I know that there is a lot of talent out there when it comes to the dolly community and I also know that many people have Etsy or Artfire shops. One of the great features of having an online shop is that people give out coupon codes from time to time! In a way to help the wonderful talent in the community get some promotion, I’m implementing Shopping Saturday.

If you (or someone you know) is an online shop owner, all you need to do is email me (or fill out this handy form) with the name of your shop, the URL to the shop, the coupon code (case-sensitive!), what the coupon code is for (percentage off, dollar amount off, free shipping, etc.) and also when the coupon code expires. To be eligible for your website to be linked to the post for Shopping Saturday, your coupon code must be active/valid for the entire weekend that it will be posted.

As long as your submission for Shopping Saturday is received by noon (Pacific time) on the Friday before the Saturday, your coupon code will be plugged.

I hope you will enjoy this new feature and hopefully it doesn’t hinder anyone’s resolutions for less dolly spending this year.

If you are interested in gaining more exposure for your website or shop, you’re also welcome to check out how you can advertise with BlytheLife.com.

Lets say that you receive an email from a representative from Takara/CWC and they want you to design a new Blythe for a future release this year. You have full control over the design of the doll. The only limitations is that the doll has the stay female (there’s no room in the budget to produce a male Blythe-sized body), the hair must be synthetic (so no alpaca or mohair) and the eyechips have to be single-coloured (but little designs in the pupil are acceptable). You also get to design the outfit, but there can only be so many pieces in the box and you’re only allowed so many things… But you are allowed a pair of shoes, socks or tights, a dress OR a shirt/top plus pants/skirt/shorts, a jacket, a hat and two fun item (eg. glasses, purse, headphones, something cool). That’s not to say that you need all of that, but you’re allowed! What would your Blythe design look like?

What would your Blythe design look like?

For me, my new Blythe design would have long, deep purple hair (like aubergine/eggplant purple) – centre part with bangs/fringe, her chips would be light brown, olive green, a medium purple and a limey green. She’d have slouchy black boots, silvery fishnets, a purple tunic dress and a classic black wool peacoat on top. I think I just really want a peacoat for my dolls. Or maybe one for each of them…

Are you looking for something to do? Maybe you’re itching to share something about dolly-life/Blythe? I’m always looking for contributions here at BlytheLife.com

Guest authors receive full credits and multiple linkbacks to their own blogs (or Flickr or online shop pages). In the past there have been sewing tutorials and pitches done to thank people in the dolly community for their support. There are a lot of things that you could contribute to the website.

To get an idea of examples of what you can contribute, check out the How to Contribute page! If you come up with something that I do not have listed, I’m definitely willing to consider all ideas. There’s also a page on article guidelines, if you’re interested in writing an article.

If you have any questions about contributing to BlytheLife.com, be sure to send me an email at michelle@blythelife.com.

Treasures For Dollars is a mini-series that is completely focused on things that I actually find (and buy) from dollar stores and other similar stores. It will alternate with Blythe On A Budget articles for the next little while until the finale of the mini-series (at Part 10). I hope you enjoy the series!

A couple of weeks ago, I went shopping (like always…). I stumbled upon a thrift store that benefits a local hospice, so I went in to see what was for sale. They had a lot of Christmas ornaments ($0.10 per glass ornament, they were gorgeous but none of them really called to me). There were clothing and toys (no Kenner Blythes, or else I’d be talking about that instead) and there was this little craft section at the end of an aisle in a bin. And most things were yarn remnants (partially used balls, balls missing labels, etc.) and then there was this messy pile of crochet thread and a sign that said that all crochet thread was $0.10 each. Now I don’t know about you, but it costs a lot more than $0.10 to buy crochet thread new in store. So I bought three (these were the only ones still in the original packaging, the others were missing the label so there was no information about the content or sizes of hooks or needles to use).

So not quite a treasure for a dollar, but for thirty cents I think I did pretty good!

What’s a good inexpensive dolly-find you discovered recently?

Hello everyone, and happy 2012!

It’s a common thing to make new year’s resolutions. January 1st was the start of a new year, for some it’s a new school year or new term. But a lot of people like making resolutions at the start of something new.

This year, my resolution is to make more dolly clothing. It doesn’t matter too much if it ends up being knitted, crocheted or sewn, I just want to add more to the dolls’ wardrobe. I’m definitely not doing an item per day (I do have school and other things to do, after all), but I think I’d like to set it at minimum two items per month. That way they can be done somewhat leisurely, I won’t feel like I’m rushing and at the same time, my dolls will end up with at least 24 items at the end of December that I handcrafted out of love (or pent up hate for doing little sleeves…). I currently have 5 Doll Coordinate Recipe books that I’d like to really utilize this year. I want to focus on improving my crafting skills (especially sewing!) and use some of the things that I’ve bought (fabric, ribbons, trims).

I’d also like to try to spend a lot less money on sundries. I did a little adding up of how much I spent last year and while I only spent a little bit each month, it all does add up! Between commission a couple of dresses (whoopsies…) and other lovely handmade goodies, I did spend quite a bit last year on clothes for my dolls! Of course, I didn’t count BlytheCon purchases in that because it was BlytheCon. I’m supposed to buy things, or what was the point in going? *removes tongue from cheek*

Lastly, I’m pretty happy with my Blythe family right now. The only dolls that I’m looking to add to it right now is a BL (Sunday Best or Mondrian, primarily) and more Kenners (I’d like to add a blonde and a raven/brunette), but I’m not too seriously searching for any of those right now.

There are a lot of things that people could choose to do. Spend less money on clothing/shoes. Spend more time photographing their dolls and enjoying what they have. Not buying new dolls without adopting out an older, less-loved dolly. Maybe it’s to save for that elusive grail doll, whomever she may be. Whatever your Blythe resolution may be, I want to know what it is!

What are your Blythe resolutions for 2012?