BlytheLife.com opened in July 2010 and is a blog and resource hub for all things Blythe!
Interview with Rob & Sioux and Headband Giveaway!
Written on July 2, 2010 at 12:00 pm by MichelleFiled under: Featured, Giveaway with tags: Artfire, rob & sioux
The amazing duo behind Rob & Sioux were both gracious enough to allow me to interview them for BlytheLife.com! For those who don’t already know, Rob & Sioux make the stylish and colourful bow headbands for Blythe.
These soft headbands are available via their commissions list and their Artfire storefront. For photos of Rob & Sioux’s awesome headbands from their happy customers, please check out the Flickr group, made by rob & sioux.
How did you first discover Blythe?
S: Before Blythe dolls entered my life I collected cute stationery and sundries from Japan. I had a huge collection and I shared scans with other collectors on Flickr. I had a few contacts that were into stationery and Blythe dolls as well as other dolls like Lati, vintage dolls like Peteena and Susie Sad Eyes. One day I had to make an emergency trip to the dentist. After having some dental surgery I visited a toy shop to cheer myself up. It was a really weird store that mostly carried action figures and statues and other collectibles. I ended up finding a display case that had a few Blythe dolls in it. I was so surprised to see them at a local toy shop! The shop had a Rosie Red BL and an Asian Butterfly EBL. I saw the price tag which was incredibly low by today’s standards. I thought they were far too expensive for dolls so I didn’t get them. It wasn’t until years later that I got my first Blythe doll, Miss Sally Rice that Rob & I named Lilou Marie.
Photo of Lilou Marie wearing a polka dot headband by milk & kisses.
How did the two of you start making headbands for Blythe?
R: We first started making bows mainly because Sioux likes Blythe clothing to be similar to our tastes/style, Sioux often wears bows in her hair or on clothing (and I always buy her hair bow accessories) she gave me the idea of making things for Blythe that include the same. The first were meant as trim on Blythe dresses we made early on. Sioux asked if I could make bows for her as a hair accessory, so I made up a simple pattern that fit the proportions of Blythe to our liking the bows were born! She posted some pictures on Flickr of the first ones I made for her and our friends showed interest in them so I made some more. Ever since then the support has been overwhelmingly sweet. We couldn’t have sold so many without all the wonderful people who encouraged us to make more!
hana a go go‘s Camille wearing a red headband, photo by milk & kisses.
So you’ve said that the first bows were meant to be trims for Blythe dresses, are there any plans to branch out from bows to other adorable accessories in the future?
R: Yes! We have some ideas that we plan to test out soon for other styles and types of accessories, but I’ll keep those a secret for now! We have also thought of getting back into making dresses as well if time will allow. The commission list is the priority right now but we may begin our new ideas half way or near the end. Time will tell!
Millie, wearing a dress by Rob & Sioux, photo by hana a go go.
I know you two have a lot of different colours available for your bows – what colour (or colour combination) has been the most popular so far for commission requests?
R: Candy Apple Red and Milky Pink are the most often requested but most of the Polka Dots are really popular too. I’d say there is a good amount of requests for each of the colors we carry. We get a lot of requests for other colors we don’t have yet but will in the future like Teal.
Colourful selection of bows by Rob & Sioux, photo by milk & kisses.
What’s the first thing that goes through your head when you see someone posting up photos of their dolls wearing your headbands?
S: I get really excited and happy and I’ll go run to Rob and say “____ got their headbands! Look how cute! I hope they like them!” It really makes my day to see them. It’s an amazing feeling when I run across people mentioning them or saying they want them. I’m so very proud of Rob, he has worked really hard and we’ve had so much support from our friends and the Blythe community!
R: To be honest, I actually feel really proud when Sioux tells me someone received their order and photographed them on their dolls. Not just because I see something my love Sioux and I made being used but because of the support from our customers really makes me happy! To see them display that by putting our little bows on their dolls is just a really great feeling. I appreciate them all, really.
Squirrel Junkie‘s Squirrel (left) and Sugaroni‘s Bea (right), some happy Rob & Sioux customers, photo by Squirrel Junkie.
This question’s for Sioux – I’m pretty jealous that you’ve got someone in your life who’s willing to sew and make things for your dolls, what’s your secret to making that happen?
S: Hahahaha! People tell me this a lot I’m really thankful to have Rob in my life. Not just because he can sew dolly clothes but he’s a very kind and generous man. He’ll do anything just to make me smile or laugh. My advice is to have your significant other get involved in what you’re doing for example, are you going out for a dolly shoot? It would be very helpful to have a second set of hands to hold your Blythe for you or a reflector so you can get that better shot or at least to flip people off when they give you a dirty look… If your significant other doesn’t want to be seen with Blythe, that’s ok! Does he or she like to build things? Dolly Dolly issues often have great tutorials on how to make dollhouses, dioramas, and furniture for dolls. You could take a trip to the craft and hardware store together and you can have a glass of lemonade while they do all the hard work, just kidding! You can help him or her out by holding things or they build it and you paint and decorate! There’s a lot of things you can do together really, they can help you pick our new outfits, names for new dolls, show him or her all the photographs you take! Rob and I have really bonded through Blythe, it’s been wonderful!
If you could both describe your headbands in 140 characters or less (just like a tweet), what would you say?
S: Our headbands are simple but playful they add a whimsical touch to almost any outfit; they can be worn in many ways & stay on well.
Photo of Max wearing a light pink Rob & Sioux headband by philosophia*.
You two have had a lot of success with your headbands, what are some things that you are willing to share that you wish you knew back when you started selling that you know now?
R: Hmmm that would definitely be finding a good way to sell them! We tried a handful of ways which were a bit confusing and hard for some people to acquire some. After we settled on a commission list I think it has worked out best, as far as time management to sew and also not making our customers pull out their hair trying to get ahold of them!
Custom Candy Carnival wearing a yellow Rob & Sioux headband, photo by Frankie Darling.
For Sioux – What kind of newbie advice would you give to someone who’s just discovered and gotten their first Blythe?
S: Get to know the forums like This Is Blythe and Plastic Paradise, they are great resources with lots of interesting discussions, tutorials, advice and sales. If you’re getting a Blythe to photograph, you’ll definitely want to set up a Flickr account. Shopping for Blythe can be really addictive so it might be a good idea to keep track of your purchases and give yourself a budget so you don’t over spend. In general, most Blythe collectors are happy to help a person out but be sure to do a bit of searching on google or the forums before you ask. Also, be ready to get hooked!
For Rob – What kind of advice would you give to someone who’s significant other just discovered and gotten their first Blythe?
R: I would say get involved! It can be a very fun experience to take part in their hobby with them, you don’t have to learn to sew or even LIKE the dolls (but you WILL secretly fall for them)! Just participating in what they love says enough, there’s many ways you can be a part of it. There’s no shame in “playing” with dolls! Haha, it’s all good fun and there are plenty of great people you might not otherwise think you could talk to. I’m pretty positive that I have very, very little in common with most Blythe girls/boys aside from the fact that I am taking part in the dolls with Sioux. People are still welcoming and supportive of the bows I made for Sioux only originally! Also, to the Blythe collectors themselves, try to get your partner involved in a way they can relate to or enjoy! It’s an amazing bonding experience.
Fruity Blythe‘s Honey (left) and hana a go go‘s Nora (right), photo by hana a go go.
I think your headbands are fantastic and I’d like to thank you for doing this interview with me and wish you two more future success with your ventures. What’s one thing that you would tell someone who’s thinking of crafting and selling something for Blythe?
S: Thanks so much! We’ve both had a lot of fun answering your questions and as you know I am very excited about your new website. You’ve come up with many useful and unique ideas; I’m really looking forward to seeing your site grow! My advice to those of you looking to craft & sell for Blythe is to please remember that Blythe designers aren’t big corporations who make things just to earn a buck. No, many pour their heart and souls into everything they make, it’s very personal. If your only interest is to make money you probably won’t be too happy. Selling things takes a lot of time, energy, and money.
R: Thank you for interviewing us, and for people thinking of starting to craft, don’t give up if you’re not happy with the results! Keep trying until you find something you enjoy making, it can be very rewarding and fun!
Potter wearing a red headband by Rob & Sioux, photo by Sevastra.
Rob & Sioux are giving away 2 Blythe headbands!
Melon green & light pink headbands – could you be the winner? – Photo by milk & kisses.
You can get up to three entries for this giveaway draw and you can enter until Sunday July 11th at 9:00pm PDT. The draw will be held on Monday July 12th and the winner will be announced on BlytheLife.com. Remember to use a valid email address for all comments. If you win, your email will be forwarded to Rob & Sioux for arranging shipment of the prize.
Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.
Entry #1: Comment on this entry!
Bonus Entry #1: Follow blythelifecom on Twitter! It’s the best way to find out when there are new articles, interviews and giveaways. When you’re following blythelifecom, comment again on this entry saying that you’re following (include your twitter username so this can be verified).
Bonus Entry #2: Tweet about the giveaway on your Twitter account! Be sure to include a link back to this entry and then comment again with the URL to your tweet! Tweet this:
BlytheLife.com and Rob & Sioux are doing a headband giveaway! You get 3 chances to win! http://bit.ly/9aY2Qg
I love Rob & Sioux! So talented (expecially Sioux’s photos! I love them all). I only have one bow for now, but I plan to get more soon! <3
I’m following BlytheLife.com on twitter. <3
The interview was fabulous! I loved reading more about these two and enjoyed your questions, Chelle. 🙂
I actually just did all 3 things 😛 Is it OK to do them all in one comment?
twitter.com/drowningsea I’m following 🙂
http://twitter.com/drowningsea/status/17594434580
Great interview and lovely photos! My boyfriend has definitely has a secret soft spot for Blythe, haha.
I am following you 🙂 I’m @valgirl
Great interview!
Oops I did #2 first! (wait that sounds bad lol.) Anyways the interview was great, i love these headbands, plus Sioux is fun to talk to on Twitter. Way to go both of you!
Ok last thing done, I tweeted about it! 🙂
http://twitter.com/valgirl
Great article, especially for introducing me to the work of the talented Rob & Sioux.
I’ve also followed (I’m @darkdisco) and retweeted: http://twitter.com/darkdisco/status/17594969393
I just love The hairbows, Hope to have them in every color one day 😀 And with Polka Dots and rainbow Stripes! Keep up the good work guys!
SUPA CUTO!!!!! They are my good friend and mine’s colors! Yay! You guys rock. Love the pics!
These are amazing!!
Tweet!!! http://twitter.com/DanielaDavies
Following you on Twitter – love Rob & Sioux’s headbands <3
This is a very exciting website, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Wonderful interview! I have loved these bows forever, I am excited to get the chance to win one! Thank you!
Great interview! I loved learning more about Rob & Sioux and love all the photos too! My husband helps me out with my more complicated photo shoots all the time and he’s going to help with my dollhouse project soon. 🙂
I’m following you 🙂 http://twitter.com/jenniferabe
I tweeted about this interview: http://twitter.com/jenniferabe/status/17595991984
Hooray Rob and Sioux! I loved reading this! Especially Rob’s point of view 🙂
Thanks for starting this.
Loved the interview.
I’ve been meaning to get ahold of one of these cute bows forever, and I will definitely be forwarding Rob’s replies to my boyfriend. The site is awesome so far 🙂
Following! My username is PisforPowerline
Embarrassingly, I don’t know how to link to a specific tweet, but here’s this: http://twitter.com/PisforPowerline
I’ve been seeing these cute headbands on Flikr but didn’t know where they came from. Now I know! 🙂
Nice work – great interview! I look forward to following this site!
Really well laid out website and nice interview. I think I did all three as well! 🙂
Great interview! I’m excited about the new things coming and this site! 🙂
Also, I’m following you on Twitter already lol… Jenn_MakeItCute
…and I just tweeted! 🙂 http://twitter.com/Jenn_MakeItCute
Jo, me suenan mucho, les habÃa también de julio verne ¿verdad? y dentro tenÃan mezcla de texto y de viñetas o me lo invento… dÃgamelo usted sormiau con su memoria privilegiada…
Awesome Interview! I love these bows so much! Can’t wait to get my hands on some.
I’m looking forward to more interviews 🙂
Following on Twitter and posted about the giveaway 🙂
http://twitter.com/rabbitine
This was a great interview. So interesting to hear from Rob. Rob&Sioux’s headbands are WONDERFUL!
Oh whoops. here’s my link to my tweet. also following you!
http://twitter.com/_lovely/status/17601554866
Fantastic interview! We love our lone headband but need some more! 😉
I’m following you on Twitter and just RT!
Such an awesome interview! Congrats Rob & Sioux and congrats Blythelife.com. I can’t wait to see what each of you have in store for us in the future.
Bonus entry #1: I’m now following blythelifecom on twitter.
Bonus entry #2: I tweeted all about it – http://twitter.com/kathi_minikatie/status/17601822182
What a great interview!!! It is always to interesting to find out how every gets started in providing clothes and great accessories for Blythe dolls. Just LOVE those headbands in all their bright colors!!!
Love this new blog, too.
Is there a way to subscribe to it, or did I miss that???
HUGS,
Mama Lisa
If you look over on the right hand side (on the sidebar), you can see the RSS icon! If you click on it, it takes you to the RSS feed for all the entries. You can add it to your RSS feed reader (some people use Google Reader, for example) and it’ll alert to you when new posts are up!
great interview! nice to know more about you guys!
Very envious of the partnership they have. When I venture out too take some snaps my hubby says “dont let the neighbours see you!”
Those sweet headbands are a perfect way too finish off an outfit…I am hard up trying too pick a fav!
Great interview! I love their headbands—I have one in white. I would like to see them make more dresses. Also, Lilou Marie is the prettiest MSR ever.
Following you on Twitter and tweeted the contest – http://twitter.com/cry5tal/status/17603718143
I loved this interview! I’ve been admiring your bows on all my flickr friends’ Blythes, and I just adore them!
I love that you two are such a team and that you share your interests with each other like you do!
Oh great, thanks for this, now my girls NEED some pretty bow headbands! The very least you could do is let me win one now…! 😉
I really enjoyed this interview! It was great to hear from both Rob and Sioux! 😀
How fun, these headbands are too cute! Great interview! 😀
Following on Twitter and tweeted under “JustAddGlitter”! 🙂
What a great interview, so fun to ear the story behind the headbands 🙂
Great interview, I really enjoyed it! 🙂
Following on twitter! I’m luxielou
Great interview! gonna go follow blythelife and tweet!
Following on twitter: http://twitter.com/Anayari78
Congrats Ana and Rob!! This was a great interview, I love how honest and down to earth your responses were 😀
I too wish the creator of this site, success with it! Especially someone like myself who plans to purchase a blythe in the future, but in the meantime can keep up with this site as it may have useful information to me related somewhat to the only doll I have, a Pullip and for my future blythe! :]
lovely interview <3 I heart that squirrel and bea pic so much XD
http://twitter.com/Anayari78/status/17633681805
Great interview!
You’re girls and headbands are amazing!
Lovley interview! I’m following now and will tweet immediately 😉
My tweet: http://twitter.com/Frouwe_Ginover
That was a really great interview =) I really enjoyed reading it. I love rOb and Sioux’s headbands. I hope I can get one for my girl one day.
Awww great interview!!! R&S are the best!! & thanks for using one of my pics. I love my bows. 🙂 xoxoxo
Giveaway! And I just got into the dolly world >< that was a very interesting interview, too! :]
Tweeted too: http://twitter.com/sweet_kawaii/statuses/17641145522
Great interview! Please enter me in the giveaway 🙂
I’m following you on Twitter. User name: weplaywithdolls 🙂
Really great interview! Rob & Sioux are not just fabulous at making accessories for Bythe Dolls, but they’re also two very kind and considerate people! <3
I’m following you on twitter. User name: pinkchan
Link to my tweet: http://twitter.com/pinkachan
great interview!!
I don’t twitter but sign me up for those headbands!!
Oh! I really want those headbands, such lovely colors!
Ps. I’m following you on twitter, my name on twitter is danny_brito
These headbands are so cute! I love bows on Blythe!
I tweeted about the giveaway!
http://twitter.com/weplaywithdolls cheers!
wow… So much for having an original cover (I would be so upset to find out my cover wasn't original 🙁 )And of course Cicada, everything looks so clear, so very much like lucid dreaming ! (speaking of which I need to head off and attempt that as well *zzzzz* 😉 )
Hello !
very interesting interview and blog !
my RT about the giveaway is here : http://twitter.com/dolly_diskette/status/17704827302
And I’m following you too.
Good luck to everyone 😉
Loved the interview ! i hope i can win!
Just Followed on twitter http://twitter.com/Kirbeelawler
And just re tweeted! http://twitter.com/Kirbeelawler
Naw so super duper cute! I am now following on Twitter via TeaChild.
My current email is attached 🙂
xx
I re-tweeted the thingy on my Twitter, you can see it here – http://twitter.com/TeaChild
xx
I love the polka dot and checked headbands the best, so cute!
xx
Fantastic interview! I only just heard about these beautiful headbands and I am in LOVE with them, now if only I could get my hands on some!
I’m definately a follower or Rob & Sioux on Twitter!!
I tweeted about the giveaway – https://twitter.com/KimluvsBlythe/status/17709948481
Love the site, interview and the headbands! I’m going to have to get on that commissions list (that is if I don’t win one first)! 😉
I am now following you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway. I’m @karawilliamson.
awesome interview!
…i just started following blythelife on twitter. (i’m cruelsound)
…aaaand, i just posted a link to this on my twitter! (cruelsound)
i’m following blythelife on twitter. (i’m tigertime)
and i just twittered this post!
( i am celerysundae on twitter) 😀 😀
Oooh what a great feature, I have never seen these before.
What a fantastic giveaway, my girls could do with some hairwear! I always seem to buy them dresses and shies and forget tights and hair accessories!
Also, added on Twitter!
I loved the interview and the bows, started to follow Blythelife.com on Twitter and posted a tweet about the giveaway! Hope I did everything right! 😉
Lovely to read the interview and get to meet the people behind the bows 🙂
Followed on twitter (bussobabe)
Retweeted on twitter 🙂
I’d love to have some of these headbands! I just love them every time I see them on someone’s doll!
Awesome Interview – I love your headbands . So cute 🙂
I love R&S headbands. I just got my 1st custom order in on Friday, but my girls aren’t here yet.
You know…because they’re gone to visit luxielou & sugaroni.
This interview was great & I’m following everyone on twitter & tweeted about the giveaway.
<3
Wow, they look so cute! I’ve been shamefully neglecting Nina and Mabel lately, it would be so much fun to snag a prize for them, 🙂 I’ll also be doing the two bonus entries! Best wishes to R&S with their headbands~ <3
I’m now following @blythelifecom! I’m @jannejanne. 🙂
And, of course, the last of my 3 entries.. http://twitter.com/JanneJanne/status/17765572448
Nice, love the red on her blue hair – the contrast is striking and pretty. My dolls would love one. 🙂
Have followed AND tweeted. 🙂 My twitter is at http://twitter.com/simplypeaceable
Love the headbands! I hope I win!!!
I’m following blythelife.com on Twitter!
And here is a link to the giveaway tweet! http://twitter.com/morganannie/status/17793584026
Very Cute Headbands!
xHollyDolly12x is following you on twitter!
And here’s a link to my tweet! http://twitter.com/xHollyDolly12x/status/17796788445
Love these headbands!
love them all! I am on the list!
Loved reading! And LOVE LOVE Their amazing bows!!
I’m following blythelife.com on twitter (bejevals on twitter)!
What a wonderful article! I guess I’ll be needing more bows!
great interview and love the headbands 🙂
AWESOME interview!! I love these headbands too!
Thanks for a wonderful interview, what cool, talented people! I’m stalking the mailman, waiting for my first girl right now. 🙂 What a great time to discover an awesome new Blythe site!
smidgegirl is following you on twitter!
I am following blythelife.com on twitter I’m mysticartgirl56 on twitter!
These are the perfect accessory for my Blythe. Thanks for the article ( and entry)!
So adorable! I can’t believe I almost missed the drawing!
I’m following you on Twitter too :3 zombuki is my username!
Would love to have one of your bows for my girl:) Beautiful article!
Hi, I am following blythelife.com on twitter. I am AbigailsKnits.
And… times up!
Any entries posted after this comment will not be considered for the giveaway draw. Results will be posted up tomorrow (July 12th 2010).
Thank you all to everyone who entered and for checking out the awesome bows by Rob & Sioux!
Your headbands are so perfect. i would love to have one made for myself one day 🙂
[…] Angelic Pretty collaboration, Blythe doll – credit to Blythe Life, Junko Mizuno ‘Pure Trance’ published by […]
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