Featured Etsy Shop: Pippaloo & Giveaway!

- This giveaway has ended. Winners announced here. -

Today’s Etsy feature is going to be quite the treat! And I do mean treat, because today we’re featuring the incredibly talented food sculpting genius of the well-known Pippaloo, Teresa Ciappa in the flesh! Digital flesh! ^_^ And for an extra kick of fun, she has provided 2 fun giveaway food items for 2 lucky winners.

The interview is presented first, followed by a review of the giveaway foods, with the giveaway details at the end of the post.

~Interview with Teresa Ciappa of Pippaloo~

Lissie: RAAAAAWR!!!! RAAAAAAWWWWRRRRRR!!!!

Lilly: Lissie! Control yourself, the interview is starting!

Lissie: How can I have any control when food is involved? And especially when the food is from Pippaloo too!

Lilly: Welcome to our Etsy feature everyone! Lissie and I are thrilled –

Lissie: WRITHING IN ECSTASY!

Lilly: -to introduce everyone to the talented food sculptor of Pippaloo, Ms. Ciappa! Her beautiful pieces are known for looking incredibly realistic on top of their wonderful play value.

Lissie: Despite her fame, she is still mortal and only has 24 hours in the day. Her family comes first!

Lilly: That’s right Lissie. That’s why she only releases new items in the Pippaloo Etsy store once a month on the 15^th, and she doesn’t take custom orders on previous items she has created.

Lissie: All so she can make newer, deliciouser things for me!

Lilly: I don’t think that’s a word Lissie. Now try to restrain your glutinous urges and join me in welcoming Ms. Ciappa!

Lilly: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us and answer some questions Ms. Ciappa! My first question is how did you get started making AG scale doll food?

Pippaloo: It was sort of just a happenstance kinda thing, honestly. When my girls were a little younger (they are now 14 &10) we all loved collecting and playing with the dolls- and I found that the food was one of their main interests. So one afternoon I bought some clay and we just sort of started playing around. I think we made chocolate chip cookies. Those first batches look nothing like the ones I make today. But I was very intrigued with the idea of trying to make them look like the real thing. I knew I could improve upon them... and that is what really started the ball rolling.

Set of 5 Frosted Brownies with Sprinkles. Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lissie: Rolling… rolls… soft, warm, buttery rolls…

Lilly: Pssst! Lissie, stop fantasizing ask your question!

Lissie: What? Oh! Hahaha! I’m not salivating! Ahem, Ms. Ciappa, I shall ask you to divulge some state secrets. Can you tell us what is an everyday tool people wouldn’t think would be great for crafting doll food but is?

Pippaloo: Love this question! Rocks. Yes, rocks. I have shopped around my property for different kinds of rocks to use for texture. Also, when I'm in a store like Home Depot, for instance, I peruse the shelves with an eye for what might create an interesting texture.

Lissie: Rocks??? Rocks? I haven’t tried eating one yet, just dominatingly climbing them.

Lilly: For texturing, not eating, you hungry goose. Ms. Ciappa, who or what inspires your creativity? Do your daughters help you brainstorm or make the pieces?

Pippaloo: I get inspiration from so many sources- the internet, bake shops, clients, my girls, American Girl's books, grocery stores...really anywhere I go can be a potential source. My girls used to help, but they have moved on. I do ask my 10 yr old occasionally to hold something in her had so that I can gauge proper scale. I have to tell you that my girls have become a bit blase about the foods. They used to get wide eyed with excitement, but nothing seems to impress them anymore. They just take it for granted now that mommy can make "freakishly realistic" (quoting them here) doll sized food. Their friends come over and ooh and aah, asking questions galore, so I still get the occasional round of applause.

Pastel Rainbow Cake with 2 Slices. Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lissie: Yes, yes, yes, I can understand. Geniuses like us are never showered with the unending glory and adulation from those near us.

Lilly: …Why are you looking at me like that?

Lissie: Ah… the path of a genius is a lonely one. Now Ms. Ciappa, here is the pivotal question I need to know, do you have a favorite food type/group to create? What about historical vs. modern foods?

Pippaloo: I love to make sweets...my shop is generally heavier on the cookies, cakes and candy. There is a twofold reason for that: texturally they are easier to replicate, but also I'll take a piece of cake over a piece of meat any day (I'm a vegetarian).

Historical doll food can sometimes present a challenge. Most twentieth century foods are well documented with either photographs or detailed recipes. Foods from earlier eras are harder to pin down. Some bit of guesswork, legwork and sometimes, filling in of the blanks is required. I don't like rewriting history- I like working from a photograph to replicate an item, which leaves much of what our forefathers ate difficult to replicate, so as a result, off the table. This is due in part to just not having enough information- information about how an item was served or presented, what it was served in, how large the portions were, etc. I try very hard to strike a balance between historical accuracy and appealing to our 21st century sensibilities.

Lilly: My! I never thought of the challenges that could come with replicating historical food but I think you bring up a very good point.

Lissie: Jeez Lilly! She said the 3 C’s, cookies, cakes, and candy, and you focus on history?

Lilly: I think it’s fascinating to learn what the struggles with creating historical foods are.

Lissie: Not to my stomach.

Lilly: For our next question, would you mind sharing with us what is your favorite part of what you do? How about the least favorite?

Pippaloo: My favorite part, hands down, is setting up the scenes with the foods and photographing the dolls. If I just sat all day and made food and wasn't able to have it culminate in an end of the month photo shoot, I'm not sure I would still be doing this.

My least favorite part is having to turn clients away- and not being able to accommodate custom requests. I am only able to make a certain number of items each month. I always say I wish I could clone myself- then I could make dozens and dozens of everything, and no dolls would go hungry. :)

Set of 3 Hot Cross Buns. Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lilly: Our Big Person’s favorite thing to do with us is taking photos as well! She said she would be a lot richer and our wardrobe much smaller if she didn’t make photostories.

Lissie: Now how did you miss that part where Ms. Ciappa said the month culminates with a giant buffet? Do you see us getting buffets?

Lilly: I don’t think your ego needs any buffets Lissie.

Lissie: Don’t mind her Ms. Ciappa. We can expect a non genius to comprehend the glory of a buffet. My next question has to do with blockage and overcoming it.

Lilly: Lissie! Stop describing it like a colon.

Lissie: Do you ever get a creative block? If so how do you overcome it?

Pippaloo: I did, this past month, with my comfort foods theme. But I realized that I was just not connecting with my theme at all. Usually I am never short on ideas... just time. In the past, when I would get creative blocks with other mediums, I would always just step away from my project for a few days. Usually that helps.

Lilly: I think that’s a good strategy. Everyone needs to step away for a break when they get frustrated.

Lissie: I step forward when my mind is blocked! Forward to the cake stand!

Lilly: Is that were all the cake went? Our Big Person was in tears you know.

Lissie: Ah… discipline will be good for her arteries.

Lilly: Ms. Ciappa, your pieces are always so detailed and realistic that I can’t help but wonder how much time on average goes into a piece?

Pippaloo: Now, it really will depend on the item. But I will say that all items are accomplished in steps. So I never sit down, for say fifteen minutes, and out pops an item. Some foods have only one or two steps....some have seven or eight steps. This past month, for instance, the bowl of chili I made has about twelve steps that it required.

I have been toying with the idea for some time to take a menu item and follow its progress from start to finish on my blog, so that those with an interest can see the development process and how much time and effort is required. There have been plenty of past items that I invested time and material in that never came to pass because the end result was less than stellar. I should chronicle one of those items as well... someday when I have more time.

Carrot cake with 2 slices. Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lissie: That would be brilliant! The Pippaloo cooking channel! Aside from rainbows, sunshine, and rocks, what are you favorite mediums or materials to work with when creating food?

Pippaloo: Clay. I know that answer seems obvious, but I've never had as much fun creating as I do now with this type of clay.

Lissie: Huh. Clay. I guess that’s what gives the food that special, earthy kick.

Lilly: As busy as you are creating items for Pippaloo, what other doll related activities do you enjoy besides creating food for them?

Pippaloo: Years ago my husband and I built a large dollhouse and my girls and I spent a few years decorating and filling it with all it's various pieces and parts. And it is ever evolving. I've rearranged and repainted various rooms over the years. I have a dozen other room ideas just waiting in the wings.

I also enjoy sewing and designing for the dolls. I so wish I had enough time to also offer separates and outfits in my shop. Another one of those somedays!

Lilly: Yes, we’ve seen photos of the detailed, attic room you created for your Kit! That’s quite different from doll food but equally stimulating for the creative spirit.

Lissie: Ahem, Ms. Ciappa… Now I would never ask you to predict the future, but… can you give us a sneak peek at what’s coming up on the menu to be released on April 15th?

Pippaloo: Looking ahead for April, I will be making foods exclusively for American Girl's Grace. There will be authentic French pastries, breads, macarons... all foods from her stories. I was so excited when I first learned about Grace being a baker and having a food theme. Finally a modern doll with very specific foods tailored to her!

Adorable Bunny Cake! Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lissie: AHHHH!!! It sounds SO good! Lilly, hold me back before I time travel to April 15^th and indulge all my senses!

Lilly: Don’t worry, you don’t need me to do that. The laws of time and physics will do it for me. I’ve been wondering Ms. Ciappa, why do you release only a certain number of items once a month? It seems like Pippaloo has so many fans you would receive a lot of orders if you took custom requests and listed items when they are ready.

Pippaloo: Good question! When I first opened my shop I did take on custom requests and listed items randomly. However I soon became swamped with orders- so much so that I injured myself trying to keep up. Clearly my little fun side business was effecting my home life with my girls and my husband. So I made the decision that if I was going to continue with my shop, and keep it fun, that I would have to make some changes to the way I ran things. That is why I list all my items all at once, one day a month on a first come first served basis. It's not a perfect system- but I do feel it is fair to all those who are seeking the same items

Lilly: Thank you for explaining that to us! I’m so sorry to hear you hurt and exhausted yourself doing something that should have been fun. It makes sense now why you have decided to implement your policies. Before we end, do you have any advice or information you want to share with the readers?

Pippaloo: For those wanting to try your hand at making food for your dolls- I always advise- just have fun with it and don't worry about the result or how many mistakes you make or how much clay you waste. I've done all of the above. I still waste clay and make mistakes- but I am still having fun all the while. When it ceases to be fun, that's when I'll hang it up.

Lilly: Excellent advice! Now Lissie, go ahead and ask your one word bonus.

Lilly: … … … Lissie? Where did she go? You don’t think… She couldn’t have really warped to the future? Oh dear, I guess I’d better ask it instead. Ms. Ciappa, here is your 1 Word Bonus: Cake or Chips?

Pippaloo: Of course cake!

For those who celebrate Easter, make sure to pick up this adorable, sweets filled Easter Basket for your dolls! Will be released in her Etsy store March 15th.

Lilly: Thank you again on behalf of myself and Lissie, wherever she’s gotten to, for taking the time to come speak with us and answer some of our questions about Pippaloo. We are excited to see your March 15^th menu, and your plans for the April 15^th menu sound delicious. You can stay up to date with Pippaloo’s releases and get email reminders about the 15^th on her blog and these other links.

Etsy Store – https://www.etsy.com/shop/pippaloo

Blog – http://pippaloofordolls.blogspot.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pippaloo/159166210775230

Lilly: Let’s have one more round of applause for Ms. Ciappa! Now we’ll go to Cecile and Samantha who will review some lovely treats provided by Ms. Ciappa for the giveaway. Stay tuned as I try to find Lissie!

 ~Review~

Sam: While you are searching for Lissie, please see if you can find Cecile too Sawako Lilly! She was here earlier and so excited but I don’t know where she has gotten off to. It looks like I will be presenting the review on my own until she arrives.

 

Sam: From her delightful March menu, Ms. Ciappa has very generously sent us this set of 10 Girl Scout cookies to review and giveaway!

Sam: The cookies are handcrafted from clay and include 2 of each of the 5 types. They are nontoxic and full of delicious goodness!

Sam: Can you recognize the Thin Mint, Samoa, Tagalong, Do-si-do, and Trefoil cookies?

Sam: Here is a close up of the details on the front of the cookies.

Sam: Pippaloo’s cookies are thoroughly baked, just look at the back!

Sam: One of the lovely things I love about Pippaloo’s food is that none of it is clumped! Each cookie is individual and separate so you can maximize the play value for the food. Thought I would caution parents who are concerned about choking hazards for their children keep an eye on them while they play.

Sam: The cookies are perfectly scaled for dolls like myself, though perhaps Lissie would say any cookie smaller than Jupiter is too small.

Sam: Here is a comparison to some of the food that comes with American Girl sets including the petit fours from Samantha’s Party Treats, and the cakes and tartlets from Cecile & Marie-Grace’s Banquet Table. You can see the much higher level of detailing on Ms.Ciappa’s cookies. Food from American Girl comes clumped in clusters also. While this may be safer for the very young children, it takes away some of the fun from individual pieces.

Cecile: Samantha! J’arrive! I have arrived!

Sam: Cecile! Where have you been? I started the review without you.

Cecile: I am very sorry for being late. Mais regardez ça! Look here!

Sam: Oh how lovely! Chocolate bunnies! Where did you find them?

Cecile: This is why I was late. They were on our doorstep and someone told me a bunny left them for us so I tried to find le lapin, Mr. Bunny but he was not there. I do not understand why a bunny would leave bunnies. Is he trying to abandon his family? It does not seem very approprié, appropriate.

Sam: Goodness no Cecile! The Easter Bunny goes around and leaves chocolates for children, but I bet the Easter bunny who left these for us must be Ms. Ciappa!

Cecile: But I thought Ms. Ciappa is a Big Person?

Sam: Big People can be bunnies too Cecile. Now help me put these on a plate so everyone can see them.

Sam: It looks like these bunnies were also hand sculpted from nontoxic clay. They are so adorable!

Cecile: Oui! Look at the Mama bunny with her two baby bunnies.

Sam: The papa bunny must be a milk chocolate bunny.

Cecile: Why do you say so?

Sam: Because the mama bunny and one of the baby bunnies are white chocolate so the papa bunny must be milk chocolate since the other bunny is milk chocolate.

Cecile: Ah, but what if the milk chocolate gene is recessive? Or perhaps the milk chocolate bunny is adopted?

Sam: Goodness, I never thought so hard about chocolate bunny genealogy!

Cecile: Écoutez-moi, listen to me Samantha, how do you think the giant chocolate rabbit from American Girl’s Kit Candy Making set will compare?

Sam: Well let us compare them then. Here we go!

Sam: First off, the one from Kit’s candy making set is made from hard plastic, and you can see the seam running down the sides.

Cecile: C’est vrai, and the rabbit is hollow as well. It is a good thing Lissie is not here to see it or she would be furious at being tricked with a hollow chocolate rabbit.

Sam: There is clearly a size difference as well, but we do not need diabetes Cecile.

Cecile: Oui Samantha! While AG’s rabbit is also very nice, Pippaloo’s chocolate bunny family is the perfect size to enjoy and share.

Lissie: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam: AHHHHH!!!!!! Lissie!!! We must run Cecile!

Lissie: CHOCOLATE!!!! COOKIES!!!! FEED MEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Cecile: She is like une bête, a beast, who can smell sugar from miles away! No Lissie! You must not eat these!

Sam: Save yourself Cecile! She cannot hear reason when there are chocolates and cookies in front of her! 

Cecile: I must grab the plates and give them to Marie-Grace and Rebecca! Go! Go! Go!

Lissie: You can run… BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE SUGAR FROM ME! I WILL FIND YOU MY SWEETS!!! ALL PUN INTENDED!

~Giveaway~

MG: I wonder why Cecile et Samantha threw these plates at us and then ran away like that?

Lydia: Who knows? But we do not have time to find out now. We must present the giveaway, and this giveaway is extra special because there will be two winners, one who will receive the chocolate bunnies, and one who will receive the Girl Scout cookies, since not everyone celebrates Easter.

MG: C’est une bonne idée! That is a good idea. Please be sure you put in your comment which one you would like to be entered for, or if you would like to be entered for both. Keep in mind a person can only win one set though, in the case of a miraculous coincidence.

Lydia: The giveaway is open to all readers, including international readers, and free to enter, no purchase necessary. However, if you are under the age of 13, please ask your parents to enter for you.

MG: We almost forgot the most important part Lydia Charlotte! To enter the giveaway, please comment and tell us what your doll’s favorite food is and why?

Lydia: Make sure you put your name down with your comment. You can comment using the "Name/URL" option. Put your name in the "name" option and you can leave the URL part blank.

 

Lissie: I

Lissie: FOUND

Lissie: YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MG: Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

Lydia: Now we know why Cecile and Samantha were running! Help! HELP!!!!

Lissie: No one can save you now… stand back or be eaten!!!!

Lilly: What’s the mat- Oh no! Lissie! You musn’t!

Lydia: Do something Sawako Lilly! Or we won’t have anything to giveaway!

Cecile: We’re coming! Samantha you grab her other arm!

Sam: We must hold her back no matter what! Our reputation depends on it!

Lilly: Lissie, reach into your heart of hearts and find self-control!

MG: It is no good Sawako Lilly! How can she reach her heart of hearts if she must get past her mouth first? C’est impossible!

Lydia: Hurry and enter everyone! Or else these delicious treats will all be eaten! We can only hold her back for so long!

Lissie: GIVE ME THE SUGAR!!! RAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

- This giveaway has ended. Winners announced here. -

The giveaway will run from Mar. 9 - Mar. 19 (midnight Central USA time).

To enter:

Comment and tell us what your doll's favorite food is and why! (Make sure you specify which giveaway item you would like to be entered for, or if you would like to be entered for both.) 

For bonus entries:

Favorite Pippaloo's Etsy store. (include username in comment for verification)

"Like" Pippaloo on Facebook (click here to go to the page) (include username in comment for verification)
"Like" Lissie & Lilly on Facebook (click here to go to the page) (include username in comment for verification)
Follow/Google+ Pippaloo's Blog. (If you are already a follower/google+, just comment with your account. ^_^)

Follow/Google+ this blog. (If you are already a follower/google+, just comment with your account. ^_^)

Share about this giveaway on social media (Facebook, Your Blog, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Google+, Pintrest, other forums, etc.) - Be sure to include the link(s) to your post(s) in your comment so we can verify where you shared. 

*max 9 additional entries*

The winners will be announced in 2 weeks on Friday, March 20th on this post, so check back then! ^_^

*Note: I want to stress that Pippaloo releases all their items on the 15th of each month and they usually sell out within the first day. If you would like an email reminder for the item releases, please visit Pippaloo's blog and join the mailing list. Pippaloo does not take custom orders on past menu items.*

- This giveaway has ended. Winners announced here. -