Holiday Gifts to Treat Yourself

Decorating Your Home for the Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a safe holiday!  Enjoy and take a moment to give thanks for the gift of life and good health.  

OCTOBER is CANCER AWARENESS

 

School Uniforms for Journey Girl Dolls Available Now!

Beauty of Creating's Academy Collection of School Uniforms, 

established in 2017, are BOC standard, as we strive

to focus on positivity, education, and promoting school spirit!

Back to School - The New Normal

In a few days, the summer vacation will come to a "technical" conclusion with the return of students and staff to the business of educating and molding young minds into the leaders of tomorrow.

But this year is unlike any we can name.  For in-person instruction the requirement for a surgical mask will be the new normal.  It's weird it seems, but even for me, as I navigate this challenging time, I have noticed that I am more comfortable wearing my masks now than I did in the beginning.

With pride and school spirit, wear your mask, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and cough into your elbow if you must, and by all means if you are not feeling inform your parents or school staff.

I encourage each and everyone to do their part to help keep everyone safe.  We will all get through this together!

Doll Inspiration 2020 has been selected...

Our 2020 Doll Inspiration has been selected! While we pour our attention over drafting the designs for the outfits, we will have to keep it under wraps for just a little while longer...because this years awardee will receive the Journey Girl Doll & the Outfits!!!

We promise that this inspiration will be one that we can cherish!  Additionally, the outfits will join the Beauty of Creating Collection.  All proceeds are dedicated to the Detroit Goodfellows and Dolls 4 Liberian Girls!

Stay tuned!

Congratulations Winner - Sonya Randolph!

Congratulations, Sonya Randolph!  Winner of the ZinZy2020 Raffle.  Sonya Liked, Commented, Shared!  That's it...easy peasy!  

***

Christmas in July...2020

Every year, we welcome you to shop early (mid June to July 31) 

for Christmas, and grab those oh-so-fab specials of the season

that often disappear by fall!

Hurry  now, before the doll goodies are all gone!

***

Everyone is welcomed to the party!

We will conclude 

the Christmas in July with an online

raffle entries accepted between July 25 - July 31!

***

(2) Lucky Winners will receive a pair of 

of the ZinZy20/20 Doll Star Sneaker!

1 - American Girl Doll Winner

1 - Journey Girl Doll Winner

---

✅Follow us on Instagram  

✅Like the Announcement 

✅Comment "Enter me for the ZinZy20/20 - AG" 

✅Comment "Enter me for the ZinZy20/20 - JG"

✅Tag 5 Friends!

✅Share the promo 

on your Instagram & Tag "dronella_jgdolls - 5 Bonus Entries!

---

Raffle begins on July 25! Winner announced via InstaStory

on August 1, 2020.

---

Winner must provide address for shipping.

***

Beauty of Creating (ETSY) - Fabric Store

Crafting is what we do.  As crafters,  in order to obtain the materials and notions we need, we are often required to buy a minimum quantity that nets far more than what we need or ever hope to need.  At some point the volume of this excess becomes overwhelming.

Additionally, much of the fabric we have amassed over the years are hidden gems, that are no longer made available in retail stores.  I know personally, Etsy has been extremely favorable to me in finding those discontinued  pieces as well as the volume of colors that evade other commercial stores. This winning spirit is something that motivated me to share my trove with Etsy.

We have already begun to unleash our "team spirit fabric" to you, but starting this July, we will add even more of these gems from our bounty, featured as specials for "XMASNJULY".

Moving forward, we will make an earnest attempt to post previews to shop add-ons here, but encourage you to visit periodically, by hitting the button on the right which links you direct!

Happy Father's Day

Celebrating Black History, 365 Days of the Year

Beauty of Creating presents the celebration of independence, Juneteenth
Journey Girl Chavonne (Italy) donning her natural curly mane,
shown here in a commemorative edition logo t-shirt, shorts,
Motherland beaded bracelet, and Ankara flop sandals.

July 4th is a celebration that commemorates the anniversary of the day the U.S. (colonies) won its independence from Great Britain. But during 1776 when this declaration was made, my ancestors were not free, and were not considered even a whole person, let alone a citizen, but property.  It was not until June 19, 1865, under President Abraham Lincoln that my people became emancipated.  It is this day that we celebrate our true independence, although we remain in the struggle for equality still this day, some 155 years thereafter. 

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Día nacional puertorriqueño. ¡Deseando a mi familia y mi gente un fantástico dīa de celebración!

ZinZy20/20 Court Shoe: Doll Shoe of the Year

---|---

Shoes are made, for comfort. 

Shoes are made, for style. 

Shoes make a statement.  

Shoes that honor and celebrate success.

Beauty of Creating, for June 2020, is proud to present: ZinZy20/20 Honor Court Shoe.

ZinZy20/20 Court Shoe is made of genuine Vegan Leather, hand & machine designed & crafted, bearing the Cerise Pink side stripes/tongue/toe guard. The shoe is offered in a white or black sole option.

***

How it began...

Nearly two years ago I sat down to draft a court shoe collection as it was the missing piece of the family of doll shoes, which supported my lifetime vision to improve the foot wear for Journey Girl Dolls.  Although the shoe has a flexible design to meet most 18" dolls shoe collection, as the flagship model, JG Dolls were the inspirational doll model.

As with everything, my quality control department supported the court shoe for a sell event, unanimously, but vetoed the accent color.  The shoe we expected to be featured did not meet the color standard for the project. For fashion, the shoe color is an important part of the composition.  As I was verklempt to see a single detail in what otherwise was deemed a fantastic shoe, it became clearer that something special would emerge.  Spectacular things often emerge from unanticipated events, places, or actions.  QC stated that "Bright Pink as the Stripes" would complete the project ensemble.

Every year Beauty of Creating perceives to honor those who inspire.  This year with the global pandemic COVID 19, quarantines which lead to a colossal disruption in our personal and occupational lives, it became evident as a retired educator just how significant the commencement of graduation is for the students self-esteem.  Time of dedication, then to have the plans disrupted for illness are the norm.  For the first time in our history we had nothing to compare this shortfall in the right of passage of scholarly matriculation. As students move on in spite of the amended ceremonies, I want them to look back on this historical event with the same or with an even greater pride than ever, to have not only survived the Pandemic of 2020, but achieved greatness in spite of it!

The ZinZy20/20 celebrates accomplishing great things in the face of the adversity.

Where did the name derive?

My nieces Zintoria (Salem High, Canton, MI) and Zy'Airia (Liberty Middle, Canton, MI) excelled, and matriculated their respective educational institutions this year in quarantine, resulting in a suspended school year, maligning their traditional regalia.

Where can you find the ZinZy20/20? 

Currently, the ZinZy20/20 is offered via direct sell, however it will soon be made available for cautious buyers on eBay and ETSY, featured with the Sport/Fit Chapter of Beauty of Creating, debuting with a special purchase code.

If you would like to have the court shoe ZinZy20/20 now, and get ahead of the rush to buy the limited installed release, you can message me on Instagram for further details.

Direct Sell Customer Request

Beauty of Creating, and the "Bee Kind" Project promotes positivity,
featuring a 5 PC ensemble:
blue/white floral "bumble bee" printed skort, yellow sleeveless "Bee Kind" tee,
beaded bracelet, faux leather tennis shoes,
and a zip front turquoise hooded windbreaker jacket.

Fitness I: Aerobics, Yoga

BOC Fitness I: Aerobics & Yoga - Several variations of aerobic & yoga wear to come, but this is just the beginning.  The ensemble includes: color block leggings, sports bra, matching socks, and trainer shoes.

All of the items in this ensemble were designed and manufactured by Dronellar, for Beauty of Creating, and Doll Stars Athletics. 

Adjusted Calendar 2020-2021, tentative

It's been almost two years since we made the pledge to create an Athletic/Fitness collection.  We sort of started it with cheer, but the prototype never really made it out of the drafting room.

With a few minor adjustments to our 2020 schedule, BOC Fitness is finally coming to fruition with a 4/5 outfit collection taking the place of our Spring/Summer collection this year.  Usually each Spring/Summer a massive collection unfolds, but this year we will dedicate the seasons to athletics/fitness.  Given that the Olympics was pushed back to 2021, while still featuring 2020, the fitness will continue into 2021 with a few more additional ensembles to round out the collection!

Tentative Release Schedule - 2020-21

🧵 BOC Fitness (as the Spring-Summer 2020 feature event)

🧵 Grease Tribute Collection will be featured as the "Christmas in July" 2020

🧵 Old Towne Christmas Carolers - the "old towne" event rescheduled to debut for Holiday 2021.

🧵 Gingham Paper Dolls Plate II - Fall 2020 (on schedule)

🧵 "Sheroes" Careers & Costumes - Fall 2020

Adjustments always happen, and this years rescheduling will allow more time for us to work through drafts while continuing to support the #make2give campaign and Goodfellow Doll Project. As always, we will continue to update our 'direct sell customers' here on the release of Beauty of Creating items.

In the midst of it all...

Frustration.  We all feel it in the middle of this storm.  Relationships are dissected immensely.  Before this COVID-19 pandemic touched down, I was evaluating the need for a new serger.  On my mask-making-mission, I looked to big box wholesalers for a back up.  I had tried the Singer, most recently.  It worked fine for a few years.  But the threads, no matter what I did, refused to interlock with the loopers and when they did, the tensions were constantly finicky.  Frustrations loomed.  In order to create a sense of normalcy for it, I resigned Singer Stylus 14SH654 to one thread, only-White!

Meanwhile I am glancing at the now almost 20 year old White Speedylock 1600 Series, a tried and true friend.  It had its moments where it too, didn't want to loop proper.  It has even shuddered through a broken plate and loop pin, and yet it still emerges as the most dominant soldier in the field.  With that said, I started evaluating more about sticking with the best of the bunch.  Unfortunately, White (OHIO) ceased manufacturing years ago and this left me with considering other options, like looking to Brother.

It didn't help that the bigger box stores who house sergers have failed to impress in the stress of the demand for services.  I recognize the constraints on companies with the reduction in human resources, but customer service is still important.  For three days I considered and pondered the need in the field, verses who would supply that need.  I glanced by chance at eBay, and discovered what I believed to be a great deal--a like new White Speedylock Series 1600--a treasured remnant of an estate sale.

I didn't want a warranty of extension.  That to me is a waste of money, considering I have maintained its sibling for 20 years without it being in professional repair service.  I was feeling charitable in this environment.  So why not?  I was definitely in the energy to entertain the small box shop, because they know how to handle and track their inventory.

What a gift it has turned out to be!!!

I doubt it has even been used more than a handful of times.  Serger/Overlock machines are divas.  Some sewists find them more stress than necessary.  I, however love the finish they provide. For me, there is not a B.O.C. without that finish.  I'm sure the original owner gave up on it for nothing more than discovering it to be more worry than it was worth.

First, the shipper took great care in packaging this item securely.

And for all intents, I cannot refrain from repeating this--It's basically new!

• The seal unbroken on the VHS instruction tape
• The manual (ENG) also has a spanish version included, and it has never been opened
• The plastic protective cover, still securely folded, sealed in a package, untouched
• The bottle of lubricant didn't even have a piercing in the tube
• Not a single fingerprint on the surface nor fabric residue in the housing...say what?

It's like the debutante that was never really kissed proper!

No signs of use! Did you read that?  No signs of use!  After a little moment of silence and thanks for this most precious gift, I proceeded to start it up after a little oiling to its parts, changing the needles, adjusting the tensions, testing fabrics, and basically getting to know my new serger!

It is a charming addition and I am so proud for this gift that was made available to me.  The universe of infinite rewards conspired to bring this treasure into my domain.

The most wonderful thing about the White Speedylock Series 1600, is that it doesn't require special needles.  A standard sewing machine needle (2) recommended!  Let's go!!!

How to Make a Face Mask/JoAnn Fabric

Calling all crafters!

Beauty of Creating was invited to help our community by making face masks.  

If you would like to help you, your family/friends, and community be safe during this time, JoAnn Fabric and many other crafters have provided instruction videos on how to make a face mask!

If you are not a crafter but would like to help, we could use 1/4" elastic: donate here

You may find the instructions to download/print here:
COVID-19 Mask DIY

Video tutorial below:

***

Here's another version of the mask, thanks to MimiG!

Rosie the Riveter, Cultural Icon

Rosie the Riveter, was a cultural icon of World War II, representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during WWII, many of whom produced munition and other war supplies ("Rosie the Riveter", 2020).

March 21, 2020 honors all Rosie's!

Beauty of Creating is proud to introduce a limited edition of costumes for Journey Girl Dolls & American Girl Dolls styled in the tradition of "Rosie's", while supplies last!

***

Beauty of Creating presents the "Rosie the Riveter" recreation.
Outfit includes: red socks, brown boots, blue jeans, dark blue shirt,
with red/white polka dot turbana!

***

Rosie the Riveter. (2020, March 17). Retrieved March 19, 2020, from      
     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_the_Riveter

International Women's Month - The Female Hero

Welcome to March 2020!  Debuting this month...the Female Heroes, in real life and fiction!  Celebrating International Women's Month!

As a kid in the 70's I grew up watching many of these icons kick butt, and take names.  Bionic Woman, Isis, Wonder Woman, Micro Woman, and She-Ra were among the favorites.

But in real life, since the 40's, the "Rosie" Riveters, women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, replacing the male who were actively serving in the military, continue to be a celebration today!

Pattern Making with Adobe Illustrator

Warren Buffett, once said "Price is what you pay, Value is what you get".

No truer words have been spoken when it comes to investing in a resource that simplifies, streamlines, and expedites service.

In the beginning...

When I first started recording patterns, it was all about the paper and the pencil, and on occasion felt the need for bending around curves.  These elements remain the foundation for sculpting patterns from doll mods.  When it came to drafting those patterns for future use, the biggest steps were paid to using graph paper, for their linear grids.

Moving closer to commercializing patterns...

From graph paper and scanning patterns into digital images, we were able to move closer to reaching commercial status, using MS Word for transforming images into true digital patterns.  We could have stopped there, because for all intents, this was the holy grail, when you can literally reprint and share.

Room to improve...

Because we strive always to deliver our best, we knew the possibilities for streamlining pattern making was out there, but was it worth the investment? There are many softwares that exist in the network of image editing.  But with so many available, the struggle was accessing one that delivered value to customers.  For 20 years, Adobe has been a friend to us, allowing us to manipulate graphics and create a variety of graphic artworks.  As a trusted brand, the walk was short towards the evolution of creating 2D drawings.

The point of it all...

Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator makes our task simplified. With this simplification, time may be devoted to drafting the instructions and diagrams.  Pretty soon our patterns will be available for consumer use!

Happy Valentine's Day - Be-You-tiful

My Condolences

On the wings of doves, I'll fly away...Psalm 56:6

In memory of:

Alyssa Altobelli

John Altobelli

Keri Altobelli

Gianna Bryant

Kobe Bryant

Payton Chester

Sarah Chester

Christina Mouser

Ara Zobayan

***

On Sunday, January 26, around 9 AM PST, a tragedy occured; one that many will never forget.  Nine passengers aboard, including the pilot (Zobayan), a retired NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter Gianna, all died on impact as their carrier, a Sikorsky 76-B helicopter crashed in Calabasas, CA en route to John Wayne Airport.  

Without the aid of a flight recorder (black box), it could take up to two years to learn the cause of this tragedy happened, and the saddest of all is that even upon the conclusion of the investigation of this crash, we may never know the reason.

 As we move towards healing from this sadness, we lean upon both our faith and our reason to guide us to a better understanding. 

Our condolences to the survivors. 

***

Excuse the dust...

Please excuse the changes you are beginning to see, as we update our storefronts banners and link buttons, to include the growing collection of 18" dolls modeling Beauty of Creating designs!  

Click this image or the one on the right panel
to travel directly to our eBay Store

Coming soon...more Journey Girl & American Girl listings, 

& soon debuting: 

BFC Ink, My Sibling/My Pal Dolls, and Our Generation!

Happy New Year 2020!

Yes!  We made it to another glorious year, yet another opportunity to be at our best, keep growing and learning, and spread our arms wide across the globe!

The ideas keep pouring in and let them continue.  We will try to get to them all, but while you're thinking, make sure to send us a photo or image so that it can be logged!

January is a big month.  In oppose to having a big birthday bash to commemorate our beginning, we will celebrate both B.O.C.s 20th and Journey Girl's 10th Anniversary.  Now I have no idea what TRU Kids (Toys R Us ) plans to do, but we plan to give the girls lots of appreciation!

Journey Girls debuted in 2010, however they did not begin 'theme' tours until three years later.  So far, we've celebrated Japan with the biggest fanfare!  Since that collection is still in showcase, we will not reinvent it, but reserve the right to add a few pieces if inspired to do so!

We produced one outfit for the Australia Adventure, so that leaves a bit of room for more.  However, the main events will be Paris, London, Italy, and New York!  The B.O.C. travel event will be "Detroit", because it's my hometown and before we get too far away from home, we need to celebrate home!

2013 - Paris
2014 - London
2015 - Italy
2016 - New York
2017 - Australia
2018-2019 - Japan

Those are the travel themes we will coordinate for 2020.  This will serve as a 'lookbook' of retrospection. As we reinvent the tours of past, we just might gleam some inspiration from the outfits from the Journey Girls actual travel gear.

Stay tuned!