A Holiday Gift from Us to You!

Hello!

Doll Winter Fun KitIt’s almost time for us to wrap up Holiday Headquarters 2014; we are now on school vacation and our relatives will soon be here for Christmas! We have a few extra goodies before we finish our series, however, the first being our 2014 holiday gift.

The two of us were delighted that you enjoyed our printable kits so much in years’ past {Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE to give them a look}. While school and other commitments prevented us from making a full set of printables, we hope this mini kit will make your winter break a little more fun! You can download it here: Doll Winter Fun Kit

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a very special surprise!

Happy holidays, friends! :)
Bella and Lulu

Make a Snow Globe / Holiday Headquarters 2014

Hello!

Make a Snow GlobeAs the craft fanatics we are, it’s difficult for Lulu and I to walk into Michaels and leave without something in hand. We’re often inspired by a new pattern in the scrapbooking section, paint colors lined up in rows, or, as in this case, the number of holiday goodies on display! When we saw these “ornaments” {they were marketed as “holiday embellishments,” but we’re not sure what to call them}, we knew they would make the perfect snow globes for our EAH friends. We haven’t received much snow yet where we live, but this cute craft has us excited for the first snowfall of the season.

Snow Globe MaterialsYOU WILL NEED…

  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • White Glitter
  • Snowflake stickers
  • Mini ornament/snow globe thing :)

Step OneBegin by sticking two snowflake stickers back to back.

Step TwoUse the hot glue gun to attach the snowflake to the bottom of the snow globe.

Step ThreeFill the snow globe with glitter – remember that a little goes a long way! We found it was easier to pour the glitter in with a homemade funnel.

Bri with Snow GlobeFinally, put hot glue around the edge of the snow globe and attach the base.

Grace and BriThese are so easy to whip up that we made two for friends to share! In their cozy dresses, Grace and Bri look ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, don’t they?!

Have an awesome night!

Holiday Headquarters LogoDoll Mag is hosting Holiday Headquarters all month long! Be sure to check back for more holiday-themed fun. Made anything from Holiday Headquarters 2014? Be sure to send us a photo at dollmagblog[at]gmail[dot]com!

Seven Days of Style / Holiday Headquarters Edition!

Hi!

Back by popular demand, it’s the Seven Days of Style: Holiday Headquarters edition! With the number of events that come with the holidays, December presents many opportunities for your doll to play around with her wardrobe. With that in mind, we’ve created seven outfits out of just ten pieces for any event that many come your doll’s way in the next few weeks. Are your dolls dressed for the holidays yet? {We spent Thanksgiving weekend dressing ours :)}

Seven Days of Style Holiday ItemsHere are the items you’ll need for this winter round {links will bring you to the AG store or AG wiki for reference}. As always, your doll doesn’t need the items shown to get the same effect. Dig through your own collection to find similar items, and have fun playing with different combinations!

Seven Days of Style: Holiday PartyHoliday Party: Knit Sweater, Flouncy Skirt, Festive Flats

Your doll’s holiday ensemble need not be a source of worry with party-ready pieces on hand. With a stunning hairstyle {think big curls, as Nicki has here, or an intricate bun}, a cozy winter sweater and multicolored skirt are perfect for an event with family and friends. Comfortable shoes, such as ballet flats, are a must if she plans to mingle all night long!

ays of Style: Window ShoppingWindow Shopping: Winter Sweater, Tutu Skirt, Cozy Boots

If your doll wants to go shopping downtown with friends, she’ll need to look cute and stay warm. Tutu skirts are a trendy piece that update any outfit, and tights can be added for the coldest of days. Pair it with her favorite winter sweater and beloved boots, and she will be ready to shop the day away.

ays of Style: Nutcracker BalletNutcracker Ballet: Long Sleeve Tee, Tutu Skirt, Festive Flats

The local production of The Nutcracker calls for something fancy. Think of unexpected pairings without losing the classy touch; Nicki pairs a casual tee with a fluffy skirt, but keeps it simple with her choice in shoes and hair. Have a color consistent throughout the outfit – it ensures your doll looks sophisticated, instead of sloppy!

ays of Style: Caroling NightCaroling Night: Puffy Coat, Leggings, Cozy Boots

She’ll make any homeowner smile when your doll is bundled up in style. Winter essentials, such as thick leggings and a long coat, remain stylish with chic cuts and unique touches {we love the fur cuffs and collar on Nicki’s jacket}. Pull her hair back in an easy ponytail before sending her out to sing.

ays of Style: Day on the SlopesSnow Day: Knit Sweater, Leggings, Cozy Boots

If your doll wakes up to no school, plan for a fun day in the snow. With the addition of cozy boots, a knit sweater and long leggings bring “ski style” back home. All she needs now?! A cup of hot cocoa to stay warm!

ays of Style: Wrapping PresentsGift-Wrapping Afternoon: Long Sleeve Tee, Rockin’ Dress, Festive Flats

With the help of furry friends and a cute outfit, that pile of presents will be wrapped in no time! Just as she can be creative with her gift-wrapping methods, be inventive with the pieces in your doll’s closet. Here, a dress is disguised as a skirt underneath a long-sleeve tee with the same color palette.

ays of Style: New Year's Eve PartyNew Year’s Eve Celebration: Rockin’ Dress, Puffy Coat, Festive Flats

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we’re sure your doll is ready to count down to 2015 on New Year’s Eve. From arriving in her fashionable coat to dancing in her sequined dress, she’ll be the most stylish one of the night. Don’t forget her noisemaker!

Have a terrific rest of your day!
Bella

Holiday Headquarters LogoDoll Mag is hosting Holiday Headquarters all month long! Be sure to check back for more holiday-themed fun. Have you made anything from Holiday Headquarters 2014? Be sure to send us a photo at dollmagblog[at]gmail[dot]com!

 

Make Doll-Sized Ornaments / Holiday Headquarters 2014

Hello!

Make Doll-Sized OrnamentsIf there’s one thing Lauryce knows, it’s that decorating the tree easily ranks at the top of our favorite holiday traditions. Lulu and I love pulling out the ornaments each year and lighting up our living room every night! Dolls deserve to join in the fun too, which inspired us to whip up these four festive ornaments. Dig through your art supplies, find a free afternoon, and get crafting – these fit perfectly on a miniature Christmas tree! :)

Ornaments 1About as small as a button, what these ornaments lack in size, they easily make up in cuteness! They are simple to make as well with standard craft supplies. Gather circular holiday-themed stickers {we found ours in the scrapbooking section at our local craft store} and coordinating craft foam. Place a sticker on the foam, and cut it out with scissors, leaving a thin border. Shape wire into a hook, and attach to the back of the ornament with hot glue.

Ornaments 2A tree wouldn’t be complete without a handful of snowman friends! For the boy snowman, cut out a small circle and rectangle from a piece of black craft foam with scissors. Roll the rectangle into a cylinder, and attach to the circle with hot glue. Attach the hat to a white pompom with glue. Cut out a thin triangle from orange-yellow felt. Glue the nose and two small black beads as eyes on the pompom. Finish by adding embroidery thread to hang.

For the girl snowman, use scissors to cut two holly leaves from green foam. Attach the leaves and two red beads as berries to a white pompom with hot glue. Cut out a thin triangle from orange-yellow felt. Glue the nose and two small black beads as the snowman’s eyes on the pompom. Glue an embroidery thread loop to the back of the pompom.

Ornaments 1These are the easiest ornaments of the bunch! Buy ornament scrapbooking embellishments at a local craft store. Punch a hole at the top, and thread coordinating embroidery thread through the hole. Tie a knot at the top to form a loop and hang.

Ornaments 4Finally, these candy cane shape ornaments add a festive jingle to your doll’s tree. Use colorful craft wire to form an upside-down “J.” Thread three mini jingle bells on and hang.

Have you decorated your tree yet? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, did you have an absolutely amazing weekend?! :) We would love to hear.

Have a lovely night!
Bella

Holiday Headquarters LogoDoll Mag is hosting Holiday Headquarters all month long! Be sure to check back for more holiday-themed fun. Made anything from Holiday Headquarters 2014? Be sure to send us a photo at dollmagblog[at]gmail[dot]com!

Holiday Headquarters 2014

Hi!

Holiday Headquarters LogoDecember brings many things – Christmas, winter weather, and New Year’s Eve – but here at Doll Mag, it means one thing: Holiday Headquarters! Just as we did last year, we’re devoting this month to holiday-themed crafts, fashion tips, photo stories, and more. November has been a month of planning, buying supplies, and taking LOTS of photos, and we can’t wait to share everything we have in store with you.

The two of us are super excited; we’re hoping you are too!

xo, Bella and Lulu

Psst. We know that not all of our Doll Mag readers celebrate Christmas, so the two of us have tried to include several activities that should work no matter what holiday you celebrate. December should be fun for everyone :)

Staff Picks / November 2014

Hi!

Staff Picks November 2014How is your weekend going? Here at Doll Mag, we’re busy getting in the holiday spirit {we’re watching Miracle on 34th Street right now to kick things off}, but we have still managed to catch up on our favorite sites. Plenty of doll bloggers were busy this month, but the two of us especially loved these eight posts, photo shoots, and tutorials…

1 / Although this blog no longer has regular updates, Lulu has been busy reading all of Belle’s Bulletins’ old posts. It’s quite enjoyable and just like a doll-themed novel – what could be better?!

2 / Bella likes to think that Mia dolls look good in anything, but she definitely rocks the corduroy jeans in this stylish photo shoot. The lighting is spot-on in the photos as well – go take a peek at Vinyl Girls!

3 / Time for Lulu’s monthly EAH pick! Like many other Ever After High lovers, she has been eagerly waiting for the Kitty Cheshire doll to come out ever since she saw these lovely photos earlier in the month. Although the doll isn’t out yet, she is set to be released for the holiday season {i.e. soon!}.

4 / Another blog we’ve loved exploring? Candidly Charlie. With the great photos and well-written posts, it’s no wonder we enjoy it so much! Charlie has a variety of interests, but Bella thought her recent Harry Potter post was too cute.

5 / Anne of Green Gables fans will appreciate American Girl Fan’s cute post! We both love L. M. Montgomery’s classic, and Felicity makes the perfect AG counterpart.

6 / American Girl Magazine’s annual holiday issue is always fun to flip through, and the 2014 edition was no exception! From the tasty recipes to the adorable illustrated stickers, we certainly recommend buying your own copy. We grabbed ours at Barnes and Noble, but it is also available for sale online here.

7 / The first flurries of snow have finally arrived where we live, and it has helped to put us in the holiday mood. This photo shoot over at Carrot and Claire made us extra cheery; who doesn’t love that wintery coat?

8 / Over the past couple of days, the two of us have been dressing our dolls up in their winter wear for the holidays. Of course, a fancy dress isn’t complete with a hairstyle to match, so this fishtail bun tutorial from American Girl Place will come in handy! It looks fairly easy, so we will have to try it soon.

What were your favorite doll-related things this month?

Lulu and Bella

Monthly Recap / October 2014

Hello!

Monthly RecapWe always enjoy a good monthly recap! We love looking back over the past month, and our monthly recaps let us share a few of our favorite posts too. October was packed with fun, as you’ll see below. How have you been lately, friends?! :)

What We Loved ♥ October kicked off with Lulu’s birthday! She had an amazing day, and it started our month off on a good note. The fun continued over the Columbus Day weekend when we went to see Cinderella, a terrific musical. Halloween was just as good. Lulu – who went as a Greek goddess – brought home lots of candy {we love Kit-Kats and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups the best}!

October 2014 Monthly RecapReader’s Favorites ♥ 101 Dollmations (02) / Seven Days of Style (Halloween Edition) / October 2014 Staff Picks

Lulu’s Favorites ♥ Happy Birthday Lulu! / Make an EAH Skater Skirt / Fashion Show Photo Story

Bella’s Favorites ♥ The Book Nook (03) / Make Heart Patch Jeans / Black and White Color Palette Style

Doll Mag Around the Web ♥ Doll Mag wasn’t featured anywhere in October!

From Readers ♥ We didn’t receive any photos from readers this past month.

Looking Ahead ♥ The holiday season will be here before we know it, but the two of us have much fun to get to before then! Lulu is performing in her school’s production of High School Musical {she’s a brainiac} next week; her intense week of tech rehearsals starts tomorrow. She also can’t wait to start watching holiday movies – Miracle on 34th Street is the first on our list!

Meanwhile, Bella has two shows to tech this month. She’ll be doing video for Lulu’s show, and then assisting with a production of the play, Almost, Maine, the next week. Most importantly though, Bella is looking forward to Thanksgiving. She loves watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and baking all of the classic dishes.

Have a fabulous rest of your day!
Bella and Lulu

Magazine / Holiday 2014

Hi!

Doll Mag November December 2014Happy November, friends! It’s starting to get cold outside {at least where we live}, so it seems fitting that today is the release of our 2014 holiday issue. The November/December issue has always been one of our favorites to put together, and this edition was no different. Full of many crafts and articles, we hope that it makes your holidays even more doll-ightful! Inside, you’ll find…

  • an interview with American Girl’s archived darlings, Cecile and Marie-Grace.
  • our annual gift guide, with presents for everyone on your list!
  • a step-by-step guide to doing the intricate bow braid.
  • printables for a Thanksgiving Day feast.
  • and much, much more!

You can download the current issue HERE.

We have had many readers contact us about downloading issues! In an effort to fix that, we have joined Issuu, a free online publication site and app. You can view our account and read the new issue HERE. As always, let us know of any problems! :)

You can enter the bimonthly survey HERE. You may find yourself in the next issue!

Finally, as we are shamelessly plugging away here, feel free to visit us on Pinterest HERE! We’ll be sharing holiday links from now until New Year’s Eve.

Lots of love, Bella and Lulu

Staff Picks / October 2014

Hi!

October 2014 Staff PicksThe last few months of the year are an exciting time for us! Right now, for example, we’re working on our holiday issue to release on Saturday, brainstorming crafts and other posts for the holiday season, and performing a few tweaks on our site. We are having a blast with everything, but it’s even more fun to see what you are all doing. Excitement is contagious – when you’re enthusiastic about your blog, your readers are bound to be as well! :) We’re sharing a few of our favorite doll links that follow in this pattern; inventive, creative, or cute, these posts all deserve a peek.

1 / All of the recipes Gwen shares at A Peek Into the Pantry look scrumptious, but the Nut and Raisin Bread, inspired by Molly, looks both easy to make and yummy to eat. Baking a can is a technique new to Bella, but she supposes it’s an opportunity to try something new! :)

2 / Lulu loves this elegant hairstyle from American Girl Fan! Described as “Half-Up Twists,” the style looks fairly simple to do. Both of us can’t wait to try it out on some of our dolls for Thanksgiving.

3 / Whooo doesn’t like this shirt?! Lulu fell in love with all of Janie Jump’s new releases on Etsy, especially the cute long-sleeve tees. They would be perfect for the winter season, and the colors are gorgeous! Her dolls Payton and Ellie have been eyeing the owl tee shown above.

4 / Bella used this helpful video tutorial when making a birthday gift for Lulu! Although some of the materials she used differ from the original, Cedar’s new bed is a welcome item for our ever-growing EAH family.  We will have to share a picture of our bed soon; meanwhile, we might have to try another tutorial.

5 / Doesn’t Cupid look lovely in her new set? Lulu was super-duper excited to see the promo photos of the upcoming Ever After High Through the Woods line on Amazon; she absolutely loves the Ashlynn and Cupid dolls. There may be some wish list revising once the sets are released!

6 / Finally, we have seen many adorable doll costumes this week. All of the dolls look so cute and ready for a night of trick-or-treating! One post we especially enjoyed was Hannah’s two-part series of homemade costumes over at AGDTime. She proves that a good costume is only minutes away with a bit of creativity.

Have an awesome rest of your day!
Bella and Lulu

AG Holiday Release 2014 / Bella’s Thoughts

Hi!

Now that Lulu has covered all of American Girl’s latest release, I figured I would pop in to share my own thoughts! There weren’t as many new items as in previous years – most likely so that they can continue to market Beforever – but what is lacked in quantity is made up in cuteness :) The only thing left to wait for? The 2014 wish book. It’s always a good day when that is in your mailbox! What do you think of the new products?

AG Holiday Release Likes[a] Happy Holiday Dress Just as I anticipate the Girl of the Year rollout each January, I look forward to the annual holiday dress release all year. While there have been a few “misses” in the past, I think AG nailed it this time! Personally, I am all over the Happy Holiday Dress – the cut, color, and shine make me happy.

[b] Design By Me: Big and Small I love my copy of Design by Me: Treats; something about coloring is just so comforting! I was excited to see that another installment of the activity series was released, and given how fun the other books are, I’m sure it will be a hit with AG artists.

[c] Toy Soldier PJ’s I know I am not the only one that feels the Bitty Twin boys never receive enough attention, so these adorable holiday pajamas were a welcome surprise! Unfortunately, the product doesn’t have a place in our doll home, but do know we would be the first to snag our own set if it did :)

[d] Pretty Pink Riding Outfit I have little knowledge in horseback riding, but even I know that a bright pink riding jacket is far from realistic. However, this outfit’s mix-and-match potential is enough for me to overlook its accuracy. I bet the jacket would look oh-so cute paired with jeggings and tall boots {a style that’s very trendy at the moment}.

AG Holiday Release Dislikes[a] Isabelle’s Fancy Jewelry Box for Girls I am underwhelmed with the latest addition to Isabelle’s collection. It is meant for girls to “store little treasures,” as American Girl puts it, but with the $44 price tag, I would give its necessity and quality another look.

[b] Winter White Outfit The winter white-on-white look is nothing new to AG {we’ve seen it done in 2006 and 2012}, so at this point, it needs to truly impress me before I even consider buying it. Sadly, the Winter White Outfit feels more like an odd mix of textures and creams than a chic, monochromatic look.

[c] Frosty Ice Skating Outfit Finally, I think my dislike of this outfit is in part due to the poor position of the doll, but I’m still not a fan of the sock skates and pointelle knit bodice. Will it sell well? Most likely, but I don’t see it coming home with us anytime soon.

If you want to browse the new items yourself, click HERE.

Have a lovely night!

B