pupa pupa

a long time!

phew!  it's been ages since I posted anything here. That is a pretty clear indicator that life has been full.  Keeping three growing kids all busy and happy is no small task!  Over the past few months I've been giving a lot of thought as to what steps I need to take to keep my small business going and have come to the conclusion that perhaps it's time to pack away the sewing machine for a spell.  Summer is fast approaching and my kids are at such a fun age (boys are 4, little ms. 5) I would love to keep up to them!

 

I was fortunate enough to help out at my daughters school recently making pillows and softies and the experience reaffirmed to me how important being creative and making stuff is.  The creative journey is such an amazing one and I'm feeling so fortunate to get to share mine. 

I hope to have some new projects to share soon.  thanks for looking! D'Andrea

the thing about dolls and a book review

My daughter turned 5 last June and one of my dear friends gifted us this great book called "Fanny" by Holly Hobbie.  It was truly the perfect book for us and has quickly became most requested.  We LOVE this book!

There are many reasons why I started making dolls but the main one is creating age appropriate dolls for children.  I have made a decision to not have certain 'dolls' (rhymes with smartie!) in our house.  My girly has discovered them at friends houses and of course thinks they are pretty fascinating!  I have explained to her that I don't choose those dolls with reasons such as too much make-up, too grown-up, etc.  It seems like our girls are growing up way to fast these days!  This is just me, I totally respect other peoples decisions but this is what works for us.  

This book was so appropriate I couldn't believe it and neither could my daughter.  As we read it together the first time, she looked at me in amazement as certain parts we were reading were actual bits of  conversations we've had, including the wee sewing machine I gave to her for her birthday!  

The little girl, Fanny, really wants a 'Connie' doll but her mom doesn't like them.  So Fanny decides to make her own doll.  I don't want to spoil it for you but it really is a wonderful story with great pictures and deals well with issues such as individuality and imagination.  We really love this book and my daughter was totally fine with finding a new home for the plastic doll she was given for her birthday.  Amazing!  The wonderful part about this book is it doesn't come across all preachy like it could.  It really is a sweet story.  enjoy!

InStyle magazine feature

Sara Jaye Weiss/StartraksPhoto; Courtesy of Ten Thousand things; Courtesy of LL Bean; Courtesy of Chloe

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DECEMBER 4, 2009

Shop Gwyneth's Holiday Gift List

Gwyneth Paltrow is one of Hollywood's hottest stars, a doting mother of two and a taste-making fashionista. In her latest GOOP newsletter, the superstar takes time to offer up some insight on holiday gifts—make them personal, she says! Paltrow puts the thought back into holiday shopping with gifts that benefit charitable organizations, are eco-friendly or come with exclusive discounts. We love the monogrammed L.L. Bean tote, lookalike Chloe In Style dolls and perfectly charmed Ten Thousand Things necklace. See more of Paltrow's personalized holiday gifts at Goop.com. 

— Joyann King

custom dolls on goop

I didn't know this but Gwyneth Paltrow has a wonderful lifestyle blog called Goop.  A little bird (thanks Alissa!) called me this morning to let me know about a feature of my custom dolls (available from Chloe in Style) written on their newsletter today.  

When it comes to children’s gifts, I check out Chloe In Style for handcrafted toys and accessories made by “mompreneurs” – busy moms with home-grown businesses. I like the idea of giving a gift that supports other mom’s endeavors.

You can choose the features for these dolls to make your kid’s lookalike from mompreneur, D’Andrea. They are totally non-toxic and non-polluting to boot. - $69

check hear for the full article.

aww Gwyneth, you have such great taste. And now to make some time to read thru all of goop!

Patouche and pupa pupa tell a story...

     
 
 

          pupa pupa

Story telling just got cuter....

  Special edition pupa pupa dolls dressed by Patouche. Little red's wool cape available from 

sizes 6 months to 6 yrs and now doll size! Dolls are handmade with natural materials, filled with love and wool. Matching shifty eyed big bad wolf doll in linen, herringbone and a wool scarf.  

Capes and dolls available on line and select stores.

please contact d@pupapupa.com for further information

 

 

Kessa from Patouche and I have had lots of fun creating these special edition dolls just in time for the holidays!  Little red will be available in light or dark skin with blonde, brown, red or black hair.  Currently, dolls available thru my etsy store.  Patouche's capes are available online or you may visit them at Toronto's One of a Kind Show and Sale.  Capes also available at select retail stores in Toronto.  

Shifty eye wolf gives me the giggles every time I glance his sneaky way! 

custom dolls

twin sister custom dolls ready to head out for some adventures!  

looky look see!!

Do you get the Daily Candy delivered to your mail box every week?  Drool over the cool latest, greatest finds?  I'm totally thrilled to be featured on the Daily Candy Kids post last Thursday.  Did you see it?  Did you think those dolls looked familiar?  Yup, I've teamed with Chloe in Style to offer a great way to order your very own custom pupa pupa.

August 27, 2009

You're a Doll

Custom Dolls from Chloe in Style

Your daughter loves to play Extreme Makeover with her dolls.

But just ask Barbie how she feels about her Bic eyeliner, Magic Marker blush, and hot new mullet.

Harness Little Miss Creativity before she defaces any other property with a custom handcrafted doll. Crafted by a mom, the toys recall a simpler time — when playtime meant using your imagination (and not your arsenal of art supplies).

Made of a heavyweight, super-soft French terry spun from bamboo and organic cotton, the dolls are stuffed with Canadian wool (that won’t collect dust mites). Facial features are hand-sewn with embroidery floss; clothes are made from vintage dead stock fabrics.

The heavy stitching will be done, but kids get to choose the outfit, eye color, freckles (or not), hair color, hair length, and skin tone.

Kind of like being her skipper.

Available online at chloeinstyle.com.

Kids Trunk Show

Hey folks!  Hope to see you at the upcoming show at the Workroom on Queen Street.

Summer time!

Bring on the colour!  I've been having lots of fun making some fantastic dresses for the dolls with some fab vintage fabrics and there is a ton of amazing colour.

It's been a busy couple weeks around our house and most of my new dolls are not listed in my shop quite yet.  SOON!  

I am pleased to let you know that there are a few fantastic animal dolls over at wonderful goodEgg industries AND they are having a one year 10% sale on right now.  I love their shop so it's exciting to see my dolls hanging with work I much admire.

I'm especially in love with petit flaneur's work.  I was able to make a trade with her at a show and her doll house lives happily in my art room for the kids to play with.  When I let them.

 I think she has such a fantastic and whimsical touch!

Children's Trunk Show, May 29

Hey Folks!  Tomorrow is show day.  I'll be at the Distillery District in the Fermenting cellar from 9:30 to 4:30.  I've been going a little crazy making the most adorable dresses for some of the animals.  Come say hi!