Sneak peak on our new website look...

We just want to brag about this exciting project: redesigning our website! But the reality is our new website is far from being done! Lots of work...and more to dos still...though we are so relieved to have gone this far with the project (among other things that's goin' on in our world right now). First phase is tackled...the front page design. It will be featuring our drawings of Gifts Define mascots...a girl with pink hood with her little pet friends as well as the costumed-boy with his little friends. We're hoping that we can complete this project by early August so that we can celebrate it along with Gifts Define's 3rd birthday (cross our fingers). Ok, we better stop day dreaming and back to reality...lots of other projects we need to wrap up. Chao!

Become Gifts Define Fan on Facebook!

Don't you know that Gifts Define has a Facebook Fan Page? We're addicted to Facebook-ing and we think the power of Facebook is just remarkable. It makes connecting, sharing, making new friends and communicating with everyone all around the globe a whole lot easier, simply said. We hope that our Fans Page on Facebook will allow us to connect & share more with our existing friends, supporters and soon-to-be newfound friends! All of you are invited to pay a visit and we (all the staff and the dolls) will be so thrilled and privileged if you become one of our fans! Of course, as our darling fans, you'll be the first to know for any exclusive discounts and promotional events! We see you there!!

Introducing "TOPi" Adorable Berets for kids!

Another childhood favorite of mine! I love to wear beret when I was a little kid (similar age to the kids in the photo 4-8 years old). It's a classic, stylish and it's cool! I decided to bring the memory back -of course- with a twist. Since I love cute adorable pets, I embellished each beret with my 3 favorite storybook characters -- elephant, tiger and piggy. Neatly hand-sewn to the wool beret. WISH I could go back to my early years, wearing whimsical and adorable beret like these (it would no longer appropriate for a-30 something girl like moi wearing a piggy beret to the park, would it?) That's ok, my cousins and my friends' kids, your children could wear them. It makes me as happy to see those happy faces (the children's and the pig's and the tiger's and the elephant's) running around the park.

The name "TOPI" [read: toe-pee] derives from my native Indonesian language. If you can't find the right catchy word in English, you might as well use your own language, right?!! *lol* TOPI means hat, shade, beret, something that covers your head; meanwhile "TOP" in English means up -- your head is on the top *err yeah*...so TOPI would be beret to cover your head -- that works!

Available now at the shop in 3 adorable design: Elefaum the Elephant in Vanilla Beret, Tiffa the Tiger in Black Beret and Paisley the Piggy in Soft Pink Beret. 100% wool beret - warm and versatile with 10" diameter. Size: Child, fits ages 3 to 8 years old, stretch to fit.

More NEWness: NEW Logo, NEW Buttons

I asked my multi-talented girlfriend, Lisa Bacon of Izabe Graphic Design and Girl Indie to create the new Gifts Define logo! Despite all the things I've asked of her, Lisa always comes out with wonderful ideas and super creativity...and see what I got... a chic, cute, lovable looking logo which I adore! I love the font she chose for Gifts Define so much (Jewels font from fonts101.com)that I've used as the signature font for all my promo items/website design need. It's just so "us"... adorable!

Oh, I just got all my square buttons of the original sketch of the Fun Animals dolls. I have 26 pet-sketch buttons to be paired with each doll as collector's items Pocket Pet which I hope to have in the store sometimes in late February (crossing my finger with the scheduling). Now, I'm in the process of designing the bag and Fun Animal mini card to go along with the collector's items. SO, there're still lot of things to do but so far I am so excited to see how good-looking the buttons turned out! More on good stuff later, now back to work!

Word of the day: "NEW"

Yay, finally we have our NEW website look on today. I am not completely done with it yet, but for the most parts -- they're all in place. I have very limited knowledge on HTML & web design so basically I learn as I do it with some help from my former web designer -- so I am pretty happy how it turns out. Check 'em out!

I am also very excited to introduce our new design wool plushie "Conversation Birds"....a little bird charm adorned with boutique ribbon printed with messages such as Happy Birthday, I Love You, Celebrate, Baby Girl or Baby Boy for a sweet shower favors, Two Peas in a Pod for twin babies, Yay! I'm pregnant... for pregnancy keepsake (which is a hit) and many more check them here.

Maybe you have a little secret...perhaps it’s time to spill the beans about your feelings for someone special?Our Conversation Birds are a whimsical and magical way to get your sentiment across to someone special. Our custom printed ribbon offers sentiments like: Baby (in pink or blue), Happy Birthday, I Love You, I'm Pregnant and more! These little treasures make perfect gift toppers, room décor, or charms to hang in a favorite spot!

New Design - Removable PetPencils

To fulfil the request from our dearest customers, we finally come up with this new Removable PetPencils design. We used to create these PetPencils as a permanent pencil topper; where you will be able to use the pet doll as a hanging charm when the pencil is done. But now, with the removable design, this PetPencil toppers will be easily paired with a brand new pencil/pen. PetPencil topper will fit any regular size pencil or pen.

At the shop, we're still offering both options, Permanent or Removable PetPencils. Generally, the permanent pencil topper would be suitable for smaller children as we won't have to worry of having the pet doll off from the pencil. The choice is yours -- for sure, this PetPencil will be a fun way to encourage your eager little ones to jot down their first ABCs and 123s....it's amusing for adults too! PetPencils Fun Pencil Topper is available in 16 adorable Pet Design!

Visit the shop to pick your favorite!

We love our new square buttons ^__^

These are just the first batch -- of many more to come -- of our 1.5" square buttons featuring my original sketch of the pet character before it transformed to be a pet doll. As seen on above pic are: my original sketch of Happy Hedgehog doll and the cute mushroom of the Mushroom Pocket Cases.

So far I have 26 sketches of my little animals to be transferred to these square buttons to go with every Pocket Pet dolls you collect. "Fun Animal mini-card" is also another novelty I want to add to each Pocket Pet doll -- a fun way to get acquainted with your newfound pet pal so to speak! The set of pocket pet, sketch button and Fun Animal mini card will be arranged for collectors' items made in limited number.

More updates/photos coming soon showcasing all of my original sketches featuring all of the Zoo Members. I've never really show my original sketches -- quirky/imperfect drawing of mine -- to anyone before (let alone showing them off on buttons *gasp*). So I am a bit anxious actually with this new project. Though, on the other hand I feel by having each handmade doll comes with its original sketch (that has shaped each doll's personality) would make it even more meaningful to whomever collects our pocket pet pal.

New season...new stuff....near holiday!

New Chic Pocket Cases: Pretty Snail and the Hedgehog...darn cute!
Made of Wool felt ; entirely hand-stitched....get one to cutify your look :)

We have Donkeys at the zoo as our newest family members,

soon we will also add Mr. Smarty Squirrel to the hood!

Say HI to the Zoo members and get your favs by clicking HERE

Our most recent newsletter to our darling members.
Spend $10 or more at the shop you'll get the Halloween fabric gift bag FREE!

Join our mailing list and we'll surprise you with monthly promo/discount/free giveaway!

OK OKtober!

MOST POPULAR item in the shop!
I am so thrill of these chic Fairytale Birds....
For the upcoming holiday season, I named them as the Holiday Birds...
Perfect for Holiday Bannerama, Christmas ornament, delightful gifts...

Available in amazing eye-catching color combos for only $16 each! Check 'em out...

"Fairy Angel" Custom Logo Dolls

I just finished the custom order Logo Dolls for Randoons Boutique in Winnetka, IL. Randi Lamb, the owner, asked me to create a customized "Fairy Angel" dolls to resemble her boutique's logo. She wants the dolls for hanging decorations, a lovable angel with dark brown long hair, big wing at the back (in brown and blue)with baby blue dress with white polkadots to match her gift wrapping.I had so much fun creating these for her! If you are a boutique owner and want to create a one-of-a-kind, unique and adorable custom logo doll, feel free to contact me with your fun project! Email me at irma@giftsdefine.com

Ola September!

Yay yay September..it feels like I am entering the gate into holiday season park pass! :) Well, months ahead would be big ones for me...especially in October; I finally can return home! You see, I just got my permanent resident card extended -- so that I could travel overseas. For not owning an American citizenship (thus the immigration calls me an "Alien" resident, duh) -- I need permits and all to travel abroad. I'll be returning to my homeland in Bogor, Indonesia to attend my bro's wedding in October 26th (their photo above on a red scooter, bride & groom to be: Henry & Rita..cute couple!). Can't wait to be home, seeing my family, sleeping in my own bedroom, eating mom's homemade dishes, going to my fav local restaurants, seeing my BFFs and all ....my gf just told me lots of new fancy malls to visit in town too ha ha! It was in 2004 the last time I visited home...so this upcoming journey is definitely worth the wait! Coming back home for a perfect reason & time ... my brother's biggest day in his life! can't imagine my little bro will soon get married. I am so proud of him for being what he is right now in life...wish him an everlasting success and happiness...ahhhhhhhhhhhh I am getting mushy, let's talk real thing now.

I just completed another customized Name Bannerama for Mia...little birdies with the colors that match her cute bedroom. Also, I am in the process of creating a cute customized logo doll for Randoons Boutique -- a little cute long haired Fairy Angel with big lovely wings and polka dress...so adorable!

Other update, I have a new fancy sophisticated camera which I truly in LOVE with!!!!! My hubby's gift to me for our wedding anniversary last week. It's Olympus EVOLT E-510 -- this professional camera is so great with its awesome features that will ensure you to capture great shots with it...and it's true, I got great shots of my dolls with it! But man....need time to study the drill to achieve real masterpieces though. I thought I'd read the manual thoroughly on my flight to Indonesia....go figure it'll take 25-28 hours for me to get there....yeap!

Anyway, details on the trip would be on my next blurb...let me post some pics related to the above bla bla bla :))

Just in!

Stuff I am workin' on...

Just finished the last orders of the week and pack them for shipping...all these little critters are happy to find new homes...hoping to find great new friends :)
I've been working on my baby mobile project this morning...and I still have a hard time figuring out the perfect way to hang this lullaby mobile correctly. I've got so many request from my friends and customers to come up with baby mobile creation. I tend to procastinate the project, so I haven't really design one for the shop yet. Well, so far I am pretty happy with the basic idea of how I want my baby mobile to be -- to kinda make a merry-go-round theme mobile with fun animals; adorned with overlapping felt scallops around. I use a gold metal ring as the base holder and hand-sewn all felt scallops to it. Now I am stuck of how to make this merry-go-round mobile to be hung steadily. Better go back to work now...

New Mini CASEY in the shop...

New fabric designs..."Elephant Lane" and "Squirrel Squad"
Mini Casey made of 100% wool felt in lovable colors
Find the collection here

Let's go to the ZOO!!!

Available at the Shop!

Somethin' new...

Well, this is what I've been working on lately....designing dolls with a new look (or should I say new size), not as mini as I used to make (only 2-3" inch). Stands at approx. 8.5-10" , these biggie size critter dolls are 100% hand-crafted (my signature artwork is always done by hand). Perhaps when I'm getting better with my sewing machine, I'd make even larger size dolls maybe using fabric rather than felt material (which I still use for these new ones). I'm loving it...making bigger dolls is not as tedious as smaller ones...but the joy stays the same though....I just love love love creating dolls and have so much fun playing with hand stitching those dolls. The design and the drawing took awhile for me to complete -- I have the idea in my head; but when I start drawing and cutting the material and trying to sew it together -- sometimes it doesn't always work! heh...and back to square one. But I think I am happy with the outcome so far and just getting better at it! ok then talk later...

The first time I use my sewing machine...

Believe me....this is the first time in my life I sew using a sewing machine! It reminds me back to those times when I used to sit next to you mom, watching you sew those nifty uniform and dresses for me. It was a looooooong time ago ...like 20 years ago - gosh sewing my high school uniform? You just made the perfect skirt for me, make my wide hip looks smaller somehow hahah...(sigh) If only you live closer to me and teach me how to master this new gadget. Unlike yours, this sewing machine is small, portable and computerized so it's not as heavy, bulky and scary as your sewing machine, Mom! Your "Singer" is so intimidating, that's why I never have the guts to learn using it. But if only I learned the sewing technique from you back then, well, I'd probably be an expert by now.

Well anyway, I've been familiarizing myself with the machine and so far so good, no big errors along the way. Voila, this is my first piece made by using sewing machine...a little leisure bag. Very simple, very basic ha ha...but I'm proud of it.

My new sewing machine!

Finally! I got my new toy, so excited of having my new best friend. I'm still uncomfortable using it yet, it seems so many things I have to learn, a bit confusing 'cos it's such a new thing for me! Gosh, believe it or not this is the first time I sew with a machine! I can't wait to be able to make myself a nice bag or wallet!

Anyway, I've been so busy lately, making product catalogue since some people asking me if I have a sales catalogue I can send them. I think I have to stop procastinating and get this catalogue done. I also need to have my wholesale info sheet completed too.

Oh I also passed my driving school exam! yay! so I got that one out of the way... Next, I want to post some photos of all the art/craft shows I've attended during 2006. I'll do that once I get some spare time. I post the photo of my new sewing machine and Java chasing "lizzy" a.k.a. the lizzards infront of the window in my home-office. She likes to hop on my craft tub and sit there - patiently waiting until some lizzies show up to play. Then she'll get crazy and try to catch 'em. Quite a funny scene - good to release stress :)