Author Archives: Cindy Rice

About Cindy Rice

My wonderful husband, my beautiful daughter, and I live in northeastern Illinois with our two sweet chihuahua boys. For as long as I can remember I have loved dolls and making things. I got my first Barbie when I was only three years old! My mom sewed for my Barbie dolls and taught me how to use her sewing machine when I was only seven. I cannot believe she let me near that needle, but she did. Not having enough money for my clothes habit in high school and college led me to start sewing all of my own clothes. There were so many fabric stores around back then and fabric was so inexpensive. I would wait for the 99 cent pattern sale and go crazy. Sewing for myself continued well into my 30’s. (I even made my wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses.) Shortly after I got married I left my full time graphic design position and started designing cross stitch patterns. I called my company “The Lilac Studio” and sold my botanical patterns at trade shows, through distributors which sold to retail shops, and mail order. My most popular pattern, “A Bouquet of Pansies” sold 5000 copies and won a J&P Coats Golden Needle Award! I was also featured in various cross stitch magazines and designed special projects for the magazines. When my daughter was born I didn’t have the time needed to cross stitch and design patterns all day long so I let my pattern design business slip away. And then I started discovering dolls again and I now had an excuse to start buying them. The only problem was that they were for my daughter and not for me. I soon discovered all of the adult collectors out there and decided I would be one of them. I started small at first, collecting Mattel Kelly dolls. Soon I collected over 100 Kelly dolls! After Kelly, I discovered Helen Kish’s Riley and Tonner’s Ann Estelle. I have since learned to knit doll sweaters and love an excuse to knit so most of my doll outfits include a sweater and/or hat. I love creating miniature outfits for dolls and enjoy sharing them with others. Currently I create doll ensembles for Ruby Red Fashion Friends, Kish Bethany, Dianna Effner's Little Darlings, Wilde Imagination's teeny tiny Amelia, Kaye Wiggs BJD, Boneka 10", Linda Macario's Penny.

Ensembles Available on Thursday (6-1-23)

Leave a reply

Hello there! This is a quick one to let you know that my last four completed ensembles will be available for purchase Thursday evening (6-1-23), 7pm CST.

At 7pm CST on June 1, 2023 the available ensembles will be shown on the drop down menu under the “Available Outfits” tab. If you’d like to see more photos those will be on my last four posts. There will be more photos and information on each page when they are published.

I try to make this as fair as possible, so I do not accept early requests.

If you’d like to purchase an ensemble please fill out your information on the Contact (tab at top) page and hit submit.  I accept PayPal and will send you an invoice. Since this is one-of-a-kind the first submission I receive will be given the opportunity to purchase.

Each ensemble I create is one-of-a-kind and will not be repeated.

****Please note that due to the high cost of shipping and insurance I only ship to U.S. addresses.  Thank you for your understanding.

Holly’s Turn!

6 Replies

Here is my sweet Holly (Ruby Red Fashion Friend named Stella) in her new ensemble called, “My Delicate Rose”. If you like lilac and pink… BTW, my dear grandmother’s two favorite colors were lilac and pink. I hope she is smiling down on Stella and loving her new look.

I think this floral print is absolutely gorgeous. I wish that I had purchased more than 1/2 yard of this one. It is long gone, I’m afraid. I think I have just enough for one more doll dress. It’s a beauty, isn’t it? The precious piece of tatted lace I had in my stash is the perfect icing on this cupcake.

Holly’s cardigan is the perfect shade of lilac, and so very fuzzy and soft. I let the embroidery on this one go nice and slow. I carefully worked at it over the course of a few sessions. I am very pleased with the end result.

I felt a simple hair ribbon to be the perfect piece to adorn Holly’s locks. It matches the sash, but is slightly narrower. Anklets too, seemed perfect. A pretty bouquet and butterfly adorned bracelet complete this spring ensemble.

Holly picked these flowers just for you! She says, “With love, from Holly” ❤️

As the spring (or autumn) season finishes up I am wishing you all beautiful days ahead. Sending hugs🤗 from my studio.

May is Going, Going, and Almost Gone! Yikes!

9 Replies

Oh my goodness! Has this month ever flown by!!! Back in mid April I showed you Evianna all dressed up in her new ensemble, “Beautiful in Blue”. I have since finished two more ensembles. See, I have been busy!

The first is for the Little Darlings and Gina is modeling. The second is for the Ruby Red Fashion Friends with Holly modeling. Both are delicate rosy creations with mohair sweaters.

“Pretty in Pink Roses” for the Little Darlings features lots and lots of pink, flowers, and cloud-like softness.

I have said this before, but I’ll say it again. Oh, how I wish this cardigan were for me, but I will have to settle with gazing at this adorable girl wearing it so beautifully.

The pendant is made with a genuine freshwater pearl. It has two length adjustments, choker or midway on the chest. Isn’t that exciting! 😁

Gina’s floral headband and bouquet tells you just how much this girl loves flowers. She may be part flower fairy… hmm.

White mesh tights and a petite heart bracelet complete Gina’s new ensemble.

I think I will show you Holly’s new ensemble in my next post. This post is long enough already! So stay tuned, if you’d like to see that one.

Thank you so much for spending some time with me today! ❤️🤗 Enjoy the rest of your day. I hope it’s a beautiful one.