The (AG) Look for Less - Samantha's Pram

The pram is a thrifty find!

*FEATURE* Playing with Dolls

Samantha is at home playing with her dolls.

*Summer Camp* Creating an Historical Camp Scene

Samantha 1904 Piney Point

Samantha Scenes and Settings... retired

Pleasant Company Samantha Dolls

White body Samantha in Middy Dress with Tam...wore this dress in Samantha Saves The Day book-Summer Story perfect for camp in 1904 black stocking were preferred for outdoor play.

Paired old Samantha items with new Beforever items like locket on chain, black meet outfit Mary Jane shoes and flowers from bicycle set and flowers from Flower Picking Outfit Limited Edition from 2014 and 2015.

1990 Beige Body Samantha 

Meet outfit from 90s and Bird Watching Outfit 2006

Bird watching was part of outdoor activities in 1904 away at camp and in Mount Bedford. Identifying birds was part of camp recreation.

Paired this outfit with floral scrapbook from Beforever Bedtime Accessories and Mary Jane meet outfit shoes.

AG Campfire Set...guitar, bench and fire pit are added to retired scenes and settings for Samantha. AG Campfire Set $75 on AG website.

I like the glowing fire pit and it's reflection in the background giving an illusion of another pit.

 

Nonna's Printables: Historical Picture Book with Aladdin

Did you know that the story of Aladdin comes from a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales called 1001 Nights? In the tales, Scheherazade (commonly pronounced SHUH-air-uh-ZAH-dee), a wife of the region's ruler, is the storyteller. As the story goes, when she ran out of tales, her husband would kill her. She would start a story, but stop mid story every night for 1001 nights hence the title of the original tale. 1001 Nights is still hailed as a storytelling work of art with many new interpretations and translations to this day.

In 1911, Edward Dulac illustrated a version of 1001 Nights called Stories from Arabian Nights including the tale of Aladdin. This printable mini picture book version is period appropriate for your Samantha, Nellie and Rebecca dolls to enjoy. It’s perfect for all your dolly readers!

Use white American letter sized cardstock for this PDF. Remember to update your printer setting to cardstock for best image quality when printing. 

Cut out the images as shown. Leave a white tail on the left side in the lowest section of images to provide a gluing surface and fold per the dots noted. Remember, to get the smoothest folds in minis, use a straight edge to crease your fold before folding tightly (refer to cookie box tutorial for pictures).
 

To join the first section of pages to the second, glue or tape the last page of section one over the white tab that begins section 2 (as shown).

Glue interior backs of pages together as indicated by dots on pdf.

Center and glue pages inside cover. The cover on this book is designed to be slightly larger than the pages (as shown). You can trim the cover down if it that isn't want you want.

  
Nonna’s Pro Tip: I like to place finished books under a weight for a couple hours to allow the glue to set so the book sits nicely instead of popping open when at rest.

Often asked Reader question: 

Can I substitute paper for cardstock? 

Of course you can, but you should know what will happen. This pattern is designed for cardstock so it utilizes the thickness created with the interior pages being cardstock. If you use paper, the spine will seem too thick for the pages and you will have a gap. Additionally, depending on your paper, the ink may bleed through when it is glued because most glue sticks and glue used on paper are water soluble; cardstock reduces the permeation of the ink into the paper.  If stored in a humidity controlled environment, a ream of cardstock will last you for years of doll crafting and is well worth the investment. Copy shops can also print on cardstock for you for a small up change to their standard copying fee.

*REVIEW* Pleasant Company American Girls Collection - Samantha's Steamer Trunk

 

My mother found this gorgeous piece for me!

Samantha's Trunk 1986 retailed for $175. Later it retired 2008.

Beautiful details, great size.

-Madelon

*NEWS* American Girl Outfit - eBay Listing

LINK

Madelon found an American Girl listing on eBay. Possibly new TM or Gabriela outfit. The tags say American Girl.

Also rumor is Samantha and Addy will soon only be available online and at the flagship stores. Chicago, NYC and LA. 

*On Location* Main Street U.S.A. - Disneyland

Samantha and I are strolling down Main Street U.S.A. 
Isn't it fabulous? Sam looks right at home. 

I grew up 30 minutes from Disneyland and visited many, many times every year. Sometimes after school or on weekends with my girl friends just for something to do.

Samantha saw the Ragtime Piano at the Carnation Cafe.
She just wanted a photo in font of it.

There's something to see in every nook and cranny of this street. 

Yes Samantha got her very own MM ears!

*In Store Report* On Location - AGP LA

Here we are at the Grove walking to AGP.

My first visit to AGP.

As soon as I walked in, I felt right at home surrounded by Gabby, Felicity, Kit and the BeForever girls.

Love this feature showcasing all of the GOTYS.

Felicity is beautiful, but NOT anything like my Pleasant Company doll.

Her dress is stunningly beautiful.

Kit...adorbs!

Sorry this is blurry, but I love this hairstyle on Josefina.

Each girl has her own display. I recorded both Samantha's and Melody's, and took pictures of Kit's.

There was no one in the store. When we left, we saw maybe six people.

OK, OK...I love Julie's new bathroom! It's AMAZING!

LOVE. WANT. NEED.

Tenney is beautiful! Obviously the TRUE GOTY that was marketed as a contemporary character.

Gorgeous! 

My brother, Ansel and I, as we were leaving. I bought Felicity's undergarments and accessories.