A Gift that will last...

Today, I am going to be a touch mushy and real. I want to share about a gift I was given by my late Grandmama, one that is very dear to my heart.

She is the reason I know how to create, anything. She taught my Mom and my Mom taught me. But I was always heading to her "feet" to learn more. She was a sassy women who didn't put up with much guff. I miss her dearly. Before her death, among the days of me sitting at her feet learning sewing or joining her for afternoon coffee, she handed me a bin of "baby" supplies. I remember excepting the bin thinking, "What am I suppose to do with this?" I didn't speak that thought but a genuine "Thank you." She smiled and patted my hand, "I'm done making babies, it's your turn." Little did I know the treasure she handed me at the time. 

Shortly after her death, I dug into that bin, knowing the "baby" making was now my responsibility. In that bin she had all of her paper patterns for all of her doll creations. Grandmama was a very talented seamstress. She sewed slip covers for furniture, clothing, fashion re-makes, curtains, quilts, and every kind of doll you could imagine. From big and long to itty bitty. Her talents were limitless. And she supported her eight children by staying home and sewing.

The pattern above is her main doll pattern. The pieces are hand drawn and labeled in her own script. People do not know how to write anymore. Look at how beautiful the cursive writing is. Priceless. I, now, have the privilege to work with this pattern. I was not taught her doll making secrets, drat. She could have given me a few pointers at least. (hahaha ☺) But I am going to put forth my best effort to learn doll making. And do what I can to create lovable "babies".

Here is the second one I made from her pattern. I changed the way the doll was put together to make the pattern "my own". I can't cannot copy my Grandmama, I am not her, but I can continue to make the dolls she so loved to create.

This pattern was among the patterns and wasn't even cut out. But I cut it out and decided that this pattern would become one of my main dolls I hope to create.

Above is my second attempt, and I am very pleased with how she turned out. Little Miss is so excited for me to make one of her own. Which I will be doing. This pattern was enjoyable to make, I will be making more of this style. ☺

I miss Grandmama every day. But in that 'gift', within that bin, contains the connection I never realized I would need. I pull out the pattern lay it on fabric to pin and cut out pieces and I feel her beside me. I sit at my sewing machine to sew the 'baby' together to feel her watching over my shoulder. In today's world, we are so busy that we can miss out on the greatest gifts. They may be small or large. My greatest gift is the love of sewing that was instilled in me by my Mom and Grandmama and hand-drawn pattern pieces. What is your greatest gift that you have been given? Leave me a comment! I'd love to know! ☺

♥Kelly

p.s. The new Kiser Krafts Doll line will be added to kiserkrafts.storenvy.com soon! 

600 Star Fan Giveaway

Happy Hump Day!! I am so thankful for all you awesome Facebook fans! You all make my page so much fun!

I created this one of a kind star bunny for one Star Fan!! Starlet Bunny is a spring bunny ready for Easter. Starlet features red star button eyes and a red sparkly alligator clip removable bow. She is
stuffed with a blend of diced fabric and yarn scraps and new polyester fiberfill. There is no waste from this creation going into landfills, making her totally ecofriendly! She is about 7 inches tall, not counting her ears as they flop. Starlet Bunny is ready to head to her new home and loves to hand out hugs.

Thank you everyone once again for making Kiser Krafts so awesome!! Have fun and good luck!

♥Kelly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine Print:  Participants are providing information to Kiser Krafts. Your information will not be sold. Kiser Krafts is not responsible for any computer or website malfunctions during the giveaway. Incomplete entries will not be accepted.  Incomplete entries will not be accepted. Entrants found cheating, entering under duplicate profiles, or not following the instructions may be banned. By entering the contest you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.  International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping if they wish to redeem their prize. If you are not willing to pay shipping, do not enter. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This giveaway is not hosted by Facebook, nor is Facebook reliable. Question or concerns contact Kiser Krafts at kiserkrafts@yahoo.com. 

With Doll my Heart

For the month of February, Ashley from Penelope's Eclectic Closet has a wonderful line of limited edition dolls available which will benefit charity. She's here as a guest to tell you all about it! Welcome Ashley!

When Stella was born, she had a small hole in her heart. The tiniest imperfection in an otherwise perfect newborn. We feel so fortunate! Her issue was minor. Just a tiny heart murmur needing a couple cardiologist appointments (At Primary Children’s hospital) during the first year of her life to monitor it. In Nov 2013 we got awesome news that her hole had closed and she was good as new! This isn’t even something that would affect her during the rest of her life. We’re so lucky and so grateful for the health of our kids!

February is National Heart Month, and Penelope’s Eclectic Closet will be celebrating by offering one limited-edition doll every day for the 28 days in February. These Heart dolls have the same charm as Penelope’s Eco Friendlies (dolls made from scraps of Penelope Original Dresses to keep extra bits and pieces out of landfills) but have a sweet little heart sewn to their chest! I'll be donating 20% of the proceeds from sales of these dolls to the wonderful folks at Primary Children's Hospital!

You can find Penelope's Eclectic Closet on Storenvy, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, or contact via email.

If you are interested in donating directly to Primary Children's Hospital, read more about it here.  
 

Thank you so much Ashley for sharing your 'heart' and the way you are helping out others with us! What a wonderful gift!

♥Kelly

Luella - a lion & friend to help others

Meet Luella Lion!

She loves to twirl, play dress up and sing. Luella also likes to share - she comes with two hair clips, one for her to wear, and one for you! Not only does she share her hair clips with you, but 50% from the sale of Luella goes to Drumm Farm, a home for kids and young adults in the Missouri foster care system. http://drummforkids.org/

Kelly from Kiser Krafts expertly handcrafted Luella Lion from socks, yarn, buttons and other materials. She is a one of a kind toy created just for this fundraiser! Stuffed with recycled materials and fiberfill, and most importantly filled with love, Luella Lion is adorned with two detachable clips handcrafted by Violet's Buds from upcycled materials.

Order Luella Lion in Kiser Krafts shop!

♥Kelly

#StorenvyFlash30 #Cybermonday pt7

So today is my last day of sharing. Can you believe it!??! After this post ALL EPIC 50 shops will have been shared with you. And all before the sale day, tomorrow, Dec 2nd. Now, on to the last of the EPIC shops list that will be part of the huge group #StorenvyFlash30 #cybermonday sale!! You can find the full list HERE.

 

Included shops are:

 

 Michelle Bleu Jewelry  is a shop of beautiful gift items that sparkle and shine! 

Sandy's Shop has SOCKS! Well, lots more then that! BUT for me - she has EPIC cute SOCKS! I so love socks!!! 

SquishyWorm has your baby's bottom covered and a bit of pampering for you with beauty products. 

Sapphire Haven has jewelry, hair accessories, baby leggings, and more!  

Baby Moon Boutique has adorable baby things! Soft toys, blankets, and more, all handmade, kid friendly, and mother approved! 

Scrawny Girl is full of girly awesome illustrations and EPIC handmade dolls! I know she was the last to squeeze in...but boy...it truly is saving the best for last!! Her shop ROCKS! 

So that was the LAST shops to share in this amazing #cyberMonday storenvyflash30 sale!!
For a full list of shops in the sale go: HERE Remember, buying from small indie businesses does help cause change in the world. At least it helps out a family trying to meet their own bills. And remember on Dec 2nd (TOMORROW!) #cybermonday sale use code: storenvyflash30 to get 30% off at all these shops!

 

So out of the blog posts - which shops were your favorites?? Do you have your shopping plan mapped out?? Leave a comment and let me know! ☺

 

♥Kelly

Decorate Mon-storously this season!

I love decorating the tree at the Christmas season. And I love, love, love these darling handmade monster ornaments. There are only a few left and they help out a very good local, Kansas City, cause. I asked Cody, the owner of Lu & Ed, to write up a bit about them for me to share with my amazing followers. I am proud to hand over my blog to Cody...welcome Cody. Thank you for joining us to share about your Mon-storous way to decorate!

Here's to a Monstrous Holiday Season!

Remember my Team Lu & Ed project I started earlier this year? Basically I take customer suggestions, and turn them into a reality by collaborating with other artists! I love working with others and Team Lu & Ed opens up so many new possibilities for my little shop, plus I get to know some really incredible people.

And today, I want to introduce you to one if those really incredible people, the latest member of Team Lu & Ed - Danielle of Squshies! I have worked with Danielle to turn my cute mascot Gabos into a limited edition holiday ornament, which is now available for pre-order in my shop!. There will only be ten ornaments created, and once they are gone they are gone!

But you know what is even more awesome? 50% of the sales price of the ornaments will be donated to Drumm Farm, a home for children and young adults in the Missouri foster care system. So your Mon-stor ornament purchase will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Once the last ornament sells, we will donate $110 to Drumm Farm to help make the holidays a little more magical for all of the residents!

And you know what else is pretty cool?! You can have the date sewn onto Gabos' backside to make it uber special!

So please feel free to head HERE to order your very own to adorn your tree this year!! ☺

♥Kelly

Monster Contest by Lu & Ed

Does your Little Monster like Drawing Monsters?

Lu & Ed is hosting a 

Monster Drawing Contest!

Here are the Details:

Drawings may be submitted from November 1st through November 7th, 11:59pm CST. An album with all of the photos will be made on November 8th and voting will be open until November 14th at 11:59PM CST. The photo with the most votes (likes) wins & will receive a custom plush made from their drawing.

Contest is open to children 13 and under. Artwork must be done by the child and submitted by their parents or legal guardians! Parents can enter multiple monster drawings for multiple children but only one per child. (Previous winner's may enter for fun but will not be selected again). Contest is open worldwide but international winners must pay shipping!

To enter: Post your child's drawing in the comments of the pinned post (the one at the top) on Lu & Ed's Facebook Page by clicking the little camera box in the comment section (This feature is not available on mobile apps, you have to use a browser to upload the photos) and adding the child's name and age (feel free to add their description to the photo as well!). 

Check out these awesome examples of Lu & Ed's Custom Monster Making!

 

Good Luck

and

Happy Drawing!!! 

♥Kelly