Sunday, December 6, 2015
SPRIGS!!!!!
The best part about being a doll maker is the never ending element of surprise. These little guys came out of nowhere!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Napling Dragon Coloring Sheet
The pattern is coming! The Naptown Boys Napling Dragon pattern is almost completed. I am currently editing new photos and fumbling through a new software program. I know I've been saying it's almost finished, what I meant by that is... the pattern is finished and written but the perfectionist in me will re-do it multiple times until it's perfect.
The old software that I was suffering through, Apache OpenOffice, was reformatting the texts and photos. It would also export the pdf files with missing pages or text and randomly pile all of the photos in the document into one big jumble. I am now working with Microsoft Word and it is a great program and very easy to work with, but it is taking time to re-write the 50 page document.
The original photos were taken with Dragon's made of wool interlock, a pricey but amazing material that I absolutely love. I am now recommending cotton velour as an alternative material choice. I have used the cotton velour on Naplets and Nappers and have seen a very beautiful butterfly Napling made by a Naptown Boys Sewing Club member with Velour. I have also retested the pattern with cotton velour, as it is a fabric that is more easily accessible in multiple colors. YAY! That's great news, except, I have an entirely new batch of photos to edit and insert into the pattern.
So, I keep promising that it is almost ready. At times I was in the final edit so I was in my optimism telling the truth. Realistically it is still almost ready, and starting over isn't all that bad. I learn something new each draft and I will be offering you the very best version possible.
While you are anxiously waiting the pattern please work on your design sheet. It's time to color your dragons! You can print the coloring sheet by downloading it from Google Docs here.
Please share the pictures of your colored Dragons, I would love to see them! You can post them here or on the Naptown Boys Facebook page.
The old software that I was suffering through, Apache OpenOffice, was reformatting the texts and photos. It would also export the pdf files with missing pages or text and randomly pile all of the photos in the document into one big jumble. I am now working with Microsoft Word and it is a great program and very easy to work with, but it is taking time to re-write the 50 page document.
The original photos were taken with Dragon's made of wool interlock, a pricey but amazing material that I absolutely love. I am now recommending cotton velour as an alternative material choice. I have used the cotton velour on Naplets and Nappers and have seen a very beautiful butterfly Napling made by a Naptown Boys Sewing Club member with Velour. I have also retested the pattern with cotton velour, as it is a fabric that is more easily accessible in multiple colors. YAY! That's great news, except, I have an entirely new batch of photos to edit and insert into the pattern.
So, I keep promising that it is almost ready. At times I was in the final edit so I was in my optimism telling the truth. Realistically it is still almost ready, and starting over isn't all that bad. I learn something new each draft and I will be offering you the very best version possible.
While you are anxiously waiting the pattern please work on your design sheet. It's time to color your dragons! You can print the coloring sheet by downloading it from Google Docs here.
Please share the pictures of your colored Dragons, I would love to see them! You can post them here or on the Naptown Boys Facebook page.
happy doll making! Nikki
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Napling Buttefly Pattern is available now!
The Napling Butterfly Pattern is available now!
The pattern includes a 51 page book full of step-by-step photographs. The printable pattern pages are in the very back, including a coloring sheet and detailed a diagram for embroidering the wings.
When you purchase the pattern be sure to join the Naptown Sewing Club on facebook so you can share your progress and trouble shoot any complications you may have.
I look forward to seeing all of the Napling Butterflies you create!
Please feel free to sell your Butterflies!
I look forward to seeing all of the Napling Butterflies you create!
Please feel free to sell your Butterflies!
Friday, June 26, 2015
Giveaway and a big, huge announcement!
Next week I will be releasing my Napling Butterfly Pattern! I have been working really hard getting this ready for you guys and I'm so excited that it's finished I want to celebrate with a big GIVEAWAY!
THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN DRAWN!!!!
Visit Rafflecopter and follow all of the directions for multiple ways to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
One of the ways to get 5 extra entries is by coloring a butterfly! Download the PDF here -> Napling Butterfly coloring sheet and then snap a picture of the butterfly colored the way you would make yours, or let your kids color it, either way works!
This giveaway goes until July 3rd at midnight! The winners will be announced on Saturday along with the pattern release.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Kimimela a Napling Butterfly
Kimimela dreams of becoming an Anthropologist one day. She wants to study the tribes of the past and thinks we could learn a thing or two from how they lived. She doesn't go anywhere without her travel journal. She uses it to take notes on her friends and family for practice.
She is just about 11" tall and made of wool interlock and cotton interlock. She is stuffed with wool and her face and wings are embroidered with cotton floss. She comes with a white and gold dress, a headband, a tribal printed poncho and a leather travel journal.
Kimimela is $300 and will be available tomorrow night at 8pm est in my etsy shop.
She is just about 11" tall and made of wool interlock and cotton interlock. She is stuffed with wool and her face and wings are embroidered with cotton floss. She comes with a white and gold dress, a headband, a tribal printed poncho and a leather travel journal.
Kimimela is $300 and will be available tomorrow night at 8pm est in my etsy shop.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Bedtime and a book review: Rabbit Ears by Amber Stewart and Illustrated by Laura Rankin
Bedtime. Thank goodness, right?
Well sometimes our bath and bedtime routine is all fun and giggles and sometimes it's more like this....
I bet you've had nights like that too. But no matter what, by the time we are all settled down to read our favorite books everyone is the happiest they've been all day. Once we are cuddled in with piles of pillows, our favorite books, a few sweet yawns and rounds of "I love you's" we all know that the world is good.
Our absolute favorite book right now is Rabbit Ears by Amber Stewart and Illustrated by Laura Rankin. Not only are the illustrations just beautiful, they are also full of life, expression and the most important part... silliness.
The book is about a little rabbit named Hopscotch who does not like having his ears washed in the bath. No matter what, not even if his mommy bribes him with his very favorite chocolate cake.
The book is full of things to giggle about and every part is relatable to my little boys not liking to have their hair washed. In the end Hopscotch learns from his bigger cousin that washing your ears is not all that bad and Hopscotch eventually does it on his own.
The story is a reminder to me that these little frustrations are temporary as well as a slight suggestion to my boys of how they can do things on their own, just like their bigger cousins. All in all, I don't think you can pinpoint what makes a book THE magic bedtime book, but whatever it is this book has it.
Best wishes and a snuggly goodnight- Nikki
 |
| Tate reads Levi and Rowan their bedtime story. |
Well sometimes our bath and bedtime routine is all fun and giggles and sometimes it's more like this....
Our absolute favorite book right now is Rabbit Ears by Amber Stewart and Illustrated by Laura Rankin. Not only are the illustrations just beautiful, they are also full of life, expression and the most important part... silliness.
The book is about a little rabbit named Hopscotch who does not like having his ears washed in the bath. No matter what, not even if his mommy bribes him with his very favorite chocolate cake.
The book is full of things to giggle about and every part is relatable to my little boys not liking to have their hair washed. In the end Hopscotch learns from his bigger cousin that washing your ears is not all that bad and Hopscotch eventually does it on his own.
The story is a reminder to me that these little frustrations are temporary as well as a slight suggestion to my boys of how they can do things on their own, just like their bigger cousins. All in all, I don't think you can pinpoint what makes a book THE magic bedtime book, but whatever it is this book has it.
Best wishes and a snuggly goodnight- Nikki
Monday, June 1, 2015
Tate, the beach boy.
It's that time of year again. The time of year where the sun starts to shine and I remember why I really love to live here on the east coast of Maryland. We live near the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and have beaches within blocks where we plan to spend the summer.
The second Tate came to life I knew he was one of those boys, the kind you have to drag out of the water.
Tate is a little boy with a water spirit full of adventure. If you ask him what he wants to do it will certainly be a day at the beach, or pool and if no other options are available he will stay in the bath until he is as wrinkled as a prune. Tate has big dreams of one day being a Life Guard or Surfer or Kayaking Instructor or maybe even a Marine Biologist (okay, that's really my dream,) anything that will keep him in the water. Tate had it set in his mind that he could swim, and even though he really couldn't, and even though he kept almost drowning, eventually he figured it out and taught himself to swim like a champ.
Tate is a 12" Naptown Boys doll, his arms are button jointed and his legs are sewn to his body. He is made out of all natural materials and hand sewn in my home studio. His buttons are handcrafted from wood.
He is stuffed with wool and his hair is natural camel weft. His features are embroidered with cotton floss, olive green eyes and he cheeks are blushed with beeswax crayon.
Tate wears blue pants made by me, that can be cuffed to board shorts. He has sandals are made of wool felt, cotton ribbon and elastic. Tate comes with a white tee shirt handmade by "Doll Sew Today" and his Terry cloth Baha striped hoodie was upcycled by me from baby pajamas.
He is available for sale in the Dollectable Congo.
He is stuffed with wool and his hair is natural camel weft. His features are embroidered with cotton floss, olive green eyes and he cheeks are blushed with beeswax crayon.
Tate wears blue pants made by me, that can be cuffed to board shorts. He has sandals are made of wool felt, cotton ribbon and elastic. Tate comes with a white tee shirt handmade by "Doll Sew Today" and his Terry cloth Baha striped hoodie was upcycled by me from baby pajamas.
He is available for sale in the Dollectable Congo.
Tate was helping me design a few new backdrops and work on some logos. Well... really he was helping by critiquing my work. "what is that suppose to be?"
"oh, I get it... it's like, suppose to be the beach. cool."
Tate is available for sale now. You can find him here ->
Peace, Love and Cookies, Nikki
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Ninja Love
We crazy love Ninja's over here. Big fuzzy heart Valentine love Ninjas.
My two boys dress like Ninja's everyday. Luckily all they need is matching pants and shirt and then they are transformed in to whatever color they are wearing Ninja. I've had to find a few extra black shirts and black pants because most often they want to be black Ninja's.
I have to say, I love it a lot.
We have Ninja training often. It's the most requested game from my boys and my nephews. I'll try to explain how we play.
I am the Sensei and the boys are all in Ninja training. We start by sitting on the floor in a circle with our legs crossed in a yoga pose to focus. We do this little mini meditation in between each training excise to regroup and get the boys to calm a bit between each activity.
Then we have 4 main training sessions.
First, we practice punches. I don't really know what I'm doing, they just follow me punching the air. We practice left punches, right punches, combo punches, spinning punches. Whatever little combo I come up with we practice for a few minutes and then they each take turns showing off how they can do it on their own. I tell them they have graduated to the next level and we meditate before moving on to the next practice.
Secondly, we practice kicks. Similar to the punching but with kicking. They are real Ninja's and they take this practice very seriously. Meditating for our transition.
Thirdly, we practice flips. ***I am not recommending your kids do this*** My boys flip off of the couch and then add punch and kick combos. A nice safe floor roll is what I suggest, and then jump up and kick punch kick!
The final practice is STEALTH! They will do this for hours once we start. I point out someone that they need to sneak by without being seen, usually it is Aunt Christie in the kitchen or a random family member sitting at a table or on the couch. They crouch or belly crawl past the unsuspecting target. They are usually full of giggles and I have them do this a few times until they can sneak past quietly and "unsuspected." Silly boys. They really can't get enough of stealth.
Once Ninja training is finished, they always devise Ninja missions and go off to save the world. Boys really are fun. <3
My sons favorite color is Pink and he wanted a pink Ninja a made a lot of them last year, but this year I've just added one to the shop. We had quite a rough winter. It was one sickness after another. I hope you guys all got through it well!
My two boys dress like Ninja's everyday. Luckily all they need is matching pants and shirt and then they are transformed in to whatever color they are wearing Ninja. I've had to find a few extra black shirts and black pants because most often they want to be black Ninja's.
I have to say, I love it a lot.
We have Ninja training often. It's the most requested game from my boys and my nephews. I'll try to explain how we play.
I am the Sensei and the boys are all in Ninja training. We start by sitting on the floor in a circle with our legs crossed in a yoga pose to focus. We do this little mini meditation in between each training excise to regroup and get the boys to calm a bit between each activity.
Then we have 4 main training sessions.
First, we practice punches. I don't really know what I'm doing, they just follow me punching the air. We practice left punches, right punches, combo punches, spinning punches. Whatever little combo I come up with we practice for a few minutes and then they each take turns showing off how they can do it on their own. I tell them they have graduated to the next level and we meditate before moving on to the next practice.
Secondly, we practice kicks. Similar to the punching but with kicking. They are real Ninja's and they take this practice very seriously. Meditating for our transition.
Thirdly, we practice flips. ***I am not recommending your kids do this*** My boys flip off of the couch and then add punch and kick combos. A nice safe floor roll is what I suggest, and then jump up and kick punch kick!
The final practice is STEALTH! They will do this for hours once we start. I point out someone that they need to sneak by without being seen, usually it is Aunt Christie in the kitchen or a random family member sitting at a table or on the couch. They crouch or belly crawl past the unsuspecting target. They are usually full of giggles and I have them do this a few times until they can sneak past quietly and "unsuspected." Silly boys. They really can't get enough of stealth.
Once Ninja training is finished, they always devise Ninja missions and go off to save the world. Boys really are fun. <3
My sons favorite color is Pink and he wanted a pink Ninja a made a lot of them last year, but this year I've just added one to the shop. We had quite a rough winter. It was one sickness after another. I hope you guys all got through it well!
I don't have any Ninja Training photo's, since I'm usually busy being a Sensei. I'll try to get one next time. This is my little Ninja crashed!
I made a huge pile of mini Ninja's to go with my sons Pre-K valentines last year, this year the request is for them to all be pink and white!
This Pink Ninja is my sons favorite. I've just added one more to my etsy shop!
Here is a peek at what the valentines look like.
This one is our favorite.
I wish you all have a fun Ninja Valentine's day this year!
peace and love, NikkiThursday, January 22, 2015
rainbows and wishes
It's almost February, which means valentines day is coming up!
I am celebrating this Valentines day with tons of Twigs. My son really loves his "daddy" Twig that I made for him last Valentines day. I haven't made any since and I felt it was time for more of the lovable cuddly sticks! These little guys were inspired by my boys, who will choose rocks and sticks over most toys. A little bit of nature and a little bit of cuddles.
And I sketched up some valentines day cards to go with your little valentines!
I am celebrating this Valentines day with tons of Twigs. My son really loves his "daddy" Twig that I made for him last Valentines day. I haven't made any since and I felt it was time for more of the lovable cuddly sticks! These little guys were inspired by my boys, who will choose rocks and sticks over most toys. A little bit of nature and a little bit of cuddles.
We had a fun little photo shoot in the snow!
And I sketched up some valentines day cards to go with your little valentines!
These were the original watercolor drawings from when I first doodled the Twigs in to existence. You can now purchase a set of 2 cards in my etsy shop!
Peace and Love! Nikki
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