Black swan, white swan? Not exactly

I've been very drawn (there is a family wedding coming up next summer) -- to the idea of a bride's gown...

That said -- I'm thinking one gown in off-white and one in BLACK...

I want to incorporate antique lace into the off-white one.

Many, many years ago I attended a wedding that the bride's maids wore black.  At first,  I thought black? really?  But it was gorgeous.  The bodice was silk velvet and the skirt was silk taffeta.  Probably the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended.

So, I was thinking black bride's maids... then, I thought what about bridal gowns in off-white and then one in black.  I'm sure some one has gotten married in black -- it just isn't very popular.

Here's a link:

http://www.bestbride101.com/dramatic-looks-of-10-styles-for-black-wedding-dresses/

My Popovy Sister's doll will be the muse.

I'm thinking of this for the camisole...

I will rummage through my lace to find something suitable for the bodice.

As for the black.  Took a trip to the fabric store, black mesh (5 types), black silk and black brocade, black beads, just need black buttons, and black hooks.

I want to make the back of the bodice out of a black mesh/illusion -- haven't decided style or anything else as yet...

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Realize I've been neglecting my dolls

Looked back on my Flickr and all but forgot some of the dolls/outfits!

Felt inspired.  Took out my Popovy doll -- poor thing...  Never did get a proper wig for her.

Put on an old wig, it is too big for her but I get the idea...

This weekend I have some free time (Yipee) -- I plan on working on making xmas gifts (and) work on an outfit for this doll.

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Most exciting news....

Well, I got two emails this past week.

Dust of Dolls -- new dolls cuter than ever. http://dustofdolls.com/en/  I want one to "travel with" -- I thought it would be cute to do an expose with traveling with a tiny doll and photographing her wherever I went.  I'll have to think on that only because.... the other email.....

The amazing one has been that I've been on  a waiting list and my turn has COME!!!!!!!!!!  I'm so excited I could scream.  I've spent the morning perusing the pricelist -- trying to make sense of -- what costs what -- I have to control myself -- I want it all!!!!!!  (of course I can't afford it all) -- but I want to make just the right decision with just the right options AND then try to get it down within a reasonable amount.

Oh, what company you ask??? -- I'm going to let it be a surprise and unveil the doll here!  Hint -- it's the only doll I would spend this kind of money on...  Love these dolls....

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Popovy sister!!! New

Price list for Pupa came out today.  Love, love, love their work.  So amazing.  www.popovy-dolls.com

I'm still hoping that when my name comes up I have enough for a doll and at least one "costume" -- 
definitely some shoes.  

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I think this was thoughtful

I saw where Emilia Couture asked their constituents whether it would be better to release their fashion now or if they should wait (until after Christmas) -- I thought that was cute.  I think all their stuff usually sells out right away so maybe that is why -- they want the timing to be right.

I wish I had Dolly dollars available.....  hmmmm...... Oh well.

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Emilia Couture

The Inamorata sale started yesterday.  I received an email at noon, telling me that sales would start in 5 hours.  I'm not sure if all the doll companies do this to "hype" or cause some type of frenzy, but I guess it is good marketing.  The initial price list (on the email) -- was for the shipping -- $45 to ship an outfit... The price to ship a doll was $65 -- so I'm a little confused.  It would seem that shipping an outfit might be less.

Check out their website.  www.Emiliacouture.com

I just went on http://www.emiliacouture.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31&Itemid=15

I guess it worked only one nude doll left!

They look magnificent!

Good luck to all you lucky new owners.

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New dolls!

See where Emilia Couture now has a facebook page.  They have teasers of their new dolls.  Really detailed work.  Their website is www.emiliacouture.com.  Perhaps all the dolls released at 16" is the reason Sybarite's popularity has been fading.  Or maybe its the "cool factor" is all but lost.  These new dolls are the new "cool".

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Gorgeous "slippers"

saw over at http://iimagined.blogspot.com/ that Terri has made some amazing shoes.  She has such fantastic work.  Everything is so detailed.  Love her stuff.

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So, I was wonder what was "new out there"

Sure enough.....  The Popovy sisters have out done themselves.  Their newest collection Pupa is pre-selling.  Wow, wow, wow.  Endless talent those ladies.  http://popovysisters.blogspot.com/  I love what they have done.  Very cool.  I'm nervous to inquire as to price.  Whatever the price, I'm sure they are worth it -- Probably won't be within my budget....  :( --  Check out the gorgeous photos.

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Just got back from a trip to NYC and Boston

Wish I had had more time to do some bead shopping and also some fantastic fabric shopping.  Been mostly working on being healthy!  Eating better and exercising.  Traveling isn't too conducive to eating well -- I've found a ton of farm to table restaurants that I love.  I saw some really interesting things on Terri's blog -- PaperWhite.  I love her work.  Her dolls just have a style and whimsy all their own.  I've been looking at some of the Sybarite stuff -- I think their popularity is waning.  I never got too excited over them....  I know, they are supposed to be the ultimate fashion doll -- the body isn't very "fashion friendly".  I like the popovy sister dolls as they have more of a real fashion model figure to them.  My birthday is coming up and I'm hoping I will be somewhere that I'm able to order off the waiting list....

Wondering what new dolls are "out there".....

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I know I've been terrible... I appologize

My apologies to anyone who has tried to follow my blog.  Work, illness and my mom have all been impediments to my posting.  I love posting and I love even more working of "dolly things".  The sad fact is that I haven't had any time to work on any dolly things.

I want to get or make a wig for my newest muse.  As you can see from the photos, the commercial wigs look like old mops on her head.

Here she is trying to listen to a sea shell we found...  the wigs just don't want to behave.

I do love this doll, but I think she needs the "right hair"

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Tax time....

Here in the states April 15 is synonymous with paying our income taxes...  A dreaded day ;)

I completed the top to this dress....  (Still need to hem -- I hate hemming)

The positioning of the fingers reminds me of a campaign from years ago, I think it was Lanvin.  It was a woman in a yellow flowing dress we knicknamed her the "cookie monster" -- she looked like she was creeping up behind someone.

I found it here.

See what I mean about the hands/fingers.

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I wish I had more time....

I guess everyone does.  I'm very busy with work and my mom and I can't seem to find much free time.  Last week, during the late evenings, I was able to start work on a really interesting gown...

I still have the pink petal one to work on (I couldn't find the pink thread that was needed-- so I didn't want to do nothing with what precious time I have to work on doll things) -- but I somehow picked this up and was also just sitting in a pile of "some attention please" -- I started working on it and got somewhat engrossed.  The body is mostly finished but all the finishing work needs to be done.

I guess I tend to skip around so perhaps one or both will be finished soon.

It is a very simple bodice (upside down here) cut on the bias from a fabric that resembles a charmeuse however, it has a very slight lycra quality to it.

The color is the palest of lavender with a slight hint of blue (although it looks grey in the photo).

I'm working out the "top" part.

The color shows up better in this photo.  I working out the folds to form the top, the weight is just perfect on this doll.  I will try to finish the top today then add some closures and hem the tail and viola it will be ready.

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WIP

I'm just hoping this outfit doesn't become a RIP.


I've had this little number sitting on a mannequin next to my bed for several months.  I look at it each day.  Today I took it off and put it on.... (just realized I haven't named this doll) -- I usually do, so I'll have to think about that.

Anyway, back to this outfit.  Born out of the flower theme.  I wanted somewhat of a ballet look...  I haven't decided the top other than I want it to look very avant-garde -- perhaps mesh...

I'm also thinking shoes and a wig...

I realize I don't have a proper stand for her,  I picked up the crown while in Disney.

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Another bad hair day

I realize the bangs on this wig aren't even cut straight....

The wig cap fits these dolls, but the "volume" of hair just seems overwhelming...

On to clothes.  I will have to get a wig made.  Or try to make one myself (either endeavor will be a feat).

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I'm not a fan...

synthetic hair wigs.  But I figure some hair better than no hair.  She has on quite a bit of make up, but it's not that evident in photos.  I'm content with her blushing, although it isn't obvious in the photos, I can tell the difference.

She looks pretty good for her close up (in dim lighting) ;)

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Face up'ed

I think I'm pretty happy with her face up -- but the camera tells for sure....

ahhhkkkkkk.... I can't tell.  There's not enough sun light... but I am liking her eyes more.

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Layering the eyes

I've decided I want to "keep working" on them.

I'm going to seal and then put on some make up.  I need to "clean up the lashes"

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My biggest problem now is...

I've re-done the eyebrows... (lost count as to how many times)

I just need to resign myself to the fact that I'm not an artist and my face-up will never look like those that are.  I think my paint is all wrong. The other paints appear more translucent.  Mine are too opaque.

I'm going to seal her, add make-up and then one day when I get up the gusto, I'll wipe her and redo.

Really??????????   I don't know why this happens -- I must turn the camera the wrong way, but I really thought I hadn't....

I have to laugh (at myself)

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I "wiped" her face

I guess it is like erasing everything and starting over.  It looked ok.  But not what I was looking for.  With limited time and talent, I still want more.... better.....

I was nervous to wipe her face as I thought what if it looks worse the next time....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iz9X4UPM_0

I took the plunge, so I started from scratch and redid her teeth and blushing. Very happy with the teeth. Lips are a paler pink...  Couldn't decide....

Then came the brows, still not happy with those, before I seal, I think I'll wipe those and start again.

Pretty happy with her eyes.  Took my time and slowed down the process.  I think they still need more depth...  Eye lashes need a redo....

Wiped her brows.  The look ok in person, in photos I think they look ridiculous.  Same for the lashes, tried adding darker tones, then ended up wiping most of them too.

Maybe similar to people, no one should be subjected to this type of close up ;)

Added colors to the eyes...

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Windows of the soul

There's a saying, the eyes are the windows of the soul... as far as dolls are concerned they make/break the face.  I think I need to use some more translucent of a medium and perhaps build the color as in a real eye that has many colors/features.  The work is tiny and exacting.  I have no talent or experience, so it's hard.

I finally got a feathered brow that I liked, only to realize they are too high... back to the drawing board.

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Face!!!

So, this was my first "faceup" ever.  I had to do quite a bit of research on youtube and Den of Angels.

Well, now looking at her in a photo, I guess that shows...  She looked so much better to me in person...
Maybe it is the lighting or my bad photography.  Hmmmm,  back to the drawing board.

The eyes are tough...  I knew they would be..  I like the lips and the teeth if that is any consolation...

The eyebrows took me about 20 tries....  In photos, looks like I should have had a few more goes!  ;)

I'll decide what to redo and try again....

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Start out slow....

Face painting.  I've blushed a bit. (forhead, around eyes, nose, cheeks, ears)...

Then I wanted to do the eyes (hardest -- imo)....

I hated what it looked like so I used that kneadable eraser and removed it.

So then lips.  Yes lips.

I like the way they look in person, I did wonder what it would translate to photos.

In photos, they look a little light.... I'll decide whether I want to darken them up... as with everything nothing needs to be permanent.

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mani, pedi....

St. Patty.  (Happy St. Patrick's Day)

After the blushing, I started with the easiest part of the painting.  The mani and pedi.  Not that easy.  It takes a very steady hand and I don't like the sloppy moons or nail tips that just look like a blob/circle.  I've been amazed at the workmanship on the dolls I have that are already painted, so I embrace the challenge.  Not easy at all -- for me.

And I thought they looked so good, in the up close photo, not so much....

Pedi looks better than the Mani.

I think the blushing on the hand looks nice ;)

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Very happy with my progress

Spent quite a bit of time body blushing.  I tried to do a stop motion animation on it as I thought it would be cool to do.  But I needed an extra person...  someone to photograph as I did the work.  I was nervous too so that didn't help.

I'm all about light blush.  I really don't like to "see" where was blushed, more it helps with the way the light bounces off the doll making it look "more human"

I've been pleasantly surprised and love the look.  The doll does look "colder" or less alive without the blushing.

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Just what I need...

So, before spraying that stuff, I needed a respirator.  As luck would have it, the husband had one... Now my question is:  Why is it pink??  Did you get it on sale or something?

I'm going to be oh so stylish as I go outside to spray!!

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I'm "ready" to go....

Work has been so stressful lately.  I'm working until late tonight.  I got a package in the mail yesterday. So I can begin my body blushing/ faceup attempt.....  Very daunting for me.  I'm pretty scared.  The last thing I want to do is wreck my new found muse and joy.  I'm going to take it slow and I also have to make sure it is not too humid (that's a trick where I live).

There's so much I want to do...  I look back on this blog and realize I'm a procrastinator.  I just need a little umph to get me to do all the things I want to.  I guess I lose interest quickly....  I'm off to conquer the world (tomorrow) ;)

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Wasn't my favorite day

I had a pretty rough day today, but when I stopped home for a break, it was so amazing to see this doll.

The more I look at her, the more I marvel.  I have quite a few dolls that I'm enthralled with, but some how, this one is just a little different.  I really wish I had her (the doll) when I used to travel...  It would have been so cool to try to sneak a photo of her inside Rue Cambon or while I waited in Gaulthier or Gucci or countless others.  It would have been like those "flat stanleys" I took so many photos of for my niece and nephew....  I think flat stanley is an American invention but perhaps our european counterparts have something similar.

Flat Stanley was a paper cut out of a man.  You would fold him up in an envelope and mail him off to different people and they would take photos (in interesting places) and with family members and mail the photo and the flat stanley back to you and at the end of the school year they would display all the photos and kids would get up and talk about the photos.

(unfortunately, with the way things are today, I probably couldn't bring the doll in the box -- and then there would be the x-raying of it everywhere.....)

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Faceup, wigs, shoes, outfits, so much creative juice and no time!

I definitely feel motivated.  I know now how designers get inspired and refer to some models as their muse.  I've got a ton of ideas for faceup, for wigs, for shoes -- it runs the gamut.  I am however super busy at work and just taking a little of my time to post this as I feel electric!

Here's a quick pic of my "loot" -- art supplies for faceup and blushing.

Things you can't see are the brushes, etc.  (this stuff is pricey)... which reminds me.... Back to work

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I spent a good deal of time

researching face-ups and trying to figure out how to "try it on my own".  I'm not the most artistic person, but I do think I'm crafty.  I bought some supplies.  (I think I'll only do this once or twice, so I shouldn't have "invested" so heavily -- but I didn't want to get anything that was substandard -- why ruin a work of art with substandard materials).

I've always been enthralled with the way people do face ups so I got a boat load of stuff:

It's too dark to get a good picture so that will have to wait.

I'm only disappointed that I have to go to work tomorrow, but without working there wouldn't be any ability to continue getting stuff so it's a merry-go-around.  I work so I can buy.  I buy so I have to work more ;)

I'm pretty excited.  Can't wait to start but that probably won't be til next weekend.  When I get home it is always late (dark).

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Ahhhhhhh!!!! It's been a crazy week

I've been waiting most of the week to open my new doll.  That's right.  My restraint was unparalleled.  Even my husband said, "aren't you going to open it?"  He got it for me as an anniversary present!!!  It arrived when I got home late one evening from work....

Ok, so I wanted to do an SMA of the opening.  Similar to the one I have posted on the side of the blog for Agnes (Terri's lovely porcelain BJD -- PaperWhite).  SO....

Here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqxE1JHpjkE

I'm so proud.  The other SMA was shot by my daughter.  I really thought this was going to be a bust.  It is short but sweet.  I'm going to do another SMA of her faceup.  I'm so excited I could SCREAM!!!!!

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Slight set back

So, if it isn't enough that I have work and a sick parent, last Tuesday, I was returning late from work and was in a car accident.  Car accidents in Florida are an everyday occurrence.  Luckily no one was hurt.  The person that caused the accident claimed "the light was green".  Well that's funny, the guy you hit and sent his car into mine and I both say it was red.  

Enough drama.  I'm going to finish the first coat of the paint on the bed as I did like the final "test" side.  I can't decide whether to leave it some what "flat" or to gloss coat and seal it at the end.  I do notice that the details of the carving is being lost.  I was thinking I might use another color grey or even pink or blue and lightly rub over the white so it "clings" to the inner carvings and gives the bed more depth.

I left the deepest recesses unpainted for now, but you can sort of tell (from my kind of crappy photo) that the detail is being lost with the painting.  But I think it will be ok in the end.

 

perhaps a white stain for the next one.... (just kidding, don't think there will be a next one).

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Really exciting news...

There's a new girl coming...

I've been negligent of my blog...  With work and my mom's health, my plate has been pretty full.

Several months ago, I got on a waiting list.  Now, my name hasn't come up on the waiting list -- so I still have to wait, but there is some activity and I can't wait to see how this will all transpire.

I re-read an old post of mine.  It was about porcelain bjds (Actually entitled something like blogs, forums,etc), it was how I had written off resin...  In the post, funnily enough, I wrote I will probably end up eating those words.  Well, here's to a great big plate of crow...

I absolutely love the work.  I can't wait to see the work in person.  I want to do another stop motion animation.  Similar to the one posted on the side of this blog.  But that was really "done" by my daughter -- she helped me with the nuts and bolts of it.  But when she's home for break...

As I re-read my old blog post, I realize how many things have changed.  Den of Angels now has a place for non-asian bjds (I didn't see that coming), Enchanted doll / Marina Bychkova has launched a resin line,  as have Angel egg dolls, lightpainted dolls, -- even Em'lia has launched a resin doll line!!

Things are heating up...  I'm so amazed at all the new resins out there...  I'm particularly interested in one style of doll...

Soon to be updated...

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let the painting begin....

and it has.  I've decided to go with a craft paint water based (as I have it on hand) and I will decide whether to use sandpaper to distress..

I started on the back side to test the paint and what the finished product will look like.

so far, so good, but it isn't dry yet.

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Uh, oh.... Wish I had done more measuring

When I did the dry fit, I had the clothes pins (clamps) in the way.  This made for some bad measuring....  It seems that the 1/2" or so -- on each side -- makes for about a one inch gap... darn it.  I could disassemble the bed and reassemble the rails, but that glue is very strong so I would have to break off the pieces and sand it down.  Really not practical.    I'm looking at the photo and it doesn't look terrible, but I think I need to remake the mattress and box spring.

I did the measurements for a queen sized bed and scaled it using the height of the doll as being the average.... So this will be wider.  close to king but not exactly.  Well, I do know that there is no standard sized doll bed out there (It's not like I'll need to buy sheets)...  So maybe I will make another bed since I have an extra mattress and box spring...  Maybe I can make another for a swap or something.

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Gotta start painting

I almost want to either white wash it or paint it and then distress it so it will look more shabby chic.  I've been "pinning" a ton of shabby chic things for inspiration.

I don't know if I should use craft paint or enamel or something else?  It is wood, so I could always strip it and start over if I don't like the finished product.

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Linens

I went to a shop a couple days ago that had something I think I can use.

The lighting was bad, it is a light purplish blue.  This makes it look more like a dusty blue.  It's made by Laura Ashley and I'm going to use the ruffle on this pillowcase  to make a dust ruffle for the new bed!

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Getting there!

At least for the frame part, I've got linens and painting still to happen.

I glued most of the frame and I'm pretty happy with how it has come together.  My husband said "You made that?  Was it a kit or something?"  I said no, I was just thinking about a bed and I got the materials (I've been thinking about this for a while!  So the wood, most of it had been laying around for months, I got last minute pieces that I needed and viola -- got to building).

I like the way it looks, I'd like to experiment with some other designs, but I think one doll bed is enough for me ;)

It's funny because the wood had bar codes and so the front leg has a barcode on it;  It almost looks "store bought" -- once it's painted, no one will see the bar codes ;)

Yeah, almost done...

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Its coming together

I'm pretty excited.  There have been a few "technical" challenges, but for the most part, I've been very happy with the progress.  I don't have as much time as I hoped I would to work on the project, but day by day I'm getting there.

Cans holding glued pieces in place.

Still fitting things together

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Went all the way to the craft store....

And realized I hadn't written down the part number to match the other wood carving.  Not only had I bought several, but there were several others (I hadn't chosen-- or had I).

I was so perplexed by the time I chose "the one" that was the match.  The guy in the store was so nice, he said, oh it's no problem if you have the wrong one, I'll let you bring it back.  I didn't have the heart to tell him that the distance was the problem for me.  It's well over an hour away and I just "couldn't" make another trip.

The good news was when I got home, I had chosen the right one!  I was so happy.

Now I just need to measure and glue it in place then I can start painting....

I'll mark it off...

Glue and weight

Headboard and Footboard

Ideally, I would have liked to have had a smaller design on the footboard that mirrored the headboard, but I think once assembled and painted, it will look just fine.

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Getting into the "groove"

I'm back to finding time for myself...  Great...

I'm feeling more creative... Great.....

Got more of the bed competed... Excellent!

There's leg attachment.

Then there's more:

Dry fit with side rails...

So far, so good...

Just need the carving for the footboard, glue it all together, paint it, cut the slats and put the mattress on, make some bedding... (I guess I have more than I thought ;)  )

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almost ready for Valentine's Day!

If only it were ready... Almost

Still clamped, propped, and taped, just to see if all the parts are going to fit together....

So far so good.

Coco has plenty of room for a Valentine's day "guest".  I'm pleased so far.  I see where I want to add some more trim, etc.

The mattress and boxspring will "sit" higher on slats so the headboard trim won't look so high.

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