As mentioned in the previous post, I tried my hand at making a Bunka-style doll.

To make the doll, I referred to the photos in this tutorial by Naramachi Beniya as a guide: http://www.naramachi-beniya.com/bunka-tukurikata.html

However, since it was in Japanese and did not provide pattern pieces, I drew up my own pattern pieces and put it together using my interpretation of the photos. I understand that traditional Japanese Bunka dolls are made in specific way, which is why I am referring to my doll as Bunka-style and not truly a Bunka doll.

I thought I would share how I put my Bunka-style doll together if you are interested in making one.

You can download the pattern pieces and instructions (in a zip file) from here: Bunka-style Doll Pattern & Instructions by One Red Robin (size: 4.8MB)

Although I’m really happy with the way the doll has turned out, there are a few things I would change with the next doll:

1. Use muslin instead of calico
2. Try a 2-piece pattern for the Head and see if this will produce less wrinkles and a smoother shape overall
3. Use a slightly heavier fabric for the Bonnet (the Bonnet on this doll is quite floppy)
4. Use a one-piece gathered panel for the bottom part of the dress for more volume
5. Try colour-fast fabric markers for the face
6. Maybe add some shoes :-)

If you make one, please do let me know as I’d love to see it!

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The auction of Fidelity the Fawn for the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal is still open! Please do bid HERE!

A few years ago, just after I started this blog, I stumbled across a Bunka doll. From my limited understanding, a Bunka doll is a traditional Japanese doll that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. “Bunka” translates to ‘culture’. The dolls are made in a very specific way, and they wear a bonnet and most often, a one piece dress.

To get a better understanding of what a Bunka doll is, here are a few links: traditional Bunka dolls  can be found in the Bunka doll Flickr group; Jamfancy made a sweet Bunka doll using the traditional method; more intricate Bunka dolls can be found here; and Boopsiedaisy makes gorgeous Bunka-inspired dolls seen here.

So when I first stumbled across these dolls, I put them on the top of my “To-Make” list. And it stayed on that list for a very LONG time! But now that I’ve resolved to make more things just-for-fun, I knew that trying to make a Bunka was first off the rank.

I searched the net and found a few tutorials in Japanese, but no pattern pieces. So going on my interpretation of the photos and using my own pattern pieces, I came up with a Bunka-style doll (I know it’s not a true Bunka doll).

I really, really enjoyed making this doll! I’m already planning to make another. There are some things I would change in my next version but I’m really happy with the way she has turned out. I hope to share a tutorial in my next post about how I put this one together :-)

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The auction of Fidelity the Fawn for the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal is still going! Please do bid HERE!

Woohoo!!! There are now eight out of the nine handmade dolls promised for the Project18 Orphanage ready to be packed and sent to Bali! Just waiting for one more to arrive from overseas :-)

I finished up this little one over the weekend:

And I received this absolutely gorgeous doll by Karen D. I was SOOOO excited when I opened up the package to find this doll inside. She’s so beautifully and lovingly made. The hair, facial features, her outfit and even the shoes – such wonderful detail and crafts(wo)manship!! Thanks so much Karen!

I made this little guy for the baby boy that is currently being cared for by the Project18 Orphanage as part of the handmade doll appeal:

The fabrics come from the amazingly generous box that Dawn sent me almost two years ago :-) I always struggle with boy dolls, so hopefully he’ll get lots of cuddles from his new owner. A little girl doll is also in progress and should be wrapped up soon.

Also in my creative space, three vintage owl ornaments I managed to snatch up from Agnes Darling’s cute etsy shop – lots of goodies there, be sure to check it out! These will be the newest additions to my (growing) owly collection. They are quite special, me thinks :-)

More creative spaces over here!

Happy Chibi doll for a happy little girl is done (just missing the shoes) :-)

And the first handmade doll for the Project18 Orphanage Handmade Doll appeal has arrived!

Isn’t she just wonderful?! She is sure to put a huge smile on a little girl’s face. Thank you so much Donna!!! You can find Donna’s beautiful Steiner dolls in her etsy shop – Riverside Dolls.

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo.

It seems like ages to me but I’ve finally completed a dolly :-) I made up a very simple doll pattern for this one. She’s turned out looking a little bit shy -

I’ve left her unnamed as she’ll be heading to Mike’s for Softies for Mirabel appeal. I’m hoping to make two more to go with her. Also on the list: a late birthday doll for my god-daughter and another doll that I promised a friend quite a while ago (soooo slack, I know).

Please pop back in here tomorrow to read about a little dolly donation One Red Robin will be running for a wonderful orphanage in Indonesia!

This recently finished Ze Bun-bun is looking how I’m feeling at the moment.

So I’ve turned my attention to something more colourful to snap me out of this funk. More pics soon! :-)

Don’t forget to enter the Mooo Height Chart and Wall Sticker giveaway – last day to enter is tomorrow! Also Mooo is giving away 50 x $100 vouchers in the month of September so make sure you head on over to their website for details: Club Mooo

P.S. Do you like my new Owly header? :-)

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo

It’s time to announce the winner of the Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause book! Firstly, thank you for all the wonderful comments left on this post. I encourage you to read each one if you haven’t already. There are some fantastic ideas in there about how we can craft for a cause that is close to our heart. A single person CAN make a difference in someone else’s life – sounds cliché but it’s true! Some of the stories are also very touching – thank you for sharing them with us!

And now to the winner . . . Random Number Generator has picked: Comment #38!!

Congratulations Thouraya!! I will be in contact with you soon! Thank you to all who left comments – I hope you’ll consider buying a copy of the book from your favourite book seller. As mentioned previously, $1 from every book sold will go to Global Impact.

Thanks to Jade Sims and Lark Crafts for the opportunity to be involved in this awesome book. Check out the Designer Spotlight for more information on the designers who have contributed projects.

I managed to squeeze in some sewing time over the weekend and this little fella is almost done – just a few minor tweaks and hand-sewn details needed:

Here he is taking advantage of the lovely breaks of sunshine that Melbourne had over the weekend:

Hopefully you’ll be able to make him yourself early next year when the pattern is published:-)

I started a new job last week, after just over 12 years spent at my previous job! I’m really enjoying it – the people are fantastic and the new office is an enjoyable place to work in (fancy-schmancy coffee machine and cafe-style office kitchen for the win!). The only real change in my routine are longer office hours – I’m learning to juggle things better and obviously time with my girls takes precedence when I get home, so blog posts may be a little sparse for a while and it may take me longer than usual to reply to emails or respond to comments :-)

I’ve got another giveaway lined up for all you wonderful readers next week, sponsored by Mooo! More details soon!

Finally finished up the green fawn over the weekend:

He’s off to a good friend’s newborn son. I hope he brings the little guy many smiles and giggles :-)

It’s good to be back into the routine again. I’m looking forward to starting a new softie project this week!

Hope your week is filled with happy things too!

I’ve started packing up my sewing room and trying to finish off some projects, like this little Piggy (apologies for late-night poorly-lit photos!):

Just a little progress since the last pic – she’s got legs now (button-jointed to the body) and a cute little skirt. I still can’t make up my mind about the eyes and the collar. Hopefully more inspiration will hit me this week :-)

Thank you to all of those who participated in the Moose Toys Crafty Kids giveaway! I enjoyed reading through all of your favourite childhood crafting memories or your child’s favourite craft activity. It is so wonderful that we hold such a special place in our heart for these moments of crafty goodness and can build these kinds of memories with our children (or nephews or nieces or god-kids).

Unfortunately there can only be one winner of the awesome prize pack and Random Number Generator says that the winner is *drumroll* . . .

Comment #17 – Anna, who wrote:

Do I really have to choose just one?! I love squishing clay! I love making collages with scraps of delicious fabric! I love making peg-dollies! I love using glitter, “special” textas, paint… you name it! The more different colours of paper you can find, the better! I love doing kiddy-crafty stuff! As do my kids! We’ve got quite a collection of materials these days but we are always looking for more to try!

Congratulations Anna!! I will be in touch soon to get your postal address details. Thanks again to Moose Toys for providing a fantastic prize pack!

Have a great week everyone!

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Don’t forget to join in on the Honda Odyssey Perfect Family Day Out giveaway by May 30 over here!