Leaving eBay

I really can't believe it... eBay is eliminating template designers!

Effective March 31st, eBay will prohibit the sale of digitally-delivered items in auctions, fixed-price and store listing formats. The only way to sell my templates, about me pages, storefronts and logos will be through eBay's classified ads. The cost for this is $9.95 per item a month.

I was aware that eBay was trying to eliminate "small" sellers with new policies ever since the new CEO started there, replacing Meg Whitman. However, I had no idea that they would eliminate my business! Not only does this new policy eliminate template designers like myself, but it also affects eBook sellers, collage designers, etc.

It's all so shady. This latest policy is proof to me that eBay is systematically eliminating artists, designers, and non-Power Sellers in general from their site. My personal belief is that they want to turn their site into a corporate mall.

It's so unfortunate! I loved ebay from the beginning because it was a portal for me to find little trinkets and bargains. Then I discovered the many artists who sold custom boutique clothing, art, and many other wonderful, one of a kind things.

When I opened my eBay store and began selling my own designs, I met so many interesting people and gained exposure for my business. However, the time has come for me to leave eBay. I will continue to host all of the template graphics that I have sold in the past, but I will no longer offer new designs on my website. I will still offer matching ebay items for clients who purchase websites.

If you would like to purchase any of my templates before they are gone for good (eBay will remove my listings on March 31st), visit my store.

I will miss eBay, and I hope that people will still find me through my website.

~ Kelly

Finally... new designs!

March is just chugging along and Lil' Dolly is too! I have finally added three new one-of-a-kind designs on my website. All new ooak websites include a free homepage graphic to use with your picture or photo. It's a really good way to get a cohesive first-impression and coordinate your products within the design.


This first new site is called "Modern Chinoiserie." It features a bold color combination with a classic chinoiserie theme. I love the colors and the contrast of this website. This design also has rollover images in the top navigation.

Fun, fun and fun! This next ooak site is called "Crazy Squares," and you can see why! Crazy Squares uses my favorite color combinations of pinks and aquas with some lime green and orange
for fun (hey, why not?!) and some new funky fonts. A new take on those cool atomic 50s patterns, this web site is sure to make your business memorable.

And finally, we have this soft and sweet shabby beach design for all of you shabby cottage chic gals out there. Shabby Cottage Beach Chic features soft colors, lots of texture and vintage seashells. A little bit of lattice is the icing on the cake!


So if you've been waiting to purchase a Lil' Dolly design or you have a friend who is looking for a unique web site, now is the time! These designs can be ready to go within a few days and won't break the bank! Thank you for looking!

~ Kelly

My Portfolio

I have finally updated my portfolio! I will be adding more over the next couple of weeks so please check back often for updates.

Frame Love

My latest website, Frame Love truly is a work of art!

Owner and artist Babette and I worked very hard to translate her vision to the web. Babette's idea was to have her website appear as if someone had opened an old trunk in an attic and found a vintage advertisement inside.

I worked with materials I found around my own home, Babette's frames and even scraps of paper to create this look. It took several attempts, but when I came up with this design, both Babette and I were happy and knew we had gotten it just right!

Babette is an artist who creates beautiful, one of a kind wooden frames. I have no doubt that you will find something wonderful and unique on her new web site, frame-love.com.

~ Kelly

Useful Articles

I've added a new feature to my web site called Articles. This section will feature different articles written and researched by me, based on questions I get over and over from artists and small business owners who come to me for help with their web sites.

If you have a topic that you would like me to write an article about, please leave me a comment here on my blog or contact me through my web site. I'm very open to suggestions. I hope you will find these articles useful.

The first article is about the importance of a good web site for your business.

Why is professional web site design so important?
Nine times out of ten, your web site is your potential customer's first look at your business. How your business is perceived is directly related to the quality, efficiency and appearance of your web site. Frustrated users may leave your site before even viewing your products!
Read more...

~ Kelly

Jack-a-Doo

So, I had to post this picture right away to prove that I don't play favorites with my children!

We have been happy to have some nice spring weather this week and were able to take many walks down to the neighborhood pond. I love North Carolina! After spending a couple of years in Boston, you have to appreciate spring weather in March! My first "spring" in Massachusetts felt like a seasonal jet lag. I remember being absolutely astonished at snow in April. Just too cold for my bones!

Ahhh, but I digress... this is a picture I took just this week. Jack loved sitting in the grass and immediately tried to eat the pine needles. This little guy is always eating! Fun fact - he can eat a whole banana in one minute and then yell for more. His regular breakfast is an english muffin and two bananas. Proof that he really is a little monkey!

~ Kelly

Bowls-n-Annies

Here is my latest website, Bowls-n-Annies. I was so happy when De contacted me to re-design her website. She makes THE CUTEST annie rag dolls and her husband makes hand turned wooden bowls.

De left most of the design up to me, but was specific on the look and feel she wanted for her web site: vintage without being old, cute without being floral and bright without being gaudy.

I do think we accomplished all of that and I am very pleased that she is in love with her new web site. I love happy customers!

De was a real joy to work with and now I am happy to call her my friend.

Please be sure to visit Bowls-n-Annies and have a look at her wonderful dolls. Beware, you will fall in love and have to purchase one if not for yourself, for a special lil' girl you know!

I can say with 100% honesty that her Annie dolls are spectacular - adorable, high-quality and lovable! Anya has named her's Anna-belle and she is her new best friend!

I am going to have to post a picture of my lil' guy, Jack-a-doo, today because the only pics I have on my blog to date are of Anya.... oops! I do have tons of Jack but, he's my second and as you moms out there know, we don't take nearly as many pictures of our seconds as we do our firsts!

~ Kelly

First Day of School

Today was my little sweeetheart's first day of preschool.... *sigh*...

Anya was so excited she couldn't wait to get out the door. When I picked up her up this afternoon I was relieved that she was actually ready to come home. She was so tired though. She fell asleep almost as soon as we got home.

As my friend and client Tee pointed out to me, the next thing I know she'll be getting ready to go off to college like her little girl. Where does the time go?

~ Kelly

Southern Country Cottage

This has been a very hectic week for Lil' Dolly, but also a very exciting one as we wrap up several designs!

The first of which is Southern Country Cottage for a wonderful lady who has quite the eye for vintage chic, cottage, beach chic, paris chic and even farmhouse home decor! Stop in and see Jana at her Southern Country Cottage for eclectic finds and great decorating advice. She's one of Lil' Dolly's favorite people and a joy to work with!

~ Kelly