Thursday, November 8, 2012

New Orleans Mardi Gras - 2013

When is Mardi Gras 2013?!?!

Mardi Gras 2013 falls on Tuesday, February 12.'

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday", is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent

Visitors, please note: Parades will begin on January 19th.

All NEW ORLEANS parade activity will pause from January 28th – February 5th due to Super Bowl XLVII, which takes place on February 3rd. However, there will be parades rolling during this time throughout Metairie, Slidell, Mandeville, Covngton & Chalmette. New Orleans parade activity will resume as normal from February 6th – 12th. Please see the schedule below for specifics!
Bookmark this site for the official Mardi Gras 2013 Parade Schedule!

Most visitors will plan to arrive no later than Saturday, February 9, 2013 in order to enjoy an extended weekend of festivities.

Want to know more about Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Check out our information on Mardi Gras Tips, Mardi Gras Krewes, Mardi Gras Balls, Parade Throws, Mardi Gras Colors, Mardi Gras Dates, and Frequently Asked Questions about Mardi Gras.

Don't forget to dress your doll for Mardi Gras!!

 
A sparkling Mardi Gras costume for American Girl Dolls , with mask and shoes, in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green by CSBSEWS Doll Clothes

Let the Good Times Roll!!!

Carolyn

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Titantic Dress for American Girl Doll Caroline

This dress is a hand-beaded regency era evening gown, perfect for American Girl Doll Caroline Staub, inspired by Rose's "jump" dress from the movie Titanic. This lovely evening gown is made from a wine colored satin, covered with a very soft black tulle. The bodice has been hand-beaded with jet black beads, and the sequined trim has a hand-beaded fringe. The 'circles', are made from black beads sewn on and surrounding a faux pearl. The tulle over skirt and bodice are trimmed with a braided sequin trim. The sleeves have small elastic in the cuff.The dress is fully lined, and closes in back with Velcro. (SOLD)




I love this dress.  Visit CSBSEWS Doll Clothes for more pictures and purchasing information.   Coming soon, those special one-of-a-kind Christmas ensembles for your American Girl Doll.

Carolyn

Thursday, August 23, 2012

UpDated - Halloween Costumes from CSBSEWS

Halloween Costumes from CSBSEWS are now available at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes  These costumes are fun and unique (and remember, only one of each is available).   Didn't see exactly what you were looking for?   Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for immediate notification when a new costume is available.

Gypsy for American Girl Dolls
 
 
Witch Costume for today's American Girl Doll
 
 
Dead of the Dead Costume for American Girl Dolls
 
 
The following were not created just for Halloween but would make really fun costumes for your dolls.
 
 
Chrissy the Wish Fairy for American Girl Dolls
 
Steampunk for American Girl Dolls
 
 
There is a "Countdown to Halloween Clock" at the top of the page.  Check it out and I think you will agree that it is definately not too soon to be planning for the Holiday.
 
Carolyn

Thursday, August 9, 2012

New Halloween Costumes for 2012

I've started creating original, CSBSEWS Halloween costumes for 2012.   Here are the first two that are now available, many more to come.   Remember these are one-of-a-kind costumes, and only one of each is available.

Very Mod Witch Costume
This adorable non-traditional witch costume is perfect for the modern American Girl.  The ensemble includes dress, hat and boots.   More pictures and information now available at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes.

Golden Gypsy


This is a colorful, sparkling gypsy costume with matching sparkling shoes. The ensembles includes the dress, vest, scarf, shoes and beaded necklace. More information and pictures available now at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes

More costumes on the way - follow CSBSEWS on Facebook for immediate notification of new Halloween Costumes.

Carolyn



Sunday, June 3, 2012

I Hope You Dance


 I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I love this song, it speaks to me on so many levels.

I had dance lessons from an early age.   My first dance instructor was Russian, how she made it to Texas I'll never know.   And she was definately "old school".   We dressed appropriately, in practice leotards made for her classes, we obeyed and we learned.  She taught us ballet, and with her long ruler, walked through the classes beating time for us as we worked at the barre.   She was a taskmaster and the best dance teacher I ever had.   I was with her for 3 years.   After that, as my family moved, I took dance lessons at various suburban dance schools, and continued to study ballet and tap all the way through high school.   I even went back to dance school in my 40's and participated in a dance recital.  

My idol growing up was the prima ballerina Maria Tallchief, and I wore out the record to Carosel dancing to the music in our living room.   The Red Shoes was my favorite movie.  Being told that you are now good enough and have persmission to wear toe shoes was right up there with getting a driver's license.   As an adult, my life took a different path, and I did not pursue dance after I married.   (Except of course that one year referenced above), but I leaned so much from those years in dance class.   Lesson ranged from good posture, discipline, and how to perform in front of crowds, as part of an ensemble or solo.  I was part of some great recitals and some disasters.  And it was all good.   To this day, I attribute my "great legs" (this judged by Mr. B.) to dance training.  


Once upon a time...



I relive those wonderful days every time I design and create dance costumes for the dolls.  The materials, trims and dance shoes help me recapture a wonderful time in my life.  Hope some of that enjoyment is apparent in the costumes.    Enjoy, and again, I hope you dance!!

Currently available at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes:







Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Steampunk from CSBSEWS

Just a quick note to let you know that (1) CSBSEWS now accepts major credit cards and (2) I have listed a new Steampunk Ensemble (Dress, Hat, Boots, Tights, Vest, Jacket, Necklace and Key Chains).   Check it out at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes.


Friday, March 9, 2012

New from CSBSEWS Doll Clothes.

New this month from CSBSEWS Doll Clothes.   Three spring/summer dresses for Molly, Josefina and Kit.  A tap dance costume for a spring recital, an Easter Dress with hat and sandals and a Regency Era ensemble for Josefina.

Dresses for Molly, Julie and Kit


Tap Dance Costume


Easter Dress, Bonnet and Sandals


Regency Dress for Josefina

You can follow CSBSEWS on Facebook and get "what's new" at CSBSEWS immediately.


Sunday, January 29, 2012

Clothes for Special Occasions by CSBSEWS

Valentine's Day is about 2 weeks away, on Tuesday, February 14th.   Then in March we have St. Patrick's Day celebrations on Saturday, March 17th, followed by Easter on Sunday, April 8th.  

Check out these outfits for the upcoming celebrations.   You can see them all at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes

VALENTINE'S DAY 2012

This super cute outfit is complete with Long Socks and Red Satin Shoes.


The heart design makes this flannel pj set perfect for Valentines -
but all the green can mark St. Pat's Day.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Ready for the Parade in jean shorts and St. Patrick's Day Tee.

EASTER SUNDAY


Ready for Church and Easter Egg Hunting!!

Two more ensembles I wanted to highlight is a Regency Era Dress and the Communion Dress now available at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes



See you next month, with (due to many, many request) more Steampunk, a dance costume, and a new period costume.   Remember you can follow CSBSEWS on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and get immediate notification of any new item available for purchase.

Happy Holidays,

Carolyn

Friday, January 6, 2012

Welcome 2012!!



I am excited about the New Year and all the possibilites ahead!!   

I have already started on the new spring line for 2012.   I will be creating new items for the store as quickly as possible over the next few weeks.  Here are two of the new ensembles now available at CSBSEWS Doll Clothes:

First, a lovely special occasion Victorian dress for Samantha:



Secondly, a lovely keepsake quality First Communion Dress, complete with Accessories for your Doll.

(Sold)

Finally, CSBSEWS has been featured in Karen's, Mom of Three, Craft Blog.   This is an amazing blog for every American Girl Doll Owner (and, blush, blush, she is featuring CSBSEWS this month.)


Carolyn