Queensland Flood Appeal Dolly Drive

Meet Eric and Esme

At the end of last year you may have read on my blog, that I had used the simple dolly template on the Dolly Donations website to make six dolls.

Two were posted on to the South Pacific by Operation Christmas Child. You can read more here. Four were sent to Haiti. You can read more here.

I made Eric and Esme for my own children for Christmas. You are right, they did not need more toys, but they were given for an entirely different reason. To encourage talk and acknowledgment of other children and other communities, in less fortunate circumstances. They have done their job well.

But I now have a new job for them. They will be the face of the Queensland Flood Appeal Dolly Drive. Yes, I am hosting a Dolly Drive.

So, what do I ask of you?

• I would like you to make a doll or soft toy. You can use the simple pattern on the Dolly Donations website or another if you prefer. Make a doll, make an owl, make a robot. Make one, make five. Make it simple, make it detailed. It's totally up to you. If you have never made a doll or soft toy before, I urge you to try. There are loads of tips of the Dolly Donations website, plus many more on the internet.

• At the moment I am giving a temporary close date of the 18th March. As we are still at the centre of this crisis, I am not sure where the dolls will be sent, but I thought it was best to start the drive now. That way more dolls can be made.

• If you want to be part of the Dolly Drive, please let me know and I can add your name to our Dolly Drive list. For every person who puts their hand up, another, may be inspired.

• Once your doll is made, please contact me via e-mail

• Please add one or both of my 'Queensland Flood Appeal Dolly Drive buttons' (found in my sidebar) to your own blog. Help spread the word.

If you have any ideas of where or how we can deliver the toys to new owners in need, please let me know. I had thought, perhaps a daycare or kindy that may have been affected? But I really need your help on this. Any contacts would be greatly appreciated.

Please help me put a smile on some little faces. So many families are and will be facing such hardships. A little bit of crafting is the least we can do.

Take some time to have a look at Sarah's Blog, showing many other dolly drives around the world. It's so very inspiring.

Please don't forget that the Queensland Flood Appeal Auction starts here on Monday 17th January. A master list of other crafty auctioneers can be found here.