Barbie for big girls.

Posts tagged “Doll Diorama

Nadja in the Garden

I am awaiting Spring.  While I wait for it to arrive, I decided to make my own garden of sorts.  As I  have shared in previous posts, I have been playing around with making my own 1/6 scale flowers.  There are lots of tutorials on making paper flowers online.  There is not….however…lots of tutorials on how to make 1/6 scale paper flowers.  Given that, I had to essentially come up with my own patterns and a way of making them in this scale.  I enjoy the process itself of figuring out things in this scale.  In order to feel accomplishment however, I need an end project to work towards so this garden was the vision I had for making these glorious 1/6 scale bearded Iris’s .  I hope you enjoy the images half as much as I enjoyed figuring out and making these flowers. 

Model:  The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes – Integrity Toys

Gown and Jewelry:  Spell of Kindness Vanessa – Integrity Toys

Background: Designed and manufactured by ITFDS

grass mats were found at Daiso, gate was purchased online years ago and I honestly have no idea where.  Boxwood mini trees where found at local homegoods store but can be found at many places online.  Back wall of greenery was made by combining 12×12 greenery tiles I found at Joanne’s crafts and glued to poster board.   All other flowers were made by me with paper.

Styled and photographed by Rebecca Berry for ITFDS

 

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Nadja in the Garden

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Nadja in the Garden

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Nadja in the Garden

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Nadja in the Garden

For these shots, I am using a Canon 5dMark III with a Canon Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS  lens.  I used natural light for this shoot augmented by one Lume cube (with diffuser) on a stand.  I also used a white board to bounce the light from the left.  I use Adobe Light room Classic to post process then Adobe Photoshop to clean up anything I can’t do with Light room.  Side note…Coffee grounds work really well as dirt.  Just make sure you are binding it with something and gluing it down.  It will get everywhere if you just use it loose.  Modge podge works well to adhere it to surfaces.  I used a spray adhesive here then just applied  coffee grounds to the board after so the grounds would stay in place.  If you use “used” coffee grounds, the smell isn’t as strong as fresh ground coffee.  That smell can be a bit overwhelming even for a coffee lover like me. 

©2021 ITFDS

©2021 ITFDS

I hope you enjoy these behind the scenes looks.  I know I am always learning and am always grateful when others show their process or some of the equipment they use.  I know there are photographers out there with a greater wealth of experience.  I am simply showing what I do and what I use.  Enjoy the journey!  Smile

-Rebecca


Poppy at the Flower Market

When I started making 1/6 flowers, it was with this diorama in mind.  I wanted to do a French style flower market.  I started with 1/6 roses and then just kind of took off into other types and varieties.  I have not stopped.  I work predominately in paper.  All kinds of paper from tissue through crepe paper and into thicker cardstock.  Each flower type has it’s different personality that requires a different structure.  That is part of the beauty of discovery when crafting I suppose.  For me, there is a photo shoot concept at the end that drives me.  I have had some really epic fails and also..I am happy to report…some extraordinary successes. 

Part of the project for this flower market was the construction of the flower shop window.  That was accomplished with foam core board, stucco spray paint , plastic and dollhouse molding.  I figured out how to make the little French flower pails out of paper.   This glorious Dior inspired suit by Chris Stoeckel for Integrity Toys fits Poppy beautifully.  It just needed a French flower shop backdrop. 

Model:   Looks a Plenty Poppy Parker GS 2018

Suit, accessories and hat: East 59th Mid Day Venture Aurelia Grey

Set: ITFDS

Bistro table and chairs: miniChair on Etsy

Styling and Photography: Rebecca Berry for ITFDS

 

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Poppy at the Flower Market

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Poppy at the Flower Market

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Poppy at the Flower Market

Behind the scenes look at the set up for the shoot.  I used mostly natural light for this shot with one lume cube with soft box for added light from the left.  I also used reflector to bounce the light from the left.  I don’t know how anybody else goes about this but I have to say…I stuff the scene, look through the camera lens, then end up removing about 1/3 of the stuff.  I tend to over style it at first then remove a bunch of things because it’s just too cluttered.  Anybody else relate?  Sometimes more is not better .Winking smile©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-Poppy at the Flower Market

-RebeccaITFDS logo idea 2021


In the Pink Nadja

What can I say…I am in a pink and Nadja mood right now.  I adore this doll and in this amazing pastel pink she just sings to me.   I don’t believe you can ever go wrong with pastel pink.  For the past year now, we have been in quarantine in my area.  We are located uncomfortably close to the first cases of the virus in the US.  We knew we had community spread early on so my husband’s workplace told everyone to work remotely from home last March.  Both of my college age kiddos also have been doing remote learning for their respective colleges for many months.  It’s a full house once again and I kinda like it.  I know it’s only temporary and will enjoy it while I can. 

While I haven’t been active on the blog, I have not been idle.  I decided last year to switch a now unused space in our home ( the kids play room) to a full time studio/craft space.  I will do a blog post on that project at a later time but the crafting space is allowing me to pursue another passion for now…miniature plants and flowers.  This love of crafting miniature plants has dovetailed rather nicely into a home re-landscaping project that has been in the planning for many years.  We finally completed the bulk of the landscape project this year and await final pieces this spring.   So, I guess what I am saying is…plants and flowers will be popping up on images for the blog. 

My mindset for the images in today’s post was Spring.  Since Jessy Ayala designed a very chic and edgy outfit with vibrant color for the original doll, I wanted to try and take her softer and more pastel for contrast.  In my mind, this is her office in Paris where she runs some kind of floral or home decorating empire.  It is springtime in Paris and you can imagine that the sunshine coming into the shot is from a set of french doors with a view of the Eiffel tower over the black ornate wrought iron balcony railing. 

I am also channeling a bit of Frida Kahlo here with the miniature hydrangeas in her hair.  Just go with it.

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

Model and jewelry:  The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes by Integrity Toys

Clothing:  MUNLE ( @m.u.n.l.e on Instagram) and HOANGANHKHOI on Etsy

Shoes: Mademoiselle Lilith by Integrity Toys

Purse: @mydollhouse2005 on Instagram

Mac computer: Liluminiature on Etsy

Wall panel: divinitydolldecor on Etsy

Styling and Photography:  ITFDS

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

This scene is also full of fun little miniatures that I have worked on for the past year and some that I have purchased ( the purse and computer).  I always love to see detail photos in other people’s dioramas so I am including a couple here.

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio-In the Pink Nadja

Behind the scenes Winking smile.  Happy first day of Spring!!  I know, I know…meteorologically speaking of course..not astronomically.

-Rebecca

©2021 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio


Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Daisies

Happy Easter everyone!!  Since we are all at home and anxious during this global pandemic ( and there is a sentence I never expected or wanted to write) Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and I wanted to bring a little pastel beauty to everyone’s day and week.  I hope these images bring some joy to your day and some hope into your hearts.  We will get through this together and come out stronger for it.  And with that…lets get on with the photos.  Hilda and I have collaborated again with Laduree as our inspiration. 

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

All dresses were made by Hilda and are up for sale through her blog Bellissima Couture .  She has a limited supply of each color.  I have also made some coordinating bags and boxes for these.  The dresses do not come with the hats.  I added those for these images.

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

The bags and boxes are available now. Very limited quantity.   The pillows and rose filled little box will come out a bit later.  The flowers are not available…sorry folks ( my supplier for these is not producing currently).  If you are just interested in the bags and boxes, contact me via email at raberry65@msn.com.  If you are interested in the dress and bags/boxes, contact Hilda through her blog.  Bag with 2 boxes is $15 plus S/H ( pink, blue, white).  Bag with 1 box $10 plus S/H( mint green).  Hat boxes are $12 plus S/H.  Shipping and handling on the these especially internationally will be a bit more because items need to be shipped in boxes.

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

The lovely Lemon Frost Poppy Parker in her Easter bonnet by Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

The adorable Groovy Poppy Parker and hat by Judy O’Connell of Aponi Designs

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

Split Decision Poppy Parker with hat by Tiny Kitty Collier ( I think this was from the charity luncheon outfit??)

©2020 Inside the Fashion Doll Studio-Celebrating Easter with Poppies and Dasies

Keen Poppy Parker with another hat from Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World.

Digital Hugs to all and please, please, please keep up social distancing.  Remember that we are doing it for others as well as ourselves.  Also, if I have any followers who are health care workers in any capacity…you have my continued whole hearted respect and admiration for the valiant jobs you are doing. 

-Rebecca


A Bridal Still Life

I am continually inspired by miniature couture.  In particular, I adore any and all images that come out of Le Petit Théâtre from Dior. 

©2016 Dior, Inc.

©2016 Dior, Inc.

I love how they use real size items with miniatures.  I had a free day in the studio…almost unheard of these days…so I thought I would try my hand at something like this.  I decided to use my most recent bridal shoot as inspiration.  For those of you following my instagram story…you got to see a little taste of the shoot.  But…as most things go in the studio, you saw the prelim shots and not the final part of what I actually used in the processed images. 

I have to give a shout out to my dear friend Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World who did some additional art direction on this shoot.  Your vision is always valued and appreciated my friend.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

And…a chance to bring out the pearls!  Smile©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

It’s always a treat to use my Laduree boxes.©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

But let’s face it…this entire shoot was all about this fabulous dress from Rimdoll on Etsy. ©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

For those of you interested in the set up for this shoot, it was all done in natural light with one reflector.  Be prepared people when using natural light to be waiting half the day for optimal lighting.  Since I always love to see behind the scenes from others, I will share a behind the scenes shot here of the set up.  Yes…I have a flash in the picture below but I didn’t end up using it.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Bridal Still Life

-Rebecca


A Spring Bride

I have been inspired by some of the free flowing fashions I have seen in the past week from Coachella so I decided to dress my new Giselle in a fashion I received this past week from Rimdoll.  I have also been wanting too use these adorable paper roses hued in yellow and pink.  I needed the right outfit to showcase them and this glorious gown from Rimdoll was just the thing.  It is all that and a bag of chips people!  Spring floral romantic with a little bit of edginess in there too. 

Mode:  NuFace Aka Gigi Giselle

Gown: Rimdoll on Etsy

floral crown and bouquet: Made by me of flowers found on Ebay

Earrings: Mattel

Garden Bench: Found it at Michael’s about 3 years ago.

I absolutely LOVE the facial screening on this Giselle.  Very soft and romantic.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio A Spring Bride

-Rebecca


OOAK Doll Festival–A Huge Thank You!!

One hundred collectors of One of a Kind fashion dolls congregated in New York City for an amazing event.  It was the first event of it’s kind and it has left this attendee with a huge sense of gratitude and respect for my fellow collectors. 

First and foremost, I have to thank Rocky Schmidt and his incredible team of festival organizers.  This event was simply amazing.  From the moment we registered to the last evenings dinner and doll presentation, it was a beautifully produced and orchestrated event.  We all ate, drank and were very merry indeed.  Because of the small intimate nature of this festival, you felt like you were attending a family reunion.  Collectors of specialized one of a kind fashion dolls gathered from all over the world and although we live in different areas, we were all connected through the love of this particular sub genre of collecting. 

While it’s always nice to get some nice ‘swag’ at events, I would say the bulk of enjoyment for most at this event were the people.  It’s the enjoyment of being with people who collect exactly what you collect.  This convention celebrated in particular the artistry and design of two very well respected and admired OOAK artistic teams…Magia 2000 and Ninimomo.  It was a festival that celebrated their artistry and love for this specialized craft .

For me personally, this event had special significance. Firstly,  It offered up an opportunity to collaborate on a project with some of my closest friends who work in this 1/6 scale medium.  I have long admired and respected Hilda and Rogier’s work.  Just to be a part of this team that produced the Laduree diorama was something I am so honored to be a part of.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

It was also an honor to  donate a few items to the talented collaborators of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home and their centerpiece doll design.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Besides the festival itself, there were a number of top favorites from the trip. 

#1 I got to go to one of my favorite places with a few of my favorite people.©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#2 I got to see Rogier enjoy his first NYC hot dog from a stand!

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#3 I got to experience the garment district with the master…Hilda

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#4 And…I got to enjoy an amazing dinner with some great friends…old and new

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

And…last but not least, I got to enjoy the city with my husband and daughter ( wish my son could have joined….darn those college classes)

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

To cap off the whole week of festivities, a number of us from the festival were able to attend a performance of Hamilton!!  And it was an opportunity to meet up with in-laws and give a lovely sister-in-law the opportunity to see the show of her heart…on Broadway!  That made it all the sweeter.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

So…Rocky and Team…from this blogger of fashion dolls…a HUGE Thank you for the memories and events of a lifetime. 

-Rebecca


Have a Very Poppy Christmas!!

For those of you who follow my instagram account, I shared a little teaser photo back in August of these holiday photos.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Have a Very Poppy Christmas

I decided to do a shoot of a few of my favorite things.  1) Poppy Parker 2) That gorgeous Tiffany Blue color 3) 1/6 French furniture and 4) All things Christmas.  And here is the result of that shoot.

Enjoy!!

Model:  Out of this World Poppy Parker

Dress:  Sanglian on Etsy

Dog: Anna Ryasnova on Etsy

Set is comprised of furniture I ordered from China, lamp and boxes were handmade and white feather tree was purchased at Target.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Have a Very Poppy Christmas

–Rebecca


Fall Fashion Week

Milan fashion week wrapped up day before yesterday and I was inspired by the Instagram feeds.  I posted a photo of an outfit I felt would have worked at Milan fashion week and brought in the colors of the season. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

 The next step was to find a model to put it on and shoot. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

Chanel purse is DollhouseAra on Etsy .  Outfit is Barbie Look Urban Jungle

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - Fall Fashion Week

Many of you may have already figured out that I have started posting preliminary images on Instagram of upcoming outfits or behind the scene things.  I am also sharing on Instagram stories.  The stories will include some videos of the doll room and new diorama or display items.  If you are on Instagram, come and join the fun. Follow me to see the stories.

Rebecca


A Terrace in Paris

For those of you awaiting the next installment of “The Art of Fashion Doll Photography and Blogging”, it’s coming.  Most likely tomorrow.  I forgot to factor in that we were running our son to college ( 5 hours away) this past week so that cut into the available time I had.  Fear not…it’s in process for publication in the next couple of days.  This also explains why I have not responded to comments in a week.  I will be getting to those as well.

In the meantime, I have been sitting on these shots since the initial posting of “J’Adore Miss Amour” and I can wait no longer.  These shots came about because 1) I can’t get enough of this pink confection Miss Amour and 2) I had these fun pink balloons and had to use them and 3) I didn’t get a chance to include the adorable little perfume bottle in the last set of shots.   ©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Terrace in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Terrace in Paris

Now…is she looking at the tray like “I love this perfume and I need to use some” or is she saying “This shoot is boring…I need a drink!”  You make the call.

P.S.  I have to send  a shout out to my friend Rogier at Dutch Barbie World for a little bit of art direction on this one.  You were right and It was much appreciated!

-Rebecca


A Picnic in Paris

Now that Integrity Toys has announced their collections and all of our collector wallets are sad and limping, I thought it was time to return to Paris for some fun.  If I was returning to Paris, Ms. Poppy was going to join me.  This new “Ooh La La” Poppy Parker is my current muse and I am loving the giftset mix and match options. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

You have to love rement! 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio - A Picnic in Paris

-Rebecca


Chinoiserie

Ok…so many of you readers realize I am a little obsessed with my new Jon Copeland-Childers Poppy Parker repaint right?  Another thing I was recently obsessed with was this pink chinoiserie backdrop I did.  The apple green eyes of this lovely model inspired this setting and the chance to use this amazing backdrop.  Hope you enjoy!

Model:  Lash Out Poppy Parker repainted by Jon Copeland-Childers

* Poppy Parker has been re-bodied on an FR2 “FR White” body*’

Gown: Joe Tai

Jewelry: Integrity Toys Rare Appearance Dania

Backdrop: Chinoiserie wrapping paper I found ages ago

Chaise Lounge: Petit Luxury Couch ( repainted in silver/gold)

Flooring: marble contact paper

miniatures: Rement

Miniature Maltese: AnnaRyasnova on Etsy

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Chinoiserie

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Chinoiserie

 ©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Chinoiserie

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Chinoiserie

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Chinoiserie

-Rebecca


Agnes at the Palazzo

For those of you following my Instagram, you have seen a little taste of this shoot.  If you don’t follow, here is a little backstory.  It all started with this amazing dress which I found on Etsy by the talented duo AquatalisBoutique .  You may have seen some of their work over on Rogier’s Blog this week.  It took a while for this gown to get to me because the first one was lost in the vast quagmire of  postal services between Vietnam and my home.  Aquatalis was great about it and after we waited a reasonable time without the dress showing up, they promptly made and mailed another one.  Excellent customer service and kept me informed the whole time.  When I saw this gown I immediately thought of Dolce & Gabbana and their 2012 and 2013 collections.  Such vibrant color and opulence. I needed an appropriate backdrop.  Nothing I had was doing it for me.  So….time for a new one and I went to the Dutch still life masters to find inspiration.  I had seen a wall covering recently that I was obsessed with and wanted to do something similar…this set was what came from all that brainstorming.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

Inspiration room photo…

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source: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/flower-mural/

The beginnings of a new background

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

The headdress is the necklace from Fiorella Silkstone Barbie.  The flowers have been digitally altered to match the dress.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

The detail on this dress is really something!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

The minis in these shots are Orcara miniatures.  These items are from their red wine set.  Above are miniature paper sunflowers found at local craft store.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

And the perfect photo to express the Agnes attitude. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Agnes at the Palazzo

-Rebecca


To The Manor Born

I never saw the BBC show of this name but am interested in the phrase.  It is believed to be originally from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the actual line is “To the manner born“.  Language and time have morphed this line into today’s “to the manor born” which essentially means someone born into affluence.  The well known phrase “being born with a silver spoon in your mouth” is another example of similar meaning.  Now…why am I going into this?  Excellent question.  When I first saw promo photos of Black Tie Ball Vanessa, my first thought was “This is a party girl and she is inebriated.”  She had the half-open eyes of someone who has imbibed just a bit too much.  When I opened the box and saw her in real life, my opinion changed a bit.  I still saw the party girl but I thought it would be fun to portray her as the trust fund baby party girl.  I love the platinum tresses on this lady and while the sleepy eyes kind of bother me, it definitely set my imagination flying and produced some fun shots.  I have nothing to complain about…oh…except perhaps the skirt on the dress she came in.  It doesn’t hang right.  The jewelry, shoes and top of the gown are all exceptional though.  Photos of Miss BTB Vanessa in her original gown are on my Flickr page.

The gown in these shots is by Eifeldolldress.  Love it!!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio To The Manor Born

 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio To The Manor Born

For those interested in the set for these shots, here is the info:

Champagne glasses are exquisitely delicate and in correct scale.  They are from Facets by Marcia.

Champagne bottle…have absolutely no idea where I got this.  Most likely from a Gloria furniture set.

Bombé chest is a repainted plastic jewelry chest.  My friend and artist Carolyn Grentz did this for me.

Gold chairs were custom ordered from China.  You can find more like them here.  Frankly though, you should just get ahold of some Barbie Fan Club chairs from this year and spray paint them gold…it would be cheaper.

Floral arrangement: Made by me of various silk and fabric flowers.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio To The Manor Born

And this little adorable Maltese!!  I found her on Etsy.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio To The Manor Born

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio To The Manor Born

-Rebecca


Day at the Museum

Some of you already know this but in case you don’t, I am guest blogging for the next couple of days for my good friend Rogier of Dutch Barbie World.  He is currently attending the Paris Fashion Doll Festival and is sending photos on to me so I can report for him.  He will return the favor for me while I attend NBDCC and Integrity Toys conventions.  When you attend conventions like these it is simply too much most of the time to experience the event and then turn it around and blog about it within a timely manner.  So…Rogier and I came up with a solution….one person experiences and reports while the other writes, edits and publishes.  Win, win. 

**NOTE!!  Republishing these photos without consent is prohibited!! They are property of Dutch Barbie World.  If you want to post these photos, you need to post the link to either Rogier’s blog or mine.  It’s that simple.**

Day 1:  The Barbie Exhibit at Musée des Arts décoratifs

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

This is a much anticipated exhibit going on currently at Les Arts Décoratifs.  Rogier was able to go today and snuck some photos for all of us.  We are posting only a few of the images from this exhibit as photography was “frowned upon”.  According to Rogier, the exhibit was beautifully done and very thoughtfully curated.  It is not a huge collection of Barbie but is of very high quality.   It was a “good for all ages” exhibit that “Brings across the magic of Barbie”.  If you have a chance to see it…a must for any Barbie lover.

©2016 Mattel

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

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©2016 Dutch Barbie World

For most of the Silkstone collectors, the pièce de résistance of this exhibit were the elaborate BFMC sets designed and built by Lars Auvinen that Mattel loaned to the museum for this exhibit.  Unbelievable!! 

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

 

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

 

 

Information from the Sybarite party will be coming up later this eveningWinking smile


Poppy Parker Live from the Oscars Red Carpet!

Every time the Oscars roll around, I feel compelled to do some kind of red carpet or Oscar themed shoot.  I have done Barbie getting dressed in her closet.  I’ve done Barbie on her way to presenting the Oscar.  I’ve done Barbie on the red carpet.  I have yet to do any Integrity Toys, Inc products for the Oscar night festivities.  Well…I’m going to fix that right now!  Poppy Parker is going to the Oscars!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Model:  Mood Changer Poppy Parker repainted and restyled by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa ( she has been re-bodied on a FR2 body)

Gown:  Pansak Charoentonphubal of Eifeldolldress

Jewelry: On Set ( gift fashion from 2015 I.T. Cinematic Convention)

 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

20160219IMG_0222-Edit

 

Will try and have my red carpet picks and pans from the Oscars on Monday Winking smile


2016 Inspirations-The Year Ahead

So…I am sitting here this morning with my morning cup of java ( hating the fact that its non fat creamer because I am doing that “lets do a diet” to start the year off right thing)  and getting inspiration for the year of blogging ahead.  I finally have some free time ahead of me and really want to devote more time to this blog that I love and the collection that is such a hobby of joy for me to photograph and talk about.  As I was sinking my teeth into the first few screens of Pinterest and Instagram images for the morning,  I stumbled upon a number of images that just took flight in my head and had me thinking about dioramas and lots of yummy content for the blog.  I just have to share.

I don’t know about you guys but I love illustrations.  I particularly enjoy fashion illustrations which is why I have a number of limited prints by Robert Best.   If you follow the Barbie Instagram account, you might have already enjoyed this woman’s work.  I have to admit, I’m a newbie to her lovely illustrations but I am already a huge fan.  Her name is Kerrie Hess

©Kerrie Hess

©Kerrie Hess

©Kerrie Hess

©Kerrie Hess

And the next couple I am including for my sister Hilda Winking smile

©Kerrie Hess

©Kerrie Hess

Aren’t these scrumptious!!!  Now…to figure out how to percolate some of these illustrations and ideas into background and diorama ideas for our 1/6 ladies.  Oh yes, Rebecca is inspired now. 

-Rebecca


Poppy’s in Petal Dresses

As many of you know by now, I adore Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture.  Her work epitomizes what I love to collect.  Her gentle spirit and friendship have been and will continue to be a treasure to this “sister friend”.  This past December,  Haute Doll Magazine approached a number of OOAK doll clothing makers to submit work for their Spring issue.  As with all publication submissions, you never know which photos will be accepted for an issue.  Here are some of the photos I shot for Hilda that did not make it into the issue.  If you have not had a chance to check out Haute Doll’s spring issue, you should.  There is a treasure house of OOAK doll clothing makers in it…including Ms. Hilda’s work.

Models:  Especially For You Poppy Parker, Elegant Evening Poppy Parker, To The Fair Poppy Parker

Gowns:  Belissima Couture

Love this “especially for you” Poppy!  When I was setting up the shoot, I got carried away with all the shabby chic pinkness and it was too sweet.  I had to throw this red lipped siren Poppy in black to cut the cotton candy in this shot.  If she was the vixen of the piece…she could not be sipping tea.  She needed a DRINK.  You will notice that her glass is empty Winking smile.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

For more Haute Doll Magazine news, check out their Facebook page.


The Art of the Vignette

Thank you so much for the response to my last post “The Fashion Doll Vignette”.  I have been toying around with doing a regular segment on the blog for a while that is devoted specifically to the small sets or dioramas that I use in my photos or displays.  In particular, I want to share some diorama items and furniture that I have obtained over my years of collecting.   I look forward to sharing these “vignette” or “diorama” posts on a more regular basis in the future.

The word Vignette has multiple meanings.  In photography, to vignette is a verb meaning to darken or lighten the corners and edges of a photo in a way to highlight a part of the photo.  I use this technique on many of my photos.  It helps to bring the focal point to a part in the picture that you want everyone’s eye to travel to…typically the center.  Vignette used as a noun can also mean a small pleasing grouping or portrait.  When I photograph things, many times I like to use a small diorama with it.  Sometimes it is elaborate and sometimes it is just a small piece or two.  For this set of photos, I used a number of pieces. 

First and foremost, I used another Carolyn Grentz exquisitely painted OOAK bombe chest in 1/6 scale.   Still in talks with her to see if she has room in her commission books for more.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

The two side chairs were found on Ebay.  I was able to get them marked down and even at that price, in retrospect, they were kind of pricey.  If they came down to say, $65, they would be a better purchase I think.  The floral arrangement was made by me and I used various artificial flowers that fit with the scale.  Many of the flowers are scrapbooking elements of some kind or picks you can find in the boutonniere making section of your local craft store.  The purse is slightly big for 1/6 scale but it works as say an over night bag or oversized bag for the playscale girls.  It is a Kate Spade keychain/coin purse

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Model:  Victoire Roux workshop doll from The Premiere Convention

Dress and coat:  Bellissima Couture

Shoes:  Mattel

Hat:  Floral Scrapbook element

The coat of this beautiful ensemble is out of fabric that is a map of Paris.  Too cute!!

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Here are some more photos of that fabulous bombé chest.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio


The Fashion Doll Vignette

I think you can tell by now that I love collecting fashion dolls.  I also love photographing my collection and sharing those photos with you all.  Another thing I really enjoy doing is displaying my collection.  Some of the most popular images I share either here or on my flickr page involve some kind of diorama.  To me, it is infinitely more interesting to share a scene rather than just a fashion image of a doll and outfit.  One is editorial, the other shares a story.  The second you add items and accessories, it becomes a scene and scenes have stories.  Do I have a story when I set a scene?  Sometimes, yes, sometimes, no. 

This vignette started with the following youtube video.  This is where I imagine all of my Silkstones live LOL!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxufpX8yFc&list=UUonF9muPaQugKknkbQfQ2iw 

 

In this diorama there are a number of amazing pieces.  First and foremost, there is this exquisite suit, hat and gloves from Matisse.  It is worn by Ballgown Silkstone. 

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The other treasures in this diorama are the 1/6 terrarium, 1/6 garden cloche and the OOAK painted 1/6 bombe chest.  The plants are all miniature scale plants found on Amazon.  The picture above the chest was a find on an antiquing trip to a local shop.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

I don’t know if these little terrariums are available anymore but they are too adorable.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The miniature cloches can be found in most fairy garden supply stores.  I have added a link for some at Amazon.  Just click on cloches.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Let’s talk about this amazing bombe chest for a moment.  It started life as a plastic jewelry chest.  I have dear friend ,Carolyn Grentz, who is an amazing artist and she transformed this plastic jewelry chest into a 1/6 French baroque treasure.  I am trying to talk her into doing a few more to sell at Barbie Convention.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio


Celebrating Spring

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

I love Spring.  In the Pacific Northwest, it means the birds start singing and the constant grey rain gives way to a few sunny days here and there.  I have always thought of Spring as a beginning…and I am so ready for some new and wonderful beginnings. 

My camellias are starting to bloom…

© 2015 Rebecca Berry Photography

and so are my crocus.

© 2015 Rebecca Berry Photography

Lilacs are starting to bud.

© 2015 Rebecca Berry Photography

Forsythia is holding court in the garden.  The first sentinel of Spring.

© 2015 Rebecca Berry Photography

My dear friend Hilda of Bellissima Couture gifted this exquisite gown for me over a year ago and I wanted to share it.  Not only is it exquisite in every way, it also incorporates some lovely lace found on our trip to Paris.  It is simply too lovely for words.  A treasure in my collection..and heart.© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio


Beyond the Sea

The news in the United States right now is reporting the amazing and record breaking snowfall amounts on the east coast.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are dealing with typical winter weather…rain and gloom.  So, for those dealing with less than desirable weather situations, I decided to go to the beach for a day.  I seem to be having a bit of a “Poppy crush” going on with this new convention Poppy. 

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

Yes…I was listening to Bobby Darin as I typed this  Smile


Mademoiselle Jolie is 9 to 5

When this lady arrived I was so excited to photograph her in her fluffy ball gown.  Once that was completed, I decided to do a 180 and cast her in the role of tough business woman.  Another inspiration in this shoot for me were the little glass globes.  I found these at a little hole in the wall store I love to go to.  I had to use them in something and the headquarters for W Cosmetics felt like the perfect place to use them.  I hope you guys like this set because it may come back.

Model:  Ombres Poétique Mademoiselle Jolie

Suit: Le Smoking Adéle Makèda

Shoes and Lingerie top:Ombres Poétique

Watch:Le Smoking Adéle Makèda

Jewelry:Ombres Poétique

Sunglasses:IT sales room convention 2013 purchase

Purse:  Lead Singles Lilith and Eden

Gloves: Hands from Edge Vanessa

Set:  Desk is clear acrylic riser.  Chandelier is a laser cut paper holiday ornament.  Chair is clear 1/6 armless ghost chair.

© 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio  © 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio  © 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio  © 2015 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio  Love these little globe paperweights!


Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi

Since I am getting back into the swing of things blog wise again, I thought it was well past time to do a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi.    In the past couple of years, I have been approached  a few times to submit photos to publishers to help them pitch a book for production.  I was approached last year to submit some photos for a book being considered to highlight James Bogue’s work.   While the book idea may have not come to fruition this time around, James’ inspiring work is most definitely worthy of it.  Here were some of my submissions.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2011 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2012 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2012 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

James sells his fashions on his Etsy site at Bogues Vogues originals.