Miss May Blossom -Custom Doll Project

In a previous post, Custom Doll Project ,  I had posted a few photos of my 2 custom dolls I had finished recently.  I have had time to take some more in depth photos of the dolls.

Presenting: Miss May Blossom #1 & #2 

Doll Specs:
Doll used- Barbie Basics City Shine Asian 

I customized and drafted a pattern strapless sheath dress which I then hand beaded with Czech glass beads in various colors of amber, gold, yellow, and green, along with amber Swarvorski crystals on a striking gold brocade. I used the dolls shoes she came with and decorated her shoes with the Swarvorski crystals as well. 

Her jewelry and earrings, and necklace were all handmade by me as well. I began this project in March, as these two dolls were going to be birthday presents for two very dear doll friends of mine in May. All of our birthdays are in May and we usually get together and have a 'doll-day' where we have lunch and just celebrate and exchange little gifts. 

I decided to take photos of the dolls before giving them away at our brunch, so here is Miss May Blossom staged. 

Miss May Blossom #1

Miss May Blossom #2

I have already started on my next custom doll, a medieval type of doll. Working on the bodice of the gown at this point. I have several ideas for customs so will be working to bring them about as soon as I finish each one. I have found it so relaxing to create dolls, and use the different skill set I have to make each costume to come about. 
Enjoy- Lisa 

Welcome to Misty Hollows Poppy Parker

On Saturday, May 13, Integrity released its first wave of the Poppy Parker collection, and Poppy is going to London! The dolls are all cute, and available at dealers. 
They are guaranteed to rob your wallet. And this is just the first wave of the new line, more are to be unveiled this year! 
But these aren't the ones I want to talk about. David Butry answered the doll of my dreams. A Poppy Parker I thought I would never see. 

Welcome to Misty Hollows Poppy Parker!

 

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Silver Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No

 

While in London Poppy was asked to be a special guest star on a few episodes of her favorite British Spooky TV series, "Misty Hollows". This was quite an honor, as she had been watching this show back home even before it became cool to do so!

Poppy Parker is dressed perfectly to play the part of the "spooked out" neighbor in this classic British TV series! This absolutely stunning edition of everyone's favorite teenage model comes dressed in a fashionable Victorian inspired Mod dress, complete with lace cravate and matching ribbon in her hair. Since we couldn't leave our girl in the dark, Poppy also comes with a super detailed miniature candle and holder*, perfect to shine some light on the mystery surrounding the plot she stars in! For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

 

Note: The miniature candle does not light; the pictures below have been digitally augmented.

This doll was an exclusive to W Club members ONLY and a perk at the window unveiling /chat with David Butry. 

I couldn't order fast enough. Can anyone say Dark Shadows???

I'm sure everyone who is over 40 can remember the hit soap opera Dark Shadows that is now a pulp fiction classic. I remember when it came on TV. It came on during the day, so I couldn't watch it, being in school, but I do remember my mother not allowing me to watch it for some goofy reason as I think she thought there was something strange or that little girls shouldn't be watching this type of show. It was considered for adults back then. 

Upon looking at this Poppy Parker, the first thing that came into my mind was Victoria Winters and her introduction to the show-

 

“My name is Victoria Winters. My journey is beginning, a journey that I hope will open the doors of life to me and link my past with my future, a journey that will bring me to a strange and dark place, to the edge of the sea, high atop Widows' Hill, a house called Collinwood, a world I've never known, with people I've never met, people who tonight are still only shadows in my mind, but who will soon fill the days and nights of my tomorrows.”

Here are two videos for those that are not in the know or don't know about the cornball language of this long forgotten show. At times I admit it can be boring but it can be interesting to watch too, because of the horror and creep fest. 

And that's why I bought Poppy Parker of Misty Hollows .....lol....

yep, she's my favorite!

Happy Mother's Day....

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. 
Here is one from the archives. Poppy holding a baby I made a while back from  polymer clay. 

On a whim one day I sat down with some clay and made this baby and blushed her with some chalk, and I think used some mohair wisps to put a little bit of hair on her head to match Poppy's. There are alot of rough places on her as this was my first baby so she wasn't smoothed out or sanded, but I was pleased with a first attempt as I am not good at people, but ok with food. 

Happy Mother's day to all dolls! 
Lisa 

Faraway Forest King of the Crystal Caves has arrived!

He has finally arrived. After months of seeing only sneaks of his armour and boots on Barbiecollector.com , I was beginning to wonder if this doll would ever make his grand entrance. After getting the chance to finally order him with the pacifist $30 off reward, which brought the $100 price tag down considerably, he was backordered to April 29th, then remarkably, without explanation, to May 5th. I was really getting frustrated when my shipping via FedEx said he would arrive originally on May 11th then all of a sudden without warning, it said it would be delivered on May 13th. But remarkably, today in the pouring rain, my poor mail carrier, delivered him today. 

I thought that his stock photos may be a little photo shopped, but I am over all really blown away by this doll. I was SEVERELY  disappointed with Water Sprite, the more I looked at her and attempted to photograph her, the more I looked at her the more she looked like a high-end Monster High doll. But this doll looks like the first doll in the series, the Elf or the Dark Queen. Yes his crown and sword and armour are plastic but I can live with that. His hair is beautiful and you can comb it. The clothing looks removeable, though I think it is sewn on but I think you can take the crown off it you remove the plastic things holding it on. 

I set up this backdrop with plants I had on hand and a throne room looking floor with a dark backdrop as I wanted to focus on his outfit and that crown thingy he has on his head and his sword. He is fully articulated. If you haven't ordered him- then you need to do so. The only thing some collectors might not like is one of his hands has a clenched grip. I love his pale skin tone with that platinum blonde hair. Gives him an etheral look with all the silver and blue. 

This doll is a gorgeous doll in the series! Can't wait to see what the next one they have in store for us!

Custom Doll Project finished....

I have been working on two custom dolls that are surprise gifts for two friends of mine for birthday presents. I started this project in February/ early March. I just finished both dolls the other day. It has been a learning process, since I have been slowly working on the custom doll process, and frankly , have been fascinated wtih it. 

Above is the two dolls finished, in their display boxes. 

The original doll was the Asian Barbie Basic City Shine that I started with, and I purchased two of these dolls. Though I am not a fan of the Model Muse body, it is the perfect body to create custom dolls and fashions for, a beautiful , lovely mannequin. I used her original shoes she came with as I wanted a streamlined look.  The fabric is a gold sari brocade that I hand- beaded with Czech glass beads in green, pale green, gold, and bronze to match the dress and I outlined the brocade's flower and leaf patterns. 

Each doll, though they look the same, is different. So each of my friends will not have a doll that is exactly the same, as you can see from these photos on the beading of the sheaths. 

The shoes, however, are embellished the same. I used Swarvorski crystals on their shoes, and these same crystals are on the dress, and on their jewelry. 

Working on this project was extremely satisfying, even looking for suitable doll display boxes for the dolls was as well. The hardest part was creating their jewelry- especially the necklaces! I am already at work sketching my next OOAK doll and have a duo on the future that is in depth I want to do. I sketch out what I want to do, but usually make changes if something make look better after I draft the pattern for the dress/outfit, etc. 

I am going to be meeting with my two friends for our birthday celebration and this will be my gift to each of them- our birthdays are in May. I am thinking of calling this doll Miss May Blossom.  The only thing I need to do now is get ribbon for the boxes and a decorative bag for each of the dolls to put them in and a card, then I am done. 

Enjoy! Hopefully I will more pics of future projects soon!Lisa

May the 'Fourth' Be With You!

Since today is May 4th, and a play on words, May the 'Force' or Fourth' Be with you, I decided to De-box Spock and Uhura for this great eventful day. I have had them since last year but have not yet got around to buying Kirk for some reason. I will probably buy him when another sale comes up. 

Today I went to Michael's and all of these wonderful little plants were 50% off. They are great for dioramas, especially mod scenes with modern furniture. I wish I could have purchased more. Those large palm like plants run 12.99 and were 6.99 at 1/2 off. 

Here are some more photo ops with my Star Wars and Star Trek figures...

The Star Wars robot set comes from Target and is an exclusive that runs 29.99, you can still get it in the store. I am tempted to get another set. I found R2-D2 at Walmart for 9.99

Mattel Spock. I think all things considering, they did a good job on him. I really want the Sideshow/ Big Chief studios Spock, but he is very well done with a communicator and his famous hand signal.

Uhura is really a wonderful doll. She has a communicator and another accessory, her stockings and boots and uniform are very well made too. I don't get why they gave her GREEN earrings when in the show her earrings were usually gold or silver. 

The gang altogether.....

The plants I purchased at 50% off. I got these mainly for some dioramas I want to build and I need modern style plants.  I think these would go well with mod or retro buildings. I might go back because they had a planter in an orange size planter that would go well with my vintage country living dollhouse. 

All for now! ~Lisa