Getting my ducks in a row...Etsy and handmade dolls

As a child, I preferred stuffed animals over dolls because they were so soft and I could snuggle with them.  That was, until my grandmother gave me a handmade cloth doll.  She had beautiful clothes that I could take off and put back on and every detail was made with care.  That doll became a constant companion for me and I still remember her fondly.

I made my first waldorf inspired doll when my daughter was born.  A neighbor taught me how to shape the beautiful face and embroider the eyes and mouth (Thanks Jen!).  This doll was rather small and was a bunting style with arms and a rounded bottom and no legs.  When my daughter was almost three years old, I decided to make a larger doll for her that could be dressed in different ways.  My daughter was thrilled when I told her that it would be HER doll. 

 I had so much fun that I made another one, and it became a bit of an obsession thinking about all of the wonderful possibilities.  I kept thinking that even though the face is so simple, there are endless variations of colors of eyes, lips, hair and skin that produce such delightful results.  Each doll is quite unique!  I wanted to keep making even  more, but I did not want to lessen the bond my daughter was forming with her favorite dolls by adding more and more of them to her collection. Also, the materials can be rather expensive to continue to purchase just for the fun of creating these precious little beings.  It just didn’t make sense to create more dolls unless they could go to a good home with someone who will love and adore them.

Somehow I learned about Etsy and it seemed like a perfect way to share my dolls with others who can really appreciate them. I figured it would be really simple to post a few things on Etsy for sale.  However, the more I read about it I am beginning to realize that there are a lot of things to figure out and set up first!

Even with all of the work involved, it is really very exciting. My main focus for my shop will be my waldorf inspired dolls.  I am working on an overall theme that will allow me to add some other items and still have it all make sense.  Since I also have a full time job and a family, all of my plans will progress at a moderate speed. I have set up my banner for my storefront on Etsy, but have not posted any items to sell yet because I still have to work out some details. I'm working on the various licenses/permits and learning about writing a business plan!  Whew!  And that seems like it is just the tip of the iceberg!!  Well, wish me luck on my adventure!

~Anna