It's Coming....

That time of year that is.  I'm so excited. I think because we now have a wee one in the house.  Emily's not aware of the magic yet but it's still fun.  Next year will be really exiting with her.  I'm gearing up for Friday, that's usually when I take our fall decorations down and decorate for Christmas.  The tree will be a challenge with a walking 13 month old.

It's been super busy in the shop getting orders complete and shipped in time for the holidays.  I have another craft fair Dec 7 & 8, I'm no where near ready for and I don't think I will be. Other than trying a bridal expo next year I think this is it for the fairs.  Not the right venue for my products.   I wanted to have more inventory painted... Oh well maybe some secret elves will visit my office at night and help me out  (a girl can dream can't she?)

Here are some of the customs I've been working on....

This fox was a non custom just felt like making one

He's the first is a new woodland creatures series.  

A raccoon is on my desk half finished 

Sophia the first and Merida from Brave

I  have a Sophia pendant in the shop now

2 sports fans

Siblings who have their own custom superhero capes

An expectant couple

Custom ornaments for a gang of friends that 

get together once a month

Hope your enjoying your start to the holiday season.  Can't wait for Turkey Thursday!

XO,

K

New Designs and Changes.....

Hello ! I recently finished a new Large Kokeshi Nativity Set if you follow me on Instagram, facebook or twitter you probably are sick of seeing it and the various stages of it in process.

It's finally done and available in the shop.  Right now this particular one with the palm tree is a one of a kind.  That was my last palm tree.  I don't think I'll be ordering any more.  I'll make another but some thing else will replace the palm tree.  Maybe a cloth manger?

 The dolls are loose on the stand so you can pose them as you wish.  It also makes it easier for shipping.  Now I'm working on some wise men as an add on to the set.

I also wanted to share some changes going on in the shop.  Our Original Peg Doll Cake toppers and dolls will be discontinued as of Jan 1, 2014  I haven't been happy with the quality of the dolls I've been getting from my supplier.  They aren't the same smooth dolls with nice round heads as they were before.  Soooo, I decided to retire them and focus my attention on these Kokeshi dolls.  I really love this style doll and the sweet expressions I'm creating as my signature.

Here's the good part.  From now until Jan 1, 2014 the Original Peg dolls that started it all are now $45.00 until they are gone!  I've rolled back the prices to 2010 the year I started creating and selling them.

Don't miss out!  Once my stock is depleted they will be gone forever.....

XOXO
K

Made in Monmouth

Only a week and a half away!  I'm no where near ready.  Hustling this week to get stock/samples ready between orders!

Mini Dessert Stand!

 

I'm giddy over these new mini dessert stands (I'm a geek I know) silly how something so simple can make someone so happy.  I think their perfect to display any tiny dessert or topper.  I used to have some faux cupcakes and I wanted to do a photo with one of them on the stand but of course I can't find them.  I think in my office cleaning purge I accidentally threw them out.  Aahhh!  I'll have to order a new one or two soon

Let me tell you about these stands.  They measure 3" in diameter and about 2-2 1/2"H.  They could perch on top of a cake or display them in your kitchen with a faux dessert cupcake, mini cookies or candy or a real the real thing for that matter.   I'll be making lots of different colors and patterns.  Those will be ready to ship in my shop , well that's the plan anyway.  

I'm getting closer to starting my holiday inventory.  That's always exciting but stressful at the same time.  Especially when your trying to complete orders in between.  

What do you think of our little dessert stands.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

XO,

K

Holiday Ordering Deadlines

I've been thinking of the Holidays lately(I know it's too early) but when you run your own small business it's never too early.  I come up with my ordering deadline for U.S. and International orders.  These dates are the very last date to order items and have them guaranteed for Holiday delivery.

Thanksgiving...... 
U.S.A.......Nov 1, 2013

Christmas..... 
U.S.A....Dec 1, 2013
International........Nov 25, 2013 

I'm hoping to start some stock inventory for the up coming season.  Popular items that will be ready to ship 24-48 hrs after purchase.  Customs should be ordered early to assure holiday delivery.  I plan on taking the month of December off to enjoy with family.  The shop will remain open but only with in stock ready to ship items.  Wedding/Bridal toppers will be available but will not be worked on until the 1st of the year so if your getting married in January order before Dec 1, 2013

Be sure to follow me here, Twitter (knottingwood) and Instagram (knottingwood) I debut most of my new designs there first before putting them in the shop.  You'll also be privy to secret sales if you follow!

Happy Sunday

K

Game of Thrones

One of my current favorite shows is Game of Thrones on HBO.  I'm hooked, I've always loved medieval genre of entertainment.  Show me a fairy, wizard, King, Princess or a dragon and I'm there.
This season was so exciting and sad, if you watch then you know what I'm talking about ie... "the red wedding"

I was contacted by a lovely fellow Thrones fan to commission a set of my large Kokeshi dolls.  She wanted 2 of her favorite characters Rob Stark and Daenerys Targaryen.  I jumped at the chance.  I love working on brides but when I get a chance to work on something new an different if re-news my artistic juices.

 Daenerys Targaryen

Rob Stark

Working on these larger Kokeshi dolls has me reconsidering the doll styles that I want to carry.  Etsy has become flooded with the Original Peg doll style making it hard to stand out as everyone is basically doing the same thing.   I've decided that by 2014 I will be eliminating the Original Peg doll form from my shop.  They will be offered only if requested.  My shop with focus on the Japanese style Kokeshi doll

These are the dolls styles that will be available in my shop by 2014. 

3" Kokeshi dolls 

4 1/2" Kokeshi Dolls 

This was a Downton Abby custom done awhile back

I'll also try to stock the more popular characters like Leia and Han Solo, Mario Brothers, Legend of Zelda....

I have some new products in the works which may or may not make me re-think opening a separate shop for.  I'm dying to get back to my sewing machine so maybe some new plush will show up.

I'm off to entertain the little one! Stay cool, it's so hot here.

XO, 

K

The Queen

Of Hearts is done!  I finished her today and just love they way she turned out.  I'm sticking to my goal so far.  Next up Ursula ( I think)

Follow Through...

I'm a huge culprit of not following through with certain things in my business.  Mostly design ideas.
Last year I started to create the Disney villains and Kids around the world in kokeshi form.  I never finished either project.  This year I'm determined to finish them.  This blog is going to keep me accountable for it too.  I'm making a deadline for each project.

Disney Villains Collection:

~completion date : May 1st, 2013

   ~Cruella (done)
   ~Malificent (done)
   ~Ursula
   ~Evil Queen
   ~Queen of Hearts (done 1-28)
   ~Gaston
   ~Jafar
   ~Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters


Children around the world Collection:

~Completion date: July 1, 2013

    ~Dutch girl (done)
    ~Italy
    ~Africa
    ~Latin America
    ~Ireland
    ~U.K.


I also want to do Hansel and Gretel.

LOTS to do!

XO,
K





 

What I've been working on

Sharing some customs.  Luigi will be in the shop shortly!

New Year, New Designs

A week into the new year and orders are slowly starting to gearing up for another crazy wedding season.  I'm taking the same approach as last year.  Instead of working by wedding date as each order comes in I confirm the order then assign a completion date.  Worked great last year so if it's not broken....

Today I finished this kokeshi custom that I just love.  I will probably offer it in the shop.  This lovely customer wanted a bride and her secret superhero groom captain america with shield.

Also coming are these tiny (1") sweetheart blocks.  They make a great add on to any topper

I'll also be expanding my children's accessory line to include more jewelry.  Really excited about that.  Just have to find the time between daughters naps to get creative.

xo, 

K

Happy New Year

I can't believe a new year is here. How they go so fast.  This year my resolution is simple, take a breath to enjoy life.  Stop worrying about the next thing that has to be done ( cleaning, shopping, painting ) be less critical of people no one is perfect especially myself.  I want to enjoy every moment put in front of me.  Savior these year with my daughter as she grows into her own little person.  These snuggly moments will be gone before I know it.  I'm so thankful for being able to pursue my dream business.  It's allowing me to be there for all my daughters firsts.  Here is to another blessed year.

Happy 2013

xo,

K

Winding Down

With Christmas just around the corner I've been sneaking in as much painting time as I can between feedings and naps.  I'm just about done with all my Holiday orders.  Remaining orders for the Holidays will ship on Monday then its time for cuddling, eating good food, drinking, and spending time with family and friends.

I want to savor these last few weeks of the year before I'm back into hectic wedding season.  Here are some recent customs I've worked on.

Kokeshi Wedding Ornament.

These will be available next year.  I love how it turned out.

Karate Boy and Girl

Custom Fencer Ornament

Hope your getting a chance to savor the Holiday Season.

Enjoy!

K