Feel Great About Completing a Project.

Today started out really productive and positive.  I took photos for a new free tutorial for my tutorial newsletter subscribers.  In the process, I finished a super cute project.

After I finished the project and the photo, I felt tired and I decided to take a "quick" nap.  

It has been a long week.  I have been sick and haven't had a lot of sleep.  I feel asleep for a lot longer than I meant to.  When I woke up I felt icky and that I was wasting the day!

I felt bad.  Then I saw that cute little dotee doll, and felt a lot better.  Why?  Because I accomplished such an adorable project!  Plus, I have a great start on sharing the project with others so they can also bring cuteness into the world. 

Sometimes what you need is a completed project to see what you have actually accomplished.  The dotee doll did that for me.

I expect the dotee doll tutorial to be going out to my newsletter subscribers at the beginning of the week.  You can get on the list to get the tutorial by signing up for my Emerging Creatively Tutorial Newsletter.

Zombie Doll Tutorial - Now for Sale!

Last week I released the "Design a Doll" eBook Tutorial.  It takes you through the steps of designing a doll through to finishing your doll.

Today I released my Zombie Doll Tutorial eBook.  It is more specific and just contains a pattern and instructions to create your own custom B.B. Bellezza zombie doll, without all the extra directions on how to design the doll.  In this eBook, I have designed the doll for you.

You can find book eBook tutorials for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Latest Creations - More dolls!

First, Sarah....

She is very "me" with her keyhole cover and skeleton key.  

Then we have this adorable little mini doll.

 Isn't she sweet with her lace and polka dots?

Each is available in my Etsy Shop right now.

Also, don't forget you also have the option to Design a Doll yourself!  Or to have me make a custom doll!

Custom Dolls that I Make

My new eBook series is about to launch (tomorrow around 1 pm EST) with an eBook on Designing your own Doll, but you may not be the DIY type.  Maybe you want a custom doll that you don't have to make yourself.  I have you covered!

I will make you a doll!  You can pick the face type (painted, embroidered or buttons) hair color, body color and leg color.  Better yet, send me the fabric you want me to use.  Maybe it's an old dress you love and don't want to get rid of but doesn't fit anymore.  Maybe it's a baby blanket from when your daughter was younger. Maybe it's grandma's favorite shirt that you want to remember her by.

Whatever it is, they are a great way to keep memories.

Just contact me to get started.  See my Custom Doll Listing on Etsy.

Dolls from Recycled Clothing

Dolls, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

If you follow me on facebook or twitter (and if you don't, why not?) then you probably already know I've been on a doll-making bend lately. I don't know what got into me. I pictured them in my head. Drew them while I was working at my day job. Dreamed about them at night. I finally had time to make them. I must say, I'm in love. There are so many more in my brain and on paper, too!

I don't know if it's because they aren't jewelry that I'm loving them so much (and I still love to make jewelry, no worries!) or that I just thought about them so very much that I loved making them so much.

I also must say, I am just tickled pink to see these 4 all lined up like that in my couch in my studio. They make me smile every time I walk in.

Details about the dolls:
For the dolls with the blue hair: all the fabric used is from used clothing except for muslin for the face and arms. The lace and buttons on the eyes are from Lancaster Creative Reuse.

For the zebra girls: The zebra fabric is from Lancaster Creative Reuse, the button eyes are also from there, the pink fabric is from clothing that was worn out. I have no idea where the ribbon and lace came from on these 2 since it came from my stash, but chances are that they are reused, too.

All the girls are stuffed with new polyfiberfill.

They aren't recommended for children to play with because of the buttons and such, but they would make an awesome addition to any fun room.

I'm tempted to sell them as twins because I think they are creepy-cute that way.

Beginnings of an Idea

I recently had an idea to make a Love Bird Doll. Of course, I was inspired by the upcoming Valentine's Day.

So I started by jotting down a sketch (above). I am not good at drawing, but I have been sketching out ideas lately for dolls and for jewelry.

After I sketched out an idea, I started making a pattern. I plan to upcycle old clothing to make this doll and I may make a couple, so I decided to make a pattern. (Old manila files work wonderfully for my purposes in making patterns.)

And finally, this is basically the final pattern cut out.

Now I just need to make the actual Upcycled Love Bird Dolls. (I hate cutting! That's why this is all the further I have gotten....)