To kick off the 2014 March Talent Showcase, we’re starting off with an interview with Pauleen of Simply Sweet Creations and Sweet Serendipity!

Hi Pauleen! What can you tell us about yourself?
I am a 26-year-old bohemian living in Mexico City, who has a degree in Computer Science but whose life’s dream is to become a film director and published author. Currently, I’m working as a freelance, self-employed, and self-taught visual artist and crafter. I manage 2 online stores: “Simply Sweet Creations” is where I sell my original artwork, and “Sweet Serendipity” is where I offer I wide array of handmade items and gifts. I consider myself as an obsessive collector, dolls being my most recent passion. I’m also a girl of multiple talents and innumerable interests, an avid traveller, a bit of a technology geek, and a huge, huge fan of Japanese culture.

Everyone finds Blythe a little differently. How did you discover Blythe?
It all began back in 2009. I wanted to enter a contest organised by a local radio station and in order to do so, you had to open an account in their site. Once I did, another member’s profile picture caught my attention. It was of a very pretty doll. So, I checked that member’s information and lucky me, I found she was part of a group that liked “Blythe dolls”. That was all the information I required to start my search on Google and boy did I love what I found. First, I visited the official site and went through all the info there and the pics and the more I read, the more I fell in love with Blythe and my desire of owning one increased by the minute. Then, the obvious next step was to purchase one, but for some reason, in those days the JunieMoon online shop didn’t ship to Mexico. I felt a bit disappointed. Time passed, but the wish of having a Blythe doll never vanished. Finally, the opportunity presented itself in a very, very, very wonderful yet unusual way: in September 2010, I won a trip to Japan and the first thing that came to my mind was: “I’m getting my Blythe!!!”. And the rest is history, well not quite. Once in Tokyo, I went looking for the JunieMoon store in Daikanyama but nobody could tell me how to get there. I also knew the dolls could also be found at the Kiddyland chain of toy stores, but the one I found was closed because they were moving. Yet I was not ready to give up, I wasn’t going back home empty-handed and so, after getting lost in city and with the assistance of my Japanese speaking sister, we arrived at JunieMoon and OMG, that store is a dream! And yes, now the rest is history.

When did your shop open and what made you decide to start selling things to the doll community?
I opened my “Sweet Serendipity” shop at Storenvy in 2012, but the doll clothes and accessories line wasn’t included ’til mid 2013. I decided to add that particular category for 3 main reasons: a) During the 2013 March Talent Showcase I was the lucky winner of the most beautiful turquoise dress by BlytheStar and was pretty much inspired Lyndell’s work, so I felt it it was time for me to give something back to the community. b) I’m a fairly new crocheter and I learned how to crochet by making amigurumi. Then my knowledge of the craft came to a point where I was confident enough to move on to clothes where an exact gauge is needed, otherwise the garment won’t fit. c) Finally because no matter how many fashion designs I’ve got in my mind, I don’t have the patience to make them for humans, so dolls were the way to go.

What is the first item that you created with the intention to sell, rather than to keep for yourself?
A lot of thinking and preparation goes into determining what kind of products I’m going to offer next in my store and the blue dress with the matching short sleeve cardigan that my Blythe is wearing in one of the pictures was my very first sellable doll item. But it wasn’t always like that. A couple of months before I decided to sell doll clothes, I had crocheted the cardigan just to test out the pattern. Then that piece went into my PHD box (“Projects-Half-Done”) because even though the pattern turned out to be OK, at the time I didn’t know what else to do with it. After getting my BlytheStar’s prize in the mail, I finally had the epiphany of how I could complete the outfit. When I finished the dress and “asked” my Blythe to kindly model it for me, the whole ensemble made sense and that’s when I knew I was ready to offer it online.

Where do you find inspiration for your crocheted designs?
Inspiration comes from everyday life and I always have to make sure to be prepared with pen and paper whenever an idea hits me. Yet for crochet, especially doll clothes, inspiration comes mostly from myself and from my own particular sense of style. You see, I’m an extremely girly girl, I only wear dresses and skirts. So in terms of fashion, I always design outfits that fit my taste and that in a way, remind me of the beautiful garments I used to wear as a little kid. Also, I have this habit of buying craft materials and yarn without a project in mind, because when it comes to creating something from scratch, I like a challenge and what better way to put my imagination to work, than with a table full of ordinary items waiting to be turned into extraordinary masterpieces.

How has your involvement in the doll community changed following selling doll clothes?
It has changed in oh so many ways. For starters, when I first entered the doll world, I was a mere collector sharing pics of my dolls. Now, as a newly seller of doll fashions, it makes me happy to offer something more tangible that will be much more appreciated and perhaps more useful than a single image of my whimsical collection. Furthermore, whenever someone asks about my dolls’ outfits, it feels nice to say: “Yes, I made it myself” or if in a doll-related forum or site I come across the post from someone looking for clothes for Blythe or any other doll, I can gladly reply: “Here’s a sample of my work, hope you find something you like”. In addition, I recently began receiving tutorial requests for a couple of doll accessories I had made just as an experiment . Finally, I myself have introduced a couple of girls into the doll world after quite almost literally mesmerizing them with my very own and ever-growing doll collection.

Tell us a little bit about your first sale: what you sold and how you felt about it.
My first doll-related sale was crazy and it didn’t even take place at my online store. Here’s how the story went: I had this Facebook contact, it was precisely one of those girls I mentioned before, the ones I introduced to the doll collecting hobby. Well, this particular girl had just bought her first doll and she was eager to expand her outfit choices, so she wrote to me. She would begin with a dress, but not one from my catalog, she wanted a custom order, a piece that was one-of-a-kind and that would suit her doll’s personality. I presented her with a couple of options I had at the moment, but she was indecisive. Next thing I know, she makes a deposit into my bank account and later tells me: “Forget about the dress, what I really want right now is a plush toy to keep my doll company. So, with the money I paid you, what amigurumi can you make, shipping included”? I was in awe. In the end, I sent her a tiny cupcake amigurumi and from the reaction I got, I can say she was thrilled and I was very flattered. This girl was so excited when she got the package, that she made and shared a video of all the unwrapping process, bragged about her new acquisition, and encouraged people to buy from my store.

What would you say is the most valuable tool that you use for your crafting?
My imagination and my hands, no doubt about it. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I see my imagination as this computer continually generating new ideas and my hands as the 3D printer bringing those ideas to life. Any other utensil or instrument, like crochet hooks, needles, scissors, looms,… are just helpers in the whole creative process.

What would you say has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned so far with being crafter who sells things?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When I started with the whole “selling-my-work-thing”, I resorted to the Internet to sell and promote my creations. Nonetheless, as useful as the Internet may be, it is also a risky business and it can take you off the track in an instant. At the beginning, I was listing my handmade items in multiple online stores and had opened accounts in all major social networks. Soon, I was so busy in keeping all this sites functional and updated, that my crafting time was severely affected. The result: no new products to offer and absolutely no increase in sales. The moral of the story: it’s okay to use the Internet for marketing purposes, just don’t exaggerate.

Can you give us some ideas of what’s in store for you and your Blythe endeavors in the future?
Expect to see more crocheted outfits as well as a wider array of accessories such as jewellery, bags, and hairbands. Also, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to learn new crafting skills, so there may be some mixed-media creations down the road. Then, in a far more distant future, I’m planning a line of doll furniture and perhaps wigs, if all goes well. In addition, I intend to include fashions for Middies and Petites. Finally, I’ve got some nice treats in store not for Blythe dolls, but for Blythe owners and it goes as follows: If you want to showcase your love for Blythe, or you need little trinkets to give out as free gifts on orders placed by your customers, or if you just want to advertise your brand in conventions and meetings, then I’m offering a special service of designing/manufacturing some really unique products to fulfill those needs. This service is already available and I’ve tested it on myself. I never miss an opportunity to wear my brand t-shirts when going out to crowded places.

Thank you so much for participating in the March Talent Showcase this year, Pauleen! What kind of advice would you give someone who’s new to running an online business?
Well, thank you very much to you Michelle for having me, it’s been a great honour. Now, on to the advise. I have three basic rules when it comes to running an online business. First and foremost, your store policies and product descriptions should be clear, detailed, and truthful because should anything go wrong with a sale, you have written evidence to back you up and protect you as a seller. Second, if you offer custom orders, remember that you are not a mind reader, so I recommend creating a guideline or a template for the information you require your customer to provide so that you’re able to translate their wishes into the product of their desire. And third, yes there are mean people out there who seem to have nothing better to do than to leave rude comments on your site. I say: remove that rubbish and be prepared to stand up for your work. A lot of effort goes into handmade and in being your own boss, and no one has the right to minimise or disapprove that.

You can find out more about Pauleen from her blog, on Facebook and at her shop!

Crocheted Beret Giveaway!

Pauleen has generously decided to giveaway one crocheted beret to one lucky reader here on BlytheLife! What a darling little pom pom on top!

The giveaway runs until Saturday March 15th 2014 at 11:59pm Pacific. The draw will be held on Sunday March 16th 2014 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 Pauleen so she can get in contact with you regarding sending you the prize.

Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ahh, it’s that time again! Many thanks to Pamela from Endangered Sissy for offering up such a fun, and very pink (just the way Eden Mouse likes it!) dress set for one lucky person!

A reminder, the winner gets this fantastic dress set (the dress and a cute jumper that goes underneath!):

And the winner is…

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I had the chance to meet Pamela, and her daughter, in October of this year when they were here for an art show. Prior to that, I knew about Pamela from her book, Hello, Cutie!, as it had a small feature on Blythe and was the talk of the community when it came out (and featured some Blythe collectors as well!). I was so happy that Pamela was willing to do an interview with me – it allowed me to get to know her a bit better and to introduce her to those who haven’t had the fortune of meeting her yet!

Hi Pamela! What can you tell us about yourself?
I’m a Canadian writer and photographer, and a mom to a 12-year-old girl. I’m also an avid collector of cute things, including Blythe and Dal dolls, whom I love to sew for when I have the time.

How did you discover Blythe? Who’s in your doll family?
I first knew about Blythe in 2000 or 2001 when Gina Garan’s This Is Blythe was published. In 2003, I was in New York and bought some Blythe Kubricks and a Paisley Star petite (they were still the kind that were on the keychain) at the Kidrobot store in Soho. Then in 2005, when I was working as the literary editor for a newspaper, I came across Blythe Style. I wrote about it and started thinking about getting a full-size Blythe. As luck would have it, a friend had a Kenner from her childhood and gave it to me.

It didn’t get much play, however, and ended up being stuck in a drawer for a couple of years. My daughter — who was very young at the time — hated it and was terrified, to the point she didn’t want it in the house. So I ended up giving it away.

I had a pretty Blythe-free life after that until 2011. My daughter and I were at the local anime convention and one of the vendors was selling Pullips and Dals. We both liked the Dals and ended up getting a couple online. Within a couple of months there was a Blythe back in the house, too! My daughter wasn’t scared anymore — she loved them and wanted her own.

Today, we have 31 Neos, 8 Middies and 2 Petites (plus several LPS petites) in our combined collection. I am one of the seemingly few people out there who really likes SBLs, so we have quite a few of those including Groovy Groove, Rendezvous Chou Chou, Paradis by Mono Comme Ca, Silver Snow and more.

Where did the name Endangered Sissy come from?
My daughter misread an old Stüssy t-shirt her step-dad had on one day. I can’t remember exactly what it actually said, but she thought it was “endangered sissy.” I thought it was a really fun (and ridiculously nonsensical) name, and pulled it out when I decided to start listing some Blythe clothes on Etsy.

What was the first item that you sewed for Blythe?
Hmm. That’s hard to remember. I already had been sewing a bit for Dals, and would just swap the clothes that fit over to the first Neo Blythe we had in the house. I know I made a lot of the classic vintage Skipper “party dress” during that time, as it was the dress that I taught my daughter to sew first.

What kind of routine do you have when you create things for your shop?
My schedule is all over the place, so it really depends. If I’m working on a big writing project — like a book — I typically don’t have time to sew at all (or do much of anything else!). But if, like right now, I’m between books and working on regular projects like my eighties vintage fashion blog or shooting new images for one of my ongoing analogue photography series, I try to sew two or three days a week in the afternoons, while my daughter is at school. Basically, I just squeeze it in when I can.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process when it comes to your designs and inspiration?
I have a huge collection of vintage textiles — over 1,000 pieces of mostly cotton prints — so fabric and trims are the big inspiration for me. I’ll pull out a fabric or a piece of vintage lace and think of what I can make with it, and set to work on the pattern. And because the amount needed for doll clothes is so small, I don’t feel too guilty cutting into my collection!

What was it like making your first Etsy sale? What kind of thought were going through your head?
I have had two other Etsy shops for a long time (one selling vintage fabrics and sewing/knitting supplies; the other indulges my passion for vintage children’s books), so I was used to the Etsy system and making sales. Still, there’s something special when a person buys something you actually made. Though I had occasionally used the Endangered Sissy shop to sell kitschy vintage items here and there, I started my shop in earnest earlier in late spring of this year selling Middie clothes, as there’s not as much choice out there as there is for Neos. My first sale was two tiny, lacy Froth dresses to a collector in the UK. She was really excited to find them, and that was really heartwarming. Sewing for Middie is actually a lot harder than sewing for Neo, since the pieces are so much smaller, harder to fit properly and fiddly to work with, but those dolls need cute clothes too!

If you had to ‘sell’ your brand in the length of a Tweet (140 characters or less), how would you describe your shop and work?
Cute and colourful, with a vintage twist.

I believe you when it comes to Middies being harder to sew for than Neos. What is your most challenging design to put together?
Anything for Middies with a set-in sleeve — those pieces are a challenge for sure.

What have you learned so far about yourself and sewing since opening Endangered Sissy?
Creating for Blythe has definitely rekindled my love of sewing, design and pattern-making. It’s been wonderful to polish up and revisit those skills. I’ve found I actually find working with these tiny clothes relaxing, whereas I often found my quest for sewing perfection stressful in my younger years. Not everything works out perfectly the first time, but I’ve surprised myself with the extent of the patience I’ve grown into and don’t mind fussing with little details and drafting and re-drafting a pattern or unpicking and re-sewing stitches until I get it right. I figure the new-found patience probably has something to do with having a child — and age!

What can you share with us about what you have planned for the future of Endangered Sissy?
I’m just going to keep sewing up new pieces and designs as I’m inspired (and have the time). I’m currently making some slouchy dresses, but in super-fancy vintage fabrics, which is fun, and I’m experimenting with some interesting textile manipulation. It takes forever, but the result is really unique and I’ll be revealing that soon. And hats! I’m working on a classic men’s-style fur hat with a brim and earflaps. It’s very old man, circa 1950s winter, but I think in some cute colours and with a few strategically placed more feminine trims, it could be quite adorable.

For you, what is the best part about running your own business?
Endangered Sissy is much more of a hobby than a business, but I love the creative outlet it provides and designing and making little clothes keeps that part of my brain fresh and eager for more.

Thank you so much for doing this interview with me, Pamela! What advice do you have for someone just starting out in the Blythe hobby?
Well, thanks for asking me, Michelle! As far as advice goes, I’d say read lots, don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to like what you like. For example, if you like SBLs (like me), don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it. Think of it like art: we all have different tastes and opinions — no one is right or wrong. But most importantly, enjoy the fun of the hobby, whatever that may mean for you!

You can find out more about Pamela on her website, Flickr and at her Etsy shop, Endangered Sissy!

You can save 30% off of your Endangered Sissy purchase with the fantastic coupon code BLYTHELIFENOV from now until November 30th, 2013. Enter the coupon code at check-out to get your discount!

Dress Set Giveaway!

Pamela has generously decided to giveaway one dress set to one lucky reader here on BlytheLife! This set, which consists one of jumper-style dress and a Swiss dot blouse underneath, was made with one of my dolls’ favourite styles (young, girly) and colours (pink!) in mind. There are two sets in existence and one of the lucky readers will be able to win one!

The giveaway runs until Saturday November 30th 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. The draw will be held on Sunday December 1st 2013 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 Pamela so she can get in contact with you regarding sending you the prize.

Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much everyone for the birthday wishes! It always makes me happy when there’s positive feedback about BlytheLife. A reminder of what the prize is…

Congratulations to…
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As it is BlytheLife’s birthday month, what better way to celebrate than with presents? I personally think that’s a great way of doing it! It’s a small token of appreciation from me to you as a way for me to say thank you so much to everyone for all of your support! It’s been a busy three years as I’ve gone through this blogging adventure with you all.

Up for grabs is a cute little hand knit cardigan that I knit up myself. It’s white with working pockets and 3/4 sleeves. It is this hand knit cardigan in particular:

The giveaway runs until Saturday July 13th 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. The winner will be announced here on BlytheLife.com on Sunday July 14th. Remember to use a valid email address for all comments. If you win, I will contact you for your mailing information and get your prize out to you as soon as possible.

Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway