Barbie for big girls.

Author Archive

So Happy Together…

My next installment of Poppy Parker was done to the music of the Turtles

This was listed as one of the top 10 songs of 1965 so very appropriate for the 1965 International Fair Poppys. 

Model:  Irresistible in India Poppy Parker

Swimsuit and coverup:  The Barbie Look Poolside™ Barbie® Fashion

Earings:  Palm Beach Breeze™ Barbie® Doll

20130621-IMG_1264-Editwmsized_edited-1words copy

**Source: Photo above was enhanced with PS brushes by Nureen-REstock on Deviantart.  Thank you for making them available for use!**

20130621-IMG_1273-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1276-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1270-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1266-Editwmsized


Poppy is California Dreamin’

I know I have said this before, but I will reiterate.  I always listen to music while I shoot photos.  It’s just something I have always done with doll photos.  I have two musicians in the house so if I am not playing music, it’s being played somewhere around me.  While typing this blog post, my daughter is hard at work on a violin piece called Gavotte in D Major by Bach…but I digress.  While shooting this series of photos, it seems only right that I go to the time that David Buttry used as inspiration for this his International Fair Poppy series.  When it comes to late 60’s, there is one stand out favorite for me…California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas, and that is where I went for some mood music for this next set of photos.

Model:  Irresistible in India Poppy Parker

Swimsuit and coverup:  Barbie Basics

Jewelry:  Irresistible in India Poppy Parker

20130621-IMG_1241-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1243-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1242-Editwmsized20130621-IMG_1237-Editwmsized

While looking at some inspirations photos for this shoot, I ran across this one from 1967.  The hair!!

tumblr_lpmxi2IdcX1qbtmjxo1_500

20130621-IMG_1244-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1251-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1261-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1256-Editwmsized


She is Irresistible

It’s official… “Irresistible in India Poppy Parker” is indeed…irresistible.  Okay, so I freely admit to playing Desi Girl while opening this one up.  If you have not had the pleasure of hearing this Bollywood favorite, I recommend it( it’s at the bottom of this post).  I waited for the sun to rise this morning, then it was up to the doll room and out came the camera.  I did an entire series on this fabulous new Poppy with a nod to the time Mr Buttry has given us as his inspiration…1965.  I will be posting a new set of photos every day for the next couple of days.

Her intricate hair style is sooooo late 1960’s.  Absolutely fabulous!!

20130621-IMG_1224-EditwmsizedPS

20130621-IMG_1229-Editwmsized

20130621-IMG_1232-EditwmsizedPS

20130621-IMG_1231-Editwmsized

 

What’s coming up….

20130621-IMG_1222-Editwmsized


Tiffany Blue

“Tiffany Blue is the colloquial name for the light medium robin egg blue color associated with Tiffany & Co., the New York City jewelry company. The color was used on the cover of Tiffany’s Blue Book, first published in 1845.[1] Since then Tiffany & Co. has used the color extensively on promotional materials, including boxes and bags.

The Tiffany Blue color is protected as a color trademark by Tiffany & Co. in some jurisdictions including the U.S.[2][3]

The color is produced as a private custom color by Pantone, with PMS number 1837, the number deriving from the year of Tiffany’s foundation. As a trademarked color, it is not publicly available and is not printed in the Pantone Matching System swatch books.”  (source:  Wikipedia)

Just say the name “Tiffany Blue” and instantly people know exactly what color you are talking about.  When I think of this color, I have an almost visceral response.  It has come to mean not just “Oh I’m getting something really special if it’s in a box like that” but indicative of the upper echelon of beauty, style and elegance.  If something is presented in that color, I’m going to spend time looking at it.  It’s the  reason why I stand transfixed when a Korean Air commercial comes on….it uses that color.   Only one other color approaches this kind of power in my life…Barbie pink of course.  So, it can come as no surprise that when Matisse had a dress of this color for sale, I went after it like a shark after a chum boat.

20130619-IMG_1218-Editwmsized_edited-2

Miss “The Happening” Poppy Parker is wearing a Mattise outfit with matching hat and clutch.  Shoes are by Mattel.  The faux fur wrap is also by Mattise and Poppy’s pearl earrings were borrowed from a sister Poppy whose name escapes me at this time. 

20130619-IMG_1216-Editwmsized

I was all set to type this blog post up and call it a day…and then the sun came out in the doll room…and I had to take some more shots.  I also think its important to note the difference between studio lighting and actual daylight.  while I strive to be as color accurate as I can when I photograph things in the tabletop studio, invariably there will be color variation.  Both settings also have a different and distinct feeling.  Most of what I do, is in the studio.  I like the look and feel of it.  I am branching out to more natural light shoots but I only anticipate being able to do that in the summer months. I have noticed that outdoor shots of dolls is  enjoying a renaissance on the doll boards.  It is really beautiful and inspiring to see.20130618-IMG_1195-Editwmsized

20130618-IMG_1199-Editwmsized

20130618-IMG_1203-Editwmsized

Brenda…I think I like the dress. SmileI adore your work!!


Take Me To The Fair

This past week marked the arrival of the 2013 WClub upgrade dolls.  Since the Poppy Parker “To the Fair” promotional shots were shown, anticipation for this one has been high.  The promotional shots did not exaggerate David Buttry’s fabulous work…this one’s a stunner.  Here is what we were expecting.

To The Fair! PP collage copy

Source:  Integrity Toys, Inc

And here is what arrived.

20130616-IMG_1132-Editwmsized

20130616-IMG_1140-Editwmsized

20130616-IMG_1153-Editwmsized 20130616-IMG_1151-Editwmsized

Feeling like a winner for choosing to preorder this one.  SmileExcellent work David!


A Glimmer of Inspiration

Many of you may remember the platinum edition BFC exclusive Glimmer of Gold™ Barbie® Doll.  I was lucky enough to be able to get this one.

 

source:  www.barbiecollector.com Glimmer of Gold

While engaging in my favorite pastime  {cough} obsession {cough}, I came across a photo on Pinterest (Thank you Ana Labato!! http://pinterest.com/anaquell/the-world-of-fashion/)that showed me a likely inspiration for this doll design.

sources:  Style.com and barbiecollector.com

Glimmer of Gold inspiration_edited-1

Cool!  And since I know a friend of mine is anticipating the arrival of the platinum edition AA Golden Gala into their collection, I took some photos with her in the Glimmer of Gold fashion.  And it’s in THE window. Smile

20130613-IMG_1094-Editwmsized

 

20130613-IMG_1100-Editwmsized

20130613-IMG_1107-Editwmsized

20130613-IMG_1104-Editwmsized


Milan Boating Season is Open

The Italian Doll Convention was held in Milan this past month and the reports from this event spell out a most fantastic time.  The reports are so glowing that I am seriously considering a trip to Milan next year to experience some of the fun.  Like the Paris Fashion Doll Festival, a variation of one of the BFMC’s Silkstone Barbies was given as the convention doll.  She is being referred to as “Milan Boater” and is a honey blond version of the 2013 BFC club doll “Boater Ensemble”

Source: Dutch Barbie World

boater enhanced resized_editedwm

Thanks to a very generous and lovely friend, I had the opportunity to obtain a “Milan Boater” and I love her. 

20130610-IMG_1026-EditwmsizedBW

20130610-IMG_1016-Editwmsized

Boater_edited-1


A Lazy Afternoon and A Camera

20130608-IMG_0982-Editwords_edited-3

I love my studio.  Most days, I have more ideas than I know what to do with.  Some days,however, are for photos outside of  the studio.  Some days are just made for grabbing the camera, no tripod, no light boxes, just beautiful natural sunshine and something fun to photograph.  That is what this Saturday was for me.  I just finished a new diorama in the doll room and I needed some unstructured camera playtime before I brought the serious lights in to set up a shoot for the diorama.  I am a big advocate of the philosophy that you don’t need the best camera or the expensive professional lighting to take a really good photo.  I also have to admit that you don’t NEED a really good camera but…I can’t lie…it does help.   Case in point:  Here is a photo with my point and shoot Canon PowerShot SX130IS.

IMG_2654

It is a fine picture.  On macro mode it is a fairly crisp shot for a hand held “no tripod” photo.  The direct sunlight coming into the room made that possible.  Now…here is what I can get with my Canon 40D DSLR and an f/2.8 macro lens.

20130608-IMG_1003-Editwmsized

Same light, no tripod.  This is the difference between a point and shoot and a DSLR.  You will just get more.

20130608-IMG_0997-Editwmsized

It is also important to note that while a good camera gives you more, the most expensive camera does not necessarily give you the most.  My lovely husband surprised me this Mother’s Day with my dream camera.  I had that baby unpacked and in my camera bag ready for the next days photo shoot as fast as my little fingers could  manage it.  While it is amazing and works like a dream in low light performance and theater  shooting, it is not the best to use for doll photography.  I still prefer my tried and true Canon 40D for my doll photography and I really don’t see that changing any time soon.

20130608-IMG_0977-Editwmsized

 

20130608-IMG_0972-Editwmsized

Silkstone and Fashion Royalty Repaints both done by Jon Copeland.  Silkstone is wearing A little Moonlight by Randall Craig.  Repainted FR Anja is wearing “Serenade in Satin” by Mattel.  The hat was made by me.


Malibu Barbie Gets a Trina Turk Makeover

There are plenty of new Mattel Barbie® offerings that I don’t talk about on the blog.  It doesn’t mean that I am not interested or excited about it.  Normally, my interest and therefore my blog entries are centered around Silkstones.  That is the primary focus of my collection.  There are, from time to time, some vinyl ladies that peak my interest and this is one of them.  This week Mattel released information on a new doll and I knew I had to write about it.     Since Mattel has decided that Barbie® is going to sell her old Malibu dream house and find a new fashionable living space, it only makes sense that the Malibu Barbie® herself would get a new makeover.  L.A. designer Trina Turk was invited to collaborate with Mattel on this one.   This particular makeover resonated with me because Malibu Barbie® was my first official Barbie.  I remember hours upon hours of playtime with this doll.  My dear friend Carole and I would devote whole afternoons to constructing elaborate dioramas and stories with the country camper, the pool and of course Malibu Barbie®.  If we traveled together on vacation, Carole and I would plan which Malibu Barbie® items would accompany us on the journey.  We were two little Midwestern brunette girls who knew next to nothing about California beaches, warm ocean breezes or surfing but for a few hours a day, we could imagine that we did.   Now, this iconic Barbie® of my beloved memories was getting a makeover.  I had to ask myself “How did I feel about it?”.

04eb45b054c73d58753ace815a08527c

(source 1971 Sears Wishbook)

I feel just fine and dandy!  I like that Mattel chose a designer known for her love of California 1970’s style.  I like the accessories and different look options.  The hat is VERY boho chic as is the crocheted cover-up.  I love her multi honey toned and sunkissed hair .   I think the makeover turned out beautifully and I hope that many more little girls/boys( or big girls/boys) will get to make the lovely memories with friends that Carole and I have from so many years ago.  Ahhhh…the circle of life.  Enough with memory lane!  On with the pictures.

(pictures courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

TT Malibu Barbie 5

   TT Malibu BarbieTT Malibu Barbie 2

   TT Malibu Barbie 3TT Malibu Barbie 4

Get the full story about the doll and this designer here. http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/making-fashion-waves-malibu-barbie-doll-by-trina-turk.

Now….where did I pack that country camper??  This girl needs a ride to the beach.  Smile


Third WClub Exclusive Doll Revealed!

If you picked this year to join the WClub, give yourself a big pat on the back.  Integrity Toys revealed the third exclusive WClub doll to its club members and she is a humdinger!!  There is absolutely nothing about this doll that I am not in love with.  She has a dark auburn updo and cream skin tone ( used previously on Elise).  She is on an FR2 body and has hand applied lashes.  BEEEEautiful!

Purity

Dasha™

2013 W Club FR2™ Exclusive Dressed Doll

Limited Edition Size:  TBA

Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Late Fall 2013

**Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

FR2 Purity Dasha 3

FR2 Purity Dasha 5

FR2 Purity Dasha 6

FR2 Purity Dasha

Holy cow!!  The updo alone on this mahogany haired beauty is enough to open up the pocket book but the dress…oh my the dress.  This is so sculpted and refined…so unbelievably chic and fabulous.  AND…let us take a moment to look at the amazing price!   Since its inception, FR2 has not gone below $150 for a dressed doll.  Not only does Integrity offer up this stunning bit of loveliness but they dropped the price.

 

 

tumblr_mhg67r6n6G1r42zrgo3_250Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!


IDC Mattel Presentation Gives a Sneak Peak.

My dear friend and fellow blogger Rogier ( http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/) attended the Italian Doll Convention this past weekend in Milan.  He has some fabulous write-ups on the festivities so please visit his most wonderful blog for the full scoop. 

As is custom at the IDC, Mattel gave a presentation and included some sneaks.  What did we learn?

1.  J.Lo Barbie is in the works and sporting a replica of this Zuhair Murad gown.

Jennifer-Lopez-in-Zuhair-Murad-521x800

2.  There is a Herve Leger giftset doll in the works this year.

3.  Audrey Hepburn Sabrina and Roman Holiday dolls are coming this year ( but then we knew that already Smile)

audrey-hepburn-sabrina-L-2936full-roman-holiday-photo

4.  Promo photos of a Coach Barbie were shared.  She kind of reminded me Burberry Barbie from a couple years ago.

5.  And…..they shared promo photos of the upcoming AA Silkstone!!  This one, in my opinion, is a STUNNER!  Okay, so I can’t share photos here but if you are a BFC member head over to the BFC forums and take a look at Rogier’s posts.  He put photos there.  For those of you who are not BFC members, we can see a sliver of the doll in the promotional shot of Mermaid Gown ( those sneaky, sneaky Mattel people!)

X8254_c_13_CU3_new edited

 

6.  Lastly, Robert Best shared that next years Silkstone theme would be Italian Haute Couture also explained as The Grand Alta Moda .  Rogier has a nice description of what that means here http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/italian-doll-convention-part-3/.  I can’t wait to see what Mr. Best has in store for us next year.  Count me in!


WClub Exclusive Victoire Roux Revealed

If you love 1950’s fashion, you will have much to be happy about in this offering.   The team at Integrity is giving the WClub a green eyed,  titian haired Victoire with new facial screening.  She is described as having “FR Caucasian skin tone”, hand applied lashes and “Ultra-Rich Red, Fully Rooted Hair”.

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux™

2013 W Club Exclusive Dressed Doll

Limited Edition Size:  TBA

Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $125.00

Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Fall 2013

New Victoire Roux logo
According to the write-up from Integrity, the coat is a deep pink velvet and has the elegant moniker of "grand manteau de soirée".  Hey…this lady is my kind of gal.  She comes with her own cocktail!  Martini’s anyone?!

Photos by  Integrity Toys, Inc. (http://integritytoys.com/page/landing)

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux 1

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux 4

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux 5

Monte Carlo Victoire Roux 7

My first thought was…”I’m not totally lovin’ it”  I love the hairstyle and the fact that she is a redhead.  I am not sure of the facial screening yet.  I think my main problem is the  thin eyebrows ( totally agree with you there Hilda!).  Did she over pluck them?  I’m thinking…yes.  However, now that I think about it, it is definitely more high fashion 1950’s ( think Dovima, enough said).    Moving on from the eyebrows, I LOVE the coat, hat and little martini glass.  I am not loving the massive amounts of ruffles on the dress.  It looks like she might be wearing one(or possibly two…I lost count) cocktail waitress apron(s) too many.  That being said, I am still ordering her.  I see potential.  I also see inspiration from 1950’s Dior…what’s not to like about that?!

lisa-fonssagrives-wearing-coat-by-christian-dior-photo-by-irving-penn-for-vogue-1950

Photo Credit:  Vogue

New packaging too!

FR Nippon Box 外箱用紙提出_outline

Keyyyyoooot!


It’s Two for Tea at ITFDS

I really should have released this blog post at around 3 or 4 PMish for tea time right?  I have been saving these photos for a couple weeks to share here because I knew I would be tied up with dance recital photos  this week and too busy  to do anything in the doll studio.  I had WAY too much fun with the conservatory diorama and decided to set up afternoon tea for a couple of Silkies.  I hope you enjoy.

Models:  City Smart ( yes {gasp!} she is deboxed) and Showgirl Silkstone Barbies

Gowns: Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone – City Smart and Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues) – Showgirl

Diorama:  Furniture is from MiniCHAIR(http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail).   Pastries and little macarons are by Mio Designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MIOdesigns).  Both of the lovely hats brought to the tea were gifts from dear doll friends.  Many “Thanks!” .  Cake and tea set are Rement.

20130511-IMG_0919-Editwmsized

20130511-IMG_0902-Editwmsized

    20130511-IMG_0920-Editwmsized20130511-IMG_0940-Editwmsized20130511-IMG_0937-Editwmsized

20130511-IMG_0947-Editwmsized

         20130511-IMG_0950-Editwmsized20130511-IMG_0956-Editwmsized20130511-IMG_0941-Editwmsized

20130511-IMG_0970-Editwmsized

20130511-IMG_0963-Editwmsized

I feel the need for some macarons now Smile


Get Your Valium Ready….

…There is a platinum release Barbie available for purchase to BFC members next week.

** Photo credit: Mattel Inc. **

x8266_c_13_Main

Her name is Beaded Gown Barbie® Doll and she is the first in a new series of black and white themed Barbies®.  Linda Kyaw is taking over the drivers seat for the platinum editions and I would say she did a beautiful job with her first in a series design.  This elegant lady was designed exclusively for the BFC and at $85 she will go on sale online Wednesday, May 22nd, at 9:00am Pacific Time.  BFC exclusive means you have to be a member of the BFC to purchase her and platinum edition means there will only be 999 available for purchase.  Typically these are extremely hot sellers and they have been known to sell out within minutes.

I swore that Pinch of Platinum was my last platinum purchase because I needed a bucket o’ valium after fighting to purchase her online.  I am hoping that for those who are going to try for this beauty the phrase o’ the day won’t be “SERVER ERROR”. 

Beaded Gown closeup 2

 

Beaded Gown closeup

Have the tums and the valium ready for this one folks…it’s going to be crazy at 9AM on May 22nd.

Hope everyone’s experience is this…

1368728124_frisbee_trick_shot_through_two_tires

rather than this….

tumblr_m9trkfsXos1rxlmf0o1_500


New Barbies for Mid to Late 2013 Release

It looks like some of the Toy Fair sneaks we saw back in February are starting to show up on retailer websites so it’s okay to share promotional shots here.  

**Photo credit – Mattel, Inc.**

The Barbie Look™  City Shopper™  Blonde Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $29.95

13-X8258

The Barbie Look™  City Shopper™  Brunette Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $29.95

13-X9196

The Barbie Look™  Winter Weekend™ Fashion 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $24.95

Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

The Barbie Look™  Party Perfect™ Fashion

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $24.95

Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

                                         Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan
  Photographer Paul Jordan
Stylist Mary Jordan

Ballet Wishes™ Barbie® Doll 

Anticipated June Release

Retail:  $34.9913-X8276

2013 Holiday Barbie® Doll

Anticipated August Release

Retail:  $45.95 each Holiday Barbie 2013

I adore the Brunette city Shopper and both outfits for fall!


Italian Doll Convention Auction!

The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity.  100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families.  Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction. 

** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**

OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000

$T2eC16d,!ygE9s7HKK5lBRjl(5Kcyg~~60_12

$T2eC16dHJIYE9qUcO4I7BRjlYWMI,!~~60_12

$T2eC16dHJGQFFhwB4fJKBRjlYwQB7w~~60_12

OOAK BARBIE “MASQUERADE BEAUTY” by MATTEL, DESIGNED BY LINDA KYAW , EXCLUSIVE

$(KGrHqVHJFIFEyMOiquIBRjTC8lL6w~~60_12

$T2eC16RHJGkFFmz0BMnBBRjTDUr6sg~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “MADIVA” by ARTIST CREATIONS

$T2eC16RHJH8E9qSEVn2BBRjR6jEK6g~~60_12

$(KGrHqRHJEkFGJV03H82BRjR6i2EU!~~60_12

$(KGrHqNHJEgFGH2Ggbm)BRjR6lJb3Q~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “ELPHABA” BY NINIMOMO + CASE

$T2eC16R,!)UE9s3wCMf2BRjUPeys0w~~60_12

$(KGrHqN,!rcFF0nz-S)9BRjUQ!Sfrg~~60_12

$T2eC16J,!)UE9s3wBnBoBRjUQVUSm!~~60_12

OOAK DOLL “SHADOW AND LIGHT” BY MATTHEW SUTTON

$T2eC16h,!)!E9s2fDwrYBRjT-BGJQw~~60_12

$T2eC16N,!yME9s5qF8ggBRjT9us2s!~~60_12

$T2eC16N,!zQE9s3srYw1BRjT-L(vqg~~60_12

 

For the whole list of auction items available, go to Italian Doll Convention Ebay auctions.  Also, for a much more comprehensive write-up on these auction items, head on over to Rogier’s blog at http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/charity-auction-italian-doll-convention/

Holy Cow!! 


Happy Mother’s and Mothering Day!

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May. ( source: Wikipedia.com) 

Mother's Day 3_edited-1

IMG_1459editedsized

Kids

IMG_5580editedsized

I am the proud mother of two and Mother’s Day is always a little bittersweet for me.  On one side I love celebrating something I consider to be the most important thing I will ever do in my life…being a Mom.  On the flip side, it is also a day of sadness because I am one of  the many who are estranged from their mother. I don’t recommend this status but I recognize and accept that sometimes it simply is the way it needs to be.  If you are reading this and are one of this often silent group on this Mother’s Day, I just wanted to let you know…you are not alone.  {{Hugs}}


Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi

Yes!!  Finally another installment of Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi.  I have been remiss on this for a while and it was well past time to reinstitute this favorite blog segment.  James recently sent me two outfits so beautiful, I had to share.  Normally, I pull out the silkies for these but felt it was Integrity Toys turn to get some love.

Models:  Place Vendome Victoire Roux and Think Pink Imogen

Couture:  Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)

20130507-IMG_0819-Editwmsized

20130507-IMG_0835-Editwmsized

 

20130507-IMG_0811-Editwmsized

 

20130507-IMG_0816-Editwmsized

20130507-IMG_0823-Editwmsized


Returning Friday to ITFDS…

…Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi! 

20130507-IMG_0827-Edit_edited-1


High Toned Hankie Chic

I stumbled upon another fantastic Etsy site the other day and just received my first item.  The very talented Sylvia Bittner of Hankie Chic makes these wonderful ensembles out of vintage handkerchiefs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/HankieChic?ref=seller_info_count

Hankie Chic

(Photo credit: Sylvia Bittner)

How cute and inventive is this?!!  I was so intrigued by this product, I had to ask Sylvia a few questions.

1.  Where did you get the idea to do this?

I got the idea for making Barbie dresses from a book, Hankie Couture, by Marsha Greenberg. I found the book while I was trolling JoAnn Fabrics a year ago. It was love at first sight. I bought the book for inspiration and then directed my husband to the nearest antique mall to stock up on hankies. Since then, I’ve made close to 100 dresses, some from patterns I’ve drafted myself (such as the outfit you purchased) and some from patterns by others or commercial vintage patterns.

2.  Are you a fashion doll collector and if so, what do you collect?

I didn’t own a Barbie at the time I bought the book, but I’ve made up for it since then. I started by collecting most of the Barbie Basics dolls, and then moved on to vintage reproductions, and now Silkstones. I currently have 70 or so, but I’m thinking about downsizing and selling some of the model muse dolls on eBay and just concentrating on Silkstones, since most people seem to want to purchase clothes that fit Silkstones.

3.  Where do you find these glorious handkerchiefs that you use?

I look for hankies everywhere … Antique shops, EBay, Etsy … I travel frequently instate for my job, and out of state on vacations, so I’m always looking for antique shops wherever I go. All the hankies I use are vintage and I’ve been blessed to find some really beautiful ones. You can see my entire hankie collection on my Pinterest board, pinterest.com/sylviabittner/ on the board, my vintage hankies.

I want to extend a huge “Thank You!”  to Sylvia for being willing to be interviewed for the blog and for doing such amazing and creative work.  I love it!  And folks…these beauties aren’t just for Silkstones .

Smile

Model:  High Toned Rayna

Purse:  Redefined Accessory Kit by Integrity Toys

Shoes:  Gift from a friend ( love ya!)

20130507-IMG_0879-Editwmsized

20130507-IMG_0885-Editwmsized

20130507-IMG_0866-Editwmsized

20130507-IMG_0867-Editwmsized


Derby Days

Today is the Kentucky Derby(a big horse race in the US).   I don’t really follow horse racing even though I live in the middle of the Pacific Northwest’s horse country.  I do, however, follow this event….for the hats.  It is one of the few events that American’s will break out the fancy millinery.  I always admire the European fashion sense and flair for wearing hats.  In the States, we just don’t wear hats like woman do in Europe.  I am constantly lamenting with a Monty Python line “ People just don’t wear enough hats these days.”  So…it was a complete pleasure to receive a fellow bloggers post in which she pointed her readers to the most amazing website for custom hats http://bvisayc556.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/hat-love/.  I was immediately inspired.  I had a few completely uninspired Barbie beach hats lying around so I decided to try my hand at “enhancing” them and am happy with how they turned out.

Given that the Kentucky Derby will be run today, I decided to show off the new hats on some girls I imagined were on there way to the race.  Hope you enjoy.

Model:  2012 Integrity Workshop Poppy

Dress:  Cynthia Rowley Barbie

Shoes:  Mattel

Hat:  Mattel enhanced by ITFDS

IMG_2591

IMG_2596

IMG_2594

IMG_2599

Model:  Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare

Dress, Shoes, Jewelry: Natalia Fatalé “Ready To Dare

Belt:  Mattel

Hat:  Mattel enhanced by ITFDS

IMG_2609

IMG_2603


Mermaid Gown Silkstone…

…is now available at BarbieCollector.com.  She has been available at dealers for about a month now but finally BFC members can collect on that quarterly reward and order this baby at a discount.

wink

A  new promo photo showed up on the Barbie Collector sight as well.  I am always amazed by Lars Auvinen’s work.  He is the model and set builder for the BFMC ( Barbie Fashion Model Collection or in another word…Silkstones) promotional photos.  I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and chatting personally with him at the last National Barbie Convention.  He puts 100% into his craft and it never fails to inspire me.  The detail he goes into on these sets just boggles the mind.   My dream would be to sit in the corner and just watch while he creates.  My other dream is to sit in the corner and watch the photographer , Paul Jordan, as he photographs the set. 

news_hero_MermaidGown

(Photo credit:  Mattel, Inc.)

Mermaid Gown headshot

(Photo credit:  Mattel, Inc.)

If you want to know more about her story, visit www.Barbiecollector.com


Getting Crafty at ITFDS

So what is Rebecca doing this week?  She is having WAY too much fun with the glue, florist foam and needle and thread is what.  I decided to do a little pictorial tutorial ( Hey!!  it rhymes!)  on the daffodils and tulips I did for the previous photo shoot.

I found the little clay pots at my favorite garden store but I think you can get them at Michaels or JoAnne’s as well.  Tangential thought…are all craft stores someone’s name?…Michael, JoAnne, Ben Franklin…Anyone know?  Anywhooo…onward…  Take your pot, fill it with something to hold the flowers.  I use florist wet oasis/ foam because it is easy to cut and it molds to any shape.   I usually have it on hand to do floral arrangements but you can use whatever you have on hand.  Many people use clay as well.   I cover the foam with black paint and while the paint is still wet, I sprinkle coffee grounds on the foam allow it  to adhere then shake off excess.  Yes, this floral arrangement will smell like coffee for a while.  You can use loose packed tea as well for a different look and smell.  You may need to send the tea leaves through a sifter to get them to a small enough scale.

IMG_2572

IMG_2574

IMG_2575

I cut pieces off of a random piece of greenery I had purchased at a craft store for the daffodils.  For the tulips, I used leaves I had purchased at a craft store ( usually in the wedding section with boutonniere supplies).  The pink paper tulips were sent to me by a friend from Holland ( love ya!) and the daffodils are another story.  They are fabric flowers and not paper.   I found them in a bundle at Ben Franklins(yet another craft store named after a person)  about a year ago.  Originally, the orange part was a full flower.  I decided to sew the flower closed to get a trumpet and voila!…daffodil.  I think it was just plain luck that it was in the right scale.

IMG_2576

I am currently in LOVE with an Etsy shop called miniCHAIR ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail).  I purchased a shabby chic table with two chairs a week ago and loved it so much I had to get the hutch to go with it.  The prices are reasonable ,in my opinion, for  the 1/6 scale market.  They ship super fast and pack things well. 

I have also been busy with more paper minis.  LOVE the Laduree boxes.

IMG_2578


Platinum Violette

Okay…this one is for the Silkstone lovers.   I could not let this diorama go without putting one of my favorite Silkstones within its shabby chic yumminess.  Robert Best’s “Violette”, in my opinion, is one of the most feminine doll designs of his career at Mattel.  She embodies gentility and spring to me.  Perhaps it’s the lilac print on her gown, the large flowing design or the flowers in her hair…I don’t know…but put it all together and I feel the pull of springtime.  It’s just so girly!  She is also a platinum edition Silkstone which means she is not photographed often.

I have to give credit to my daughter Megan for this one.  She took one look at the diorama I was working on and said “ Mom, you should put the doll in the purple gown in this one”.  She was right!

 

20130427-IMG_0781-Editwmsized

20130426-IMG_0738-Editwmsized

20130426-IMG_0749-Editwmsized

20130426-IMG_0745-Editwmsized20130427-IMG_0771-Editwmsized20130426-IMG_0756-Editwmsized

20130427-IMG_0788-Editwmsized

20130427-IMG_0807-Editwmsized20130427-IMG_0798-Editwmsized20130427-IMG_0802-Editwmsized

20130427-IMG_0777-Editwmsized

20130427-IMG_0789-Editwmsized20130427-IMG_0799-Editwmsized20130427-IMG_0790-Editwmsized

What the set up looks like when I have to pull the big lights out.  It’s a much more involved shoot…which is why you may see this diorama for a while. Smile

IMG_2565