Introducing the Oli-Bo-Bolly Dolly!

Me at a recent Craft Fair

First, a little back story –

I have been sewing since I was nearly 8 years old.  Fairly randomly, I took a 4-H sponsored sewing class, and loved it! Shortly after that first class, also through 4-H, I was able to begin sewing with master seamstress and teacher Jan Gurnsey.

Me with Jan at the 2006 4-H Fashion Revue!

Although not limited to, my experience is mostly in children’s clothing and hair accessories. I’ve also done some quilting.  I am a Colorado State Champion (via 4-H and the Colorado Make-it-with Wool Competition).  I have had my designs modeled in the Sustainable Living Fair’s Fashion Show for 3 years, and have had a booth at several local craft and art shows.  My start up clothing company is called Oli-Bo-Bolly.  So, right before we left for Nicaragua, when I made my very first doll for my final project in an art class I was taking at the time, naturally, I called it the Oli-Bo-Bolly Dolly! And, not only did I get an ‘A’, but my teacher offered to purchase it for his daughter!

My very 1st Doll

While in Nicaragua, I often thought about this dolly, and how I would love to make them to give as gifts to the many children I was meeting.  In the 3rd world, where most families are living on $2.00 a day or less, the purchase of a toy for a child is rarely a priority.  The gift of a doll communicates to these children that they are loved, that they have value, and that someone knows they exist.

Me with Solidad & Genesis in Ameya, Nicaragua

When I got home I began to develop this idea a little further, and I began to sew like crazy!

My concept board

In August I entered a contest – The Global Leaders Young Entrepreneur Competition, through the Sustainable Living Association with my concept “Buy A Doll – Give A Doll”.  Companies like Tom’s Shoes have been using this idea for years.  Through my one-of-a-kind Oli-Bo-Bolly Dolly, North American children can have the opportunity to not only purchase a doll for themselves, but at the same time, gift a doll to a child in a 3rd world country who might otherwise never have the pleasure of playing with or owning a doll for themselves.  The global impact at its core is JOY! I have made it to the finals of this competition, and will present my idea at Colorado State University on February 8th.

In the meantime, I’ve continued to develop my idea even further, and to date have sold over 20 dolls – which means I’ve got over 20 to give away too!

A young customer

At school this fall, I took an Earth Systems Science class.  In it, we were given the assignment to create a project that had an impact on our world – on one of our earths spheres (geo, hydro, atmosphere, or exo).  I was thrilled when my teacher, Sarah Bayer let my “Dolly Project qualify”.  Did you know that 95% of all clothing that ends up in our landfills is actually still wearable? As a result, my motto is “Make Art, Not Trash”.  My one of a kind, hand-made, Oli-Bo-Bolly Dollies are made out of recycled/repurposed textiles.  They are soft but textured, crazy colorful, and uniquely made! Because I repurpose clothing I help reduce the amount of textiles ending up in the landfill.  This in turn, helps our geo-sphere.  If you are interested in reading my full report, just shoot me a quick email back.

I have finished up my Christmas orders and am now taking additional orders.  If you are interested in ordering a doll, the cost is $35.00.  One doll goes to you and another goes to a girl in Nicaragua.  I do have 2 special dolls going to Guatemala as well, so I may be able to arrange deliveries to other countries upon request.  As my dolls are all one of a kind, you get to choose your skin tone, hair color, and clothing color or theme.  To order a doll, simply email me at Olibobolly@gmail.com

Originally, I was going to send the first batch to Nicaragua with our good friend Jane Mirandette who lives part time there and part time here in Colorado.  I now am actually trying to deliver the dolls myself! My goal is to be able to take 100 dolls to Nicaragua this spring! Splitting them between girls in Ameya and in San Juan del Sur.  I am so excited to both go back for a visit and to get to deliver the very first dolls myself!

Taking 100 dolls with me is an ambitious goal! It takes me about 3 hours to make just 1 doll. With school and other commitments, I am going to need some help! If you sew, and are interested in helping to make dresses, please let me know.  I can provide you with a pattern, all materials, and a special sewing snack! Many thanks to Margie Michaels and Laurie Wright for sewing some dresses already.  Dolls will be going to girls in Ameya, Nicaragua in their honor.

Don’t sew, but still want to help? I am taking donations of scrap fabric (or clothing) in good condition (3/8 of a yard and larger) especially skin colored cotton, muslin or bed linens, Buttons (2 matching – approximately 1/2″ in size or singles up to approximately 3/4″ in size) , Fiber Fill Stuffing and or Cotton Batting, Felt, Round Elastic Cording, & 5/8″ Sew on Velcro.  Please remember, part of the idea is to use what we already have – so don’t go to the store, simply look through your stash! Many thanks the the Richter girls and Carol Christ for their donations.  Dolls will also be sent in your honor.

I also am accepting cash donations towards plane tickets and travel expenses for me and either my mom or dad to be in Nicaragua for 10 days to 2 weeks (approximately $2,000 will be needed).

Many thanks for your support and encouragement.  Happy New Year!

MANY THANKS TO

PRIMA BODYWEAR IN FORT COLLINS, CO – Link to Prima’s Web Site

and

BECKONS YOGA CLOTHING – Link To Beckons Web Site