Update

Finally got around to updating my etsy shop with some of the stock from the market. I must confess that I conked out after 4 listings. Is it just because I have a crappy computer, or does everyone find uploading photos to etsy exhausting? I'm going to try the Australian Madeit, but feel a bit lazy in learning new processes right now - how sad am I.

Jacqueline & Lila

Both these gorgeous girls are looking for new homes.

Etsy Magic

I've had my etsy shop open for over a year now and it's been such a pleasure.

I am a planner. I have had business ideas for many years, most of them modest, but all of them extremely planned out. I worry myself with details. I really started sewing again, as many of us have, when my first daughter was born, over 5 years ago now. Back then I had a few ideas I thought were saleable, the dolls were just one of them. I worried so much about having every single detail planned out - from my labelling and packaging to my medium and long term goals. Don't get me wrong, I think they're important things to consider when really beginning a small business, but the likes of what I was considering, well, it was so small as to not really warrant all that angst. Then along came etsy. I can't even remember how I found her - but I did and thought, that's a way I can start small and I did.

I sold my first doll within an hour of listing her. I thought I'd done something wrong when I checked back and it was gone, I never considered it would actually sell. I have improved since my first sale, or feel I have, and the feedback has fed my enthusiasm tremendously.

My customers have all been generous with their feedback, but one in particular has been more than a customer. Sandy has been a great supporter of my product. She has purchased a lot from me, she has recommended me to friends and to other blogs. She has also, in a way that I guess could sound strange to some who haven't experienced it, become a friend to me across the miles. I don't measure friendship in terms of gifts at all, but I do measure that someone means something to me and I to them, when they send me things because they've thought of me, without anything in it for themselves.

Last week I posted about my icing problems. That night Sandy emailed me with a photo of something she had in her kitchen that was the very thing I was thinking of. She herself hadn't used it and felt unlikely that she would, so today, it arrived with me. A small gesture can feel so big sometimes. It's not just the icing kit, the fact that it's something we were looking for, it's the fact that she thought of me and that she acted on her thought. Thank you Sandy - again xx

While I'm giving her a plug - she is not only a lovely individual, but a talented one too. One of her many talents is on display in her own etsy shop - I particularly love the flash cards and think they're a great gift for younger children.

The Shop has been restocked

The shop has been restocked with more lovely girls.

Girls Everywhere

I have a little production line going at the moment and am feeling inspired. I sold a doll to a lovely woman in California recently and she said the loveliest thing after receiving the doll "I just wanted to share with you the impact your doll has had on my daughter. She's close to being one year old and obviously to young for a doll, but I set the doll on her bookcase for her to look at everyday. She smiles at it and calls it "baby." Baby is one of her first words next to bye bye. We say good night to it every night and she'll call for it everytime she wakes up from slumber. So precious!!I hope you sell more of your exquisite dolls. I've told my friends about your workmanship and kindness, so don't be surprised if you get more sales!"

I'm not sharing her comments with you to brag, but to share with you how wonderful it made me feel. She included a photograph of the doll in her new home and honestly, I couldn't have been prouder. As much as the little bit of pocket money is nice, it's the thrill of someone appreciating the dolls that I find so inspiring. This same lady went on to order another doll for herself and an extra outfit for the original one. Not only that but the next day two more dolls sold to another person who turned out to be her best friend. Those girls are now also on their way to the US and I hope they're received as warmly.

To those who don't know me well I come across as extremely confident and in many ways I guess I am, dealings with others, communication in general and such. In terms of self belief though, I'm quite fragile and don't tend to believe my own good press. I don't know why, at almost 40 years of age I still struggle to understand myself - how crazy is that.

So, dolls, they're on the table, in the kitchen, my bedroom - all over in various states of creation. I hope they find happy homes the world over.

Another Girl

joins the gang hanging out in my etsy shop.

Etsy Update

I've added a new line to my shop. I've been making tops for our girls and friends for the last few years and given what lovely things people say I thought I'd see how they've received in the shop. Have a look and let me know what you think - I'd love some feedback.

Into the Blue

Another of my Ella dolls has been purchased from my etsy shop! I'm so thrilled. I know that some of you manage to sell things quite regularly, but I'm still new to this game and find the idea that someone buys something I've made quite exhilarating. She's now on her way to NZ and is to be the birthday present for a little girl and I so hope that she adores her when she opens the wrapping.

I'd love the little shop I have to take off andwonder what I can do to promote it more than I do. I have thought of more aggressive I guess, for lack of a better term, ideas, but am not sure that really fits my life at the moment. For example there are a couple of gorgeous shops I would like to see the girls in, but have no idea how selling to stores (if not on consignment) works. I just hope that people appreciate the dolls, I'd love to get more out there - but I'm content to be patient. In the meantime if you've checked them out, I'd genuinely welcome your feedback.

PS She does look a little mummylike doesn't she!