Toddler Fashion Friday - Lulu

There are some weeks that are hectic around here. I feel like those have been happening more & more lately.  I really should be more proactive and have a back log of posts ready to go.  The thing is, I have a lot of things going on that either I don't want to share on here (do you really want to know about troubleshooting a website? I don't) or really, I can't share the projects here yet.  Trust me, I'm keeping busy and it'll all end up here eventually.  I wish I had time to create more tutorials, but the truth is, I've covered most of what I know already.  I'll create tutorials as I learn instead of trying to fit a schedule.

Speaking of schedule.... here's this week's toddler paper doll! This one is based on Lily, a paper doll I actually double posted ages ago.  Oops. These things happen!  And it's another plaid because I've had a thing for plaids I guess.

Download Toddler Fashion Friday - Lulu pdf here

Toddler Fashion Friday - Gabby

This is getting posted MUCH later than I had planned!  To say that I've had a crazy week is a total understatement.  I have a pretty quiet life most of the time: I'm home with my sons, we do what we want with very little scheduling.  I like it.  But sometimes we have a nutty week.  This week I had a niece who had minor surgery (she's doing great!), a check-up for one of my sons, a trip to the Microsoft store about my Surface, website questions/updates for a non-profit I worked with years ago who needed help, and a paper doll commission from a lovely company in Dubai (more on this last one later...).  And that was on top of the normal, day-to-day crazy of taking care of my energetic little family! I wouldn't trade this for anything, though. We have a lot of fun and I'm thrilled that I get to stay home with my kids and take on the projects I choose to do.  I'm immensely lucky.

Today I have Gabby, inspired by Grace. Gabby has a kid-sized afro and a plaid wardrobe.  I think she's adorable!  It isn't a perfect set, but I like it nonetheless.  I hope you do too!

Download Toddler Fashion Friday - Gabby pdf here

Toddler Fashion Friday - Nina

This week's paper doll is inspired by Norah and is my first dark skinned toddler doll.  I chose that term specifically -- I like to use dark, medium, and light to describe the skin tones of my paper dolls.  Not every person with dark skin is African-American, for instance.  And I personally can't stand the term "Caucasian". It describes a specific region and the people who live there.  It does not describe someone like me and my northern European heritage.  In general, I really don't care for a lot of terms that describe race. Why create categories for the vast, amazing beauty of humanity? I can only hope to represent a small slice of the endless, gorgeous combinations of hair, skin, and eye colors out in our amazing world.

Anyway, that's my rant.  I'm not interested in political discussions, but I felt the need to explain my naming conventions. I love creating a variety of pretty paper dolls.  Maybe they have dark skin and dark hair. Maybe they have light skin and red hair.  Or maybe green skin and purple hair!  I just hope they are all beautiful & that every child (or adult) who loves paper dolls can find one in my portfolio that represents them.

So here's Nina, in purple & yellow plaids. Enjoy!

Download Toddler Fashion Friday - Nina pdf here

Toddler Fashion Friday - Kelly

First of all, I have a bit of a mystery on my hands.  I'm not an SEO genius so this is a bit perplexing -- I've had lots of people visiting my little paper doll blog this week.  Lots!  And I am super excited about it!  I'd like to think it's because everyone is having as much fun with my toddler paper dolls as I am.  This week's is another one that really hit its mark.

Download Toddler Fashion Friday - Kelly pdf here

This doll is based on Kaylee, which itself is named for one of my nieces.  I have one niece who is totally hooked on paper dolls already and I love it, naturally! Each of these toddler dolls borrows elements from previous ones for the sake of speed, but in each set I try to create at least one new wardrobe piece.  In this case, I created 3.  I believe in flexibility & efficiency.  I'm not going to draw a new pair of pants for each of these dolls when I can just recolor one set! 

Also on the news front, I just found out that Barnes and Noble's online store is carrying a few of my paper dolls books!!  There's another Julie Matthews represented there as well, and I wish her much success!  That's part of the reason why I try to sign my work with my maiden name as well.  I knew there was at least one more Julie Matthews out there (a musician).

Anyway, check out the new doll.  Check out the paper doll books at B&N (and here -- I  have links to the books here, too, which I need to update....)  Enjoy the new toddler doll!