Saying Goodbye

One of the hardest things to do in life is say goodbye to something you love so dearly. This weekend, we lost our beautiful cat of 9.5 years, Betty. She was the most loving, sweetest animal and she gave our family so much joy.

Betty, we love you and you will be missed terribly.

Nona ~xo

Who's Afraid...?

When my son was born and started to actually sit to watch TV for more than five minutes, one of his favorite "movies" was the Disney classic, Three Little Pigs. My daughter also loves that movie, almost as much as he did. When I started sewing dolls again, I decided to make the three little pigs and the big bad wolf as Christmas gifts for the kids.

I adapted the dolls from a pattern by the talented Shelly, from Gingermelon. Her patterns can be found here.  Gingermelon also has an awesome blog--check it out to see all her projects, past and present.

The little piggies turned out just darling! My daughter's eyes nearly popped out of her head on Christmas morning when she saw them under the tree. At some point, I will need to make the coordinating houses, but for now, she is fine with using her imagination.

In my daughter's world, the big bad wolf turns out to be the piggies friend, of course.

Let me know what you think. What's your favorite story classic? I may be able to bring it to "life" for you!

Stay Cute,

Nona ~xo

Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Inspired Birthday Party

There is nothing more special than your little one's first birthday. Any crafty-crazed person such as myself can tell you the planning for such an event occurs months in advance. And even though your one-year-old will not remember the festivities of that day, at the end of that day, you will. Which is why creating those precious memories is something event planner extraordinaire, Patty, from Sweet Treat Stands does best. For her son's 1st birthday party, she created the most adorable Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn inspired birthday party I've seen.

When Patty approached me to produce a custom piece for the party, I jumped at the chance. What an opportunity! With Patty's vision and storyboard in hand, I crafted this wooden table top decoration. I loved making it and think it turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself!

Wooden Doll Cake Topper/Table Decoration by Min & Moots

As a result of her event planning savvy, this event, as well as many other events she's styled, has been featured in some serious magazines and blogs in the party planning & craft worlds: Mingle Magazine; fohr Magazine; Party Style Magazine; Kara's Party Ideas; Pizzazzerie; and Gemma's Party Style, to name a few.

Her work is truly genius and the other vendors she paired up with are extremely talented, as you can see from the pictures. Kudos to Patty and "Team Tom Sawyer", as she likes to call us. 

I look forward to helping her style her future events!

Stay Cute,

~Nona xo

P.S. Many of the products shown in the party pictures above can be purchased or customized for your party/event. Check out the various blogs below for credits.

Sweet Treat Stands

Pizzazzerie

Kara's Party Ideas

Spaceships and Laserbeams

The Party Wagon

Sweet Treat Stands (Mingle Magazine Feature)

Party Style

The Woodland Gnome

I really love illustrations of all things "woodland"--from the animals, to fairies, to elves, to gnomes. The idea of a magical little place where all of these creatures dwell intrigues me so. So much so that I decided to start making my own little collection of these magical creatures. The first doll I took a stab at making were these cute little gnomes. So cute!!

Can't you see them hanging out in their magical woodland village, tending to their gardens all day?!

Hope you love them as much as I do! All of these cuties are available in my shop! 


Stay Cute,

~Nona xo

LeLe and Her Travels

I was thrilled when I was approached by a children's author, Michelle Ingle, to create a prototype doll for her book, LeLe's Passport. I've had many custom requests in the past, but nothing as exciting as creating a replica for a published book!

I received a copy of the book, and let me say, this is one of the cutest little children's books I've read. It is about a little girl who goes on a trip with her mom and is a little intimated by all the new things she sees and experiences. She is apprehensive to explore these sights but is encouraged by her mom to try new things. My little girl really likes the story and I think the illustration is well done--she's such a "doll". I can see why Michelle wanted to bring her to life through my work.

What a great story to share with your little one about all that is out there in this tremendous world. Makes me want to hop on a plane and start exploring!

Stay Cute,

~Nona xo

Hello World!

I finally decided to sit myself down and take time to start this blog. Of course, this was something I've been meaning to get going for months, more like a year, but something in life always seemed to pop up or distract me. Part of the distraction was myself. I'll admit I've been nervous to put a blog out there. I mean, who would take time out of their busy schedule to read my blog, about things that I do or interest me? Then I thought, well, my fellow crafters or those that appreciate things handmade would! So, I took the bull by the horns, and here I am! 

First-off, let me introduce myself. My name is Nona and I'm a mother to two little ones--a boy, Ryan, who's 5 and a little girl, Rielle (we call Ellie) who will be 4 in a few short months. My wonderful husband Jeff and I have been together for over 18 years, married for 10. He's been so supportive of my business and dreams, I couldn't thank him enough.

I would like to share my journey as a crafter, doll maker, Etsy and Pinterest addict and mom. I may even post a pic or two of what inspires me. To get you started, please take a look at my Etsy site: http://www.minandmoots.etsy.com/.

Here you can see what I do while the kids go to sleep or while I have some free time on my hands.

Here's to my journey. Would be so happy to have you come along for the ride! 


Stay Cute,

~Nona  XO