Tuesday, February 4, 2014

New Year presents from Bikbik and Roro

Dear Readers,

Did you have a nice weekend?   Did you celebrate the Lunar New Year?  My weekend was fun and calm despite the number of guests and the busy schedule.  The children enjoyed the company of many cousins and relatives who came to visit.

We spent almost all weekend greeting, visiting, eating, and drinking.  We don't cook during the New Year's 3-days celebration so all the cooking was done ahead of time before Friday.  We also played charades which is a great way to bond between generations.  The grand-parents, parents and children alike, all participated eagerly.

We also went to a Chinese New Year's fair where the kids spent some of their lucky money on fishing surprise box out of a pond and throwing hoops on a board (well the typical carnival games).

This year was really stress-free compared to last year because for the first time in my life I had a home that fully belonged to me and that I didn't have to share with anybody else but my little family.  I finally took the liberty to decorate it the way I wanted, mostly with plants and flowers!  I bought a little kumquat tree, a lucky bamboo tree, and branches of Forsythia.  You can see them in full bloom here below. Apparently it means I will get lucky this year. I sure hope so :)


And look what I received from Janice from Bikbik and Roro!  Janice is an incredibly talented artist, crafter and blogger.  She sent me four beautiful miniature lanterns that I immediately hung up on my forsythia branches!


Also in the package were miniature golden carps.  Carps are symbols of good luck in Chinese culture and they are believed to bring good fortune.  They are very small so I will be able to include them in one of my Sylvanian Families display.

And it's not all!  In the parcel were lovely stickers and postcards as well!  They display themes and characters that Janice has created.  Her ETSY SHOP sells them in form of soft dolls, bags, doll carrier, and more.  The tabby cat is really cute and I like her very practical doll carrier bag!





But I must add that she has another Etsy shop called UmamiBaby where she sells her own Custom Blythe Dolls.  I can't tell you how impressed I am because it's impossible to define the utter shock I felt when I saw them and how much I suddenly wanted to own one.    

After seeing her Blog Post about her new creations, I am seriously considering buying a Custom Blythe doll and I hope I'll be able to put some money on the side so that maybe I'll have my own one day.  One look at her dolls and you'll understand why.  Here below are some photos of Deirdre which I am showing with Janice's permission.
From UmamiBaby Etsy Shop

From UmamiBaby Etsy Shop

Don't you think she looks gorgeous?  I totally fell in love with her sweet face-up and her lovely romantic long hair.

Do you own a Blythe doll?  Do you customize your dolls?

20 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you had a good holiday! The forsythia looks beautiful! And you got some nice presents!
    I would love to own a Blythe doll, I had a friend that loved them, but she never got to buy one before she passed away. I think Blythe dolls are beautiful and they remind me of my friend, so I hope I will own one, one day. I think it would be a nice way to honour her memory! =)
    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so sad to read about your friend's story :( But it's a beautiful thought you have to remember her in that way.

      Delete
  2. All this goodness! I do not own a Blythe doll and I wish I did!! I need to check out this shop, what beautiful things! LOVE your forsythia! Especially with the little lanterns! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Melissa! Somehow I have the feeling you will surely have a Blythe doll in the future. You knew about them before I even did and you already have those lovely little LPS Blythe dolls!

      Delete
  3. Oh, I would love to have a Blythe! A custom, non-custom... my dream is to find a Kenner original an estate sale someday, priced way below value. A girl can dream... These Blythes are beautiful, though!

    I love the lanterns and the carps and all the goodies! LUCKY YOU! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You never know with estate sales! I found some incredibly nice Barbie dollhouses and furniture at garage sales! Like from the 70s and 80s and they were in very good condition!

      Delete
  4. It sounds like you had a great holiday! The forsythia branches are so pretty and cheery. They remind me of Spring. You received such thoughtful, pretty gifts. I am off to check out Janice's Etsy stores and blog. I do not have a Blythe doll, but love them. Maybe one day...
    Hugs,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lisa. I hope you'll find one day the Blythe doll that you'll totally adore enough to buy her :)

      Delete
  5. I'm glad you had such a nice lunar new year weekend, Jane Cherie! Your flowers and gifts are gorgeous. The doll is really beautiful! xo Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jennifer! Oh isn't she pretty! I will kick myself for not getting her now but oh well, it will have to wait some other time (aka when I get enough money LOL!

      Delete
  6. Hello from Spain: I have no Blythe doll in my collection. I like to customize my barbies. I like very much your presents. Fabulous. Keep in touch

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I do like your Barbie Dolls very much! They are your own creations so that's what make them special :)

      Delete
  7. O Jane..... I was really speechless.... I'm so so honoured; thank you SO much for your kind words. I'm so glad everything got to you intact! I didn't expect the lanterns to be so awkward to pack haha.. And I love what you did with your forsythia! I'm so looking forward to see what you do with the little fish. The Sylvanians could have them for dinner... ? :D (p.s. Deirdre is waiting............... lol)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome Janice! Thanks again for the lovely presents :D I have a few ideas about what to do with the fish! Trying out a few options :)

      Delete
  8. What beautiful and thoughtful gifts from a thoughtful friend!

    I am sure the blooming forsythia brings luck to your home and your family and life will bloom as the buds did in your new home!

    I only have one generic doll for scale, I think my daughter will keep me fully stocked for the next few years if I ever need one for a scene ;)

    My best wishes for a wonderful new year!
    Js

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the good wishes Jane!!! I sure hope it will be a lucky year.

      Delete
  9. Happy Lunar New Year, Jane Cherie! i'm glad you had a nice one.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Jane Cherie, I love the lanterns. They are adorable! I am happy you had such a wonderful time.
    Your gifts are amazing! And so is the doll. Such a pretty face!
    Hugs,
    Veronique

    ReplyDelete