Sunday, February 9, 2014

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!

13 comments:

AntiquityTravelers said...

a-ha! I couldn't figure out where this shop was?! very sneaky :O

Glad you're finding a way to balance everything going on in your life!

Pizziricco said...

SADIE .. only one word ... WOW!!! U R ONE CREATIVE GENIUS GOLLEEE

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

Wow, these dolls are simply adorable. Look at those beautiful, big, round eyes! That is a great name that you've chosen. Umami. I like it :)

Birdie said...

Adorable! She tells a story with her eyes.

Jane Chérie said...

Congratulations on Sadie finding a home! She is very cute and I find her shyness spot on for this type of doll. I quite like your Victorian style and I don't know how you do it but it certainly shows up in your doll customization. I heard of the umami taste before but always wondered what it was really! Thanks for the explanation! I hope you'll have a great week!

Farida said...

Hello B&R! Umami certainly looks very shy. I didn't know that you had a store and that is the reason why your blog is overflowing with these creative items! You are very admirable to still find time to craft while you continue to juggle your time taking care of your family.

I first heard the term "umami" from a cooking show. The chef was promoting Aji-No-Moto. Take care and enjoy the week :)

The Cranky said...

Oh adorable! May I pin to my Hello Dolly! pinterest board?

Berry said...

Hello~
Umami is really beautiful!!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

These are so precious, you create gorgeous things my dear!! I hope you and the kids have a wonderful week xx

Miss Val's Creations said...

What a beautiful name Umami is. Life is so full of juggling, isn't it? Hopefully we get to slow down a little as we grow older. :)

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Sadie is such a pretty little lass. I adore the name of your shop - my favorite flavor as I'm all about the savories :) May all your girls find loving homes.

Rowena @ rolala loves

Magic Love Crow said...

I think Victorian punkish vamp, would be adorable ;o) Love your new girl ;o) Big Hugs ;o)

Almost Precious said...

What adorable faces you've created for your Blythe dolls. They are beautiful and I love the outfits you've dressed them in. These are truly dolls to be treasured.

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