Popple Hill Studios

Current Projects and Plans

[foo4fish]

LEGO Dorothy Habitat Here's my first attempt at a LEGO Minifigure Habitat.  Dorothy and Toto are about to face the poppy fields.  Yikes!

[foo4fish]

Excited to share the latest addition to my #etsy shop: Dragonfly Fairy 18 Inch Doll Costume #18inchdollclothes http://etsy.me/2D1Q5lR

[foo4fish]

With my second order on my Etsy Shop (Popple Hill Studios), I really needed to figure out my branding.  I’ve had a logo (kind of), which is the painting my dad did for me.  But I needed something simplified, and a color scheme.  I drew from the painting for the colors and theme.  I already had a font picked out, I wanted a simplified version of the painting for my logo, and here we are.

I’ve created these branding items, and now I can recreate them on my Cricut Maker whenever I need more.  This packaging is for my second order.  We’ll see what I do for my next (fingers crossed) order.  It was fun to package up, but it took me the whole day!  Of course, that included designing the additional packaging besides the card (which I had created when I made the first order), and I kept coming up with more and more fun things to put into the package as well to make it consistently branded and fun.

In the little brown bag that I made, I put a little extra free gift for my second customer, because it was fun!  I think the branding and packaging worked out great!  Thanks to Cinnamon Miles at PixieFaire for the video on packaging and branding in the Sewing In Bulk Quantities Master Class that got me started on this daylong branding and packaging adventure!

Someone’s doll is going to love this hooded peacoat and coordinating scarf that comes inside!

Getting the Branding Right With my second order on my Etsy Shop (Popple Hill Studios), I really needed to figure out my branding.  

[foo4fish]

My First Attempt At a 3D “Pop Up” Card I followed a tutorial from Jennifer Maker to make this Apple Tree Pop-Up Card.  It took some time to cut out all of the pieces (on my Cricut Maker), and if I had the kind of card stock she recommends then it might have turned out better, but not bad for a first try, eh?  

[foo4fish]

A sneak preview of my latest creation – a dress I designed completely myself.  I took a doll clothing design and pattern making series this fall and now I know how to make my own patterns, rather than just adjusting ones other people have created.

I drew a mockup of the dress, made some sample pieces, and kept iterating, making new pattern pieces or adjusting previous iterations of the pattern pieces until I got just the right look.

I’m working on creating additional designs so that I can start testing my design with pattern testers and my target market.  So far I have two tops and one dress.  It’s fun to think about designing something that I have in my head and seeing I come to life on the dolls.

Not sure how this relates to the daily prompt but when I read the prompt, this is what came to mind.

  via Daily Prompt: Brilliant

My Newest Hobby (Looks A Lot Like My Old Hobby) A sneak preview of my latest creation - a dress I designed completely myself.  I took a doll clothing design and pattern making series this fall and now I know how to make my own patterns, rather than just adjusting ones other people have created.

[foo4fish]

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Launching my Etsy shop started with an idea and grew with a “sketch” from my dad of some popple trees on a hill for my first logo.  The fairy series was my first foray into really intricate designs.  It was so much fun to add each piece to the costumes to make a real fairy outfit.

Another big change this year was the addition of a photo studio, allowing me to take great, professional(-ish) photos that didn’t depend on it not being too hot, cold, or wet outside.  I like how the fairies are in the natural background, but the ones in the photo studio with the white background are clearly more professional.

And the growth of my company, Popple Hill Studios!  I’ve been branching out into some woodworking projects and designing doll clothes patterns, so watch for those in the coming year.  In addition, I’ve now had some actual sales on my Etsy shop, which is very exciting!  I really hope my customers like their orders.

Here’s to growing in the new year ahead….

Daily Post Photo Challenge

A Year of Growth Launching my Etsy shop started with an idea and grew with a "sketch" from my dad of some popple trees on a hill for my first logo.  

[foo4fish]

We’re really in business now!

I just made 1 sale. Very humbled and grateful for the support! #etsy #handmade #popplehillstudios #etsyfinds http://etsy.me/2D1js8f

[foo4fish]

Polka dots and dragonflies - a fun combo for a fun gal! Kit rocks the summer-to-fall look by pairing her classic blouse with a chic elbow-sleeve cardigan for when the weather gets a little cooler.

Polka dots and dragonflies – a fun combo for a fun gal! Kit rocks the summer-to-fall look by pairing her classic blouse with a chic elbow-sleeve cardigan for when the weather gets a little cooler.

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[foo4fish]

My New Photography Setup In Progress

My New Photography Setup In Progress

As the weather turns colder and rain becomes a possibility, while the sun continues to set earlier and earlier each day, a replacement for my makeshift outdoor photo studio has finally become necessary.  While the girls loved getting their photos taken in the evening light that so flattered their skin tone, they were starting to feel like it was a little chilly to be changing from one outfit to…

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[americangirlstar]

Why American Girl’s First Black Doll Had to Be Born a Slave

In February, the American Girl brand, beloved for its expansive (and expensive) line of books, toys, and clothing, made an announcement: A new doll in ...

A really interesting article about the creation of Addy Walker!

[foo4fish]

Summer is gone, but its passing brings with it a new joy – the arrival of the Autumn Fairy.  Her copper colored silk gown with brown tulle overlay sets the stage for a bevy of colorful leaves that swirl around her.  For those cool autumn days, Samantha’s gold hooded cloak wafts around her and keeps the chilly wind from a full onslaught.  Fall flowers adorn her head in a fairy crown.  I made this costume for Samantha after she described it to me, so intrigued was I with the way that the leaves would define the outfit.

What will Samantha ask me to make next?  Only she knows!  She certainly does have an eye for a good costume.

Arrival of the Autumn Fairy Summer is gone, but its passing brings with it a new joy - the arrival of the Autumn Fairy.  

[foo4fish]

Last Days of Summer

Last Days of Summer

Labor Day and Autumn are nearly upon us, but a heat wave approaches to remind us that Summer will still have its day in the sun.  Meanwhile, Samantha is taking advantage of the last days of Summer to wear her Dragonfly Fairy Costume.  Labor Day means a switch to Fall weather clothing and possibly an Autumn Fairy Costume, as well as the much anticipated Back to School! I loved school when I was a…

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[foo4fish]

Samantha wanted to get a goat But Mama said she really needed a new coat With buttons and pockets and a cute belt in back Samantha was glad she didn't have to wear a sack! The goat was forgotten when Sam put this on. She was so warm and cozy So cuddly and dozy She said she would listen to Mama from now on. (But not really - Samantha doesn't want anything too frilly!)

via Daily Prompt: Rhyme

That’s Jacket’s Causing a Racket! Samantha wanted to get a goat But Mama said she really needed a new coat With buttons and pockets and a cute belt in back Samantha was glad she didn't have to wear a sack!

[foo4fish]

Samantha and Kit are virtually inseparable ever since Kit arrived.  They have been hanging out on the patio showing off their new shorts.

Kit is modeling a t-shirt that they both wear so much that neither one is sure who is the original owner of it.  Kit was wearing the shirt today with her new cargo shorts, and Samantha was like, “We should have a fashion show!”

So they decided that this shirt was going to be the focus, and they would show it in different ways.  Kit even found this adorable straw hat that fits her perfectly, and it keeps the sun off her fair face.  “I already have freckles!  I don’t need to get a sunburn, too!”

By the way, Kit and Samantha are soon going to be demanding a new favorite shirt, because I’m selling this one on Etsy!

Best Friend Style Samantha and Kit are virtually inseparable ever since Kit arrived.  They have been hanging out on the patio showing off their new shorts.

[spiffymiffy1]

I know nothing about fashion, but if I designed a set of outfits for the runway, it’ll probably look like this.

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[foo4fish]

Such awesome artwork. I love the colors!

[adventuresonly]

nature

[foo4fish]

Beautiful cross-section shot.  Surreal.

[foo4fish]

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Once in a lifetime eclipse. Very cool!