Beauty of Creating is Turning 18 in January!!!

...another Best Seller Item

Beauty of Creating had a  huge Summer Sandal event
that featured the introduction to our exclusive Journey Girl Doll Shoes.
The T-Strap (offered in Teak and White) became
a fast hit among customers worldwide!

During early December, they were one of the highlights of our Cyber Sale!
Many customers took full advantage of a great product at an amazingly low price!

More colors are coming, and should debut late Winter 2018/early Spring 2018!

Thank you for shopping, sharing, and supporting us in all that you do!
Happy New Year!!!

San Antonio for Christmas...Travel Highlights

Hey guys! We're back.  Chavonne and I have a few highlights to show you.

Here is how we (me and Chavonne) were greeted at the San Antonio International Airport...

We freshened up and then off to Papadeaux's for lunch...appetizer, some of the best Mozzarella Sticks ever...oh and that sauce!  Then to the main, a Greek Salad with an enormously large Baked Potato!

***

Three tours of Christmas Opoly and the finale on Wednesday...we're all winners.  The girls practiced their reading and math, and ready to graduate to Monopoly!

***

Then we had a ball, literally...with two little darlings...a doll pageant.  Our myLife and Journey Girl's headed to the stylist then dressed for pageant events.

Paris Shaw won "Best Dancer"

Chavonne/Brielle "Best Pose"

Pageant Winner Chavonne/Ann
"Best Dress" and "Best Shoes"

Chavonne/Straight Outta Detroit
"Best Travel Casual"

***

I made a Caramel Cake, but we also had a pound cake, fried cauliflower, macaroni & cheese, green beans, rolls, sweet potatoes, and ice cream!

***

Touring San Antonio...we went downtown and finished at the Base Exchange (Randolph A.F.B.) for a quick lunch and to shop souvenirs!

@Alamo

River Walk with two darlings~

Watching the River Boat Taxi...too cold for the local's to ride, I guess

Randolph AFB, Base Exchange

***

We had a great time...got spoiled really good, and then headed home to regroup and come back to reality...a bitter disrespectful cold to greet us! 

We can hardly wait to go back!!!

Merry Christmas!

Part IV: Inventory.

Pattern Coding System Web Series:

Part I: The Coding.
Part II: The Photograph.
Part III: The Instructions.

The next part, which is the prelude to the finale of this five part pattern building system is the inventory tracking system.  It does not have to be fancy.  You make as simple this:

...to as extravagant as a database, with references, cross references, and indices utilizing MS Access/Support.

My choice now is the former, but of course if/when things outgrow my simple system, then it is off to something more sophisticated.

As it stands, I retain and update this listing as new patterns enter the 'inventory'.  I keep/maintain the current copy in a binder next to the drawer/box that stores the patterns.  When I add patterns, I do so manually by scratching notes at the bottom of this 'hard copy'.  Each month-end, I transfer these notes into the Word.doc inventory, whereby it receives the official update.

The inventory is superb.  It allows me to scan the listing to search out exactly what I want or need, without having to go through the patterns one-by-one. The effort is to the handle the patterns as infrequently as possible in order to maintain the life of the envelope.

Stay tuned to the next and final chapter of this series: Part V: Storage.

Quiz: How did I arrive at numbering Pattern # 10207/Crop Top, Walking Shorts?

Holiday Shipping Closure (online)

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas!

This notice is to remind all visitors and shoppers that the eBay location of Beauty of Creating will temporarily close from Dec. 22, 2017 through Dec. 28, 2017. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you.

A large part of the reason we shut down all promotions for December early (12/15) was so that we could provide the greatest opportunity for you to receive your purchases. You may still shop, but your order will not be processed until Dec. 29th.

JoAnn's: The Biggest Coupon Event

Last week I received my regular coupon mailer from JoAnn's and I could not believe that I am about to shop again...and here I was thinking that the madness was over...

Wrong!

Now I do need a few things to round out the stock required to complete our biggest sellers.

I pray, Lord please control my spending!

March on over to JoAnn's and get those online coupons.  And sign up...if you have not done so, to get the mailer.

The thing that caught my eye was that bounty of (4) 50% coupons.

The event runs from 12/18-12/20 (per the mailer), but you might find other things you would like to stuff inside a few stockings!

I need some ribbon...so that is one thing to get if hopefully it is not on sale.  I have no qualms with walking right out of there with nothing in tow.  Sewing Gods...be with me, and left this adventure be profitable!

...and the Winner is

Ms. Sonya "tiki" Randolph entered the
What's Under the B.O.C. Christmas Tree 
Ballerina Doll Costume Raffle

With a $5 ticket, she walked away with a $75 bounty!  Congratulations!

***
She liked, shared, and purchased a $5 raffle ticket.
Her winnings include:

Ballerina Girl Doll Costume (made exclusively for Journey Girl Dolls by Toys "R" Us)
&
Toys R Us Sponsored Bonus Giveaway:
Brand New Journey Girl "Chavonne" Doll

Just One of Our Most Popular Items...

How to Make a Silk Hat

Behind the Scenes...

How did I achieve Kyla's hairstyle in the 2017 Dolliday Photo Shoot?

Beauty of Creating, presents Journey Girl "Kyla" 
for the 2017 Dolliday Promo Card Cover themed Pajama Jam 2017. 
Kyla is wearing a white flannel nightshirt in Christmas Village print, 
candy cane stripe fuzzy fleece slouch socks, 
while holding a silver bell Christmas ornament.

While preparing the schematics for pattern selections, pattern designs, and of course sewing/fitting our beautiful Journey Girls for the event, Kyla was in great need of a quick updo!

I did not want curls so big and perfect that they took away from a relaxed themed "Pajama Jam".  Instead, I opted for a quick bantu knot set, sprayed with peppermint water, and made about 12-15 bantu knots, securing them with bobby pins.

After a few hours, I released the pins, let the curls fall naturally, then whisked them up into a loose relaxed ponytail! This signature look of huge soft spirals only took about 20 minutes to set, maybe 4 hours to dry!

There you have it!  You can achieve this look without rollers, rods, or heat!

Book Release: Madison Miles and Friends

Madison Ivy Miles, a sweet 12 year old girl with a spunky attitude and a love for science, must face the challenges of a new move, i.e new teachers, making new friends, and saying goodbye to the life she knows and loves!

Meet Madison Miles and Friends On Sale Today!

The print is beautiful.  I have been following the author/publisher for a couple of months now on Instagram and the excitement for the Dec. 12 release was unimaginable. The website is stunningly beautiful and you can tell much work was put into this project and its maiden book release! Well the date is here and I am excited to read the adventures of young Madison, because I too faced a move or two, leaving neighborhood friends, and those feelings of uncertainty and acceptance.

Well, I placed my order today and I cannot wait to read the adventures of Madison Miles and Friends!

Get yours today!!!  Check out the beautiful website here and be amazed as I am!

What's Under the B.O.C. Tree?

Well, let us take a peek...
It looks like there is a bounty of gifts set aside
for a special Holiday Raffle!

This Raffle $5 per entry.  You enter as many times as you wish!
When 10 entries are filled, the raffle begins!
The Prize is set, and will post soon!

Stay tuned!!!

Starts on Dec. 12 th - Ends Dec. 15th* on Facebook

Cost: $5 per entry/No limit @ BeautyofCreating/5

Note: Event ends with 10 entries (anticipated Dec. 15th)

The Best Way to Spend a Snow Day...

Customer requested...four Vegan Leather 18" Doll Purses

Packaged for Shipping today!

Beauty of Creating, Signature Collection: Commuter Shoulder Purse
for 18" Dolls. 
Shown in Cranberry Red and Dark Teal

Includes a free gift bag for each!

Direct Sell Customers may choose from a variety of colors!

Recently Sold...

Beauty of Creating presents a 7 PC Classic Barbie Ensemble, c. 2005
Items enclosed: Red pants, floral organza blouse w/ belt tie,
red pumps, and B.O.C. Signature Rainbow clutch.

This outfit was OOAK, that received several views and therefore we decided to bring it to the 2017 Detroit Doll Show and it sold!!!

Barbie was the topic of discussion from many patrons, wishing they could have inherited the lion's share of Barbie Clothes, gifted to my cousin. Awe...I love Barbie too, but change is good!  To see more Barbie items while they last, view our eBay listings.  Thanks!  

2017 Beauty of Creating Holiday Promo Cover

It took a little longer than anticipated.  We originally were aiming at November 25.  So sorry for the delay.  Not all things go according to plan, but somethings are worth it!

Here it is, without further delay...  

Enjoy!  The outfits on this cover will be available soon!  Follow us @ eBay, Instagram, and Facebook!

Pattern Coding System Part III: The Instructions.

Before I review briefly the "instructions" component of making a pattern for future use,  I want to direct those who are new to the series to these previous posts:

Pattern Coding System I: Coding
Pattern Coding System II: The Photograph

Without further delay, the instructions are a must have.  Sometimes the instructions can evolve from simple notes on the back of a story board, to a full scale instruction sheet that is available to the consumer for use.

No matter what these instructions look like, their intentions are the same, which is to aid the designer in reconstruction. I present to you a perfect example of a pattern originating in Dec/Jan 2015/2016, whereby an idea was born, but no instructions accompanied it. There was a simple prototype to what could evolve into a pattern, but it basically was a rough idea married to a re-purposed fabric. But the end was seamless. However, recently, a customer found the item on our Cyber Holiday Sale listing and leaped at the bonus price offered. Ironically, the plan was to create the pattern, only I had not carved out the time yet to do so. The envelope was ready.

Now is the time. A customer is waiting.

Here is the 2015 garment, purchased in a bulk direct sell order.

Here is the 2017 version from a constructed pattern. It is much like the original with only a few creative changes to improve use and wear by the doll model.

Re-creating Taryn 2010 (2017 edition)

In order to cement the 2017 version, photo/instructions were devised, rough notes, and of course pattern construction. Take a look at the collage, then the following notes...

Treated as a direct sell to a repeat customer, the customer was allowed to arbitrate some suggestions for the sleeve, that included an elastic wrist at the end. I initiated these suggestions as I found they worked well with the Prince Tribute "Purple Pop Star".
The t-shirt is from our B.O.C. Graphix Tee "Curly Girls United".  The skirt is more fitted than the original, 2015, and the customer selected the dark navy denim!  Great choice!

Instructions...most simplified, are:

1. Make sure that pattern pieces are cut, displayed on the fabrics of choice.  
2. Measure the doll model to ensure proper fit.
3. Cut pattern pieces.
4. Pull labels that are for intended use.  Select lace trim and thread for top stitching.
5. Overlock edges to prevent fraying.
 etc.

This is generic and simplified, but you get the idea. The instructions are going to direct you to an efficient garment or final piece without interruptions. If there are to be some checks/rechecks, then ultimately they are minimal to an otherwise chaotic process without instructions.

Fulfilling the instructions initially takes time. As you work through the process, you take careful notes especially if the pattern is for customer use. As an experienced seamstress, I tend to evade the details. This is because I like to leave myself some room from 'off the cuff' creativity. I am self-taught from human garment making, seeing and using patterns for over three decades.  With this experience comes a bit a fortitude, where you trust instincts. If this is instruction is a first draft pattern then the notes will definitely be useful to help flesh out a final draft.

Very often garments are produced a little larger and scaled down before pattern is drafted--in other words it is drape.  It is much easier and cost effective to adjust down than upwards.  If you cut too much, you have to restart.  Compare this to cooking using measurements of liquid and season.

Stay tuned to Part IV: Inventory.

Free Holiday Gift Wrap!

It is Christmas Time!  That means many of your purchases will be handed out as gifts!  But before you send your gift, you want to make sure it is just right! 

Right?

Beauty of Creating is closing this year with a special free gift to our
valued customers online and via direct sell!

We are including in your order free holiday gift wrap for all listed price purchases!  Just let us know in the notification after you buy if you would like gift wrap supplies and we will include it with your order!

Remember When You Were a Kid at Christmas?

Oh...my favorites are numerous.  Things like getting that huge catalog from JCPenney and the Toys "R" Us mailer, Goodfellow boxes, candy canes, fruit, nuts, and always...

that Giant Coloring Book and Crayons!!!

I feel like turning on the tree lights, playing Christmas music, drinking mint chocolate Cocoa, and coloring in my book!

Recently Sold...

Beauty of Creating's, 2017 Academy Collection featured ensemble, 1(6).
This ensemble includes: navy pleated skirt, white tailored short-sleeve blouse,
white knee high dress socks, navy blue patent leather ballet flats, and panties.
Customer has the option of adding a free backpack!

This purchase was made at the Detroit Doll Show 

along with a Batik printed backpack!

***

I received several inquiries about other uniform patterns.  Remember

Direct Sell customers have the option to select their own patterns and colors as long as they are available through our vendors. 

You decide, we create your vision!

How to Make a Gift Bag | Sea Lemon

T'is the season...

Turn your craft paper, newspaper, or wrapping paper into custom bags!

Why Fiskars? Rotary Cutter Revisited.

My first 'serger' was a pair of Fiskar's pinking sheers, purchased for me by my mother when I asked politely for a $400 overlock/serger.  That was considered 'cheap' in the late 1980's in case you did not know.

When I fashioned a personal sewing area in the basement of my new home in 1999, I not only purchased a SpeedLock, but purchased another pair of pinking shears, along with a rotary cutter. The latter, I abused by not protecting the blades and they rusted.

I never really appreciated the rotary cutter as much I do now.  I have tons of scissors, all are Fiskars, but the rotary cutter is my heavy duty straight cut companion.  Along with the metal ruler (with cork backing) that I use as my cutting guide, I am able to pierce right through craft foam, vinyl, and felt (among others) with perfect lines!

Stars of the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show...on Sale

The 'fabsome five' featured at the 6th Annual Detroit Doll Show
are now available for your perusal at our eBay location!
They debut is on 12/2 (tomorrow)...limited offers, so why wait?

🎄🎅🎁Head on over!  Ships in time for Xmas!🎄🎅🎁