My creative juices are on overload

I want to make a petal dress.... All with the same genre of the peacock and the yellow one.

I ordered some peacock feathers today... Hope it doesn't take forever to get them.  I read on line you can get them in the flower district in NY...

Here's part of the petal dress stuff:

Pink Tulle, and large petals.

These are pink silk rose petals.

stay tuned for my sketch.

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There I was, quietly sewing when

I turned and saw Adriana in one of Agnes' gowns.  According to her she just wanted to see if it'd fit...  OOOOhhhh.  Agnes is normally easy going, but this Adriana is getting on her nerve...

She said shhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

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I never have any time....

A very sweet forum member recently sent me a pattern so I want to get to trying that.... I need to have some solid time to block out for that (I need to concentrate when I'm using a pattern -- I think that's why I don't often get around to making things with patterns).  -- I love patterns though and collect them.

Everyday has been like a whirlwind lately... My mom is very ill, my daughter is waiting to hear from colleges, my other daughter is going to be in the UK soon....  I feel like a one armed juggler. ;)

I was playing around with this fabric as it reminds me of the palm beach set that I saw somewhere????  I always wanted to make some type of caftan with it.  I'm thinking maybe some beads added to it???  I'm going to finish whipping this up (hopefully tonight).

This is my "down time".  I find so little time that I really cherish each free moment.  Here is Adriana in her soon to be Palm Beach caftan.  I'm thinking I would love to take her over to Palm Beach and do a photo shoot of her there....

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There are so many things I want (to do)

I've been procrastinating about making Agnes a sweater.  Then I was on the boards yesterday I saw some really nice ones.  Note to self -- must order Agnes a sweater from Cozy couture.  I just don't have the time (or patience to try to make one).  I really want to make a feather bottom dress.  What you ask.... well.... I've been seeing in the human world all these designs that seem to use feathers as the skirt section and the bodice is some thing else.  I bought some YELLOW (that's right yellow) feathers and I want to try to make an "out there" type dress.  I can't decide what to for the bodice.

The sequins are on a stretchy mesh/tulle like material.


Then I started sketching (truly rough sketches -- I can't draw) and I decided I want to make a peacock dress.  I think the top should be either silk, velvet, or possible mesh (heavily beaded into the scalloped shape of feathers.  The bottom should be mesh with peacock feather "eyes" arranged in a pattern around to form the skirt.....  Must get on to buying some peacock feathers.  I looked through my "stash"  -- need a whole lot more... I'm thinking the 50 pieces may not be too bad of an idea.  Maybe a gown....

I've got this rosette piece I got in NYC and I'm going to use that for the hat! (top left corner)

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So, just when I thought I was finished

I kept looking at the dress and feeling it needs something....  Then it dawned on me to add some flat back austrian crystals.  I like it even better.

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Finally! Ode to Zuhair Murad Finished

I'm not sure what I did wrong... the photo looks pixelated and the silver isn't showing up on the skirt (Let me assure you, it's there!)

In 2009, Miley Cyrus wore a dress to the Oscars that was said to look like Glinda the good witch.   Critics were not very kind.  Further, it was said that the dress resembled a 1949 Dior dress (that was darker, but had essentially the same type of work on the skirt).  Google Miley Cyrus Zuhair Murad 1949 Dior and you will see the comparison.   This is kind of funny because I was thinking that the sheerness of the dress does remind me of the Dior line this year (they are using embroidery)-- but that airy feel does give it a Dior feel.

This was a tribute to that very dress (It is not a copy of the dress -- I just liked the elements).  Lots of cutting, stitching, gluing and glitter later -- the photo does not do justice (my photos never do).  I do love this dress but it was TIME consuming.  I started it back in August of last year and I just never thought it would be completed.

It started off with 10 tiers of fabric scalloped using a scalloped pinking shear.  I made a template and hand cut each tier.  I then made an under skirt.    I attached each tier following lines I had basted onto the under skirt.  Once they were all attached, it was time to decorate.  I then added 4 colors of sparkle glitter (extra fine) .  Black, White, Clear/crystal, and silver.

The next photo (although slightly out of focus) -- does show the silver detail a little better.

Thank goodness this is over.....

(on to the next one ;) )

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I have been working on this.... Honest....

It hardly looks like anything is getting done, but trust me, I've been working on it each day.  It takes time to isolate each tier, add glue, add glitter (this is the long part)-- wait for it to dry.  Add more glue add another color of glitter, allow to dry -- remove the liner -- start next row.  It is a bit tedious.  I just want it to end.....

Agnes frazzled after a long night of fittings!

Where's your skirt I ask???????  Still in production!!!!!!!

Lastly???

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Was cleaning up and came across this box...

In the box was a chair I had purchased a while back (I have a thing for chairs).  It fits Adriana perfectly.  I had Agnes on it, but it wasn't quite the right fit.

Of course I had to take quick snaps of her on the chair...

Then, I wanted one of her face....

The good news is I had a little free time and I've been working (diligently) on the Zuhair dress.  It reminds me of one of the Dior collections.  Dior uses embroidery, I used glitter, but the airy sheer nature of the fabric is what is similar.

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Something funny.....

Now, there must a reason that one is drawn to certain dolls.  And I know that Greta  ( for me ) was purchased because of her beautiful face.  I thought it was funny that Iphoto has a function that names faces.  (In other words when I first put in Greta (for instance) -- I name her in Iphoto -- and in subsequent photos, Iphoto will ask "Is this Greta?"  -- it usually is and I would just click yes.  Yesterday, when I uploaded one of Adriana's photos -- Iphoto asked "Is this Greta?" -- Now, I don't think I saw too much resemblance between the two, but I do think Greta reminds me of a young Natalia Vodianova and Adriana reminds me of Natalia as she got older.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Greta's name was "flower girl" and her artist is Russian Maryna S.  -- It is known that Natalia was discovered while selling flowers.  Also, I'm not certain about Adriana, but I remember when Nune (Adriana's artist) first sculpted a doll I thought had an uncanny resemblance to Natalia and I did ask him and he agreed.

If you have the time and the energy take a look at photos of Natalia on Google.  Then compare the old photos of her (when she was young) with:

and the more recent ones with

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So, I try to better my blog (and my skills)

I find I have so little time, but I do try.  I was at the library with my daughter a few days back, as she searched, I also did and I found something of interest to me.

Try as I might in Iphoto, I could not get the "flipped" picture to appear here!!!!

Tired of wasting time trying.

What I like best about this book is the actual runway fashions they show and the technique for making...

I was under the impression that couture was done by hand, (not according to this book) -- I'm sure I heard that somewhere.  I think the term couture has lost some of its meaning. ....

Still; interesting book (I might even try to buy a copy) ...

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Look what I found at the craft store in the jewelry section

I was at the store killing some time, when I saw these:

They kind of look like abalone to me, but they are fresh water pearls.

This was taken indoors and the flash made them look coppery

I marched outside, only to find the sun was so bright that it again looked coppery??????  Go figure.

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Since the sun was out, I took advantage!

It was a lovely day,  I took some more photos of Adriana.  That's it for now....  I'll get back to taking photos etc once I've worked on some clothes for Agnes...


Here's Adriana:

More of her on my Flickr

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Much to my surprise.... (& Happy Valentine's Day)

Adriana is able to wear some of Agnes' dresses??? How is this possible.  Adriana looks like a giant next to Agnes....  Maybe a lot of her length is in her legs, because the proportions don't look too far off.

I have some family obligations (life always gets in the way) -- Unless I'd be finishing Agnes' dresses... and taking more photos.

Happy Valentine's day:  May you find your true love!!!

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Busy weekend....

I didn't get much on the dolly front done, but here are some new fabrics (stretch lycra like).

Although I shot this outside, it was a dark day and the flash distorted the color.  The actual color is sort of a yellow.  This looks more like an animal print in the photo.

The next one really got washed out with the flash.  The actual color is a dark wine color, this looks more pinky here. Looks like it is magenta, it's not.  Its dark with a black "wash" to it.

Want to make some really cool casual wear.

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Last Sunday, the sun came out.... Finally

It had been 4 or 5 days of straight cloudy/rainy days...

So, I took a couple more snaps of Adriana.  She is a very beautiful doll.  (If you missed it, she's by artist Nune and she is an Immortal Classique)

This is the original costume she came with.  The workmanship is beautiful.

My photos don't capture her beauty.

Her eye color is AMAZING.

My question (to myself) where was Nune when Sybs were being thought up/created?  Everyone wanted an alternative to Tonner's Tyler -- a fashion doll -- hence the sybarites were born.    Instead of the mostly masculine faces, there could have been actual copies of models....  This is the next iteration.

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Don't know why I didn't think of this before

I just thought hmmm can I post to my blog from my phone. Here's the test. Can't seem to get a photo uploaded though.

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Ok, I'm gaining (a bit of momentum)

I finished the white glitter.... still to go.... silver and then crystal........  I can't wait really.

check out my new background.  I call it kaleidoscope.

The end is in sight (sort of).

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Shame on me for posting such rotten photos!

 

Here's a photo of Adriana (in an antique hankie)  with her ankles still wrapped in bubble plastic.

I couldn't seem to get a close up of her face.... here's my attempt.  It is a very dark and rainy day here

She's just out of focus!!!!!!!!!!  Drat.  I want to show her eyes!!  The art work is magnificent.

Her skin is very pale.  Similar to Agnes's.  She's bigger than Agnes and Greta.... I really can't decide.  I thought I preferred the 12" size, now I'm having second thoughts about that Coco Chanel doll I saw...

Agnes will always be my first love.  Her smooth bisque, her beautiful hands, her smug expression, (you get the idea)....

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So.... the suspense may be killing you....

I was so enthralled.... almost didn't get a chance to post this.....  She arrived yesterday.  May I say I'm very pleasantly surprised.  The faceup on this doll is amazing.  A testament to the artist.

Her name is Adriana, her artist's name is Nune.  I had followed Nune's work on another Forum.  He has certainly outdone himself.

Here's a tiny peek.  I wanted another stop motion animation to welcome her, but it was not to be.  I do have a box opening video though...  I'll have to edit it and post it with some music to youtube ;)

I need to take better photos (in daylight)  All I have is my crappy camera and it's late at night.

It arrived earlier today from Thailand via FedEx!

I opened the box and saw a lot of thai writing.

Then I moved some of the newspaper and saw the stand.

It is a very elaborate silver metal stand with blue stones set in filagree work on the base.

She came with 2 wigs, but this one is by far my favorite as it is very unique and has a Jean Paul Gautier or maybe even Alexander McQueen like quality to it.

The eyes on this doll are amazing.  I did not capture that in this photo.  The wig is made of feathers!

She is porcelain, ball jointed, strung with springs and approximately 13.5" tall which makes her a bit of hybrid.  She's not quite 1/6 or 1/4 scale.  The good news is there is a doll out that is 13" and is commercially available so I'm hoping her clothes will fit.  Mostly I will be making her clothes.  I wanted to use this doll to make elaborate pageant type dresses for, but as I see her, I'm not "feeling it"....  I can imagine gowns but not really couture....  I'll definitely have more of her for you to see (Agnes is getting jealous though).

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Yesterday....

I went for a walk on the beach with my daughter.  We collected coral bits together.  Here's a look at what we got (for my coral crown and throne).... (that is a standard size paper towel)

Ohhhhhhhhhh!  That's the door---- fedEX!!!!!!!!  More tomorrow!

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So, I have some new ideas...

For dresses I want to make.  I am very inspired by the couture designers.  Both for humans and doll designers.  So much talent out there.  I've been told that my latest doll has shipped.  (I remember seeing a doll that was Coco Chanel -- and wanting her -- I was hesitant due to her size... -- but now, I'm not sure if that should deter me).

I'll see.  I really would LOVE a standard sized doll, 1/6 or 1/4 scale..... but dolls beckon...

Still on that same dress!!!!  I don't even want to post a picture (lack of visible progress).  Today, my mom asked me if it were a bridal gown.... No, but I feel like I've spent as much time as if it were ;)

But I did get some fabric today.....  It's a dusty gray/blue.  I draped it on Mandy...

I also got some black.  Here's Sandy....

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Monday, Monday.....

I have worked on this trust me.  I can only do 5 flounces at a time.  Then they have to dry.  Then I have to dust off the excess and move the aluminum foil over to the next 5...  Time consuming.

I think I've done two rows since my last post (abysmal).

At this rate, I'll be lucky if I finish by Valentines day!

I think my new doll gets shipped today....  You'll get all the juicy details when she arrives!!  So excited.

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So, although I've been working...

My progress feels (and appears) very slow.

I realize I have 5 and a half more rows to add white glitter to (not to mention silver is the next step)...

I'm plodding ahead -- although even I can't really tell.

I wish I had more time (I suppose everyone does -- wish that!)

Here's some glitter on the bodice.  Still working on the skirt...

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So, I caved and bought some more glitter

The problem is although it is called superfine -- it is not as fine as the other stuff......  I'll have to make due.

Somehow, some of the white glitter is actually opalescent (has greens and pink hues) in with the white.  I didn't use opalescent for the first tiers so I need to be consistent.  Murphy's law.  I went and started working on the glue of the white glitter and viola found the original glitter.... Figures.  I would have been looking until the cows come home had I not bought more glitter.

So, here's where I am....

Each large white dot (the size of a sequin) -- is glue dabbed on, spread out into a circular blob, then sprinkled with glitter.  Time consuming.

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Hand beaded....

I hand beaded this fabric years ago....  never finished.  But I thought I would drape it on Mandy (the mannequin) and see if anything came to mind.

Here's a close up, the beads aren't finished.... Nothing seems to be around here :)

Simple glass seed beads added.

My crappy photography doesn't really show them....

One day, I'll take some time (and maybe a class) to learn how to best photograph these things.

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So, while I search for the glitter....

I came across some beautiful silk fabric I got years ago.  I didn't know what to do with it as it was antique nor was it modern (really).  I think it may make a nice little cocktail dress for Agnes.  I can't decide if I should try for a gown or just go for the cocktail dress.  I have enough fabric, it is just a matter of piecing it together.... Not sure how it will look pieced, maybe I should piece it on a mesh.

I draped it on Agnes (and it is very pretty in person) -- it has tiny cut glass beads (what looks like dots in my photos) and some machine embroidery.

The flash washed out the darkness of the navy and also Agnes' face.

It is so sheer.  The bottom is lined.

Decisions, Decisions.....


P.S. Plunge taken.  I'm on my way to my third custom doll (as of yesterday).  This is an addiction people.

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