on re-appointments and pressing on

Well, I didn't expect to be posting again so soon, but well, this was on my mind. Remember how I'd mentioned in my last post that a lady had requested that I reserve Ophelia for her? Well, she not only wanted me to reserve her, but also to do layaway. Layaway -- or payments by installments -- is common in the world of art dolls (or maybe expensive things in general); artists who accept it generally expect an initial immediate deposit and the rest of the payments within a reasonable period of time, usually a month or so.

Well, I put a "reserved" sign on Ophelia's listing, and then waited to hear back from the lady about her deposit and payment plan. Most collectors know that an immediate deposit is expected -- after all, how can something be taken off the market and put aside for one without any assurance of payment? However, this lady did not get back to me till a whole day later, and then it was to say that she wanted layaway for two months instead of one.

Now it's clearly detailed in my shop policies what layaway plan I accept -- full payment within a month, with an immediate deposit of at least $100 -- but I decided to step out in faith and agree to her two-month request -- still without receiving any deposit from her. I told her it was fine, but I needed an immediate deposit to hold the reservation. Well, another full day passed with no response from her, and I decided to write her again, politely but plainly telling her that it would really be good to settle the deposit and payment details as soon as possible.

Well, almost three days from when she first asked me to reserve Ophelia for her, she finally wrote back, saying she was sorry, but some family thing had coincidentally come up right then, and she would have to back out of the reservation. And that was it. I'd put off I don't know how many other potential adopters with that "reserve" sign, and had even told another person who'd expressly inquired, that Ophelia was spoken for (yes, I contacted her again, but she said she had committed to another doll and couldn't afford Ophelia right then).

I don't know, y'know? To me, asking someone to reserve something is as good as making a commitment to buy -- just because you haven't shelled out any money, it doesn't mean you can freely back out of a transaction or go back on your word. In fact I think it really unfortunate that it's money that holds many people to a promise or a deal.

Ebay has a "commit to buy" button and there's a reason for that -- whether you pay for the item right away, or further down the road, you are expected to pay for it once you have said you would, and clicking on that button comes with all sorts of legal fine print. On Etsy however, there isn't such a button with all the legal ramifications and seller protection -- a lot of artists simply operate on plain faith and goodwill.

I'm sorry of course if she really did have some huge family problem, but these exquisitely coincidental timings tend to suggest buyer panic and remorse. Well, one should always think out big-ticket purchases carefully, but beyond that, one should also consider what implications one's words and actions may have on another. Sellers whose shops are their bread-and-butter can ill afford such fooling about. This is probably why many artists have to coldly state their payment policies within the listings themselves, and include such plain statements as, "Serious buyers only please" and even "Don't buy if you're not familiar with custom Blythes!!!"

In my disappointment, I spoke to a wonderful doll artist with whom I'd recently become friends. She immediately told me several horror stories of her own, saying, "I wasted my time more than I like to and it's always a disappointment when this happens. You feel cheated on. Now I hate to require a deposit because I always want to trust people... If I keep making dolls for a few more years, I might end up writing a book of sad dolly stories!"

Well, when things like this happen, I always find my mind going back to that verse in the Bible that says: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one". I'd written a post some three years back on something sort of related; in it I'd written: "It's funny/sad how people often say things they don't mean, commit to things they never intend to see through, are double-minded, unreliable...

"I just wonder, huh? As in, WHY do people do this? Why say one thing when you mean another, why say you will when you won't... And if one can be like this in even small, simple things, how does one deal with bigger issues, matters of importance that require unshakeable integrity, commitment or trustworthiness? It strikes me as I write this however that it really doesn't matter whether something is small or big -- we should mean what we say all the time, be honourable and dependable in all our dealings".

This morning, however, my devotional reading was: Dealing with disappointment (I know right??) "When things don't prosper or succeed according to our plan, the first thing we feel is disappointment. This is normal, but we must know what to do with that feeling... In Phil 3:13 the apostle Paul says, "But one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead".

"When we get disappointed, then immediately get re-appointed, that's exactly what we're doing. We're letting go of the causes for the disappointment and pressing toward what God has for us. We get a new vision, a plan, an idea, a fresh outlook, a new mindset, and we change our focus to that. We decide to go on!" (extract from New Day, New You, by Joyce Meyer).

So I decided to practice shrug therapy -- just shake it off, believe the best of the person, and go on. So here are pictures I'd posted on my shop's FB page right after the fact (that is Absinthe Bear, good friend and counsellor to all dollies):

Don't cry Ophelia.

I'm still here.

Let's write a letter. How about: "Dear everyone, a reservation to adopt is a commitment and we are stepping out in faith. It breaks our hearts when days later, you back out and leave us, when our real mommy might have come along, and then left, because we were 'reserved'".

Don't be sad. In life, we are all called to be strong.

Keep your chin up baby.

And today I posted:

Back on her feet again :)

Here's to getting re-appointed, with fresh new visions, outlooks and mindsets! Press on, press on, and have a super lovely rest of the week everyone :)

just a little update

Hi everyone! How have you been? It looks like I'm becoming a weekly blogger doesn't it lol.. It's on the weekends that I get a bit of time to post, as the hubs is around and the kids get more into his hair instead haha.. So I thought I'd quickly write about Lucy, and a new little girl who's up for adoption!

Well, actually Lucy came and went within the past week; I didn't even take as many pictures of her as I'd have liked to, in part because I've been feeling so terribly sleepy. There's sleep debt with the baby of course, but I've just had a revelation that I'm entering into that stage that precedes the big M: perimenopause, whee! Mood swings, headaches, fatigue -- I've even learnt that there's something called crashing fatigue! And then, plus the annual acrid, smoky haze wafting over on the breeze.. well, thank goodness for a bit of dolly goodness to cheer one up.

Here are Lucy's eyelids. Blythe eyelids are just as important as any other part of the customizing process -- some artists do amazing work on these tiny "canvases". The lashes are swapped out too -- Blythe stock lashes are just awful, stiff and poky.

And this is my new little girl, Ophelia! I love how dark she is, and a little melancholy, but sweet too. 

You see I couldn't quite get away from the whole Victorian/old world thing haha.. 

Ophelia is up for adoption in the shop now (though about 10 minutes ago a lady requested that she be reserved..). I'm off now to get the kids cleaned up -- catch up again real soon!

I’ll go with you on ships across seas

Remember how I told you about the heartache of sending off my little munchkins -- Blythes or Bikbiks -- into the big wide world? Well, here are some snaps of what it's like, and how long and drawn out it can be -- suddenly you can't seem to take enough pictures!

This is Sadie in her original stock outfit and box for travelling. Sadie got very close to Orso while she was living with me.

One last hug.

This sort of face is very hard to cotton-wool and bubble-wrap.

Well, I'm trusting to see lots of pictures of Sadie in her new home -- she'll have lots of friends, and plenty of lovely clothes! In the meantime, a quick little peek at a new little girl -- here's Lucy! More about Lucy soon -- have a super lovely, blessed week, my friends :)

treasury clipping

Rainbow fox, by Red Horses, creator of gorgeous hand stamped jewelry and accessories. The entire list is here.

1. Rainbow fox mask by Ninn Apouladaki

2. Audrey Hepburn collage pin by Bikbik & Roro :)

3. Swarovski rhinestone earrings by Nonnasoul

4. Little House embroidery hoop art by My mind's attic

5. Fabric bridal bouquet by My Secret Face

6. Set of coffee sachets by Handy Happy Hearts

tastes like umami spirit

Hi everyone! How have you been? I'm writing a quick post today to say that the Bikbik & Roro shop is going on a little hiatus -- I've gotten so busy with the other shop, it's been a challenge comfortably juggling the two (and the kids, and their schoolwork, and o yes! Jake! lol)!

So, ready-made items are ready-to-ship, but custom, made-to-order ones are dependent on what projects I'm working on at the time. The little girl you see at the top is my most recent custom -- her name is Sadie and I love her shy, sweet nature!

I'm so honoured that Sadie's been adopted and found her forever home. As some of you did email me asking for more details about the other "mystery" shop, let me tell you more about it now.

I named it Umami, because it was a word that jumped out at me from a magazine I saw lying open on the bathroom floor (I'm sorry it wasn't a more profound story lol). But the meaning of it, and even the sound, seemed just right to me.

In case you didn't know, umami is a Japanese loan word -- it means something like "pleasant savoury taste". It is the fifth taste, the other four being sweet, salty, sour and bitter. One tastes umami through receptors for glutamate, which scientists consider distinct from saltiness. Many of my favourite foods are umami-rich, including mushrooms, potatoes, soy, fish, and green tea.

I've come to think that my penchant for antiques, Victorian literature, vintage films and the like has influenced my style of Blythe. Some artists create distinctly babyish Blythes; others do sultry, or sulky, punk or goth. To a large extent I guess one can tell an artist's nature, style or culture from his or her work; my Blythes seem to be vintage-y and old worldly. I think I'd like to try punkish vamp at some point, though she will probably end up looking like a Victorian punkish vamp lol.

You can find UmamiBaby here on Etsy, and here on Flickr. People on my adoption mailing list get a sort of one-day heads-up on when a new girl is up for adoption, giving them the opportunity to reserve her before she's listed publicly in the shop. To get on the mailing list, you can just convo me on Etsy with your email addy, or email me directly at little.umiumi@gmail.com 

Have a lovely new week filled with child-like joy and wonder!

oh you sweet thing

Hi everybody!! How have you been? Here's wishing all of you a blessed, prosperous Chinese new year! I'm taking advantage of the hubs being out with the kids to get some blogging done lol. I'd been thinking of sharing some crafty type things I'd been up to over the past couple of weeks!

Remember Blythe? Well, after admiring them for so long, I finally decided to take on the challenge of teaching myself to customise. There isn't a lot of information on this art form available anywhere, and rightly so, because it's plain hard work and every artist has the right to keep her or his hard-earned trade secrets. I realised that the only way to learn was to dive right in and trust to the Lord's leading!

So, let me introduce you to Peregrine! She holds a special place in my heart because she is one of my first two customs ever. As most Blythe artists will say, she's not perfect, but that's what makes her special and unique :)

(Oh, Becky just popped in and said I should show a picture of what Blythe looks like before being customised. Well, like this).

I've been enjoying the whole process so much, despite the time-consuming labour and sweat, as it really stretches one and employs so many different art forms -- carving, sculpting, painting, even beading! This is Francoise -- my little Parisienne!

I'm so honoured to say that Francoise has already found her mommy -- that's Blythespeak for a dolly's adoption. And yes, that's right -- it also means that I've set up a new shop, quite separate from Bikbik & Roro. It concentrates purely on finding forever homes for my little dolly girls :)

Francoise is all ready for her trip to her new home -- it's quite on the other side of the world, and I very much hope her new mom will keep me up-to-date on what she gets up to. Yup, it's true -- the heartache of sending Sailor Ghost or Guppy to their new home has reached a whole new level with these girls! One can't spend hours on such a labour of love, creating expressions and personalities, without forming some depth of attachment!

Well, I've still largely kept the two shops separate, out of some weird sense of shyness, but my Bikbik & Roro FB friends know about it from a few of my posts (the new shop has a Flickr page which posts updates). Later tonight I'll be putting Deirdre up for adoption (that's her up there and right at the top), unless someone on the shop's mailing list contacts me to reserve her first, which was what happened with Francoise and the other girls (feel free to email me about her if you're interested ;)

So that's my little bit of news. I trust all of you are doing super -- catch up again real soon!

cold stuff

Picture sourced from herbalogic.com

Hi everyone! How have you been? I've had my hands full with the kids and custom orders and... certain... artistic... things.. that I might write about at another time. Today I just wanted to quickly post this while Jakey's having his nap!

I'd written this ages ago actually -- in November last year I think -- but had thought twice about publishing it at the last minute. At the time, I'd come across some comments in a forum questioning the efficacy of what I'm writing about, and it made me feel doubtful about the usefulness of sharing it. However, since it has continued proving useful for me, I've decided to share it now for what it's worth:

I think most of us have our magic potions for coughs and colds when we first start feeling that scratchy soreness in the throat, or launch into those unmistakably irrepressible wet sneezes. What are some of your desperate, hopeful fixes? For me, there's prayer first of course, but what about echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc? I read an article in Prevention magazine on this; they listed some of the common ones, dividing them into those that really do help, and those that are just hype.

The verdict on echinacea, for instance, was that it was just hype -- the herb might shorten the duration and severity of symptoms, but it seems many brands don't contain the amount listed, and some formulas have none at all. Megadosing on vitamin C was found to be hype as well -- a 2007 review of 30 studies found no evidence that vitamin C supplementation prevents colds in the normal population, and megadoses can cause kidney stones, upset stomach, and even internal bleeding in children.

Among the supplements that were found to be of value though, were vitamin D, omega-3s and zinc. Which leads me to what I wanted to share from my own personal experience. See those barky things up there? That's astragalus propinquus, one of the main herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. At the drugstore, it's just called astragalus, or astragalus root. The Prevention article categorised the herb as the real deal, stating that it was shown to stimulate the white blood cells that fight infection. Studies had found that astragalus appears to boost immunity in mice and may have similar effects in people (from Prevention, Dec 2011).

In its write-up on the herb, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that the herb is "an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver.

"Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds. In the United States, researchers have looked at astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer...

"Recent research in China suggests that, because astragalus is an antioxidant, it may help people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also be a mild diuretic, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid" (read in its entirety here).

Well, I'd been taking astragalus for some time already, but at a low dose, as -- in my mind -- a vague sort of booster for my regular multivitamin. During pregnancy and in the early postpartum period, the immune system is suppressed, which would account for the colds and other infections pregnant women and new moms commonly complain of. I wasn't sick once the entire time I was pregnant with Jacob, praise the Lord, but I did catch the kids' colds almost right after I delivered.

So I started taking the astragalus. I'd often seen the roots in the Chinese medicine stores, where they're sold to people who don't mind drinking the stuff. I do mind, so I get mine nicely encased in easy-to-swallow gelcaps.

Well, over the past couple of weeks, both the girls have been having the flu, passing it back and forth to each other -- considering our daily close proximity, I held out pretty well till a few days ago, when I felt the first irritated inkling of a sore throat while I was reading in bed.

I decided to go get a mug of the old standby -- honey and ACV -- and then, on a whim, the astragalus. As I'd mentioned, I'd been on a low half-dose all the while, so I just took another half-dose (which would essentially make it the recommended daily full dose).

The next morning, the sore throat was there in its full glory, as well as the beginnings of some nose-runniness. Well, I popped another dose of the astragalus, and guess what -- by the late afternoon, the sore throat had eased off. I carried on with the full strength dosage for another day and the cold never manifested, thank you Lord! And so, I felt I really had to share this with all of you.

After what I'd read in the Prevention article, I hadn't even really bothered with the vitamin C megadosing thing; I mean, I think it's handy if you routinely miss out on your regular intake of fruit and veggies, but I think vitamin C works together with other nutrients to boost your immune system rather than being a powerhouse entirely on its own.

Anyway, shortly after writing this, we'd gone to Beijing -- the kids caught colds, and looking after them in that small hotel room, I'd soon felt that familiar sniffliness coming on. Well, I full-dosed on the astragalus, and cleared it off overnight -- I was perfectly fine the rest of the trip, praise the Lord.

And so, having turned to astragalus a couple more times in recent weeks, I just thought I would share this with you after all, especially since some of you are dealing with the worst winter ever. Of course though, this is my own personal view -- I am by no means a professional -- do be sure to do your own research before trying any health supplements, and be aware of possible health and drug interactions. Have a super blessed new week everyone -- catch up again real soon!

while it snows outside

1. Dress with silk ruffles by Sofia Fiodor

2. Rainbow moonstone earrings by Elfi Roose

3. Chunky knit wool blanket by Connection Knits

4. Stoneware chessboard by Murtiga

5. Organic branch necklace by Buddha Bird

6. Fabric flower bouquet by Fresh Sewn

7. Gold tassel topaz necklace by The North Way Studio

8. Live Joy 365 print by Shawn Petite

ain't nothing in the world like a big-eyed girl

Tanyusha and Isadora discuss whose turn it is to go shopping.

Do you know Blythe? Well, I thought I did, having a few of them in the house among our other dollies, but only recently did I discover what a following she has around the world, and what a treasure she is for serious collectors. A beautiful Blythe really is a work of art -- a OOAK piece equal to any sought after painting or haute couture outfit. Collectible Blythes can easily cost into the thousands, and dressing and photographing Blythes has in itself become an art form.

Ro et al.

Personally, I've always found Blythe plain adorable; while she can have any number of personas -- cute, geeky, sultry, sad -- my Blythes have always been chosen for their endearing sweetness, their lovable expressions of innocence, wonder and affection (yes, even Rebecca's vampire Blythe, Persephone).

When the kids were younger, they did find Blythe a little unnerving, mainly because of their discomfitingly large, staring eyes. But now that they're older, they're appreciating the artistry of the dolls as much as dressing them up and taking photographs of them (Becky has in fact been doing this with Isadora -- see here).

Isadora and Orso share their thoughts on safety and sizing.

Anyway, since Isadora and company were starting to go out more, it was only a matter of time before I had to come up with something for travelling with Blythe. It simply isn't practical, or even cool, to go around clutching a doll in your hand, even if it is Blythe, and even if you are five.

A lady who saw Becky's post on Isadora's Beijing trip emailed me about the messenger-style bag we'd used to carry Isadora around -- a week later, I'd sent her two of the satchels and have now decided to include them in the shop.

As any Blythe owner knows, carrying Blythe out is a tricky venture -- you can't just zip her up in your handbag or knapsack (especially if she cost you a mint!), and if you try sticking her in a tote, her big head makes her lean forward dangerously and look like she's hanging herself.

Happily strapped in. Most Blythe dolls also have a pet they'd want to have along.

Having discussed these concerns with the mini Blythe moms at home, I realised that I had to think up a satchel that had the ease and convenience of an open tote, but also some safety feature that prevented Blythe from leaning over and falling out. Well, this satchel is designed for carrying Blythe upright, and for showing her off -- she can see the world and the world can see her. What stops her from leaning down and out? A strap inside the satchel that holds her in place. You just tuck her in and belt her up, and off the two of you go on your adventures -- hands free!

Orso demonstrates that the satchel isn't just for Blythe. 

The satchel features a protective sueded interior and on the outside is a carefully hand-painted Tabby Cat pocket. This particular satchel is available here and ready to ship -- custom satchels are available through the shop or via email.

Have a lovely rest of the week everyone!

Beijing - Part 4

Hi everyone! How have you been? I trust you've been enjoying a lovely, blessed Christmas season. I know we have, praise the Lord! In the past few weeks, I've experienced mightily God's faithfulness and goodness in my life -- genuine miracles as I step out in faith. In this wonderful time of the year, I pray that the Lord bless you
and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace :)

And now -- the last chapter of our Beijing saga! I realise that the Christmas week meant many of us were busy with family and friends, and Blogland was quieter than usual. If you missed the third part of our trip, you can find it here -- do have a looksie; I consider China's royal places some of its most beautiful areas.

In comparison, this last post on the subject will be a bit more mundane, as the picture at top should tell you haha! That's Wumart -- yep, Beijing's version of Walmart! We enjoyed shopping here very much -- in much the same way many of us enjoy shopping at Walmart (hey, well I do). We got loads of cheap stationery and Chinese books here.

The second floor of Wumart is the supermarket. There were lots of interesting produce which we don't get at home, like these fish. I think they're largehead hairtail, which can grow to over two metres -- if they had the chance.

Seaweed -- yum!

And yeah, you know how they say everybody loves fried chicken wings? Well, this way you can have them any time you want!

And while you're at it, have some chicken feet too!

There's Rebecca's Blythe dolly Isadora watching Mars Attacks! in the hotel with us (well, right there it's Tom Jones attacks). Incidentally, Becky has been blogging about Isadora's adventures in Beijing -- have a looksie here!

Outside the Beijing Museum of Natural History. The place has improved dramatically since I was last there, with many fascinating exhibits. I was glad the kids were always enthusiastic about all the places we visited.

Me taking a picture of an animatronic dinosaur, just one of many in an impressive re-creation of prehistoric life. He is cute, yes?

It was a truly educational visit.

An interesting house en route. I don't think it's abandoned.

Climbing up to the Temple of Heaven. This complex of religious buildings was built from 1406 to 1420; it was visited by Ming and Qing Emperors for annual prayer ceremonies. The place is huge, about 660 acres.

Inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It is apparently located at the exact point where heaven and earth meet. The wooden pillars of all the halls support the ceiling without any nails or cement.

At the airport on our way home. There's Ro with Isadora.

It was a wonderful time of family bonding.

See you again soon! Here's wishing all of you a beautiful, prosperous, blessed new year!

* More pictures here :)