I am very excited to be able to tell you about my latest decision, regarding the Honey Pot. I am going to stop making CE tested items. I know! Daring hey?

Well maybe not that extraordinary and many may have seen this coming a mile off (especially if you are on my mailing list as I have already mentioned it there). But I feel it is quite a bold step for me. I have decided to concentrate on developing my art dolls. And I want to learn lots of new techniques and increase my ability both in sewing and in sculpture. The children’s toys have been just proving too much of a distraction and eating up too much time. I know I could have decided all this before all the agony of CE testing all the dolls and soft toys, but in truth I like to make life hard on myself. No not really, but I think I learnt things from that experience, and at least I know how to do it if I need to again. And I know that it’s not the path that I want to take, so that’s good.

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So, if you have come to the website in search of baby toys and soft cuddly elephants, I am afraid you won’t find any, but there really are lots of other websites that do just specialise in CE tested toys and a quick google search will find the right place I am sure.

Now I can again concentrate on hand painting and dyeing fabrics without worrying about them not passing regulations. And I can use old vintage fabric salvaged from charity shop finds and antique lace that might fall apart if a child came nearby. Ah, the possibilities. I should point out that everything will still be made to the highest standards (as that is my way) but not tested.

Consequently, this year will see me trying new techniques, both with fabric manipulation and clay (air dry for now as I don’t have a kiln but uhm that’s a possibility for the future). I want to push my boundaries and step outside my comfort zone. Will you join me and watch as my journey unfolds?

I feel ballerina tutus and renaissance embroidery may be on the cards very soon. Oh and yes there is that macabre side of me that seems to be edging out too, I wonder how that will manifest itself this year….?

I do have to say I am excited for this year, and I do intend to keep up to date with the social side of things too, so if my blog posts are not regular enough, join me on Facebook or Instagram to see much more in the way of work in progress and finished dolls. And don’t forget there is my mailing list for first call on lots of the dolls and occasional special offers. But for now, I’m off to think about my Makers Medley Challenge for this month, re-purposed object. A Work In Progress shot will be posted soon. Excited? Me too.

‘Till next time

Ally