Christmas Shopping...New Tree Trimmings!

My tiny 2 1/2 foot tree, that I affectionately call 'the mascot' is a small version of my very first Christmas Tree in my first home!  The theme is gold and everything on it is gold.  That tradition is coming to an end, after 18 years!  Wow that is an entire child from birth to voter's registration.  LOL.

I don't mind sharing with you!  Actually I am inviting you to share your holiday trimmings with me.

I purchased the miniature bulbs about two-three years ago after Christmas shopping in hopes that I would find the motivation to do something different. That time is upon us.  The colors are 'silver-green-lilac'.  After the Detroit Doll Show, I will get right on top of crafting my tree topper, because the one I have currently will clash!

Here is what I have so far!

In a short haul yesterday I found tulle on sale and too many purples to choose...so I bought a yard of all of them!  We will sort it out in the end!

Today is the very last day...get your shop and treats today while supplies last!

Halloween Treats @ JoAnn Fabric

Click the image to increase size, save, and print!

Sneak Peek...November Promo: Giving Thanks, the entire month!

I am so overjoyed with the love and support that me and Beauty of Creating received in such a short time.  We started this year in a very different place than where we are, even today.

This year is waning, and I do not want to miss a single day thanking each and everyone who took the time and resources to support our growth.

Here is a sneak peek with what November brings you!  

Hair Diary: Chavonne's Curls...update

A few years ago I received a message requesting if I could share my knowledge on how to restore the lost curls from Journey Girl Chavonne's hair.  I was lost for words.  My knowledge of curly hair is that you don't comb these doll's hair else lose their curl pattern.  The last wash 'n go was done back in April. 

One of five active Chavonne model's, that I affectionately call Cinnamon (Cinna for short) has a very interesting root of hair that I have struggled to soften. I treat it as her own unique personality and keep it in a high tight bun. Her hair is not displayed big and loose, else I would have to wash it weekly. She typically models athletic wear and often maintains a natural high head puff of curls.

While prepping her for her photo shoot, I decided to give her wash 'n go to freshen up her . I want her to look her to come with her best camera ready look.  As usual, hot water wetting to moisten, then shampoo, and the final conditioning treatment before styling. 

This time around, I added to the conditioner treatment, a little drop of avocado oil mixed with a drop of lavender oil. I did not get excited for the results because I know Cinna's hair.  It is dry and that is what I come to expect of it.

Before rinsing out the conditioner treatment, I borrowed Noelle's brush and did what would ordinarily be the unthinkable on a curly...I brushed through some of the curls. Nothing really could hurt her hair and if it failed, I was prepared to give her straw set.

The curls sprung right back into form.  Wow!!!

I then rinsed the conditioner treatment, t-shirt dried Cinna's hair, brushed the perimeter and pulled it into her signature high puff.  While it was still wet, I borrowed Noelle's brush again and began to give the curls a little untangle action!

They sprung right back to form!  Okay wait a minute.  I was told that if you brush the hair, comb it, the curls would flatten.  Not so!

Two conclusions...first, repeat for future washes the lavender-avocado oil treatment.  And second, there is no truth to the notion that combs are deadly to curly's.  In my expert opinion, curls go flat due to flat irons or some heat appliance to give her a straight look.

Cinna's hair is not completely dry, but I expect its texture to be softer after this treatment.

Tell me again TRU, why did you discontinue the curly Chavonne?  Heat appliances are not the prescription to styling doll hair at all.   

Recently Sold: Denim Blues II

Beauty of Creating, direct sell item, featuring a 6 PC Ensemble.
Journey Girl Dana showcases a floral blouse, black leggings,
black tube socks, denim jacket, with a coordinating shoulder sling backpack

This ensemble designed for direct sell customer is truly OOAK.  This specific color palette is no longer available.  Feel free to contact Beauty of Creating, Inc. and allow us to design something extraordinarily cute for your favorite JG or MyLife Doll!  Or stop by our eBay collection and shop one of our displayed to ship items!

Toys R Us Gift Card Coupon $25

Hi guys...that season is upon us!

Remember the days of younger when the doll catalogs started making their way through the mail?  How about the trips to mall and spending hours upon hours dreaming of the magic that Christmas would bring?

Well Toys R Us is delivering both catalog and $25 gift for a $100 purchase.  The offer is valid now through - 10/31!   The gift card that your receive for your $100 purchase must be used between 12/1 - 12/24!

Hurry!

Oh No! Free-ky Friday's are Gone!!!

I am so sorry if you missed our any price/any listing "free-ky Friday" event, but it is not too late to make your purchases for all full priced listings to receive your "double-double" gifts!

There are three days left in the month, but this October Promo ends Nov. 1st.  Shop now and go 'treat or treating' while you shop!

Remember, the most popular designs will showcase at the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show.  Make sure to collect your purchases fast at our eBay location to ensure you get your favorite item before it is pulled for the event showcasing!

DIY - How to Make: Doll Haunted House | Multi Room Halloween Doll House

A fan favorite creative vlogger "Froggy" from MyFroggyStuff
flies in her elemental hallmark of making doll houses!
Here is one folding doll house for Halloween!

Journey Girl - Chavonne on Sale!

$25.99 @ Toys R Us online plus an additional 15% off 

with the SAVE15 Promo Code!

Hurry this event ends 10/25/17!

SPIDERMAN BANDANA | Halloween Makeup Tutorial

Watch as the lovely and creative Elena Gant leads you in makeup

tutorial from her Halloween Makeup Series!

Enjoy~ 

Paracord Planet - Cording Haul

Yeah...you might think this is just another haul, right?  No.  This one will shock you and hopefully in a good way!

I am making military style field jackets for the Journey Girls Re-creation Project and I needed paracord.  In case you do not know, this cord is used as draw strings for tying together the jacket.

Rust and Olive (on the left) and Burgundy.

Craft stores carry it, usually near the beading section.  I needed bigger color palate.  Part of being a designer is living for the moment of stretching your imagination and not being limited to what is already 'fixed'. This is why I offered customers the option of bringing their inspirations to life!

I hit up Google and landed on the 'free shipping' standing out bold. I am thinking 'how much do I have to order to get this?'

It turned out to be a simple order of over $5.99.  They ship free...remember!  And they ship fast.  I placed this order on 10/19.  It arrived today! 

The colors and style vary.  What you see in my image are just what I needed and thus, ordered.  

Journey Girls Making Strides for Breast Cancer Awareness

With the state's walk events over, it is not too late to make a donation to the American Cancer Society - Making Strides to cure Breast Cancer.

In honor of this years survivors and Pink Angels, Beauty of Creating presents the Journey Girl - Chavonne, in her Making Strides 'gear' ensemble.  She is available after 5 p.m. EST today at our eBay location.  This beautiful 'curly' Chavonne (discontinued edition) is included with purchase!

Happy Bidding/Buying!

Beauty of Creating, presents the event doll costume (and/or doll).
10PC Ensemble: high top black/dark pink sneakers,
white socks with pink stripes, black leggings, pink/white tutu, black headband,
dark pink towel, and white "Breast Cancer Awareness" tank top, and
backpack!

Michael Miller Designs On Sale!

One of my favorite fabric depots online is featuring designs by the late Michael Miller on clearance!  I do not need another shopping haul, but I wanted to share it with you!

The fabrics offered are geared towards the home!  Enjoy!

Recently Sold

Beauty of Creating, 9PC Ensemble, via direct sell
Pajama pants, t-shirt, robe, socks, bunny slippers, teddy bear, & book

The fabric for this entire ensemble is no longer available, however stay tuned for the Holiday 2017 Collection...it just maybe recreated with a new fabric theme and some new accessories!

Fashion Fabric Club - 2nd October Haul

If you remember from here: Fashion Fabrics Club fabric haul that I did an online shopping haul last week, at one of my favorite bulk fabric stores also known as Denver Fabrics. 

That haul yielded a pretty decent return on the investment. This 2nd October Haul was tenfold!  Everything that I ordered was in stock! YAY!!! With online shopping this is not unusual to have something back ordered or discontinued. But with (FFC), you do not know your unaccompanied item exists until your order arrives. I have witnessed many shoppers complain about being charged a lot for shipping only to see their order fall less than the shipping. OUCH!  I hope that never happens, because the day that happens, it is OVER!!!

Needless to say, this haul ruled!  I did order multiple options, but the fabric is so fabulously priced and you can order as low as an 1/8 of a yard. Not many can say that for sure. Most fabric sites want you to order a yard minimum, some require more than that. 

Fashion Fabrics Club is a great place to try small quantities to test the dexterity. When you design, nothing is really wasted.

Fabric shopping never ends, but it is an upswing when you can find what you need at great price. You can pass these great savings along to your customers and complete the circle of savings!

Stay tuned, to see the works of these hauls!

What About Free-ky Friday? Why?

Free-ky Friday October Promo at Beauty of Creating is a two-fold sales event that features free treats of a wide variety catering to our online customers, and those direct sell customers who decide to purchase pre-made items (due to our brief shutdown to prepare for the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show).

(1) All customers who purchase a listed priced item receive not one, but two free gifts!

(2) All customers who purchase on Free-ky Friday receive a free gift.  That means no matter if the price is listed or negotiated at our eBay Collection site.

So far, customers have truly enjoyed the treats.  They literally feel as if they are going treat or treating or trunk or treating with Beauty of Creating!

Today is the 3rd Friday of October (where any price purchase, listed, bid, or bartered) wins a free treat...one more Friday after today!  Get your purchases in quickly.  The month is shredding fast and soon this promo will be history!

Gift Labels for Free Promotional Gifts

Thanks in advance for your purchase and we look forward to servicing your Journey Girl, Barbie, or 18" Doll needs!

Throwback Thursday: 2005 Barbie Basket Weave Textured Suit

Beauty of Creating, "2005 - Basket Weave Suit - Seafoam"
5PC Ensemble that included: sea foam green basket weave blazer, skirt,
purse, and matching teal pumps

Before Journey Girls arrived in 2015, it was a Barbie World!  It was inspired by my sister who had this gorgeous suit, nearly identical. Eventually, I was able to get her to part ways with the suit...LOL!

There are a few vintage purses that remain from this Barbie Collection located at eBay.  The 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show is coming up in a few weeks.  All of the Barbie Collection that remains will be traveling with us!  Hurry, shop, and lurk no more!

Update...Recreating Mikaella (Aussie Adventure)

I am fiercely one-sided here when it comes to that lace overlay top.  I am considering making a screen print t-shirt as a part of the package!  There is so much to be included in this theme that would certainly increase its desirability to Australian Adventure lovers!

Not this exactly...but something equally picturesque, that captures the look and feel of the scenery of Australia's Outback!  I may even put an image on longer sleeve t-shirt!  The possibilities are endless!  

I am getting super-duper excited just planning this design adventure!

Packing for the Doll Show...

Two days ago, we temporarily closed our 'direct sell' option to prepare the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show (November 10 and November 11). We will resume on November 15th to honor all our of "special" customer requests.

You may continue to submit your orders or shop from our online display, but special requested items will be fulfilled after November 15th.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you and your dollies!

While we are away, feel free to shop and grab all of the freebies you can for the duration of the October "Free-ky" Friday Promo.  Shop now, because of our limited creations, we will pull requested items from our eBay Collection for display at the Detroit Doll Show!  Hurry...Hurry...Hurry!

***

It is sort of tricky on this maiden voyage to the doll show, because we really are not sure what customers would like to see featured.  Therefore, we are moving our "most viewed/watched/sold" doll items to be showcased for an up close view!

Anything you want to see, head on over to eBay Collections for Beauty of Creating and get your 'view/watch/shop' on so we can count your wishes for our travel box!

The Detroit Doll Show Exhibit features dolls of color only.  

Recently Sold...

As a part of the "Back to School" free backpack promo, a sewfriend purchased this ensemble, on the very last day of the promo! 

Beauty of Creating, 7 PC ensemble that includes:
denim jumper dress with yellow top stitching & pocket embroidery,
a yellow short sleeved blouse with floral/trellis print
yellow socks, navy patent leather Mary Jane shoes,
underpants, and a free Backpack
as part of the September 2017 "free backpack promo".

With the month of October almost gone, and a new promo for November to round out our Fall magazine, make sure to stop by our eBay collections and pick out your favorite outfit for a chance to win some really cool freebies!

Wooden Doll Hangers...

No doll wardrobe is complete without closets, drawers, and HANGERS!!! Not just any hangers, but wooden hangers for your 18" doll clothes. 

Coming Soon...

Throwback Thursday: 2005 Barbie in Blue

Beauty of Creating, "c.2005 - Barbie in Blue"
6 PC Ensemble, Ultra Suede Coat Dress/Jacket w/ Belt, Slacks,
Blue Square-Toe Pumps, and Blue B.O.C. Signature Design Purse

Before Journey Girls arrived at B.O.C. two years, around 10 years prior, the featured model was Barbie.  And this suit ensemble came in two color palette's: blueberry (shown in picture) and red wine. 

This was a functional wardrobe, where Barbie could ditch the pantsuit look and wear the belted blazer as a dress.

There are a few vintage purses, handbags, and backpacks over at our eBay shop in a wine red, blue, black, brown, and funfetti red! 

Best Friends Club (BFC), Ink Doll - Noelle

As promised, here is my interim review of Noelle from the defunct BFC, Ink dolls.  But first a little background information on the Best Friends Club Doll Series...

Recently, I uncovered that these dolls once sold for around $19.99 at its on sale price, just before they went away.  But, like all great things that go away, they soon become collector's items and the price can go as high as $350 for Calista, priced on Amazon.

Calista was the first doll from this collection that I fancied on sight.  But I was not about to invest that kind of money in any doll regardless if it came with movable joints.  Then I discovered Noelle for a reasonable price and I quickly had designs for her to be featured at the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show.

The review...

 

Noelle is 1/2 of a twin set, though sold separately.  Her sister is Aleisha.  Noelle stands around 18" tall.  She has movable joints at the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.  This Noelle, is from the Summer Splashin' Collection.  She is a beautiful doll with gorgeous chestnut brown eyes and luxurious auburn hair.  

Once I clipped all bindings, strings, and tape, Noelle was finally free.  I quickly pulled her hair up into a tight bun, using the included hair brush, and adorned her in a pair of my lavender tennis shoes.  I hate the sandals that come in the box.  They are too big for her and they are plastic!  

Carrying a yellow tote bag, Noelle is beach ready, dressed in a lavender/pink bathing suit with a matching lilac wrap.  She is what I would call a hybrid between Barbie and Journey Girls.  She is incredibly lithe, but proportionate.  

Her ears are pierced.  I put in a pair of crystal studs.  

I am torn between keeping her all to myself or placing her up for adoption.  While I compile and prepare for the doll show, Winter/Holiday, I will come to a final conclusion.

If I keep her, I would love to design a clothing division for her and other dolls her size.  She is a hard one to let go!  I absolutely adore her.  Noelle has a lot of potential.  

Singer 14J250 Stylus II Serger for $97!

Need a serger?  Not sure if you want to dive into a huge investment?  Here is a great buy, one of my sewfriends posted on Just Sew!

Singer Stylus II Serger

For $97 you cannot beat this deal for a refurbished serger/overlock machine.  Add $5 for shipping and you can have this delivered within 7-10 days! 

Beauty of Creating, Inc. and its entities are in no way affiliated with Woot.com.  

Fashion Fabrics Club, fabric haul

Last week I placed an order at Fashion Fabrics Club, also known as Denver Fabrics.  Often when you order fabric online, you do not get a good impression of the look and feel of the fabric.  You have to trust the listing and the merchant.

Because FFC allows you to order below a yard on most of their fabrics, it is an incentive to try as much as you can for their great prices.  Once your order arrives, take a discrete inventory of what you found worth buying more.

As a craft person, nothing really goes to waste.  You do have to log your stashes so that you remember what you have, what to reorder, and what is basically a miss!

Code: 
green=hit, something I would definitely order more of in the future.
yellow=neutral, not sure must see it on model
red=not likely, not at all what I expected, poor online description
U/A=unavailable, sold out, was not included in the shipment

There were definitely way more hits than misses.  I am pleased with this shipment.  There were so many greats in this order, I think it is best to review the neutrals, just so I pay special attention to these fabrics and give them a fair shot at rising to green!

48912 Dark Ivory Slub.  I was definitely looking for something in the ivory family, but unfortunately one of FFC's major faux pas is its color coding.  They could use some help in that department with visual imaging.  The fabric has a look of wheat which is a bonus.  But it is ribbed.  We will see! 

63393 Soft Blue Check Shirting.  A little thin, but we shall see.  I am sort of 'light green' on this one.  

and the fail...

62807 Heather Charcoal Jersey Knit.  Looking at the picture, I did not expect ash/charcoal...the kind of way charcoal looks after it is has burned...A huge fan of gray, year around, I know my gray and this one did not live up to the expectation at all.  This one was such a disappointment, I may just abort the notion of finding it in another attempted search.

If I decide to give FFC a chance to redeem themselves on 'heather charcoal', I might go with 63823 Heather Charcoal Cotton Jersey Knit.  The name is close, but the color is very different.  

There is my review of this haul.  

Recently Sold...

Beauty of Creating presents Vegan/Vegetarian Soul Chef doll costume
made exclusively for Journey Girl Dolls by Toys R Us.  It may fit
MyLife Dolls.  This 8 PC ensemble was a 2 of 2 commissioned direct sell (DS).
Included: Chef Hat, Chef Smock, Chef Mitt, Chef Clogs, uniform pants, and dress socks.

Originated as a direct sell (DS) with unlimited options and customizations this doll costume is available now to online customers at our eBay location.  Online is sold as is, without any customization's.  

How to carve a pumpkin in minutes...watch Robert's skills!

You can see the full tutorial on his channel at YouTube!

Follow Robert, let him show you how to "style"!

Visit, Subscribe to: 
Robert E. Blackmon

New Shop Launch Button

Visiting shoppers and craft friends, I want to take this time to thank you. I cannot say it enough, how much I appreciate your likes, shares, comments, shop, chats, and messages!

It is my dollightful pleasure to serve you.  A part of serving you and as a show of my appreciation of your time and visitation, I took the liberty to improve your experience here on jgbocinc.  To your right, you will see some new images with clickable links for your viewing pleasure!

One of the improvements here on jgbocinc is this addition of the hot link to our eBay shopping location.  Additionally, the jgbocinc blog will feature calendar events as well as our global partnerships.

Here at Beauty of Creating, we strive to improve your visit with us.  In that regard, let us know how we can continue to make your experience better!

Throwback Thursday: A Healthy Challenge, Winter 2017

Beauty of Creating, Winter 2017 Catalog 
12 PC ensemble: A Healthy Challenge, included:
Skinny denim jeans, Vegetarian logo t-shirt, athletic socks, panties,
Ski jacket, scarf, head band, mittens, Ski boots (match the jacket)

This ensemble was purchased by a platinum direct sell customer in a bulk order!  The entire Winter Catalog was sold within minutes.

This Winter, there will be at least one ski jacket/coat ensemble.  Stay tuned for details!   

Go TEAM!

Wallace Academy Wolverines (prep)

and

U of B.O.C. Bobcats 

Homecoming, pep rally, and booster club are here to welcome back our athletes and to cheer on our teams into the fall sports season!

Beauty of Creating began the concept of nurturing higher education at its conception in 1999.  In 2015, we began to draft the vision of bring prep and college collections to help bring that concept to reality!

This fall, we will present team sports through our athletic line.  They are not competing entities however!

 Wallace Academy -WA is a college preparatory with a vocational extension.  University of  Beauty of Creating - U of B.O.C.  is our higher learning center where our Journey Girls enrich their prep experience and transform into bright and inspiring young professionals!

***

Our official team photos and Homecoming regalia are underway!  Stay tuned!

***

Do not forget...the October Promotional Free Gifts to celebrate the Harvest Season! 

Recreating 2017 Toys R Us Journey Girl Dolls

From the Australian Adventure 2017 release by Toys R Us, Journey Girls Callie and Mikaella hands down dressed the part.  It just so happened that they are also the most inspiring to reproduce!  I love the jackets, the boots, and the accessories!

I have begun to storyboard these ideas.  Here is one for Mikaella, who will likely get her recreation first!

I am so excited to do this recreation!  Follow us to see the process and the final!

Free Fabric and 40% Off!

First thing's first...

I planned an impromptu fabric haul for the Journey Girl Dolls at JoAnn Fabric.  The 40% off all regular priced fabric and merchandise was the tipping point. There was so much on sale that I did not believe this to be a worthwhile trip in '40 % off' savings...but it was!!!

Not only did I knock a huge chunk off of the bill, but I got a piece of fabric for free!!!  The one I actually wanted, desired, longed for...since last night's perusal of Pink2Paris (YouTube) Channel.  In one of her ensembles, she is sporting a pink Burberry scarf.  I hit up JoAnn.com to prepare for the shopping trip today and I could not find it.  I even checked fabric.com...fail!

Well I got it for free inside JoAnn Fabric Store!!!  How?  It would not scan at the cutting counter.  Therefore, the clerk suggested it to be a discontinued fabric and the price pulled from the system.  So...FREE!!!

Pink, Black, White Plaid

Now, with a few hours remaining, you can still use the 40% off total regular priced fabric and merchandise at JoAnn Fabrics!

It was a good day! 

Stay tuned to see what flourishes from today's creative haul!

October 2017 eBay Promo

Thank you to all of my shop friends for making September's Back to School 'free backpack' a success!

The new promotion for eBay and direct sell shoppers this October:

Free-ky Friday!

10/6, 10/13, 10/20, & 10/27

All purchases made on Friday receive a free gift!

&

Every customer who purchases a shop item at listed price

receive two free gifts!

And that means...if you purchase a full list item on a Free-ky Friday...

that is 3 free gifts!

Click Coupon to Express to eBay Listings

Thank you again for visiting, sharing, and shopping!  We look forward to serving you soon!