In a far off land, there lived a girl who loved to make beautiful things. This far off land was lovely, filled with culture, architecture, and mouth-watering tasty treats. The girl made the dearest of friends and together they shared a life filled with sweet laughter and cherished moments. Everyday moments of learning to cook something new, spending the afternoon wandering around a charming old town, or simply allowing the little ones to play while they sipped coffee discussing matters of the heart. It was here, in this far off land, that they shared the precious moments of celebration for a new birth or a beloved child’s birthday.

The girl wanted desperately to make beautiful and meaningful gifts for these special occasions. She wanted the time in this far off land to be remembered fondly and began the quest for the perfect toy. She searched high and low, but found nothing that would be meaningful, unique, and familiar all at the same time. What was she to do?

Create something, of course! With a couple (or 3) children of her own, she paid attention to what they loved. What was cherished and what was left to be forgotten at the bottom of the toy pile. Finally she realized that it was the soft toys, the baby dolls and stuffed animals that always found their way into a child’s embrace and were tucked snuggly under a little arm at the end of a long day.

So the girl got to work. She cut and sewed and stuffed. She ripped it all apart and started again. Cutting, sewing, and stuffing, until at last, all was right. She was pleased with her handiwork and began to wonder how to include the meaning and familiarity she wanted her gift to provide.

Once again she observed her own children. What was familiar to them? What did they connect with through laughter and questions? What made their eyes sparkle with the realization that “that’s just like me!”? The answer came with the millionth time she heard “Will you read me this story?” It was through the well-worn pages that they bonded with story book friends. They laughed when Olivia dressed up as a warthog and recognized the jumpy elephant was just like them.

The girl in this far off land made handmade dolls inspired by childrens’ books. She finds the stories that are familiar, classics that span through every childhood, and that offer a glimpse into the lives of precious little ones. She set out to make beautiful and meaningful gifts, and so begins the story of bb&j.

I would love to connect with you! And there are so many ways!
My Home: www.bbandjhandmade.com
Life and behind the scenes (AKA Instagram): @bbandjhandmade
Straight shot (my email): bbandj [!at] zoho.com