Feature Shop: Hollyberrys Dolls

This week, I'd like to introduce you to Holly, one of the newer members of our team. She's the busy mom behind Hollyberrys Dolls, and she's jumped right in to be an active member of our team! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

American Girl Doll Matching
Paisley Nightgown

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Holly, and I recently moved from Knoxville, TN, to a beautiful town called Liberty, MO.

I am a stay-at-home mom of four beautiful girls. My oldest just turned 15, and I am freaking out about it. Not sure how the time has gone by so fast. It is almost time for her to start driving! I also have a 13, 12 and 7 year old. I always thought things would slow down once they got older, but it seems to have gotten crazier instead. I have been married for 17 years to a wonderful guy, I love to do anything crafty, and I love to read ... if I can ever find the extra time. My favorite tv show of all times is "Friends." Whenever I am feeling down or sad, I just put in an episode and am laughing in no time!

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I specialize in making matching clothing for girls and their 18-inch dolls. I love to work with customers one on one and make custom items just for them. I also make clothing just for dolls along with sleeping bags for them. I have to say that I love my sleeping bags. They are fully lined and have a full-size zipper!

How/why did you get started?
It wasn't until the last five years that I really started to sew. When my three oldest were younger I could never find the time. Then as they grew up they discovered a love for dolls. They were always wanting to buy them new clothing. So I gradually started making clothes for them. I soon discovered a love for it and enjoyed creating new outfits with them. Watching their faces as we created something new was priceless. I slowly started selling on Ebay and then someone told me about Etsy. I quickly fell in love with it, and here I am. It has allowed me to stay at home with my girls while they grow up, which was my ultimate goal!

What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite things to make are my princess outfits and my girls' dresses. I LOVE anything girly! I guess it's a good thing that I had four girls! :O)

American Girl Doll Matching Blue Flower Dress

What are your favorite materials to work with?
I love to work with cotton and flannel materials -- the brighter colors the better!!

What inspires you to create?
My inspirations always seem to come from my daughters. I always ask them for an opinion, and they are quick to jump in!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
The one thing that I need to have with me while I create is definately a Dr. Pepper! While I craft I also need to have my iPhone with me so that I can have it on Netflix and be listening to something.

Snow White Outfit for American Girl Doll

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Finding a balance between mothering and running my business is tricky. Now that my girls are all in school, it helps a little. I try to do most of my work during the day while they are at school and at night after they go to bed. But then there are always the doctor's appointments, teacher conferences, someone forgetting their lunch, someone wanting me to eat lunch with them at school ... you know what I mean. Some days I get more done then others. It's just a day-by-day adventure!

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
My favorite thing to browse Etsy for is jewelry. My daughters are always picking things out that they love. There are some wonderful necklaces, bracelets, and rings!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I am not crafting I am being a mom.: Cleaning, cooking, being a chauffeur, helping with homework ... you get the idea!

American Girl Doll
Pink Flower Sleeping Bag

Where can we find you?
You can find me on Facebook at Hollyberrys or on etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/hollyberrysdolls.

If you live near Liberty, MO, come by the fall festival this September 23 and 24 and look for my booth!

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
It is hard to pick a favorite shop on Etsy! I think right now, my (two) favorite shops are:
lizhutnick: She has beautiful rings that my daughter and I just LOVE
Pippaloo: She has the cutest little food items for your 18-inch doll ... so ADORABLE