Earlier this week my sister Bobbi said that I should design a basket for my newest pattern, Mel-O-Dee Button Babies. As I thought this over, I thought that this is a great idea. I just didn't want to do the ordinary, so this is what I came up with.

My sister and I spent the day working on these new little baskets. We had a ball and were so inspired about what we could do with these little baskets. Aside from enjoying my sisters company, she is an inspiration.

I will soon offer a kit that includes three different baskets and all the materials to make them. These baskets will hold the Mel-O-Dee Button Babies and more. More surprises are coming.

Mel-O-Dee Button Bear

Brainstorming is taking place!


My sister and I were working on my latest release, "Mel-O-Dee Button Baby" and she said something and then it started making me think. As we kept talking about this new idea, it was getting better and better. We got so excited about it that it was hard to stay focused on what we were doing. This is going to be something that everyone will want to make and can make.


It is funny how you start with one thing and it leads to another idea and sometimes something wonderful is born. Because I love this new design, I am even coming up with a contest centered around it. You will be able to win $100 in Dinky Baby products for first place and there will be a second and third place prize as well.


Keep watching for the details coming very, very soon.

Fantastic Find!

I am ever the bargain shopper. I think it stems from my childhood. Growing up poor, we learned very quickly the value of money. Our mother taught us how to make something from nothing, this is what started me in sewing.

I digress. I found something in the Christmas close out section of Wal-Mart, it is called Buffalo Snow. This stuff is great for stuffing cloth doll heads. It has the same teteture feel as Morning Glory or Mountain Mist stuffing. The price was fantastic, 75% off the $2.93 price, which made it about 70 cents a bag.

It may be too late this year to find any left, but there is always next year. After Christmas reductions at Wal-Mart can be great.

Do you have a great find that you would like to share?

Dinky Baby Certified.....

No, I did not say certifiable! Sandra Wheeler (a Dinky Baby Distributor) was Dinky Baby Certified Jan. 10, 2008. What this meas is that Sandra has met all t he quality standards set fourth by Dinky Baby to teach classes or to officially refer to the dolls she makes as genuine Dinky Babies. Whoo Hooo Sandra, way to go! This is her certificate and her baby she made for certification. If you would like to contact Sandra just send your requests to me and I will pass them on to her.

Mel-O-Dee Button Babies Kits ready for pre-order
Here they are the Mel-O-Dee Button Babies first photos. These little 6 inch soft dolls are perfect for baby gifts, Easter baskets, thank you gifts, Valentines day, babies first tooth or just to give to a special someone. Beginning the month of February I will have a contest for the most unique way to use the Mel-O-Dee Button baby. So start thinking how you would use this doll.

Each one is made with a music button tucked inside its body far away from little ones to find. Made of super soft Minky Chenille fabric and lightly stuffed they are just perfect for little hands. A simple little removable hat tied with ribbons covers a bald head with just a tuft of hair in the front.

Join my mailing list to see how you can order one of the first kits available.

Mel-O-Dee Button Baby for Valentines Day

Back of Mel-O-Dee Button Bear

Up close of Mel-O-Dee Button Bear

Mel-O-Dee Button Bear

Back of Mel-O-Dee Button Bunny

Face of Mel-O-Dee Button Bunny

Mel-O-Dee Button Bunny

My Granddaughter with all of the Mel-O-Dee Button Babies

The First Week of 2008
What a great week! I did not break any New Years resolutions. That could be because I did not make any. I decided this year I was going to approach things differently. I set some goals for myself that I intend to work towards. These goals are personal as well as business. I may share those at a later time.

One whole week under my belt and so far so good. Dinky Baby had a great first week for January adding new customers and two new counties which bring us up to 23 different countries. I am still bothered that we do not have ONE customer in North Dakota. If you know anyone from that great state, tell them to e-mail me. I have a great gift for them with their first order.

I will be releasing the pre-order information on how you can pre-order your kit to make my newest tri of babies, the Mel-O-Dee Button Babies. If you do not receive my e-mail updates please just e-mail me.

Valentines Day is coming and right behind is Easter. I have come up with something new but I am still working on it. This is just a sample of my proto type. This little super easy to make doll comes with a music button. Depending on the button you choose it can play any tune. I will be telling you more so keep watching and learn how you can get this kit.

Logo Sets are coming....

I have just finished designing some cute little blanket sets that include a hat and booties. These sets will come in pink and blue and complete with the Dinky Baby logo. What a great way to keep your Dinky Baby warm or any cloth doll. Go to my website or my eBay store for more information.

You will soon see the Dinky Baby logo on my little onesies and other items.

Three NEW patterns will be comeing out soon.

Making cloth dolls that are soft sculptured are fun and seem to be making a resurgence since the China toys are so dangerous. If you would like information on a Dinky Baby business please just e-mail me.

How many days till Christmas?
No, I do not have all my shopping done! As I get older I think more about the true meaning of Christmas and wonder how it all got to this point.

I remember being a young mother and wondering if I bought enough presents for each child and if my dinner was going to be special enough. I wore myself out making sure no one was going to be disappointed on Christmas day.

When it all came down to it, everyone was happy just being together. The presents were opened and sitting idle as we all watched Christmas movies on the T.V. Later we would play a game as a family and eat homemade fudge. It was always a perfect Christmas even if I didn't buy all the gifts I wanted to give.

After all Christmas is about family and spending time with them. I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families. Enjoy them, they are the true gift.

Busy, Busy and busier...............
This is the time of year we are all so busy. I have just added some knit fabric to my eBay store. These knits are perfect to make cloth doll clothes with. I have specially selected these knits for color and quality and have put them together in sets of three. Each set has three 1/2 yard pieces along with 1/4 yard of ribbing to make your cloth doll clothes look professional. Your Dinky Baby will have hats, booties and wonderful buntings when you use these knits. These knits are about 60 inches wide each.

Visit my eBay store for a great selection.

Have you been naughty or nice this year?



Only you know, so tell me. If you have been a good girl and want to get a FREE pattern for my Booties and Hat for your Dinky Babies, let me know. Post a comment and then send me your request for your FREE pattern.



Santa's Helper

Help From the Blogging Goddess

Suzanne from Let's Talk Organizing came over tonight and we had a wonderful time indulging in beverages and goodies from the local corner restaurant. Our main focus, aside from enjoying each other's company, was to get Dinky Baby's blog up and running smoothly!

Not only did we have a few good laughs, you are now seeing us in our new Dinky Baby digs for the new year!

If you have any comments, suggestions, or if you just want to add your two cents worth in on our new look, please feel free to comment! Also, take a look up to the top of the side bar and don't forget to sign up for your free bootie and hat pattern!

It's our special gift to you!

Happy Baby Making!

Vicki from Dinky Baby

The Dinky Night Before Christmas

by Sandra Wheeler

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except Mary-Ann mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that Santa soon would be there;
The Dinky’s were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of gumdrops filled their little stuffed heads;
And Ms Vicki in her 'kerchief, and Angie in her cap,
Had just settled down for a much needed nap,
When out of no where there arose such a clatter,
They sprang up from their nap to see what was the matter.
Away to the computer they flew with emotion,
Checked out yahoo and saw all the commotion.
On this night before Christmas sewing machines were quiet,
But some one was causing a very loud riot.
"But I did see him" they watched Gumbi write,
He was standing right here, but he slipped out of sight.
"Who did you see?" was Carrie’s reply,
"I saw Santa" wrote Gumbi and let out a sigh.
"He had something to tell me, but I couldn’t hear,
Please, every one look and see if he’s near"
"Wait" typed Ms Vickie, "I hear something outside"
"It is a big red sleigh and a man taking a ride"
"He just spoke" said Ms Vickie "and here’s what he said"
"I can’t use the toys, they are all filled with lead"
"I need toys that are safe for the children so dear,
I need Newborns and Belles! And even a bear’"
I need Tommers and Chloe and sweet little Sassy!
I need toys for the lads and especially the lassie.
Please all you Dinky makers, unite.
I need all these toys and I need them tonight!
Check in your closets, check and then tell.
You must have some dolls left that you didn’t sell!"
All over the world Dinky makers went hunting,
They all found some dolls, even one in a bunting!
They packed them all up and got them ready that night
They wanted to help Santa make everything right.
They made Santa so happy that he gave Ms Vicki a hug,
"I knew they could do it" said Ms Vicki with a shrug!
"They are the best doll makers that could ever be,
And to think that they learned it all from me!"
Emmett helped Santa load up the sleigh,
They loaded things on and were soon on their way.
But I heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Dinky good-night."

Wasn't that just the cutest poem. I have such creative distributors. Hope you season is going well and you are making lots of cloth dolls from my Dinky Baby patterns.

It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange, Just for fun.
(I got this idea from Linda’s Blog)

It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on.So here’s how it works: I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month. I'll probably send it next month or the month after. It will definitely be sent and that’s a promise! More than likely I'll get it made after Christmas and sent out early in the New Year.What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog to 3 different people. Unfortunately this is only possible for those of who have a blog.So the first 3 people to comment to this post on my blog and join in will get a handmade gift from me....(sign your name with your e-mail address)Ready, Set, GO!

You would think that would be such a wonderful thing to do on a rainy day in Arizona. Not if you have the flu. I went to bed on Friday night not feeling well, thinking I was just getting a cold. NOT!

I woke up during the night to chills and a terrible head ache. I was going to die! I am not one to get sick, but I sure was.

My husband confused by my behavior came to check on me twice that I knew of. Once to ask if I was going to stay in bed all day. The second time when I told him I was thirsty (probably the high fever). He brought me a small (I mean small) glass of 7-Up with more ice then 7-UP. He was also determined that I eat. He brought me in some soup. It was not chicken noodle; it was a spicy southwestern bean soup. The smell almost made me barf. Being a good wife I sipped a little. Nothing is worse on an empty sick stomach then something spicy. He tried.

During my delirium I had thoughts of Dinky Babies, new cloth doll patterns I wanted to make and design. They were spectacular! I was so impressed with my dreams and ideas. Alas, I woke up this morning able to move, with just a headache and shaky hands. I made it to the kitchen to make some coffee. What did I find? A sink full of dirty dishes and a trash can over flowing. I politely asked him if he knew how to use the dishwasher? He said he did but was not sure about this one. (They are all so different you know. ) I opened the dishwasher and put the dirty dishes in, bagged up the over flowing trash and made my coffee. He asked what we were having for breakfast. I turned my pale face towards him and said, “you are on your own”.

I tried to remember my new cloth doll pattern designs, but they must be locked away only to return the next time I am ready to die.

Is it really the end of November?

I have been so busy with business that sometimes I have to make myself take time to enjoy what is truly important in life. My four year old granddaughter spent the day with me. It was through her eyes that I again saw why I made my first doll so may years ago.

She undressed and redressed my sample dolls, put them to bed, took them for stroller rides and just had a wonderful time. Every time she comes over she asks where are the babies? I allow her to pick out three to play with and it is interesting to me that she always picks the same three. She loves Paloma, Addison and the large ballerina. She wants her very own Paloma for Christmas, I told her I would talk to Santa.

By the way, have you seen my newest cloth doll pattern, Emmett the Elf? This is a wonderful and easy cloth

doll that you will enjoy making. I have him listed on my website http://dinkybaby.com/ and on eBay as a kit.

Make your little one an Emmett of his very own and start a holiday tradition.
Emmett is pattern #055 and requires just 1/3 yard of light pink craft velour for his body. He is fun to decorate and has the cutest face and elf ears. He requires little sculpting just on his face.

I have had so many ideas sent to me for new dolls and different ideas. Some of the things that will be coming soon are a monkey that is about 10 inches with a wardrobe of cloths, a new bunny for the spring, my version of the ever popular "Bitty Baby", a toddler and so much more. How about a wardrobe for Tommer and Chole? This and more will be released in the coming months. I love to design and I am having the time of my life. Thank you all for the great support in purchasing my cloth doll patterns. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see, please e-mail me at vicki@dinkybaby.com. Don' forget to join my e-mail list to receive updates and specials on new cloth doll patterns.

Building a Data Base

I was asked recently by one of my distributors about handing out business cards or brochures at craft shows. It seems that this distributor was getting lots of great comments on the cloth dolls she had made. People were spending time holding and talking about the dolls. They wanted to know if she could do this or add that. After spending time with these customers they would put the doll down and ask for a business card. She happily handed them a business card, but she never received a call or an order from those customers. She was getting quite discouraged. Why wasn’t she getting any call backs or orders from handing out those cards?

I realized that sometimes handing out cards is not a good idea unless someone actually asks for a card. Even then they may lose it or put it in their bag that is soon thrown away. There is nothing is more discouraging then to see your business card or brochure laying in the walkway of a show later. It almost feels as if someone has thrown you away. I am sure most of these people would have called, but they simply lost or misplaced your card.

I discovered I needed to take the control. I knew that people really did like my items, it might not have been the best time for them to purchase or perhaps they were short of cash that day, lots of reasons for someone not to purchase on the spot. This is what I discovered; I needed to be in control of getting back with that person. It was not the customer who needed to contact me. I needed to take this down a different route.

I wanted to create a data base. I needed to create a data base. Successful businesses pay big bucks to buy a data bases. If I am in business I needed a data base of people who would buy what I make. This is what a successful business has, they let this base of customers know about new products or promotions, sales and so much more. Most importantly they let this base of customers know who they are and that they are still in business and waiting to sell to them.

This is what led me to think about taking control when I do a craft show. This is how I started my very own data base. I offer a doll as a door prize at the show. This could be one that I can’t sell or one that I don’t like, any doll that you want to offer in perhaps a nice basket with a blanket. Have slips of paper for customers to sign up with, asking for name and e-mail address. Let them know this is how you will contact them about the winner. I would also tell everyone that there will be second place winners for everyone who gives this information. This could be a percentage or dollar amount off any special order or doll at future shows you may do. People are always looking for a bargain. If you give classes you could even have an area on the slip that might ask would you like to learn to make a doll for FREE. Now, you are collecting names and e-mail address, you are creating your very own data base. How easy is this? Now, something else remember those people who talked your arm off and then asked for a business card and never called, get their information. Ask them for their e-mail address. Tell them that you often run specials and you will keep them informed about upcoming shows or special offers. Most will give you this information, if they don’t how serious were they in the first place. Give them your card anyway and always be professional.

A data base can start with just a few e-mail addresses and build from there. Add people and ask them to refer others to you. Collect everyone’s e-mail address that you talk to and make sure that you send them a thank you email.

Send a bulk e-mail out to your customer list at least twice a month. Let them know that you are still in business and what you have to offer, if you have a website, refer them to it, if you sell on eBay let them know. The more you stay in front of your customers the more they will remember you and refer you. If you do not do this, they WILL buy from someone else.

Brand new from Dinky Baby

How would you like to make a cloth doll the fun and easy way? How you would like all the supplies you need included in the same kit?

This is what you get with our new 'Build-a-Baby". You will have success every time with this kit. The hard work has already been done, all you do is finish this 14 inch baby doll. This kit includes the doll head with face already drawn on for you and constructed body, thread, floss, needles, diaper, "Love Certificate" and a CD with instructions.

Visit www.dinkybaby.com to order your “Build-a-Baby”, making babies the easy way with Dinky Baby. Kit is just $25, priority shipping is $7.00

Forward this to a friend.......

If you have already purchased your "Paloma" pattern, you can now get any pattern for FREE. Forward this e- mail to a friend and when hey purchase Paloma and tell me your name, you will get any pattern of your choice for FREE. Do you have more then one friend? Each friend that mentions your name when they purchase "Paloma" entitles you to FREE pattern, this is unlimited. Are you game?

If you have not pre-ordered your "Paloma" pattern, do it today. You only have a few days left to have your name added to the gift card. I will be presenting the "Paloma" doll to the real Paloma on Aug. 26 along with a cash gift card. You can have your name added with all the others who have purchased a Paloma pattern. To order Paloma, email vicki@dinkybaby.com and type in Paloma offer. This pattern is just $11 plus $1 for shipping.

These are Michelle's real dolls. She said this photo was taken a few years ago. Aren't they just too sweet for words? Do you have any photo's you would like to share?

Send them to me at vicki@dinkybaby.com

Vicki