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Our Story

Little Darling models

KD_AlpinePaisley
Noelle_IslandBeauty
Josie_LilTexasRose
Finnleigh_MeadowOfViolets
K.D. Noelle Josie Finnleigh

 

Cricket_IslandGardenias
Misti_SummertimeBeauty
Emmaleine_LittleOwlet
Cricket Misit Emmaleine

 

 

BJD Models

Jilly_SpiderWebs
Aeryn_SpringWildflower
Katia_ChristmasScottie
Jilly Aeryn Katia

Custom creations for Little Darlings...

Darling Lil' Bee logoThe story of Darling Lil' Bee actually starts much earlier and with the previous launch of another doll clothing brand, Cupcake Cutie Pie.

My mother, Jackie, instilled in me at a very young age the love of dolls and their world of accessories and beautiful ensembles. She lovingly made the clothing that my dolls wore using quality material, snaps, buttons and zippers to ensure they would become our own family heirlooms in time.

When I was blessed with my own daughter in 1998, I too found the calling to create wardrobes for my little girl's dolls. Disappointed with the declining quality of mass produced doll clothing, I decided to start making them myself. Enter my first sewing machine, a gift from my mom. That sewing machine traveled with me all over the US and Germany inspiring classic and modern doll creations.

Fast forward 10 years later to 2008 and the creation of Cupcake Cutie Pie as a brand. Due to overwhelming requests and glowing compliments, my mom and I endeavored to start our own business making beautiful American Girl and Bitty Baby creations for others outside our family. We decided at that time that our creations should be unique to each customer and so the idea of one of a kind doll clothing was established.

Since then we have created new designs unique to our brand alone and receive custom requests on a regular basis for unique outfits or character look a likes. We believe that quality materials and fastening methods will ensure these items become family heirlooms for new families and their dolls. In 2014 we released our first two 18" doll patterns commissioned by Simplicity patterns numbered 1486 and 1220. 2015 saw three more pattern releases for Simplicity 8070, 8071 and 1089. Simplicity again released a Cupcake Cutie Pie design in 2018 with our first Wellie Wisher pattern.

2014 also started my interest in Dianna Effner's hand painted Little Darlings dolls. I had seen these little lovelies on pinterest and finally discovered where they came from. I knew I had to have one for my own and once I received her in late 2014 the inspiration bug struck again. I work simultaneously on both clothing lines and find that one will inspire creativity in the other. As with all my creations, one of a kind ensembles are my trademark to ensure that everyone will always have a unique and custom wardrobe for their little doll. My passion for creative doll design has continued to expand into the world of BJD with two 45cm Liz Frost girls, 1 45cm Kaye Wiggs and two 33cm Liz Frost beauties.

As a mother I understand the importance of dolls to all of our little girls and their creative and nurturing instincts. As a collector I value the desire to cherish memories from our own childhood and to forever hold a piece of beauty and workmanship embodied in dolls. As a business, I strive to create quality ensembles that stand the test of time to become your own treasures.