How It All Began
I began making dolls in December 2020 during the pandemic. My only intention was to make a few and give them away. I never intended to sell them. However, I posted photos of my creations on Facebook and requests to purchase them began to arrive.
Each handcrafted doll takes at least eight hours to complete — sometimes twice that, depending upon hairstyle and clothing. I had no idea how to price them. The stuffies are less labor-intensive to make, and soon they became a natural addition, allowing me to create soft companions for even the youngest children.
One-of-a-Kind Heirloom Fabric Dolls
Heirloom dolls are each handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. I’ve made custom dolls with hair and eye color similar to the child who will be receiving the doll as a gift. Clothing can be a favorite color or style, often incorporating T-shirts made from newborn onesies. I love repurposing clothing to dress a doll. Sometimes the dolls are designed to resemble a favorite animated character.
Two types of dolls are most popular
– the 18” raggedy doll with floppy legs and custom clothing
– the snuggly, sitting-up baby dolls that fit into newborn sleepers
Each one develops its own personality and becomes a special companion. Below are a few that have been adopted.
Kittens and Puppies, Bunnies and Bears
The custom dolls led to my making stuffies so I could include babies and toddlers who might not want a doll but would welcome a cuddly pal to carry around with them. These include bears, puppies, kittens, bunnies, and most recently dragons — all very soft and snuggly. Children love them. So do adults.
Some are made from soft cotton flannel and others from polyester fleece. I’ve even made custom puppies to resemble Frenchies, Bulldogs, Terriers, and Dachshunds. I’ve also created memory bears and heart pillows from pajamas or shirts worn by a loved one who has passed.
Made to Last — Created to Be Loved
Each doll and stuffy is handcrafted and made to last through all of the loving and carrying around it may experience. Doll clothing is removable. Faces are hand-painted with waterproof fabric paint. Hair is hand-stitched to the head. Arms, legs, and head are securely attached. Filling is flame-retardant.
Dolls can be sponge-bathed or gently hand washed in cold water and air-dried. Stuffies can be machine washed and dried on cool, gentle cycles.
Adoption Fees — Giving Back
Continued requests to purchase my dolls and stuffies led me to a decision — charge an adoption fee. When a doll or stuffy is adopted, the adoption fees go toward supplies for making stuffed animals to donate to children in need.
I’ve given hundreds of dolls and stuffies to nonprofits that support children in crisis, including Children’s Receiving Home, Sacramento Crisis Nursery, and Women’s Empowerment. Teenagers at the Receiving Home were gifted warm handmade fleece blankets. Adults in a memory care unit were gifted baby dolls.
Pricing for dolls and stuffies varies from $50 to $199 depending upon time to create. If you are interested in having me create a doll or stuffy, I’ll ask a few simple questions to help design something meaningful and special.
Contact / Adoption
I look forward to hearing from you and creating something special for your loved one.
Robyn DeLong
916-224-9580
robyn@delongteam.com