Dolls: My First Smart Doll (Unboxing)

I rarely share doll unboxings, but this one is truly special to me and this is also my first Smart Doll.  I spent a long time saving up and waiting before finally deciding to make the purchase.  

Besides focusing on life and family responsibilities, I also took my time choosing the doll because I wanted to feel connected to it.  The cost was on the higher side, which is why choosing the right one was important to me.  

Smart Doll is designed by Danny Choo. Smart Doll is known for its high quality and unique style.  The doll is handcrafted by the creative team at Mirai Inc, which makes it extra special.  Each doll is unique and has a sense of life and personality because it’s handmade.  What I appreciate about Smart Doll is that it cares about the well-being of its creative team and its dedication to transparency, so customers can be sure their purchase matches the company’s values and commitment.

More about Smart doll at their official website - https://shop.smartdoll.jp/

The purchasing experience felt a little different than what I'm used to, but overall, it went well and I'm happy with it.

The package arrived yesterday while I was at work, and by the time I got home, it was already nighttime.  After a quick dinner and some tidying up, I finally got to unboxing!

Inside the shipping box was a Smart Doll carry bag holding the doll and a separate reusable box for the accessories.

This image shows the arrangement of the doll and reusable box inside the Smart Doll carry bag.  The doll is positioned kneeling to make shipping package as compact as possible.

The doll comes with a sports bra and underwear; and is protected by plastic wrapping and bubble wrap.  The reusable box contains the care guide and the doll’s accessories—including the wig, the telescopic doll stand that comes with the doll, plus any separately purchased apparel or optional parts.

I’m planning to make clothes for her, but to start, I also got her an outfit (SD Post Apocalyptic Uniform), shoes (SD Chelsea Boots – Vinyl Navy Black), and some option parts (SD Option Hand Pack 1 for Girls).

All set to dress her up!  The official website also has a Knowledge Base section, which is a great resource for Smart Doll unboxing-especially helpful for first-time buyers.

Meet Smart Doll Mirai (Anime Style)! Her skin tone is Cinnamon.  For now, she’s just relaxing after her journey—I'm still getting the hang of posing her.

Here’s a closer look at her face-up—oh, I love her so much!

It's way past bedtime, bye for now and thank you for reading! 🌸

Dolls and Crafts: Crochet Over-the-Door Plush Doll Organizer

It's been a while since my last post.  While I truly enjoy sharing my thoughts, projects and hopefully inspiring others, but some important things have to come up with my family that needed my focus.  Things are looking up now, and I'm grateful to be back.  I'm happy to start sharing again.

One of the most meaningful things that happened recently was our visit to our home country- after 12 years.  It was such a special time reconnecting with family and friends, and the experience has left me feeling grounded, inspired and filled of happy memories that I will truly cherish.

During our visit, I took advantage of the opportunity to add to my doll collection since the items there are much more affordable and accessible.  For example, plush doll blind boxes - which I'm sure most people are familiar with.  I picked up a few and am taking it slow, not necessarily aiming to complete the set since there's always a chance of getting duplicates. But to be honest, they're really cute and kind of addictive.  I just need to be mindful of storage because they can quickly become clutter if not planned for.  

I have been debating whether to buy a ready made storage or get creative and make my own. I ended up choosing the latter - I crocheted an over-the-door organizer to both display and neatly store my plush dolls.  The original pattern was actually for a striped blanket, I modified it to size and added pockets. Then adorned it with crocheted buntings decorated with crocheted flowers, leaves, triangles, and butterflies.

(this image was also shared in my Instagram account)

Here are the materials and resources I've used for the project:

• 100% cotton handicraft yarn (Bernat or similar, I preferred 100% cotton for this project since I find it sturdier)
• US H-8 (5.00mm) crochet hook
• plastic hooks
• repurposed wooden hanger for hanging the organizer

References for the patterns (from my favourite books):

• Striped Crochet Blankets by Haafner Linssen - Havana pattern (Please note that I have modified the pattern to the size that will fit the door where I planned to hang the organizer)
• 500 Crochet fun designs & projects for blocks, triangles, circles & hearts by Hannah Elgie & Kath Webber (for the crochet buntings)

All in all, the project was fun to make, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.  Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week! 💮