Sold! Keep it Classy

Offered as a direct sell/online deal, this outfit continues to wow with Journey Girl Doll collectors!

Beauty of Creating, Keep it Classy, features in 2017
a special upgraded edition,
white eyelet lace tank top with ribbon straps/waist tie, khaki shorts, and
white canvas sneakers

The name says it all.  Created in 2016, this ensemble sold mostly via the direct sell option during its maiden year.  Now reaching customers globally through eBay, "Keep it Classy" as the name suggests, signifies that old is new, and classics never go out of style!

Thank you for visiting and shopping!  Stay tuned for August, Back to School promotions.

Limited edition, while supplies last.

July 2017 Doll Inspiration

Doll Inspiration celebrates the accomplishment of young women, by capturing their style, beauty, grace, through doll inspired recreations!

This is my niece British Imese Moore.  She is a 2017 honors graduate of Air Force Academy High, Chicago, IL.  Currently, British is a training candidate of the USAF, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX.

Beauty of Creating presents, British Imese Moore, July 2017 Doll Inspiration

She is an honor student, graduating with 3.8 average, recipient of several full scholarships with admission acceptance to the many universities vying for her academic acumen.  But British set aside those endorsements to serve her country as a soldier in the USAF.

With many well wishes in tow, may greatness continue to embellish her in all that she aspires to do!

Sold! Honolulu Sun

Another satisfied customer from our eBay shop gets to enjoy this limited item! A special Journey Girl will lounge and play in Beauty of Creating Style!

Beauty of Creating, Honolulu Sun is a
2 PC bikini in yellow with a
bright floral ruffle to accent!

Honolulu Sun comes with a free beach bag
and sunglasses!

In a limited supply and run, Honolulu Sun represents a bright and sunny part of the 2017 Beauty of Creating Swimsuit Catalog.  Enjoy! Thanks for shopping at our eBay location!  

Only 3 Days to Enjoy

Only 3 days remain until this PROMO ends!

If You Wanted a Curly Chavonne...

As many doll collectors and some customers who are finally awake, probably already know, the naturally curly haired Chavonne offered by Toys R Us/Geoffrey has been MIA for months now.  She appears to be gone for good. Although one can never really know for sure with TRU, it certainly appears that the brand has replaced her with a straight-haired alternative.

I think there is room for both.  But that is a decision left for the production/management team of Journey Girls.

If you wanted a curly and you bypassed her, remember that all things good do not last, but increase in value in their short supply.

I am sure that the struggle with the hair prompted this change.  Many doll lovers took to the internet in search of ways to restore the curls after losing them to hair brush and comb wars.  A few even asked me to share my tips.  Sorry.  I only know how to maintain curls.  Curlies know that to maintain curls, your fingers do the work.  Combs/Brushes are death to curlies.

I also noticed something wicked this way comes when the doll went unnoticed in the local store, deeply hidden behind other dolls.  I purchased my first Chavonne in Toys R Us.  It is quite possible that I picked up another.  However, three (the most recent purchased this year) were definitely purchased online.  Why? Mostly for the value, but primarily for the availability.

I encouraged all of my Facebook friends and family to purchase this doll and do so as a strategy to support just how important she is to the doll community.  I even did a promotion (yes. I paid for it.) on Facebook to push sales at Christmas.

Now, nearly two years later, and the absence of the curly Chavonne seems a reality, many are wondering where did she go and how they can get one.  I encountered several customers on EBay hoping that she came with the outfit.

Haha...no.  This doll retails for $40.  I was smart enough to pay attention to the previous discontinued brands to know that good things do not last long, but often increase in value due their limited supply.  With five Chavonne's virtually appearing the same, I took to giving a few of them a distinguished cut to highlight their differences.  The most recent arrival purchased this year is simply the queen of the five.  She maintains a lush head of curls.  She is platinum to the collection, as she commemorates the fifth of what very well could be the final five.

I hope that TRU brings the curly back.  I would love to purchase more.  I mostly want doll lovers to experience the joy I get just by looking at her, dressing her, and watching others adore her unique hair!

Dronellar's Secret...

A few visitors have asked, "Is Dronellar keeping a Secret?". The concern is that Beauty of Creating has not shared any designs for underpants. For some reason, I concluded that patrons knew this from receiving them in their order.

Beauty of Creating, bikini panties

No...Dronellar is not keeping a Secret from our fans.  

Beauty of Creating, high-waist brief

As a matter of fact, underpants (and socks) are something we cherish so much that we simple see them as a 'must have' for dresses and thin or see-through pants.  

We love our Journey Girls and are always finding new and creative ways to cover their bottoms!  😉

For the Back to School 2017 edition, we will also feature bonus packs of both socks and undies.  When I say Beauty of Creating has got you covered, 'we got you covered'.

SOLD! Blue Flowers and Lace

Another satisfied customer! Our eBay shop continues to deliver OOAK creations for Journey Girl lovers everywhere!

Beauty of Creating Blue Flowers and Lace
"Baby Doll" style 2 PC Set

Summer Pajama Ensemble
White w/ Blue Flowers, Lace & Satin Ribbon Bow
2 PC (top and pantie) 

One very deserving customer and doll lover will have this cute pajama set for their favorite Journey Girl to wear to sleep or lounge on a recliner, while cuddled up with a great book!

Unfortunately, like a few other creations, it was the only in this color/print fabric. The good news is that Beauty of Creating has so many more creations  for you to choose.  Make sure to take a look at our new 'collections' to expedite your shopping.

Thank you for shopping and viewing at eBay.  We look forward to delivering a special creation to right to your door!

Fashion Fabrics Club

Looking for oil cloth, I went to my favorite fabric spot for specialty fabrics, fabric.com and was a little disappointed in the search.  I did find a few but the selection left me unfulfilled.  The ones I really wanted required that I buy 3, 4 yards minimum.

No way!  I continued to search, and thus happened upon Fashion Fabrics Club and found a huge selection of oil cloth.  I wanted a variety of colors without investing in a full yard, or investing too much.  They also go by the name Denver Fabric Company.

I decided to give them a chance.  Here is my review!  

Prices.

A lot of sales.  I get plenty of emails about their sales.  The price for oil cloth was fairly cheap.  

Site navigation.

The site is hard to navigate.  Every time I went from cart review, then back to shopping, the search default took me back to the homepage. I query "oil cloth" and scissors displayed.  The site is constant having run time errors.

Cashing out.

I do not like the cash out system because they do not offer PayPal.  Being a new customer, I was a little reluctant to follow through, but I gave in.  This time. Please add PayPal.

Shipping.

Free shipping with a $70 purchase...ack!  I did not even come close to reaching that arena.  There is a 7-14 day processing/shipping time.  After eight days, I flagged customer service wondering where the heck was my shipping confirmation. They gave me some song and dance that I should check my spam folder...blah blah. That was Monday.  I thought FedEx was the only courier.  The package finally delivered to the post office and like a snail, it finally arrived today.

Oil Cloth Haul, 6 pieces!  Goal: Wellies and Slickers!

Verdict.

I would consider shopping on their site again.  I now know that things move slow.  As long as they deliver and there is no drama with my order, like missing items, we can do business.  Why not?  My go-to is JoAnn Fabric, and their warehouse sucks!  There is always a missing or lost item.  But because of JoAnn's customer service is so gracious, I continue to shop online.  The break-up is always dependent on customer service.  

Detroit Doll Show 2017

Beauty of Creating will be there!  How about you?

It will be a dollightful time!

New Logo Designs...

With the new editions to the Beauty of Creating Collection, I wanted to take this opportunity to expand the label designs.   The trade brand that identifies the enterprise, since 1999 remains in tact.  However, new products deserve an opportunity to showcase updated or new labels/logos.

I did not want to rush it, so I tried them out on various stationary to see what works.  Soon, you will see these new labels adorning purses, belts, and sneakers!

this label will preview primarily on belts

previewing on undies, purses, handbags, shoes, and shopping bags

this label will be featured on athletic shoes
The shoe collection, established in 2017 is
featured, not the business origination date.

The images viewed here were created in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0.  

Re-Creating Mikaella, 2015 Italy Collection

Ever since Mikaella joined the Beauty of Creating team this year, the first thought, like with Chavonne, was to do a re-creation from one of her earlier edition outfits.  The one from Italy's 2015 Journey Girl Collection stood out from the crowd of favorites.  For you to be reminiscent and capture this timeless classic, head over to EBay, before they all disappear!

2015 Mikaella in "Italy" Collection design (l),
2017 Beauty of Creating re-creation (r)

The Beauty of Creating re-creation
Blue/White Stripe seersucker romper,
Teak/Tan Faux Leather designer belt

Beauty of Creating, designer arm tote
in Aegean Blue felt w/ Teak/Tan faux leather trimmings

New! Beauty of Creating,
Teak/Tan faux leather t-strap sandals

Beauty of Creating, 2015 Journey Girl in Italy re-creation

This 6 PC ensemble offered by direct sell and at EBay, that includes free panties, showcases with a romper, sandals, belt, and arm tote!  It is offered at special July summer sale price, while supplies last!

eBay Collections

For your shopping convenience, Beauty of Creating now features 'collections' at our eBay location.

Beauty of Creating eBay Shop
Collection: "Swimwear, Poolside, Beach Ready"

This feature is very similar to a catalog or department store that gathers 'like' items into one section to aid you in finding the right item that you need for your favorite Barbie or Journey Girl!

Currently there are eight collections, such as purses and handbags, swimwear, new shoes, back to school, re-creation of classics, Barbie, Journey Girl, and lingerie.

Enjoy your new shopping experience at the Beauty of Creating/dmoore0170 shop at eBay.  Thank you for visiting, viewing, and shopping!

More Shoes...for You to Choose!

New EBay listing...

Beauty of Creating, 4 PC Maxi Dress Outfit

Beauty of Creating, Black/White Stripe Maxi Dress
White T-Strap Sandals w/ Floral Appliques
Free! Panties

New! to the Beauty of Creating collection,
T-Strap Faux Leather Sandals (white)

This ensemble is a one and only, so you do not want to miss it!  Hurry on over to EBay, and beat the crowd where best offers are accepted!

Throwback Thursday, Sorta/Have I Ever...

Beauty of Creating, shoe draft

A question posed to me recently? Have you ever considered designing for AG (American Girl Dolls)?

Absolutely.  The day I decided to get back into doll clothes crafting I took an uneventful trip to Toys R Us.  Mind you, with a 10 year hiatus from producing Barbie outfits, a lot of movement went on in the doll world. Stuff changed a lot! The last time I saw an African American AG doll, she looked like a slave.  I think her name was Addie.  I was not about that life.  

I was really just looking for a big doll after seeing so many larger dolls at the 2015 Detroit Doll Show.  I had purchased a new machine.  By 2015, it was about 4 years old and getting little to no work.  I needed a new inspiration.  The creative bug bit me good, but not hard enough to buy new Barbie's, at least not a 12" one.

I did not know that the AG was sold exclusively in its brand boutiques. But like a kid, I did not want to leave Toys R Us empty handed, so I kept looking around to see what fancied me.  The large Barbie was too stiff and lifeless that I blew right passed her coming into the store and at her own kiosk.  

On my way to giving up this event as a fail but not a loss, I spied the display of Journey Girl dolls and accessories.  Remember, I am new.  I know nothing about any doll other than AG.  I found this curly haired beauty with a horrible outfit on and instantly, she was mine after $39.99 at the checkout.  Her name...Chavonne! Oh how I loved that wild mass of curls!

FYI. I now own five Chavonne's as a part of my 12 doll Journey Girl Collection. 

I was so excited to get her home and out of those ugly clothes and deplorable shoes, that I ran straight to EBay and other doll clothes sites in search of shoes!!! I found so many.  But also discovered how limited still,  in color and style.  

I did not want my clothes collection to be limited by the shoes I could find.  I did not want the price of shoes and imperfect fit to twist my arm into purchasing, just to have shoes!

Back to AG...

So...being new to the Journey Girl world I hit up YouTube and the net to start building some knowledge about these dolls and I noticed that the availability was not the only difference in AG and Journey Girl.  

I did not like the teeth of the AG doll, but I liked that the eyes closed.

I liked the size of the AG doll, but I did not like the entire torso padded.

But, there are many dolls at 18" tall and I was not going to let availability to AG, body, or teeth limit my creativity.  I included every doll that everyone fancied.  I went online, downloaded the body measurements for all dolls of this size.

And you know what?

Not a single person was interested who owned an AG doll. My customers were Journey Girl doll owners and My Life collectors.  I thought, no need to keep making clothes to fit this doll (who is the larger of all 18" dolls) when no one is shopping my designs.  The market is pretty full of folks catering to that industry.

After a year, I pulled all of the patterns I had made (just a few at this time) and scaled them to fit Journey Girl only.  Now there are some exceptions, like My Life and Springfield Collection, because I am aware that the clothes I make fit My Life and the Springfield Collection crocs fit my Journey Girl's.

There you have it...I let the market decide.  

As a result, I stopped tagging AG doll collectors in my posts, even though the accessories I make, like belts, hair pins, and purses fit those dolls.  

SOLD! On Deck...

Another satisfied customer!  This was very near and dear, the first swimsuit in the production preview, and which appeared on the cover of the 2017 Swimsuit Brochure.

Beauty of Creating, "On Deck"
A dip in the pool, or lounging on a deck recliner
3PC Fashion Pack includes
Navy blue w/ white polka Bathing Suit adorned
with an anchor, matching tote bag, and sunglasses!

Your favorite Journey Girl has the right outfit to turn heads
this season!

front view of the Beauty of Creating, designer beach bag

back view of the Beauty of Creating, designer beach bag

The collection continues to be a hit.  Thanks to all who subscribe, share, and like!

We've Got You Covered!

In less than a week of production, a special preview debuts today on EBay!  For your favorite Journey Girl Doll, the wait is over.  In a variety of colors, textures, styles, and designs, Beauty of Creating has the shoe just for you!  This special Summer 2017 preview is just the beginning!  Stay tuned to see more coming your way this Fall!

At Beauty of Creating, we can design
a complete Journey Girl Doll ensemble!

For your personal design or event requests, leave a message!  Journey Girls shoe game is rising to the top!  Shop EBay for a special introductory price~

SOLD! Doll Romper and Free Introductory Ribbon Espadrilles

July is off to a great start!  Here is one of our recent creations, now adorned by a happy Journey Girl doll!

Journey Girl Chavonne, with her lovely curls enjoyed
a relaxing holiday treat with her sisters at IHOP!
This vegetarian dined on a garden omelet,
home potatoes, and harvest grain hotcakes!

Beauty of Creating, Journey Girl Doll Romper
w/ Free Ribbon Espadrille Sandals

***free sandals***

Sized just right for your favorite Journey Girl Doll 

Review...

Today I will be reviewing the Big Kick by Sizzix and Doll Frills "4 up" Doll Shoe Die.

I decided to combine these reviews into one posting because let's face it...I cannot see my life going on from here without this duo! 😉

Without further delay...I am in love with both!

Big Kick is the manual cutting machine, purchased to aid me in constructing doll shoes for the Journey Girls all over the world!  It along with a unique find in the Doll Frills "4 up" have already begun to do just that!  Basically, they are a one-two punch.  Certainly the Big Kick can do so much more.  There is an entire world of craft cutting dies and templates.

Big Kick along with the Doll Frills Doll Shoe Die

With this mission to create doll shoes for Journey Girls, I find it specific and straight to the point.  There is no need to invest several hundreds of dollars in a machine that may never get used to its potential. Besides, I really have enough machines going on over here that have yet to boast their potential.  I certainly do not need another, considering electronic devices with computer aided software receives frequent updates.  I would hate to buy one of those fancy blade cutting do-dads, along with its even pricier companion pieces, only to discover that the the components are 'old'.

Waiting and making a rational decision on the Big Kick and reserving my interest in the doll shoe die served my purse and conscience well!

doll shoe soles in unlimited textures

Big Kick has two companion nylon/acrylic pads used as shims, which guide and allow the Doll Frills shoe die to do its magic by cutting perfectly through your textures of foam, felt, cotton, leather, vinyl, plastic, tag board, card board, etc.

It also has a multi-purpose large extended platform that details instructions for its use.

In short, I am very pleased with both purchases.  The owner of Doll Frills was amazingly supportive and provided excellent communication with answers to my questions about the products ability to work with my Big Kick.  Along with the die cut purchase came free a free doll sandal tutorial.  I have not used it yet, but I reviewed it.  I am excited to try it.

In the meantime, the ideas that I have put together while building the shoe manufacturing department are finally getting leave from sketch to product.  Here is a sample of what I am working on currently...

Beauty of Creating "BOC 'n Stocks"

Beauty of Creating "BOC 'n Stocks" exclusively for Journey Girls

It looks like the factory opened in July as planned and production is off to a great start!

Happy July 4th!

Journey Girls are celebrating this holiday with a cool dip in the pool! Although the holiday is just for a day, this adorable two piece ensemble is available to purchase on EBay, while supplies last!  Take advantage of the summer sale and snag this OOAK bathing suit for your favorite Journey Girl Doll!  For a limited time only, this two piece ensemble comes with free sunglasses and beach bag!  

Beauty of Creating Designs

Journey Girl Chavonne in "Hearts by the Ocean"
Top: red hearts with white and red flowers
Bottom: red bikini bottom

2 PC Red, White, and Blue Bathing Suit

Big Kick by Sizzix!

Thanks to Amazon courtesy credits, I was able to get an absolutely great deal on the Big Kick!  It sells anywhere from $65-$130.  With my courtesy credits I snagged it for $51.  This machine is a manual press much to the likeness of the Ellison presses found in school/supply/resource rooms or teacher stores.

Big Kick by Sizzix

Thanks to my Prime benefits, it shipped out in two days and arrived on Sunday! I ordered a die from Doll Frills.  It could take up to five business days to process the order.  But considering I paid a mandatory Priority Shipping, I will be expecting it under two weeks.

The Big Kick is a die press which is something I need desperately.  Until the dies arrive, a full review is on hold.  Stay tuned!

Big Kick out of the box

I fancied the Cricut Explore Air 2, but I could not imagine budgeting for this $250 electronic machine that required an additional $200 worth of support tools and supplies just to do the basics.  A machine of this range should cut with amazing precision, leather etc.  However, the reviews do not suggest that it is as stealth as some boast.

You know how it is.  Some get sucked into the fad or hype and for recompense they lure others into the fallacy, much like with pricier items that do not deliver to its reputation.