Skin Tones...

Do you mix your acrylic paints to get just the right skin tone for your dolls? As many dollmakers know, when mixing your paints, it is not always easy to attain colors that are life-like.

However, Jessie Oleson Moore has written a blog on Craftsy called An Easy Method for Mixing Acrylic Paint for Skin Tones that might just help.

According to Jesse:

"By using the simple method detailed in this tutorial, you’ll learn how to mix skin tones using different ratios of the primary colors. This easy method requires a little work to refine, but is a fantastic and accessible method for artists of any level. With a little practice, you’ll be creating skin tones like a pro."

Jesse's blog is certainly worth a read and I will be experimenting with Jesse's method for mixing colors on the next doll I create.

To view Jesse's blog... An Easy Method for Mixing Acrylic Paint for Skin Tones

Many doll artists have difficulty painting realistic-looking eyes on their dolls. Even with painting lessons, it takes practice to achieve the look you are trying to get.

Sara Barnes, the lady behind Brown Paper Bag, a daily art blog that catalogs the visually delightful work that she finds, has written a post on Craftsy titled, "Paint Realistic-Looking Eyes Using Acrylic Paint".

Her directions take you step-by-step through the painting process to add realism to your art.

Read Paint Realistic-Looking Eyes Using Acrylic Paint on Craftsy

Dolls more than just a toy...

Read how one library in Central NY is using the American Girl dolls to promote reading and history.

Kirkland library promotes reading, history with dolls

Magnetic snaps...

Have you ever wanted to sew a purse or other type bag, but you were unsure how to sew in magnetic closures?

Craftsy is making available a free pdf instructional guide that takes you set by step through the process including pictures to help even the most inexperienced sewer.

Get your free copy today!

How to Sew Magnetic Snaps and Invisible Magnetic Snaps

If you are looking for a quick pattern to try using snaps, The Sewing Loft offers a free mini-wallet pattern on Craftsy.

OR...

Check Craftsy's huge inventory of patterns...some are free while others are reasonably priced!

St. Patrick's Day Wreath

If you love to crochet, here is an adorable wreath to adorn your door for St. Patrick's Day.

The pattern, which is a digital download - pdf, is by Lisa Kingsley Designs and is currently available on Craftsy for $5.00 (price at time of this posting).

While you are there, check out some of Lisa's other designs!

Fabric yardage conversion chart...

Ever needed to know how many inches or yards of fabric are required if your pattern instructions call for centimeters or millimeters?

Craftsy is offering a FREE conversion chart that will not only convert for inches and yards, but also convert the standard seam allowances from millimeters to inches.

You can download your FREE full-size copy of this chart from Craftsy now. Be sure to print at actual size or 100%. I recommend putting the copied chart in a sheet protector and keep it handy in your sewing room!

Mitered Corners Defined...

Many times dollmakers want to create a cloth doll or animal that will sit without assistance, or as a shelf-sitter. Usually, the best way to do this is to use mitered corners to form the derriere. I use this technique quite frequently in my patterns.

Mitered corners are also used to create pillows or cushions.

If you are not familiar with how to design or sew a mitered corner, Beth Gavin has created a Craftsy blog post that explains how mitered corners can be used to give your outdoor cushions a new look.

However, Beth's information is just as useful when creating your dolls. Once you learn the basics, you will find it a useful technique for many of your home decor and accessory sewing projects.

Here is Beth's blog, Box It Up: 3 Steps to Making a Square Pillow Cover.

Eye-Popping Embroidery: How to Hand-Stitch Doll Eyes

Many dollmakers prefer to embroider the faces on their cloth dolls. The result is a child-friendly doll with more of a vintage look.

Just posted on the Craftsy blog by Marna Lunt Eye-Popping Embroidery: How to Hand-Stitch Doll Eyes. Marna gives the reader a mini-tutorial on different techniques for creating interesting embroidered eyes on your cloth dolls.

Also included in the blog is a link to a FREE pdf tutorial Adding Dimension to Your Hand Embroidery that also might be of interest to those who prefer to embroider for their dolls.