Hand-Frosted Third Street Doll

I recently had the pleasure of reuniting with a Third Street doll we sold at last winter's Acadia Winter Craft Expo here in Wolfville. This little doll is presently residing with her best friend Leah who takes her everywhere! Talking with her mom, I was so delighted to hear how much Leah loves her doll. We laughed over the Knuffle Bunny-esque prospect of a distressed midnight call proclaiming that a dolly was missing and a little girl was in dire need of an immediate replacement. Well, nervous laughter...

In August, Leah celebrated her first birthday and her mom was kind enough to share a photo of the special cake she made for Leah's big day.

How sweet is this??

We spend so much time bringing life to these little sweets. We have the luxury of evolving gorgeous bolts of fabric into unique dolls thriving with personality and character. Each doll means so much to us it's hard to see them go off into the world, so it is a great comfort to learn of their lives after they've left Third Street. Like so many of us who have made this move, Third Street dolls are filled with a love and happiness that is best shared with a friend. We are glad to see that this dolly shares that with Leah.  

Have a picture you'd like to share? We'd love to see it (and brag about it on the blog, permission pending). Email us if you're interested (link in the right sidebar).

Wait for it....

Stand by - the sewing table's open and the machine has been dusted following a long and quiet winter ... and spring ...

It's about time we attended to those lost souls and severed limbs ...

Poor dollies.

Thank-you's

It was a busy weekend for the two dolly girls at the Dalplex Christmas Craft Market! It is with residual fatigue that I pop in now to share a few pictures and to take a moment to thank all of our friends and family for their support this Fall as we worked our fingertips bloody to prepare for the season.

It was great to see so many of you out at the show! Your support and encouragement are very much appreciated. We hope you enjoyed the show - the exhibits were all lovely, presented by inspiring crafters hosting an inspirational expanse of wares, treats and services. Hopefully you were able to put a little dent into your Christmas shopping!

All in all a great season and we look forward to next year!

Between Shows

Well, we're minus a few binkies, balls, bibs and dolls following the Acadia show. This week we'll be busy replenishing our stocks in prep for the Dalplex show this upcoming weekend. If you have a chance to make it to this show, we highly recommend it - the vendor list is awesome!! We'll be posting photos of new dolls in the 2011 Craft fair album on our Facebook Page as they are completed - so check back often. Let us know if there's something you would like us to set aside for you to pick up at the show - we're always happy to see our blogging friends at shows!! If you're not able to make it to the show, send us an email at thirdstreethandcrafters(at)gmail(dot)com or by selecting from the options in the "contact TSH" link on the right sidebar.

We'll quickly share a few photos from the Acadia show, then back to doll making!

Our booth...

...again...

...and again.



TSH junior exhibitor

This little dolly got a little tired part way through the show and decided to take matters into her own hands. It's always sad when dolls do that...



...Sewing, Sewing, Sewing...

Sonia and I have been sewing our little tails off and I thought I'd drop in for a sec to share our joy at having completed our first Christmas order.

These little cuties are presently on their way cross country to Edmonton where they will be Christmas gifts for a slew of lucky cousins. I have images of Clara and her cousins sitting together on Christmas Eve playing with their dolls in The Nutcracker.

Treasury Love

Just wanted to share some Etsy treasury love for Third Street this month.


Eye See You by TessieTextile




Remember Red by InStitchesCo



The Better to See You With by Fabgabs

Thanks everyone!

Blanche

Growing up many of us had someone like an older cousin or a neighbor that we held in great esteem. Someone you looked up to with little kid admiration and love.

In our world, this person was our Aunt Blanche. Blanche is our mother's youngest sister and when Sonia and I were young girls she came over from Newfoundland to live with our family.

Blanche was just a young woman then - pretty, stylish, smart, fun (much as she remains to this day, of course). She had boyfriends, wore makeup, and chewed gum. When I was little, amongst my many imaginings I believed that grown-ups would eventually grow down to my size. I used to make Blanche promise that when she grew down to my size that she would let me wear all her awesome clothes. I had a particular fancy for a pair of burgundy pajamas she was fond of wearing.

And Blanche was our very own - she loved us, played with us, and took care of us. Blanche has a great laugh and always laughed a lot. I remember she used to hide in doorways in the hall and j ump out to scare us all the time and then she'd hug us while we all laughed. She played games with us and let us sit with her during grown up card games to help play her hand. She took us for walks and berry picking and played with us in the snow.

She listened to cool music like the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, and Nazareth and she took us to do awesome things like rollerskating and to the theatre to see movies. Plus she could sing really well and knew the words to all the songs Dad liked to play on guitar. Whenever Dad would play Sing Me Back Home I remember I would cry. It's a sad song. Blanche would always dance slowly with me up in her arms during this song. It's amazing how something so small can mean so much and stay with you for so long.

Plus she was a friend and a support for Mom and Dad, something that I can now recognize for its true value. She helped take care of us and helped with the housework so everyone had more time to do fun things together.

Recently, while taking inventory of our dolls for the upcoming Fall craft season, Sonia and I decided that many of the dolls we have in our Big Sister collection were worthy of separate distinction on account of their advanced sense of style. And what better way to signify this beauty than to honor these special dolls with the name that exemplifies class in our eyes? Hence the Blanche Collection was created. 

Blanche Dolls have more defined faces and wear detailed attire and accessories. The are sophisticated and fun and ready to take on the world!

And in honor of the new collection, we have listed these two all new Blanche Dolls in the Third Street Corner Store on Etsy.

Pop by the shop for a closer look at these sweeties. 

Oh yeah, we make dolls!

We're gearing up to get back to our sewing machines, and start making dolls again.  Our "little" hiatus has somehow turned in to a six month sewing strike, sponsored by Farmers ice cream and homemade chai lattes.  I hope I remember how to use the iron.

 

In anticipation of this grand event, I took out all of our ready made little cuties for a Third Street Class Photo.

If you are interested in any of our dolls or would like to place a customer order please send us an email or message us on facebook.  We are also in the process of listing our dolls in our etsy shop and maybe just maybe we'll be at a market this summer.  We'll keep you posted ~ Sonia

Rock Star Cloth Doll by Third Street

I am in love with this new Third Street Rock Star doll.

Decked out in his Dad's hand me down jeans and dress shirt, this little dude is totally rockin' his own hipster style.  His ill-equipped seamstress girlfriend (humbly known on Third Street as The Machine) went into chain stitch overdrive on this one.  Tightly HAND EMBROIDERED chain stitches offer up bold lines for the star, the 45, and the steel glasses.  The fine detailing, frames and lettering are done BY HAND using a back stitch and his gorgeous Third Street eyes are done in our characteristic satin stitch.  Which was also done A LA MAIN. 

Is my redundancy irritating?  Yes.  But - I have an ulterior motive fueled by only a wee bit of resentment .... Which I will not allow myself or the lovely readers of this blog to be bothered by any further, as its cause is not even worth mentioning in the company of true appreciators of handcrafted goods ... and people who are insightful enough to recognize inherent skill when its achievement is justly earned.  Painstakingly, in fact.  But let's get back to the doll, shall we?

Once he was finished according to the custom order criteria, I felt this doll was still missing something. Then I decided the little dude's inner child was just screaming for some vinyl.  Aren't we all? So I kicked it old school and payed homage to the black circle.  

I think this little buddy is going to look sweet in Jack's Rock Star nursery. 

So let's hear it for all the Rock Star babies out there:

Apparently I've taken an unexpected break from blogging .... 

... sorry 'bout that ...

Here's a quick glimpse of what's been pleasantly distracting me. 

Distracting me amongst many other things, which of course goes without saying...

This is a custom doll we made for a friend of mine from university for her new baby girl Kate. 

I was so pleased with how the hand embroidery on the dress turned out, I was eager to share.  

I think Kate is going to love her new friend when they meet on Christmas morning.

Christmas Craft Village

This past weekend was The Christmas Craft Village at Exhibition Park here in Halifax.  This was our first time doing a show of this size, which was very exciting.  

Setting up our booth was challenging as we suddenly had so much space to work with ... and to fill.  Luckily our father is amazing - as always - and helped out with our display by making us even more props.  We were able to showcase all of our wares beautifully with these new crates he built especially for this show.  

We had all of our Third Street gear on hand.  Christmas sleds, tree ornaments, and quilted runners were joined by our new Christmas and winter dolls.  Dolls, balls, binkies and bibs were there, as well as our newest original design hand embroidered onsies.  Dad's doll furniture was also available for sale, including rocking chairs, table and chairs, and a darling little bed.

Third Street was pleased to be sharing space with tons of talented crafters and artisans and we were happy to have time to catch up with some of our awesome crafter friends.

We had the added pleasure of showing alongside Jerry Walsh's Distinctive Garden Accents featuring beautiful rustic bird houses (nesting boxes), bird feeders, bat houses, squirrel houses and signs. Jerry strives to use wood that has been around for a while and has acquired a degree of character including driftwood boards and recycled wood salvaged from structures such as old barns. Many of his pieces are accented by highly skilled decorative painting used to highlight the natural beauty of the wood (compliments of Jerry's wonderful wife - a talented tole painter amongst other things - whom we also had the pleasure of meeting).
 

Be sure to swing by Jerry's site for Christmas ideas for the nature and bird lovers on your holiday shopping list.

We were visited by many friends during the show, some of whom even brought us treats. Thanks K :)

As well, we completed several dolls including this little guy - our very first Action Figure / Super Hero.  Since this photo, "The Shocker" has acquired a utility belt and the idea for a cape is brewing.  He also has a new POWerful friend who has yet to be photographed.  I will try to get photos of the other lovelies to share with you all in the next little bit.



1 2 3 4 5 6 Stitch

We're headed back to Exhibition Park again this morning for another day of working the Street. Yesterday and last night flew by! We met some great artists and crafters, chatted with good friends, got the juice on some interesting happenings, and got to listen to some awesome music. Plus, we completed 5 (6?) new dolls, including a spectacular boy super hero. Pictures taken and will be shared once all is complete.

For anyone interested in attending, the details are here. There are still two days left, come on down and get your craft on with Third Street!

Pull up your candy cane pantyhose and come visit us at the

Christams Craft Village

next weekend at Exhibition Park.

It's a three day show with over 100 vendors!!

Friday, Nov. 12 from 10-9

Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10-6

Sunday, Nov 14 from 10-5

  

We're in booth 105 in the second room near the performance stage.

Binkies

Soft Play Balls

Baby and Toddler Bibs

Bean Bags

Lady Lou Cushions

Hand Embroidered Onsies featuring original TSH designs

Doll Quilts 

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Hand Painted Christmas Sleds

Quilted Patchwork Christmas Runners

And of course,

Oodles and Oodles of Original TSH Dolls

Including Special Edition

 Chinese New Year Dolls and Santa's Little Helper Dolls

As well as Dad's Handmade Wooden Doll Furniture

Plus we will be available for custom ordering!

For a complete listing of participating vendors, please chick here.

See the Third Street Handcrafters Facebook Page for a chance to win a free pass to the show!!

New Inspiration

Summer is winding down and my life is filled with the joys of my new daughter.  This weekend we celebrate her baptism and her first birthday.  (pictures to follow)

Andrea and I are in full swing at Third Street, amping up production and getting ready for the Holiday season.  We celebrated our forth sale in our Etsy store and received another order for 3 dolls.  It feels great to be getting "back on track", as I've been saying I needed to do for a while now. 

This fall we are creating some Halloween themed dolls.  They are at the embroidery phase, so watch for them in the coming weeks. Inspired by my trip to China, we've begun working on a new collection of dolls that will be available later this fall, Chinese New Year Dolls. These little lovelies will be wearing traditional inspired Chinese gowns, dressed and ready for a party!

Back To School Girls

It's getting to be that time of year again. 

Are you like me and still get the faintest of knots in your belly when 'Back to School' approaches?

I love school supplies.

In fact, it is a challenge for me to visit a Staples store and leave without a new pen.  And a scribbler.  I'm still waiting for my bouquet of sharpened pencils...  Remember the old Hilroy exercise books - the ones with the big black circle?  Ah, nostalgia.

Why do people always give grading presents?  Shouldn't kids get presents for going back to school? Isn't that the part that should be celebrated and encouraged?

Colleen over at Curtains are Open is having a special Back to School season this year, with her eldest daughter heading off to university.  In an effort to assist her daughters with the impending separation, Colleen asked Sonia and I to make each daughter a doll reflective of their gorgeous images. 

Here are the sweet results, a Big Sister and Little Sister, freckles and all ...

 

I hope these two little sweeties help with the transition happening over at Colleen's.  I'm sure everyone there has bellies that are filled with more than a few knots. 

Good luck!!

... especially to Mom ...

Why I Don't Like Water Slides

"When I'm on them I feel like everyone is watching me."

Not my words, but those of fellow Etsian Amy, of The Peach Tree.

We wanted to send out a special thank you to Amy for featuring our Cloth Doll with Cat Eye Glasses in her Why I Don't Like Water Slides treasury.  This is an awesome analogy treasury made up of watching eyes a la etsy-esque voyeurism. 

I love it!!

Pop by and go clickety-click to help a girl out. Sorry, forgot I was speaking 'Andrea.' What I mean is go to the treasury and click on all the listings to boost our number of views - you may find something that you love and wee little Etsy shop owners may make it to the front page. And yes, that would mean another blog post telling you all about that, too.

Don't pretend you don't like hearing from me....

And, yes.  I love you, too. 

Even though you probably won't do that clickety-click thing I wanted you to do so much.  I'm just that kind of girl ... XOXO

A Doll for Every Doll

Check out this sweet Etsy doll treasury by CinnamonSweeties, featuring two Third Street cloth dolls. 

It is such an honor to be featured alongside so many sweet dolls!!

And for your comedic pleasure, be sure to read The Halifax Broad's recount of her recent Toyota customer service phone call.   I think it'd be... interesting... to be the driver of that cab.

Sew... Delicious!! :: Third Street Salvage Yard

-Huge sewing night at Sonia's house tonight. We've had a break with Sonia's recent trip and adoption, but tonight we went at 'er full swing.

-A few dolls made it to their final stage of assembly and we made a big dent in the severed-limbs-stage with the dolls-in-bags pile.  If this sound gruesome, believe me - it is!!

-Two current orders are nearing completion.

-A new order for two RED SOX boy dolls.  Exciting!!

-Plans for Halloween and Christmas/Winter themed dolls in the works.

-Plans for a Sewing Machine Day sewing project tutorial (Sept 10th) - stay tuned!

-Oh, and I have to work on that giveaway I mentioned...

Summer Quilt Finished!

Sunday was my little friend Sophie's 2nd birthday party.  I had to miss out on the festivities because I was working but I sent my three sweetest reps to present Sophie with her present.  

I hope she loves snuggling with this sweet child - sized lap quilt!

Almost all of the fabrics used in the patchwork are upcycled.  Even the batting is a hodgepodge of large pieces left over from past projects. 

The watermelon pink block on the far left in the picture below came from a second hand skirt my daughter wore as a toddler.  Last year, for Sophie's first birthday, I made her a Third Street cloth doll using this fabric for the dress.  I was so pleased to find I had enough of this fabric left over from the doll to use some in Sophie's quilt - such a delightful little bonus.  

The bright blue floral print came from the lining of an Old Navy handbag that I had bought several years ago on a trip to Boston.  I bought this bag for a ridiculously low price and I think I only used it once or twice.  But I kept it - and I'm so glad I did. 

The dark red came from a second hand red linen dress shirt that I've used in a few different projects I've shared here and here.  The yellow floral block that is repeated throughout the quilt top came from a second hand dress my daughter wore that I also used for this Third Street turning point doll (very first doll made from an original Third Street Pattern).  The dark green pieces were taken from a second hand dress I wore for a long time but had to reluctantly surrender as its seams were under a great deal of undue strain...  The red floral print came from a piece of fabric I snagged from Frenchy's and very pale pink squares came from Mom - our number one upcycled fabric supply contact. 

Of the few new fabric pieces used for this top,  the majority were taken from our scrap pile.  Only about two or three blocks were actually cut from larger pieces of new fabric - once our upcycled and scrap stashes had been fully exploited.    

For the backing I used a new piece of cotton flannelette in baby blue with a puppy print - because Sophie loves dogs. 

Just like the sweetheart it was made for, this quilt is the harmonization of so many cherished parts.

Feeling a little Out-of-Focus

I've been a little distant as of late. 
Sorry. 

Here's what I've been doing, though:

• Attended the second HRM Artisans group meeting (email me for information) 
• Started a Facebook page for Third Street Handcrafters.  (Join now so you can get even sicker of us than you already are - see right sidebar for info my little eager beavers!) 
• Discovered Craftopolis and Etsy Hacks thanks to the gracious sharing of information from the HRM Artisan group members in the last July meeting
• Researching Etsy SEO and selling success tips.  Found this blog post particularly helpful
• Listing new dolls in the Third Street Corner Store
• Revising the Third Street Corner Store and experimenting with item renewal
• Listing dolls in the Third Street Corner Store
• Thinking about fall and Christmas craft fairs
• Considering new charitable endeavors
• Finishing up this quilt (and more here) for a special little someone
• Finished Voices in Time by Hugh MacLennan (read this if you love HMac like me!), which I wrote about here and have promised to revisit again upon completion for your continued literary education - a la Andrea
• Started Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris, which I will tell you more about as I delve deeper in the upcoming days

So you see, I've been busy.  Plus I was temporarily abandoned by my generally ever-present sister/partner who ultimately added to my distractions by bringing home my sweet new niece, Aster. 

How can a girl blog under these circumstances?