Mini doll Valentine scene...and other nice things.

I'm trying to get my mini dolls more involved with my life. Why have dolls if you don't play with them once in a while?

I'm planning to switch out a scene for each holiday for them in 2018.

Here is my little scene for Valentine's Day. I created the banner from foam stickers and ribbon.

I took a piece of foam board and covered it with fabric.

I measured it to fit the back of the cubby on my computer desk. I think it turned out well. It was very easy to do!

The furniture is from Our Generation and is very cute. 

It came with a table, 2 chairs, and the cutlery and dishes.

I added the pillows and the Valentine cake.

This is a Valentine design I created for a few cards I made to send out to doll friends. I love to make cards.

I participated in a lovely Valentine swap online, and this is what my new friend sent to me, including cute items for my dolls. I just love it!

It's such fun to meet new friends online, and send nice things to each other.

By Loretta Houben

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is one of my favourite Newberry dolls, on her new toboggan from Newberry, with the outfit which came with it; hat, coat, sleeveless top, pants, mittens and boots. (no socks)

I had bought the toboggan set fairly recently, before Sears closed. I think it was just before Christmas. It's a really cute set. The toboggan isn't as nice as Maplelea's wooden one, but it's still really cute. (plastic) 

The girls still had fun in the snow.

We had a blizzard last night, but it turned to rain in the morning. There was still a bit left by afternoon when the sun came out. It's very unusual to have a snowy Valentine's Day!

It was fun to take some doll photos outside.

By Loretta Houben

FEBRUARY: a new month and a GIFT for you!

It's a new month.

February.

One of my favourites as our son was born on the 9th, and Valentine's Day takes place.

I love hearts!

I used Picmonkey program (I subscribe yearly) to create these little Valentines for your 18" dolls.

I made 12 Valentine cards for family and friends today, and I used some of these to embellish them with.

Have fun! I'd LOVE to see a picture of your dolls with them if you do print them out and use them.

By Loretta Houben

Valentine's Day dresses.

Ten years ago, in 2007, I made these dresses to sell on eBay. I was never a prolific seamstress, but I used to do well with all the things I made. It seemed that there were more hours in the day back then! When you keep busy you seem to get way more done. I can't quite explain it!

Ten years ago, pretty fabric was easier to find, and eBay fees were reasonable. Now everything is much more difficult, and our Canadian $ is not doing well. 

It's nice to look back at my old photos and remember all the fun times I had funding my doll hobby.

By Loretta Houben

Slumber party and a Valentine's Party.

I began collecting vintage Chatty Cathy dolls in 2003, and in 2004 I began to collect props for them. The addiction hasn't slowed down! Above I used a jewelry box for a chest of drawers, an Ikea lamp, and a darling bunk bed which was a Christmas gift in 1970. My sister Leona and I shared the bed and had many hours of fun. The Chatty dolls fit if they don't really lay down. Chatty baby fits fine. I made the nightgown and hat, and the other clothes are vintage 1960's.

This was the first time I decorated for Valentine's Day. I've always set up the doll scenes on my bedroom windowsill. At the moment it's way too crowded and needs to be weeded out again. The table above was purchased at Michael's craft store. I made the red doily which serves as a rug. The stove is vintage from the late 1950's. A friend of the family gave it to us years ago.

It's a lot of fun setting up the dolls and re-arranging them!

By Loretta Houben