My new dolls for the new year!

So, I got home late last night from Miami (the new ladies were waiting) -- in my mailbox!

Here's a quick preview.

Don't know why the photo is so pixelated.  My bad.

Here are some more shots to make up for it.  Of course, these dolls are from the talented Andrea Meyer.  (Wild Flower Dolls).  I absolutely love the ethnicity (so absent from most doll lines) -- skin tones may differ, but most sculpts don't.

And, my favorite:

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Guess what? More new ones (coming in)

Yeah, I took the plunge (I still want-- I think-- 3 more).  They should be here soon........

These ones are a little different......

Once they are here, I'll post them.

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It was Agnes' turn

Agnes was next.  She sat waiting.  Finally, the lady from the Agency was ready to see her.

Agnes listened as she was told that she had good bone structure and good proportions.  She was then told that she wasn't particularly good looking, her feet were horrible and her hair was thin.

Her aunt commented "well, no one is perfect" then she sat by and just smiled.

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I was playing with the dolls today

I wanted to see what they would look like together.  Yesterday, it rained!  (I waited till the afternoon and the skies blackened and the rains came).

Greta sat with her mom listening to the woman from the modeling agency.  "Your torso is long, your arms are short, you've got cankles and your feet are too small, your chest is narrow... but I do like your face." "Too bad your hair isn't more of a blonde -- but we can change that."

Her mom:  Aren't you being a little hard on her?

Agent:  Not as hard as a client is going to be!

Agent:  I have all girls take off their shoes, then I measure them and inspect their feet!  I model has to take care of her feet!

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I don't think I shared this before... And since it is Boxing day...

Boxing day, the day after Christmas... I wondered what's the origin of that British holiday.  So, I looked it up on google.  Best description is on here:   What's Boxing day?

Now, that family has descended, I have to grab from my archives for my blog... no time for new photos.

Here's Agnes on her very first Magazine cover

Thanks to the doll boards for this little beauty.  I did this back in June when I took these photos of Agnes.  I had on my desktop but forgot about it.  I love this "program" that makes Magazine covers out of your photos.  In Agnes' backstory, she moves to New York and is an aspiring model.

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It's Christmas all over!

So, instead of the usual pictures of the girls opening gifts, they have decided to model the gifts from each other....

Agnes received the Louis Vuitton* headpiece that Madonna wore a few years back... (Greta found it at a resale shop) and so she also got her a body suit and the shoulder epaulets.  (can't remember if that was lady Gaga or Madonna).  Agnes (also shopped at a thrift store and) found a great dress and a pair of shoes for Greta.

Agnes isn't sure where she going to wear this....  and Greta is definitely getting rid of the hideous ornamentation on the waist of her dress.  Agnes looks on (wondering if that dress is just too short on Greta -- it would probably look better on me she thinks).

Agnes, being Agnes, decided to try it on.  Well....  it may not have looked too much better on her (but she thought it did).

I found both outfits (in one package) -- It is from the StarDoll line... Very interesting -- fashion forward stuff.   It came with another "tote" pocketbook which is clear and reminds me of Marc by Marc Jacobs. There's a faux Chanel jacket I like (but I'd have to buy the doll to get it) -- these came as clothes.

*Loved Terri Gold's blog talking about Louis Vuitton's head shoe designer being inspired by his fashion dolls.  I'm not sure which doll he is pictured with.  Is that Fashion Royalty?  I'm so ignorant when it comes to the latest fashion dolls.

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New Dolls!!

Yesterday I received a surprise in my mailbox!  I knew they were coming but with all the hub bub surrounding Christmas, I nearly forgot.  I have been eying these dolls for a long time.  I missed getting one on EBAY just before I ordered Greta.  (So, they have been "in the works" -- or at least in the back of my mind for a while).

I have to say, photos do not do justice to these dolls.  (As I want to continue blogging, I will have to learn to take better photos).

I wanted them for my Agnes backstory.   The "problem" with most dolls that they are either pre-pubesent, teens, or young women.  What happens when you want to tell a story with older or more mature women?  There really isn't anything out there.  How many times have I seen photo stories with the "mom" looking like the same age as the teen daughters? ;)

Before I forget, the artist is Andrea Meyer.  She's very talented and does lovely work.  I also love that she has dolls of various ethnicities.  Will definitely be ordering more dolls from her!

(I forgot, the ladies on either end are in Dress Maker Details, the one in the center is in Eaki)

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Here are the girls in their stage outfits!

So,  I'm strapped for cash (after purchasing Greta) -- but I did want to get some clothes.  I was in Walmart, in the Barbie section (best bang for my buck).   I saw some Disney outfits.  The Cinderella 2 pack -- for under $10 -- you get two dresses.  Very fancy for the price!  I may cut Agnes' and make it a cocktail length party dress.  But I had Christmas cards to send.....

In her back story, Agnes belongs to a local theater group.

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Time to stick to my knitting

This is purely figurative.  (as I can't knit).  I wish I could, but I found it difficult.

The point of this blog was to chronicle Agnes and her trials of obtaining a wardrobe.  So, I've been working on (forever) that dang Zuhair dress...  I had Agnes do a "fitting".  I'm re-motivated as I like the dress on (although it is far from completed).  I've been "fooling" around with photo editing.

Clearly that other dress has problems.... Agnes' is coming along nicely...

Through photo editing magic, it's now Agnes' turn to get fitted.

That dress has so much more work, it's not even funny.  Yikes.....

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My first "shopped" image

I did most of the editing, but I'll admit, I had help.  I'm trying to get the hang of it.  Old dog, new tricks.... see where this is going.

Greta and Agnes try to get some shopping done.

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My Girls on their way to a Christmas party

Agnes has graciously allowed Greta to wear one of her gowns!  Although their body types are very different, Greta seems to wear most things that fit Agnes...

Also, I'm learning how to evolve in editing....

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Looking back...

So, I found one of my original lists from a few months ago....

 1)  The Zuhair dress (dang dress)

  2)  Black Silk couture dress

  3)  Crazy blonde/yellow wig

  4)  Red pants

  5)  Antique lace skirt

  6)  Blue silk slip

  7)  Human hair wig

  8)  Eymeric dress

  9)  shoes

10)  leather pants off white

11)  denim cut off shorts

12)  purple lycra pants

13)  lace jacket

14)  nightie

15)  jewelry

16)  slippers

17)  alter the Volks shoes?

18)  Marie Antionette wig

19)  dread lock wig

Ad Hoc

Tutu outfit

skirt with graffiti print

I'm still working on the Cinderella carriage, the taupe dress, a leopard dress and that Zuhair dress.


GUESS WHAT???  More dollies are coming.... I'll post pictures as soon as they arrive.  I've been wanting dolls to correspond with the back story I'm writing for Agnes.  I found the perfect ones.  I was on a doll board and saw one of these beauties....  I may have to get some more even....

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Now for my magical xmas scene

This one is courtesy of my daughter.  She was "showing me" how to do it.  Her job would be a lot better, but I said "enough already" (I guess I'm not that picky).

The background is credited from  http://www.archithings.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Absolutely-Elegant-Arcadia-Home-Fireplace-588x392.jpg

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Now for trimming the tree

I took a picture of this same tree with Agnes earlier (the very next day, the tree fell over) -- Disaster.  Half the ornaments came off.  I've decided I want to learn how to photo shop.  Actually, I want to manipulate the photo so I can eliminate the stands and add in random backgrounds.  I've asked my daughter and she is going to "set me up" this weekend.  (right now, it's finals for her).  In the meantime.  Here is my unshopped stinky photo.

One day, I'll learn how to "fix" the photos and there will be no turning back!

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Here's her close up!

Not many dolls can take this kind of close up.  This is a testament to her artist's work.

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Variety is the spice of life (new doll)

So, the girls are getting along fabulously.  Agnes loaned her new friend a pair of her jeans (they fit -- surprising as they have completely different body shapes!)

Imagine their surprise when they figured out that they both have the same Jason Wu sweater!

And now....


For the big reveal....

I wanted to picture them together so you can get a feel for the differences.  The differences are too numerous to mention.  The only thing they have in common is that they are both porcelain and both 12".  Their wigs are removable.  That is where the similarities end.

Introducing Greta.  She is a 12" articulated bjd made of porcelain.  She is made by Maryna Skubenko.  I didn't do a box opening for Greta.  Unfortunately, my daughter has finals this week and said it would have to wait until after.  I couldn't wait..... days.........  I love Greta's face.  She is called flower girl.  She reminds me of Natalia Vodianova.  The lovely model.  Years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing her in Paris.  She is as lovely in person as she is in print.  (trust me when I say this is not always the case).

Without further ado,

Greta has very delicate features.  (Of course Agnes holds her own with her classic looks).

As soon as I'm close to finishing Agnes' wardrobe, I want to "shoot" a photo story.  There are a few new dolls on the horizon for this project!  I'm working on it.  ;)

I guess I'm in full dolly mode!

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Ok, I'm in full holiday swing

Which makes it hard to get photos for my posts.

Just a quick update.  As you know Agnes' friend is coming. Well SHE'S HERE!!!!!!

Now that I can have matching outfits, I decided to order some gowns so the girls can have matching ones.  I've ordered one white and one black.

I promise a quick shot by tomorrow.

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It's been dark here for two days!

It is really unusual when we get zero sun for two days in a row.  It hampers my photo taking ability (seeing as how I'm already "limited" even in the best of conditions, you can imagine bad weather in addition).

Her dress is off the internet, her wig is by me, her wreath is from the craft store.  The silver stuff is a cool coily thing that is for gift wrap.  It is super light weight.  The lighting misses the metallic of it.  

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Moving at lightning speed....

Well, perhaps not.  I have so many things on my plate these days.  I still want to make time for Agnes.  Here's the bodice minus the top part.  This section is fully lined.

P.S.  Agnes' friend should be here soon, she's in transit...  I spoke by email to her artist and I can't wait for her arrival...  She's one flexible little devil....  The suspense, I just can't wait (but I guess I will have to).

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So, here's some minimal progress....

You get a peek at the bottom half, here it is with the lining pinned to it.

I decided this was the best way to do this dress.  I'm debating whether I will line the very top or not.... I definitely want to line the lower portion so it looks finished.  I like the sheerness of the fabric, but think it looks "cheap" unlined.

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I've promised Agnes that she won't be ignored ....

I love Agnes' proportions and I think she will always be my "special muse" --

Here she is.  This is lining fabric.  I've marked up the lining (it's for a gown)....  I've completed the "bottom" of the gown I need to work on the top but I think I may have to do that by hand and then I have to see how I will fasten it.  I wanted a zipper (but I hate putting in zippers)....

I've got a bunch of unfinished projects.... I'm still working those (too).

As far as ignoring, my other doll's progress has been faster than I thought.  I was contacted two days ago that she is complete.  I just paid my final amount yesterday.

Funny, how life is... First I'm looking everywhere for a bjd that is 12" and can share Barbie/Fashion Royalty clothes.  Very few out there.  Agnes was a lark.  I never knew if she'd fit those fashions.  She seems to be better with Poppy Parker.  Anyway, now I find out that Leigh in Maine has released a doll (yesterday-- really... the day I pay the final amount for my upcoming doll, ironic), I talked (by email) to the doll's artist for the one I'm getting I think I'll have more info about her and the doll soon-- just clearing it with her first -- I guess I will always in the market for some more dolls.  Oh, I have 3 more that I want from one artist to complete a back story for Agnes that I'm writing.  Those are amazing sculpts too.  I'm star struck -- or perhaps just doll struck.

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So Agnes is not happy with me

She's not happy that I'm showing bits and drabs with her in various states of undress.

I'm trying out things (trying to put together a cohesive spring line).  I envisioned these pants differently.  I was hoping they would "flow" more.  Still trial and error.  The fabric was inexpensive and looked interesting to me -- I think I will try to pair this with a jacket maybe solid black.

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So, I realized I never got around to photographing the other gown (P)

Here it is:

It has like a taffeta feel to it.  I love this gown.  Gorgeous.  Photos could never do justice.   Again the materials are very nice.

The dress was made for the Fashion Royalty doll.  Agnes fits with a small adjustment!

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I saw on one of the doll boards

I noticed on one of the doll boards that there is a new "resin girl" in the works.  I can't wait to see her....

Ooooooohhhh,  ahhhhhhhhhhh....

To resin or not to resin that is the question.  I few years back, I had the most awful experience -- almost turned me off to bjds/ resin completely.  For the most part, I left DOA, just moved on...  It will be very difficult to convince me (or will it?) -- got to see the doll first.

Love the internet for this reason, you can learn so much about what's out there.  Before, unless you came across these dolls yourself, you had no way of seeing them.  I think the first bjd I saw, I was looking at some other doll and the person had this great dress that fit the doll only it was on a bjd.  My curiosity was peaked, I started doing some research on the web, the rest is history.  If I'm counting correctly, Agnes is my 5th bjd.  She is the only porcelain one (so far).

Suddenly, I feel like I want to be in the market, collecting again.

There is one thing I'd love to see....

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The mesh dress on

This dress was meant for Cannes in summer.  Agnes did not want photos -- especially without her wig!

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Guess who's coming (forever)

Agnes' new friend is due to arrive.  I think I will name her Greta (as she is already in the backstory that I have been writing for Agnes -- she will either be Greta or Inga).   To date, I think I've written about 60 pages.

So, I verbalized my desires a several weeks back for my birthday post -- I've been wanting a doll.  Not just any doll -- she needed to "fit" with Agnes.  This has been the hardest part.  There are so many wonderful dolls out there.  I've looked high and low, but I do want one that fits with Agnes.  I needed one that could fit with 1/6 scale, is strung with springs, has a removable wig, preferably porcelain, is a young woman (not a child)-- this turned out to be a very tall order.  Most of the dolls were 13+ inches -- clearly not 1/6 scale (if you consider 12" would be a 6' female -- 13" would be a 6'6" female) -- that's a lot of woman!  If she could wear ready made clothes.... It's a sale! :)

So, I took the plunge at the beginning of the November-- Now, I wait....

I'm going to try to talk my daughter into another box opening stop motion (that's going to be a tough sell).  I was thinking to the theme "I'm coming out" by Donna Summer.  Maybe I can talk her into it.  The only thing about the "live" photo taking is that I think you miss some of the oooohhhh and aaahhh of slowly removing the doll and seeing it for the first time.  But the flip side is you can relive it (so it's worth it to me).

Want to know who she is?....  Here's a bit of her...

Just a bit ...

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So, here's one of the gowns I purchased for Agnes

I've very happy with the gowns.  They look better in person (always a relief).  You really can't tell quality and workmanship from photos -- luckily these dresses score high on both fronts.

Is that called a Mermaid bottom?  It is a snug fitting gown.  You can't tell from my crappy photo, but there are small roses like ribbon roses, but not really, then there are layers of tulle in cascading tiers.

It was intended for a fashion royalty doll, but Agnes fits with a slight adjustment to the top.

There's another photo on Flickr under my user name Dollutional.

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