Studio Jessi

Kids with their toys

2012-02-06T12:13:00.001-05:00

From the lovely James at Bleubird Vintage and her little 'Birdie' posing with some very lucky Simpli Jessi Dolls.

Vote

2012-02-03T10:55:00.008-05:00

Shifted: http://www.manningtontxstyle.com/_webapp_4788971/Shifted

Rusted: http://www.manningtontxstyle.com/_webapp_4735509/Rusted

Interlace: http://www.manningtontxstyle.com/_webapp_4759306/Interlace

Vapor: http://www.manningtontxstyle.com/_webapp_4771492/Vapor

Hello lovelies. It has been far too long. I dare say this 2012 has started off with a bang. I am busy beyond busy. Working two jobs - architecture and teaching, in addition to Simpli Jessi.....and among all that fun, I managed to enter a carpet design contest. I'm not insane, I promise. But yes, perhaps a bit of a working bee. It was just that little bit of creativity I was looking for. And so, I have posted the links to each. I'm usually not one to ask any favors, but if you so choose - it would be wonderful to have your votes. For the first round, winners are chosen by votes - you may vote for as many as you want, as many times - so no holding back! :)

I will update you with some other news on the shop soon - and a give away! Stay tuned!!!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:25:00.002-05:00

We woke up to snow this morning! Wish you all a beautiful holiday w/your loved ones. We'll be relaxing and I'll be working on my very first granny square blanket. Inspired by Sandra.

Updates!

2011-12-18T10:09:00.005-05:00

We had such a wonderful time at Tiny Expo and made some great new friends! Including Beth Johnson Origami, Helen Gotlib Fine Art, Intl. Robot, and more! I'll post links soon!

Tiny Expo + Art in the Barn!

2011-12-05T16:02:00.006-05:00

It's going to be a weekend of art fairs!!! I've decided to also join The Yellow Barn in Ann Arbor for the Art in the Barn event this Sunday from 10am-5pm. Another day to catch Simpli Jessi!

Plus, as you know I'll be at the Tiny Expo as well! This Saturday from 10am - 6pm. Here is more info! Back to work! Can't wait :-)

new sounds

2011-11-28T11:55:00.002-05:00

I love when I get new music recommendations from my friends. I'm listening to The Civil Wars, maybe you'll like them too? Do you have any good groups to recommend?

To France!

2011-11-19T18:00:00.003-05:00

New dolls off to France for holiday presents! Au revoir mes amis!

It's that time of year again!!!

2011-11-15T08:52:00.004-05:00

Phew it's been busy over here!!! Where to begin.....let's see.........I'm sewing like crazy getting ready for the Tiny Expo in Ann Arbor Dec 10th. Plus a few custom orders for the holidays have started to roll in! As in the past I will be selling Mr + Mrs Nicholas dolls for the holidays. This year you'll be able to buy them individually or as a pair for a discount! Watch the shop - they're coming soon!

Plus! I am so very excited to tell you a new Simpli Jessi greeting card is almost here!!! Happy Holidays! They will be available in the shop starting this weekend (maybe sooner if I have time). So that's about it. I really do love this time of year - it's crazy and busy, but also the most wonderful because I spend almost all of my time making things for others. Hope you are all doing great! Back to work - see you soon! :)

Tiny Expo - Dec 10th!!!

2011-10-21T10:02:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again!!!! Tiny Expo Art Fair in Ann Arbor, MI! I'll be there again! Mark your calendars for December 10th if you'll be in the area + come say hi.

Modern Burl - Yukon Territory Canada

2011-10-16T10:30:00.005-04:00

A new shop will be carrying Simpli Jessi Dolls! Modern Burl - in the Yukon Territory, Canada.

Kids + Their Toys!

2011-10-14T12:33:00.003-04:00

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear from my lovely customers! Here is a shot of Max with his big bear Brody in Australia - they make a great pair I think. :)

Studio Quadrat

2011-10-05T13:24:00.004-04:00

I am so excited to share Studio Quadrat with you! My dear friend Aleksandra has opened her shop on Etsy! And you must simply see her beautiful pieces :)

A very cool studio

2011-10-04T12:01:00.005-04:00

The Dovecote Studio by Haworth Tompkins. Via Dezeen. A corten studio was placed into a ruined victorian building. I would love to work in something like this. Simple + Beautiful.

Mr. Spock

2011-09-03T21:41:00.005-04:00

A custom Mr. Spock doll.....the first of its kind.

Bugsy + Pebbles

2011-09-03T21:38:00.004-04:00

Before + after - little Bugsy + Pebbles!

Sia - Oh Land - Ximena Sarinana

2011-07-24T12:09:00.005-04:00

Saw Sia + Oh Land + Ximena Sarinana last night at St. Andrews - what a show! Just love Sia, and was so impressed with Oh Land. We got there a little late and missed Ximena :( But love her just the same! And of course we got our dance on. :D

Stitch Wars!!!

2011-07-18T18:34:00.005-04:00

Simpli Jessi Star Wars inspired dolls: Yoda, C3P0, The famous Princess Leia, and 2 Jawas.
My first star wars inspired dolls are finished! They are on their way to the Stitch Wars Strikes Back show in Lauderhill Florida!!! I'm really bummed I won't be able to attend - but I hope some of you will + let me know how it goes! Here is a link to the flyer + Here is a link to Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery - where the show will be. I think you may also be able to purchase them on-line from their website. May The Force Be With You.......sorry, just had to slip that in there somehow. :D
ps) Our wedding is coming soon - can't wait to share some photos with you all!

Porch Pick Up!

2011-07-17T19:37:00.005-04:00

I have an exciting new website to share with you all, a little something we've been working on here at home:: Porch Pick Up - you can list and search for free used items! If you no longer need an item - don't throw it in the trash!! It's a great way to save things from the landfill or find something you always wanted. :) A Facebook fan page is in the works along with some other news - I'll be keeping you updated.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

2011-07-16T09:31:00.005-04:00

Hi everybody! I wanted to let you know - there will be a collection of my dolls for sale during the Ann Arbor Art Fair next week - July 20-23 at 16 Hands Gallery on Main Street! In case you miss the Fair - the dolls will still be at the gallery. If you're in the area - I hope you get a chance to see the show - it's a great time!

Dayna + Russ

2011-06-26T08:37:00.005-04:00

A little before + after of one of my latest custom orders :)

Zena + Raleigh

2011-06-17T21:04:00.008-04:00

I'm so excited to share with you my latest project: Zena + Raleigh - this lovely lady just lost both of these beautiful dogs to health issues :( I can imagine, because about 2 years ago the same thing happened in our family. We lost our little American Eskimo and our St. Bernard within 2 weeks of each other. Both for health issues. It's so hard to loose a pet(s).

So when her husband came to me and asked if I would make replicas - I was so honored :) With love I hand stitched versions of Zena + Raleigh for her. It was a surprise, and this week she received them! :D

Live on beautiful girls!!

S A L E

2011-06-15T10:26:00.004-04:00

SALE time at the shop!! These dolls will all be priced for $50 for a short time! They are slightly smaller than my most current dolls. These are about 16" tall where the new dolls are about 19".

2011-06-09T19:58:00.003-04:00

Check out The Blessed Bee blog - I've done an interview with the lovely Zoe :)

Music!

2011-06-07T21:02:00.005-04:00

I was so excited when I got a call to go to the Ray LaMontagne concert last night!!!!! WHAT! He's in town!? To perform!? Are you kidding me - we're going! We packed our blankets, and got ourselves some tickets for the hill at Meadowbrook. It was a beautiful show. And I've found some new music to share with you all: The Secret Sisters:

I have a soft spot for old country....and these girls have such beautiful harmony. Loved it. Ray was amazing...what can I say. It was a beautiful night. Every Monday's should be like that.

Also, I've been a little busy with custom orders...well little is an understatement. I'll post some photos here soon of what I've been a workin' on. Hope you all are well! xo Jes

ps)sorry for the ad on the video - I don't know how to make it go away!

Before + After

2011-04-16T18:20:00.008-04:00

I just love before + afters don't you? Well, we've been busy over here working on our stairs. When we first moved into our 1920's colonial the stairs were covered in a old berber carpet. I'm not much of a carpet fan in general, so that was one of the first things we took out.

We were left with hardwood in a different stain then the rest of the house. Then later found out the stair treads were all together another wood. In short, we would never get the hall, and stairs to match the existing floors.

Soooo, white floor paint here we came! I love how it turned out. I've been admiring all the white painted wood floors I've seen around my favorite blogs, and couldn't wait to give it a try. To finish it off we ordered some carpet tile in 3 shades, cut them and did little rugs on each step. In total we only spent about $60 on everything. Way better than the $1,800 the wood guys estimated. :)

Small Magazine

2011-04-10T23:20:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! I've been a way with a new day job, but I'm working on a little something to share with you all soon! Also, little Kiki was published in the latest issue of Small Magazine! Check it out here!

Happy Birthday!

2011-02-25T14:17:00.003-05:00

The next Simpli Jessi card is in!!!! They will be available in the shop very soon!

Can't stop...

2011-02-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

Listening to Ray.

Be Mine!

2011-02-07T21:15:00.006-05:00

I have a very exciting thing to tell you! I've been working on my own collection of Simpli Jessi cards + they are finally ready for you!!! First, some love cards. The 3rd picture here shows the back side of both cards. They are blank on the inside, and sized 5.5" wide x 4.25" tall. Perfect for that special person you love :)
They will be available in the shop tomorrow! Plus, keep watching for new designs coming very soon.

Gallery Hanahou

2011-01-27T09:17:00.005-05:00

A couple snap shots from this years Luv-Able + Hug-Able show at Gallery Hanahou in Soho NY! I didn't make it there, but found these images floating around on Flickr. You can see little Simpli Jessi's hanging out on the wall. :D

Little Fabien

2011-01-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

Another very sweet doll maker is on the rise! Check out Little Fabien dolls from Istanbul. You can stop by her new shop....or stroll over to her blog. :)

Ebay

2011-01-15T11:58:00.004-05:00

I'm cleaning out my closest again! A jacket, a fleece, a skirt, some jeans, and some Boots! Happy Shopping!! :D

A very special video

2011-01-03T11:20:00.003-05:00

You remember the Secret Santa post I made? Well, my friend shared this with me today when I got back to work - his children made it for him of his doll and I just had to share it!! Are you kidding me!? Hahaha :)

Lulu the Great Dane

2010-12-19T19:17:00.006-05:00

This is Lulu - she's only 14 weeks - she came to visit me at the Tiny Expo so I could make a replica of her :)

Secret Santa

2010-12-18T10:55:00.005-05:00

Every year at my work studio we have Secret Santa - this was the gift I made for my person - I couldn't help making him a custom doll - it looks just like him! I snapped a shot of him holding his doll, you wouldn't believe he actually wore an outfit just like this one!! - I've got to get it off my friends camera + I'll post it soon.

The Tiny Expo

2010-12-13T20:27:00.004-05:00

It came and went so fast!! Although I didn't get to take many pictures...as I was sitting in my little corner most of the show, I met some wonderful artists + lots of lovely customers ;) Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi!!

Updates!!!

2010-12-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

Just a couple updates!!! Tomorrow is the Tiny Expo in downtown Ann Arbor - I've got a collection of dolls + bears for sale!! Hope you can make it + say hi! Here is all the info you'll need about it.

Also I'm excited to tell you all about a special project I worked on - I mentioned something a long time ago, that I would share it. Follow this link.

They're Back!!!

2010-11-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

I'm working so hard for the Tiny Expo art show for Dec. 11th in Ann Arbor - I'm hoping you can all stop by if you live in the area. I've also had some time to make Nicholas + his little lady again. There are a couple available in the shop now - with more on the way.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did!! I think it's one of the best holidays. :)

Music to fit the times

2010-11-07T19:31:00.003-05:00

About a month ago my yoga teacher began our practice with the idea that our moment in time was about new thresholds. About finding your edge and consciously deciding to move through it, or over it. At the moment, I didn't really know what that meant to me - other than applying it to my yoga practice. It wasn't until after - maybe a couple of days - that it started to slowly make its way back into my mind. And I've been thinking about it every day, throughout these days, ever since.

This artist popped into my my world and I had to share. Alexi Murdoch . I recommend 'All My Days' or 'Orange Sky' - hypnotic and peaceful I think.

2010-11-06T17:37:00.003-04:00

Just shipped these 5 little ones to Gallery Hanahou in Soho NY - they'll be on display + for purchase at their Love-able + Hug-able show: Dec, 9 to Jan, 14th. You can see more here! I won't be able to make it - but I hope some of you can!!!

My Milk Toof!!!

2010-11-05T09:01:00.003-04:00

My friend sent me this - you HAVE to check out My Milk Toof! You will love it! How clever ;)

Before + After!

2010-10-31T12:01:00.003-04:00

Just finished these custom dolls for Courtney Courtney. She has an awesome blog of kid friendly picks here too.

I've been meaning to include the before pictures of my custom dolls to see a before + after - so hopefully more to come soon.

GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-10-26T22:11:00.002-04:00

I've been so busy - I almost completely forgot to tell you - there is a doll giveaway!!! You'll have to go to Bless This Nest to find out how to win. You have until tomorrow (Wednesday) by 11pm! Good luck :)

Art Fair!!!!!

2010-10-23T23:32:00.003-04:00

Exciting news everybody!
I'm doing my very first art fair (well, tiny expo to be exact). You can learn more here. If you're looking to do some holiday shopping, or just feel like stopping by to say hi - I'd love to see you there! Now back to work - I've got lots of dolls to make ;)

Little Dash + Amos

2010-10-09T09:39:00.004-04:00

It was a crazy chaotic and jammed packed week for me....and I though I might not make it through. Then I received these precious photos from Amy at Living Laduree of her little guy Dash with his Amos doll - she purchased almost a year ago now - and my whole week got better ;)

A few of my favorite things.

2010-09-24T16:05:00.009-04:00

I want to have a shopping spree on Etsy. I have my eyes on these beauties. Mmm so nice.

Custom Dolls

2010-09-12T09:52:00.006-04:00

I'm working on a big project over here - I'm hoping to show you some photos of what I've been working on soon. In between I've been able to get to some other custom orders in - here is one I've just finished for a bride and groom to be. :)

Marshall Michigan

2010-08-24T08:22:00.009-04:00

A little while ago a couple of us took a little weekend trip to Marshall Michigan for the crawfish festival. We stayed at this charming little Inn.

Beautiful

2010-08-10T16:03:00.004-04:00

How wonderful are these rings? By Sruli Recht

Another batch for HIJKids

2010-08-08T11:02:00.002-04:00

A little while ago I finished another batch of dolls for the lovely Kristen @ HIJKids. To go with this last group.

Also - I'm getting the dolls back from the UofM show tomorrow + will be putting what didn't sell in the shop.

To Australia

2010-07-27T17:56:00.001-04:00

A custom bear headed for Australia!

Vases and such

2010-07-26T21:19:00.007-04:00

I know it's been a long time since I've written anything on our wedding...mostly because we've been taking our time making decisions and such - and changing our minds a lot. But, I will tell you that I have my dress! And just last week found my shoes! - I'll share some more bits about those things soon ;) Also, I'm excited we may have found where the wedding will be - but don't have it in concrete yet....so more on that (hopefully soon) later.

For now though, I though I'd share some ideas for our table center pieces (I know I'm all over the place - but who says there's a special order to do these things anyway - right?). Naturally we're planning to do a lot of the wedding decorations/invites, etc. ourselves. I've spent a few hours rummaging through Once Wed....and have compiled a pretty hefty folder of fav's. I really love the simplicity of these vintage jars - mixed and matched on each table.

Then today, found these beauties from Birch and Bird....and couldn't resist. Can't wait to see them in person. So I'll be collecting jars and bottles for a little while - 6 down, 20 some more to go.....;)

Canada + Seattle WA

2010-07-18T08:36:00.003-04:00

Two more batches of dolls have been shipped. If you live in Ontario Canada - you'll find these ones at White Elephant Vintage.

And these ones at Schmancy Toys in Seattle, WA.

Ikea + a new bag

2010-07-18T08:14:00.007-04:00

For a while I've been looking around at yoga mat bags to purchase......then the other day at Ikea I saw some remnant fabric that I just fell in love with and decided to make my own. I didn't use a pattern or anything - but there are a few things I'd do differently next time. An adjustable strap would be really nice, and perhaps a zipper to help get the sticky mat in and out. I'm still planning on adding a yellow pocket w/yellow zipper soon.

Giveaway!!!!

2010-07-11T07:48:00.003-04:00

This is a little late - but not tooo late. HijKids will be giving away one of my dolls through Simply Lovely Blog!!! You have to leave a comment by tonight (July 11) midnight in order to win!

ARCHI TONIC

2010-06-28T14:15:00.003-04:00

I came across this today.......a wonderful little design resource.

overtime, stitching and some good ol' fashioned country.

2010-06-26T10:00:00.012-04:00

A quick stop at Milk + Honey Cafe in Wicker Park.

New dolls on the way to PackRats in 5 Points - Columbia, South Carolina.

From driving to Chicago and back in 2 days, about a week of overtime at the (architecture) studio, sketch models at midnight, a sand volleyball game with one of the longest volley's, and a completed order of dolls - I still managed to squeak in some time for my favorite yoga class, 2 peaceful bike rides, and the start of a new book. I also received some new music from my brother. Hello.......Zoe Muth. I think you and I are going to be wonderful friends.

new filling

2010-06-07T16:23:00.003-04:00

I've been looking for a little while to change the filling I use in my dolls/bears. I was using an Eco Filling (made from natural fibers - bamboo, etc.) from the fabric store. It's been working good - but if I can avoid using a big corporate store - all the better ;). Recently I found Near Sea Naturals and knew right away I stumbled onto the right place. Please take a look at the 'About Us' tab - they have such a wonderful story.

Now all Simpli Jessi dolls are filled with 100% organic cotton! It really adds something special to the dolls. They are a bit denser now, and a little heavier - but totally remind me of the way old fashioned fabric rag dolls feel - and I think you'll love them even more now. Well, I hope you + your little ones will at least ;)

Short Film

2010-06-04T15:54:00.004-04:00

I have such exciting news! Little Elona is a movie star! That's right, she's been included by Small Magazine in a short film entitled 'City Mice'. Follow this link to watch the film. Little Elona is being tossed by the little boy - you'll see!!

The New Trunkt

2010-05-22T12:51:00.002-04:00

A quick update: the new Trunkt is up and running - and I've finally gotten around to updating my page there. You'll need to sign up to view other wholesalers - which I recommend - because there is some beautiful work to be seen.

HijKids + Liberty of London + Simpli Jessi

2010-05-19T21:32:00.006-04:00

I am super excited to finally be sharing with you a very special project!!! I've teamed up with the lovely Kristine at HIJKids for a collection of Simpli Jessi dolls in Liberty of London fabric. The dolls are now for sale - exclusively at HIJKids. Each is one of a kind including a name and special story. I hope you like them as much as Kristine and I do! :)

UofM Show

2010-05-15T09:05:00.004-04:00

Last weekend I finally got a chance to visit my show at UofM Hospital. It came out great + will be up until the end of June. Thanks so much to Kathi for all her help + giving me the opportunity to be a part of the beautiful show.

New Dolls

2010-05-08T13:24:00.004-04:00

I've finished some new dolls for the shop! I'll be posting them today and tomorrow!

Published

2010-04-19T19:23:00.004-04:00

Simpli Jessi has been published again!! This time for the University of Michigan Record. See it here.

They used to be called Kunek....

2010-04-13T11:58:00.002-04:00

But now they're called Other Lives. I liked them before.....and I like them even more now. Such beautiful piano and cello. Hope you enjoy.

Shhhhh.

2010-04-08T16:26:00.004-04:00

I've been listening to Ida for so many years, and they are still just as good as when I heard them for the first time - now time to share you with the rest of the world. How I ♥ you Ida.

University of Michigan Hospital Show

2010-04-05T20:41:00.009-04:00

Yo yo yo - I'm back! Roughly 30 dolls are complete + delivered to UofM Hospital. Phew!....kind-of can't wait to get started on the next project. But.....maybe I'll put a few days off in between ;) Also, nice to have our dining room back! It did get me dreaming about a nice big lofty studio though.
You can learn more about the show here. All dolls will be on display + for sale in the hospitals main corridor April 19-June 14.
Also - this show finally got me to hand make my own doll stands - which I'm hoping will be available in the shop one day soon. Ciao for now!

Good Hair!

2010-03-16T22:03:00.007-04:00

Things have been super busy over here. I'm working on about 25 dolls for a show at UofM Hospital in Ann Arbor...so updates at the shop are on hold for a little while. I will also start working on a special collection for HIJ Kids - coming soon ;) Can't wait to show you all.

So in the meantime....some music to keep you + me motivated.Here. Here. And most definetly Here.

Schmancy

2010-02-13T14:46:00.004-05:00

If you live in or near Seattle Washington - you'll have a chance to pick up a Simpli Jessi doll! 5 dolls are on the way to Schmancy!!

Doll Giveaway!

2010-02-09T09:52:00.006-05:00

Here is this month's giveaway. Her name is Linn and she likes to play the air guitar. Follow this link to Cleeo and Bea and find out how you can win - there is a little riddle you have to solve in order to be entered! Good Luck!

1960's Baby.

2010-02-06T16:17:00.010-05:00

I had to share. These are my fathers bell bottom jeans from the 60's! He hand stitched every patch on these puppies - and still recalls where certain fabrics came from - scraps from old upholstery or gifts from girlfriends....ha! - I absolutely love them - so beautiful.

For baby Uma

2010-02-04T17:11:00.006-05:00

Our dearest friends just had their first baby girl.....little Uma. This was for her ;) and let me tell you, she is the most precious little creature!

What's new? - I'm working on 2 wholesale orders! Plus also trying to make some more dolls to update the shop with.

There will be a doll giveaway this month!!! But instead of it being here at Studio Jessi - it's going to be at Cleeo and Bea! Stay tuned....I'll do a special posting here to let you know how you can win one!

today listen

2010-01-19T12:26:00.004-05:00

For me today is a Bon Iver day. Enjoy.

something for me

2010-01-16T09:50:00.004-05:00

In between orders from Etsy - I'm working on a circle shawl for myself. I'm using a soft linen yarn and this stitch. I was inspired by this. So far I've been working on it after hours - roughly 1 week and I have 6" done.....this could take a while ;0)

e.bay

2010-01-16T00:32:00.001-05:00

We've been cleaning out our closets again ;) I'm trying to be good about listing things on ebay. Here is one item that's just been listed. Hopefully I'll be good about listing more!

published

2010-01-09T22:49:00.003-05:00

Exciting news - One of my lucky boy dolls was featured in the January issue of NW Kids - Oregon. They run a great site too - keeping Portland in the latest and greatest for kids - you can see more here. Thank you so much for including one of my dolls!

Bringin' in 2010!

2010-01-03T12:21:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year!! We decided to have ourselves a little Moroccan new years feast! I've been cooking Tagine a lot the last couple of weeks - to pay tribute to our travels there - this time last year - boy do we miss it - and can't wait to go back again one day. For desert - carrot cake muffins w/pears + honey almond glaze. It was YUM.
Plus a new bear for the shop.

Bride + Groom

2009-12-31T17:08:00.005-05:00

My first bride + groom for the very fabulous Janelle ;) More photos here.

Another holiday gift

2009-12-26T21:14:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine ordered these custom look-a-likes for some friends of his as a Christmas surprise. Included were their pets: A greyhound and a Siamese cat......hope I pulled them off ok!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T10:25:00.005-05:00

Hi! + Happy Holidays!!
I've been crazy busy - sewing into the early morning hours the last couple of nights :) Here is a custom family I did outside of Etsy for a friend of mine - and my very first dog!! I'm so proud of her! It's a gift for her family - all of her kids and husband will open their dolls at the same time! I can't wait to hear how they like them!
Next: two more custom dolls + 1 greyhound dog + 1 cat and my very first bride + groom! I'll post pictures once they're all done! :) Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!!

Wholesale

2009-12-20T10:34:00.004-05:00

Another wholesale order finished - off to Belgium! You'll be able to find them here soon.

Louise Winner!!!

2009-12-11T08:19:00.003-05:00

And the winner is....Ash! Congratulations!! Thanks to everyone for your lovely comments! - I enjoyed reading all of them - stay tuned, there will be another give away next month! -

**Ash - please email me your shipping address - thanks!**

A gift for you!

2009-12-05T12:57:00.003-05:00

For the holidays I'm offering one free Louise doll to one lucky viewer! All you have to do is leave a comment by Thursday Dec.10 by 10pm - the winner will be selected at random + announced Friday Dec.11 before noon. Good luck!

Tonight!!!

2009-11-30T14:45:00.003-05:00

I've got a batch of Nicholas dolls finished - they will be available in the shop tonight!! His little lady will be there too! Be sure to stop by!!

Linn Olofsdotter

2009-11-16T11:53:00.005-05:00

Check out the beautiful work of Linn Olofsdotter.

And she's on Etsy too!

coming soon.....again ;)

2009-11-13T18:52:00.003-05:00

It's getting close to that time of year again.
I'm working on Nicholas dolls for the shop this year + a new little lady to keep him company ;) Can't wait to show you!!

Just right.

2009-11-03T10:26:00.003-05:00

You may want to sit down. Monsters of Folk! Are you kidding me? Conor Oberst. Jim James. M.Ward. Mike Mogis.

2009-10-27T09:52:00.004-04:00

Today is a Kosheen day.
Also a day for yoga. Can't wait to get on my mat. And if you're into some really great meditation music I suggest Shantala. Namaste.

Hello Mr.Friday

2009-10-23T12:29:00.007-04:00

We got a ton of apples with our Organic box this week - and decided to start the weekend with a couple Apple Wrap Pies. I'll be bringing one over to my parents' tonight :) The house smells sooo good! Plus - they're so nice to share!!

Here is the recipe for 1 pie:

Apple Wrap Pie

Pastry for one-crust pie
2/3 c packed brown sugar
1/3 c all-purpose flour
4 c thinly sliced tart apples (peeled)
1 Tbsp butter
granulated sugar, if desired

Heat oven 425*F. Roll pastry into 13-inch circle and place on a large ungreased cooking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep moist while making filling.

Mix brown sugar and flour. Stir in apples. Mound apple mixture onto pastry to within 3 inches of edge. Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over apples. Fold edge of pastry over apples, making pleats so it lays on top of apples. Sprinkle pastry with sugar.

Bake 30-35 minutes (until crust is lightly golden brown). To prevent excessive browning, cover center of pie with 5-inch square of aluminum foil during last 10-15 minutes of baking. Cool on cookie sheet or wire rack 1 hour, or serve warm. Really really good w/vanilla ice cream!

Enjoy your Friday too! :)

I can hardly contain my excitement....

2009-10-22T14:58:00.006-04:00

Because earlier today I got two tickets to see The Swell Season in Ann Arbor!! (You know that part in Little Miss Sunshine - where Olive listens to the voice message about the pageant....and starts shaking and hopping - yeah? Well that's me at my computer!) They will be travelling with Rachael Yamagata. CAN'T WAIT you guys!

so ready for the weekend!

2009-10-22T09:46:00.003-04:00

And so glad it starts after today! New music for you artists - MILOSH. Oh, you're really going to dig this one.

Facebook

2009-10-17T00:10:00.004-04:00

Simpli Jessi is now on Facebook! Maybe you want to become a fan?

:)

2009-10-16T10:26:00.006-04:00

A new small group of Baby Bears are available in the shop again. I'm working on more colors coming soon :)

And today I received a super nice message from Anna Joyce - who took a trip over to Ink + Peat - where she came across some really tired dolls taking a break on her beautiful pillows. No drooling Diego!

2009-10-15T14:18:00.004-04:00

Another cold gray day in Michigan....but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy good music inside, and do a little shimmy in front of the screen, eh? I've got on Fujiya + Miyagi.

Also - please check out this beautiful blog....so calming. I'll be visiting often + so should you.

I've got a serious crush...

2009-10-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

.......on Tough Customer Wire!!

A different kind of cloud.

2009-10-13T10:25:00.005-04:00

If you haven't yet seen the works of Tara Donovan - I dare say you shall! New York artist has completely blown me away with her vision for textures....especially with the use of these Styrofoam cups + hot glue.
Via Cool Hunter.

a little jig

2009-10-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

Enjoying the gray of this morning with Amy Millan. Happy Monday.

Halloween

2009-10-09T18:06:00.005-04:00

With Halloween just around the corner - I thought to add a little spirit to the shop with Witch Adelaide.

Happy October

2009-10-04T17:24:00.003-04:00

It was a busy busy weekend - first, had an 8 hour exam (last one hopefully) for my interior architecture license....and decided to welcome the fall w/some acorn squash - from this recipe! Also, finished another custom family of dolls. And...really loving my Anusara yoga class! Can I get a Namaste!?

listening to...

2009-09-24T10:05:00.003-04:00

.C H R O M E O. Find them here. :) And enjoy a day of dancing.