a lot for a small amount of fabric but it turned out great!

I made the bracelet with a silver flower charm with grey and white pearls. The belt is from vintage seam-binding with a silver round scrap book slider.

 I loved making this V neck dress, and hope my partner liked it as much as I do!

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

Red White and Blue outfits for your doll on Etsy

As July 4th fast approaches I wanted to share with you some of the best RED WHITE AND BLUE options for your dolls on Etsy. The above outfit from Mena Bella's Etsy shop can be seen by clicking here . I have always been impressed by the quality of outfits and accessories offered from this shop. I know you will be too.

Nammy's closet has this great set of top, shorts and hairband. Click here for shop listing

 

This very patriotic dress is offered by Blinkersoh Etsy shop click here for shop listing 

 

This adorable dress offered by Let's Pretend Doll Fashion's Etsy shop is one of my favorites for sure, I love the layers and the skirt! Who doesn't love this bow! Click here for shop listing

Crafty Wanda has my attention with this wonderful set can be viewed by clicking here

You know I love Sew Fun Doll Clothes and this set is to cute for words! Click here for shop listing.

Last but not least this dolly and me style set is offered by Itty Bitty Kid Boutique and I love the simplicity of it! click here for shop listing

I hope you enjoyed today's post. 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

Picnic Season is upon us- My Etsy Pics for Picnic Tables

It is picnic season and I thought it would be fun to show you some of the doll sized picnic tables offered on Etsy. Shown above is the picnic table from Payne Street Doll Boutique a favorite of Brandy's and one she gets so much use out of year round. This wonderful piece is offered at $55 and shipping is $15. USA only. Click here for listing on Etsy

Other notable picnic tables on Etsy are Owl Creations 1 Etsy shop, this set is made to order and offered at $39.98 plus shipping click here for shop listing  USA only

This set offered by CRRCONSTRUCTION1 Etsy shop is offered at $25 plus shipping click here for Etsy shop listing. USA Only for shipping.

Over at Beds and Threads Etsy shop this Yellow picnic table with the benches attached is offered at $50 and can be seen by clicking here  .
I love this option with the benches attached! 
Shipping in the USA only as well. This set is available in many different colors.

I am patiently awaiting my Ana White Picnic Table my brother in law is building for me. As I live in Canada it is hard to find Etsy shops that will ship to me as the cost of shipping prices quality made Etsy furniture out of Canadian's reach, however  if you know some one who is good with tools you too can make your own Picnic table for your dolls following this tutorial from Ana White 


I hope you enjoyed today's post and hope that you are inspired to bring doll play outside this summer season!


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


 

Brandy makes beautiful music for her daughters

Brandy sent me photos of this amazing piano she made for her daughters dolls and I am thrilled she is letting me share it with you.

"I made my daughter, Jayla, a little keyboard to match the one she plays on.
She was so excited.  She has practiced all morning.  Hmmm....who would have
thought a doll keyboard would make her want to practice more.

This was a really inexpensive craft.  I had most supplies already on hand.
I always use my Michael's coupons too!" 

"For the keyboard stand I did purchased two craft 6 3/4 inch wood
candlesticks.  I also purchased a package set of rectangular wood pieces.
Total wood cost was around $5.  I glued one of the wood rectangles to the
top of the candle sticks.  I spray painted the stand black."

"For the keyboard I took the other wood rectangle and painted it silver.  I
found a piano keyboard template in the American Girl School Craft Set that
my daughters had received for Easter.  I laminated the keyboard to make it
last longer with play.  I then used textured card stock paper and made
speakers.  I used a yellow piece of laminated card stock for the display
screen.  I used a hole puncher and punched rectangles and circles from gray
and red foam paper for various buttons. The volume buttons are pony beads.
I hot-glued two mini Christmas Tree Light Command Hooks to the back of the
keyboard to use as a music stand.  I used furniture bumpers between the two
pieces of wood to keep them from getting scratched up."

I love this craft and as always Brandy's creativity is something I am just so blessed to share with all of you!
Thank you brandy for this inspiring craft!


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

American Girl Craft kits from The Party Works and a great summer give away!

I found a great website that offers wonderful party supplies and the American Girl Craft kits!
The Party Works. Com  offers an amazing selection of party goods and  The Party Works.com has a wonderful give away for one of our readers!

The Party Works has donated a great prize. You can enter to win your choice of a Party Pack for 8!
Take a look at some of the wonderful party packs offered by The Party Works.com by clicking here
The Party Works, offers 260 party packs for 8 which are perfect for any upcoming party!

 Party Packs for 8 include : 8 invitations, dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, forks, spoons, 16 napkins, solid-color tablecover, mylar balloon, 12 balloons (2 colors), curling ribbon (2 colors), crepe paper rolls (2 colors), and cake candles

 I love the black and white flower Cosmic Flower Set set! So many great choices!

 

This Summer Style Set would be perfect with the craft kits offered on The Party Works website!

They also offer the American Girl Craft kits that make great party and rainy day activities I love the funky  felt pins kit  click here for the link on The Party Works website

 

This Daisy Design Bracelets  kit is on my list of activities to pick up this summer and it is offered on The Party Works Website as well. Click here for the link to The Party Works Website

 

Also offered on The Party Works website is the Historical Doll Sticker Pad, 

which makes a great party favor but also is a wonderful way to personalize your stationary and  back to school supplies! Click here for the listing.

If you would like to enter for your chance to win your choice of party packs for 8 from The Party Works. com please send me an email to karenmowen@gmail.com and write THE PARTY WORKS in the subject line . **You must have your parents permission to enter this contest and live in the USA . The prize will be sent directly to the winner from The Party Works.com  Contest Closes July 15th 2012.
Check out The Party Works. Com by clicking here

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