Barbie for big girls.

Posts tagged “Doll Diorama

Reverence for the Repaint…Part II

Here is the third and final repaint I received from from the amazing repaint artist Jon Copeland.  She was originally a Suite Retreat™ Barbie® Doll.

Suite Retreat

source:  www.Barbiecollector.com

This is what Jon Copeland did with her.  STUNNING!

Gown and Hat:  Bogue’s Vogues

Gloves, shoes and jewelry:  Mattel

Fur:  Dimitha

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

-Rebecca


You’ve Got a Friend

I have a friend who is going through a hard time right now.  I always say that one of if not the most amazing things about the collecting community is its strength and ability to support its members.  This friend is a doll collector and in the midst of the gauntlet she is walking right now, she still thought of others and helped out a few collector friends this week.  Her grace and strength humbles me.  My friend…this one is for you.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Models:  Fascination Monogram, Breathless Veronique FR2,Sweet Smell of Success Veronique FR

Gowns:  Illumination Monogram, Fine Romance Eugenia FR, Dressmaker Details After the Ball

Set:  Suzy Goose Piano

Flame brush:  http://firebug-stock.deviantart.com

 


Presenting at the Oscars

I love watching the Oscars.  Well…mostly I just like watching the red carpet and posting my picks and pans after.  Last year I had a lot of fun and success with my “Getting ready for the Oscars” photo.  See all the information about this photo here.

© 2013Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Mattel had just released this new wardrobe piece and I was anxious to use it.  In my head, Barbie was getting ready to go to the Oscars as a possible recipient.  Because she was one of the contenders for the gold statue, she needed to be in a drop dead gown.  The story continued in my head that she went on to win the Oscar.  That means that this year, she will be presenting the Oscar for the award she won last year. 

Model:  Barbie Basics®Model No. 01 — Collection 001

Gown:  Miniature Couture by Mary

Jewelry:  Fashion Royalty Monogram Completist accessory pack

Diorama:  Wall panel was made my me.  More info here.  Clock was found in Paris and the beautifully painted bombé chest will be featured in a future blog post.  More info coming.  Floral arrangements in golden urns were made by me.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Now…I am really ready for the Oscars.   Fashion review should be up on Monday.


The Hollywood Issue

I am a subscriber to Vanity Fair.  Every year, before the Oscar’s, they have an issue called “The Hollywood Issue”.   I am always impressed with the cover photography of these issues and never fail to feel inspired after viewing it.  Last year, I was inspired to do my own cover and this is what I ended up with.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

This year, I was inspired to try another one and Integrity Toys’ newly revamped Fashion Royalty products were my muses.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Models:  “Evermore” Vanessa in her original outfit, Workshop Elise in Mattel Hervé Léger by Max Azria, “Bellissima” Natalia in her original outfit, “After Tonight” Eugenia in Mattel “Hollywood Cast Party”, “Baby It’s You” Chip, “Black Orchid” Vanessa in Bellissima Couture gown and Jakki Peters hat.

 

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Now…are we all set for the Oscar’s?  I think so.  Smile


The Doll Room Goes On Display: Part II

Yesterday I explained why things have been a little crazy at Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.  I have been working well over a month and a half ( since Fashion Royalty convention really) to get our house ready for a charity holiday tour that included the doll room.  The same weekend the tour happened, I was also contracted to photograph my daughter’s dance schools dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker.  We also needed to  attend her performances.  I also hosted a ladies holiday tea for about 50 ladies and to top it off…it was my birthday in there somewhere.  There was LOTS going on the weekend of December 6 – 8th.

I left off in part one of this post explaining my anxiety at opening up the doll room to the public for this holiday walk.   I was anxious to see what people would think.  I was fully prepared to answer a few questions and field comments like “Are you crazy?’.  What I was not prepared for was to be fully occupied the three hours Deanna, Hilda and I proctored the doll room area with comments, questions and exclamations of joy and wonder.  I called the evening “better living through Barbie”.  I think the thing I heard the most as people came up the stairs to the doll room area was their surprised gasps of “ OH MY GOD!!” upon seeing some of the collection for the first time.  It was an exclamation of an unexpected positive experience.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The collection was not what people were expecting and the look of amazement when they looked around warmed my heart.  When I questioned people “ Not what you were expecting was it? You were expecting the Barbies you see at Target right?”  They would reply every single time “ Yes!” with a wide-eyed expression.  I received thank you upon thank you for sharing the collection.  There were lines to get up to the doll room area.  At some points during the day, there were lines just to get into the house let alone the doll area.  The Assistance League of the Eastside had told people that there would be some Barbie experts on hand from the hours of 4-7pm to answer questions.  People came back!  They came back and brought their mothers, their daughters, their sisters and some even brought back their husbands.  I think that was the biggest surprise of the evening for me.  These husbands not only came into the doll area but they spent time looking AND ASKED QUESTIONS!   I was completely amazed and overwhelmed at the outpouring of interest.  I enjoyed hearing the rich tapestry of stories and Barbie memories that unfolded throughout the evening.  Sisters recounted playtime memories with each other, Grandmothers and mothers remembered sewing or crocheting for Barbie and the granddaughters and daughters remembered learning how to sew through Barbie.  Many remembered the first experiences of self expression through cutting their Barbie’s hair. 

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The fashion was another big topic of discussion.  There were many conversations about particular designer influences and most everyone enjoyed the 1/6 scale purse tree in the actual doll room itself.  I had a buyer for Federated Department Stores come up to me and say how much she loved how everything was displayed.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio  The most common questions of the evening were:

1.  How long have you been collecting?  Since my daughter was 3 so a little over 10 years.

2.  Why did you start collecting?  My daughter received a collector Barbie when she was 3 and my first thought was “ Great!  who gives a 3 yr old a collector Barbie?  She is going to trash it!”  But she didn’t so I thought maybe collector Barbies would be something we could do together…you know…something for Christmas and birthdays.  I started to do some research on collector Barbies and started looking at Barbiecollector.com and was blown away by the collector doll offerings.  I essentially went down the rabbit hole at that point….and have not come out yet.

3.  How many dolls do you have?  I currently have around 600 and that is most likely as big as it will get.  I am maximized right now which means…if something comes in…something has to go out.

4.  What is the most expensive doll?  I never really answered that question…instead I would point to some of the rarer items that are in the collection.  I have a BFMC display case that is a treasure in my collection and I managed to procure a City Smart Silkstone Barbie through a great doll friend a couple years ago.  I also have a set of 1/6 Bespaq bedroom furniture that is very rare and I treasure that as well.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Some of the new displays for this year are as follows:

I adored the garden scene I shot so much that it became a permanent display in the doll room

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

I also picked up some amazing 1/6 scale furniture pieces in Paris this past year.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Elizabeth Taylor joined the work room display

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

and the nightclub scene

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

New Fashion Royalty convention additions

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

And a new treasure added for the walk.  A stunning pink silk and French lace gown by Hilda of Bellissima Couture.  She made me this for my birthday…and I just about cried when I saw it.  Stunningly beautiful beyond words!!  Love ya Hilda…Mwah!

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The entire day of participating in this home tour and showing this collection was a completely amazing experience and the fact that it helped raise money to support local and very necessary programs made it that much more meaningful.  In this season of giving, I am so very grateful to all the people who opened their hearts, minds and pocketbooks to support the Assistance League of the Eastside.  I also want to thank those who came up to me and personally commented on the collection.  As an avid collector, It was a complete joy to see the love of this doll expressed and for some rekindled. 


Delphine Poppy

I had a few moments to shoot some photos before I left for convention so I have some new material to share.  This particular Poppy has been a muse for me many times and I knew this shade of blue would look fabulous on her. 

Model:  The Happening Poppy parker

Gown:  Delphine Silkstone Barbie

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

I am using a slightly different lighting formula on this one.  I have been looking for a small spotlight that was inexpensive and easy to use.  I  found some really great mini spot lights with magnetic feet that snap right onto my photo tent…the problem was…they are LED lights and turn everything pretty much blue.  How do I get a LED light to look like a warm soft box light?  Easy…add a filter.

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The only thing tinged blue on this shoot was la tour Eiffel behind Miss Poppy….and that was on purpose.

Smile


Diorama Finds

I purchased a couple of things that I wanted to pass on to people.  Halloween is just around the corner and I know many collectors are into that gothic look and feel.  Someone on Doll Divas posted about a set of black gothic chairs a while back ( sorry I can’t find the original post) and I decided to check them out.  I was a bit skeptical about the sizes but I gambled and won on this one.  They are , in my opinion, the right scale for 1/6 fashion dolls.

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You can find these beauties at the Victorian  Trading Company. http://www.victoriantradingco.com/item/80-ha-8023219/100100104/gothic-arm-chairs-set-of-3

They cost $49.95 so that works to $16.65 per chair.  I don’t feel that is exorbitant for three 1/6 scale chairs.  They are made of resin so kind of heavy but not too bad.  One of the kind of cool features is that they have a hanging hook on the back so you could put them on the wall.  It’s kind of an interesting display idea don’t you think?!  I may have to try that one.  Also, it looks like these could be painted as well so there you go.  A big “Thank You” to whoever posted this link on Doll Divas!

While I was perusing my recent Pottery Barn catalog I ran across something interesting.  I am all about Christmas décor planning right now so I was looking at the new ornaments coming out.  They had the most adorable bottle brush dogs as ornaments.  I looked at the sizing and thought  “Hey, I bet those could be really cute as diorama pets!”. 

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It’s an Airedale!!  I Had to have it.  http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bottlebrush-airdale-ornament-holiday-2013/?pkey=cornaments-trim-holiday&cm_src=ornaments-trim-holiday||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-

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And a Cocker Spaniel .. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bottlebrush-cocker-spaniel-ornament-holiday-2013/?pkey=cornaments-trim-holiday&cm_src=ornaments-trim-holiday||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-

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And a Poodle!  http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bottlebrush-poodle-ornament-holiday-2013/?pkey=cornaments-trim-holiday&cm_src=ornaments-trim-holiday||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-

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They run from $8.50 to $10.50 a piece.  I was really, really tempted to get the St. Bernard one too but you just have to stop somewhere.  The beauty of these are, they will grace my Christmas tree during the holidays and then grace my dioramas and pictures for the rest of the year. 

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Happy Weekend!


The Journey

As many of you know, I have just returned from a month of traveling.  It was the most amazing trip with my family and for a few glorious weeks some dear friends.  The memories made during those travels are priceless and the new perspective I bring back with me every time I journey out of my own country is such a gift to me.  I feel richer emotionally than when I left and so appreciative for all that I have seen, experienced and learned.  My hope is that I can bring this into the pictures that I take.

For this set of photos, one of my new arrivals Ms. Splendid Jordan has just returned from a journey of her own.  I wish I had her luggage…..

Model , clothing and accessories:  Fashion Royalty Splendid Jordan

Trunk: Barbie Convention gift 2012

LV Purse: La Boutique

LV makeup case:  Fashion Royalty

Martini glass:  Facets by Marcia

Splendid Jordan postcard 2

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Splendid Jordan Postcard 3

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Splendid Jordan postcard 4

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All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”

Wishing everyone a safe and happy journey today Smile


A Sweet and Swiss Grand Entrance

I had yet another  blue gown I had to put Sweet in Switzerland in before I was done. 

Model:  Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker

Gown:  Grand Entrance™ Barbie® Doll

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And since I am having fun playing with a new set of filters in Adobe Lightroom Smile

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And what one of these shots would look like as a gothic romance novel cover {Snort!}  Yes, I DO need a self help program for those who have become obsessed with their Photoshop brushes.  20130627-IMG_1478-Edit_photoshopped-1


“Begin at the Beginning…”

“..and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” — King of Hearts Alice in Wonderland

Since I mentioned “Alice Blue” and how it reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, I had to do a shoot inspired by Mr. Carroll’s classic work of fiction.

Model:  Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker

Dress :  BFMC™ Accessory Pack

Tea set:  Re-ment Princess Tea set

“What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?”

— Alice  Alice in Wonderland

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“We are all mad here.”  –Cheshire Cat  Alice in Wonderland


Sweet,Swiss and Provencale

The title of this post sounds like a new bistro sandwich LOL!  The earlier gowns of the BFMC Barbie line are the favorites of many.  This gown from a Barbie called “Provencale” with it’s delicate blue and white pattern was originally worn by a short haired redhead. 

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(source Barbiecollector.com)

50829

(source Barbiecollector.com)

I have never warmed to that particular doll in that dress.  I love the dress and I love the doll…just not together.  This dress, since it entered my collection, has graced the form of French Maid Barbie.

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For a time last week, this gown was beautifully worn by the newly released red haired Poppy Parker.  Hope you like the photos.

Model:  Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker

Gown and Jewelry:  Provencale™ Barbie® Doll

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And just in case you needed even more drama in these photos….

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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.

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I feel the need for some macarons now Smile


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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

 

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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

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Poppy in the Conservatory

…with Professor Plum and a candlestick {Snort!}.  No, we are not playing the game Clue…but it sure sounds like it.  Some times I have an idea for a photo and it simply won’t go away.  I received a couple new pieces of furniture this past week and I knew I was in trouble when I formulated a game plan before I went to bed and woke up with new ideas on how to make the scene work.  I realized…I was already on the road to doing the diorama so I might as well get on with it.  My enthusiasm ( cough, cough obsession) was fueled even further by some amazing photos on Flickr  by Stilleto Queen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilettoqueen/).  This one was an idea that needed some lead time for construction so that explains my blog absence for the past week.  I was very lucky to find some resources online for this shoot and I will share them at the end of this post.  If you wish to make some of the items in this post, get ready to make glue, glue dots and scissors your best friends.

Model:  “Sea Breeze” Poppy Parker

Gown and jewelry: Petal Perfect by Dressmaker Details(http://www.windycitydolls.com/dressmaker.htm)

Table and Chairs:  Mini Chair ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/miniCHAIR?ref=top_trail)

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Some candid shots during the shoot.  Loved how the sun was hitting the scene while I shot this!! 

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Photo of the set up…real high tech…right down to the Star Wars AND Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit games holding up the chandelier.  My family and I are complete geeks.  Yes, that is an old window providing the back wall.   I love it!

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Do you like the French flower pails and tin pitchers?  Well they are made of paper and available for download at:

http://miniatures.about.com/od/dollhouseprintables/ss/flowercontainers.htm

Actual downloads are on page two of article above and in multiple scales.  These are all in 1/6 scale.  I used heavier weight presentation paper for this project because cardstock was just too heavy and hard to work with.  I also wanted a slight shine to the items but not glossy so the presentation paper worked well.  Tip:  to keep the flower pails from tipping over when you put something in them, fill them up halfway with rice.  It weighs it down and helps hold the stems in place . Tip:  Ever filled a mini pot and wondered what to use for dirt?  Try coffee grounds.

Happy mini gardening!!


It’s a Nice Day for a Picnic in Paris

I am still feeling the inspiration from my recent trip to Paris ( hope that sticks around for a while too).  That coupled with the recent sunshine and Spring temperatures had me  feeling like a Picnic….and here it is.

Model:  OOAK Debut Silkstone ( no she isn’t the Paris doll festival Debut but doesn’t she look like one!!)  I rerooted a caucasian Debut and repainted the eyebrows.

Dress:  Bellissima Couture ( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/)

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

Shoes, Gloves and Jewelry: Mattel

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**The photos above were made possible by the following talented artists who were willing to share their amazing photoshop brushes on deviantart: Blazter(JavierZhx) and deseratedeceit.  **

Miss Debut here represents my one and ONLY attempt at rerooting a Silkstone.  That process is not for a first timer folks.  I was lucky to have fingers when I was done and it took about a month LOL!  I now have a completely new level of respect for anyone who reroots these Silkies. 


Mermaid Gown Arrives..and Bewitches ITFDS!

When news and promotional photos were shared of this one, I was beside myself with excitement.  I mean come on…she was all in pink!  I have been waiting patiently for this one to arrive and my lovely Barbie Collector dealer Claudia of Pink Ponytail made sure my Ms. Mermaid Gown was shipped promptly to me.   Typically, I will photograph a doll upon receipt in what’s come to be known as ( yes, Rogier…you have named it) putting her in THE WINDOW.  I like to take photos of a new doll in natural light without enhancing anything ( no Photoshop!) up against a soft white window sill so people can get a good idea of the actual coloring of a doll.  These are the photos I took of Ms. Mermaid Gown just after she came in the door.

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Her gown is the softest crepe de chine in a dusty pink.  Her skin tone is “Silkstone peace”  which means she is very, very pale.  I am not sure what the back of her hairdo was “supposed” to look like but I had to do some reconstructive surgery to get mine to look something other than a hot mess.  It wasn’t difficult but it did take some work and some hair gel….just sayin’. 

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I am very, very happy with her though.  She is a beautiful addition to the 2013 Silkstone Atelier line.  And now…the studio shots!

 

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And…because Rebecca was having WAY too much fun with Photoshop today…. Kind of had a Bewitched moment didn’t I?!  I almost looked for a witch on a broomstick outline to put in the sky…

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…almost .Smile

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In Her Easter Bonnet

With all the frills upon it.  Easter is upon us so I thought I would showcase a couple of favorites from the Paris trip. 

Model:  Paris Luncheon Ensemble

Dress:  Spring Bouquet: Grass by Bellissima Couture( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/more-spring-fashions/)

Hat:  Market Day Silkstone ( modified with new hat band and flowers)

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She’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.


Getting Ready for the Oscars

When I was doing  multiple posts on award show fashions, I was thinking wouldn’t it be fun to do a photo of Barbie getting ready for the Oscars.  I needed an appropriate background and Mattel provided that with their amazing new Barbie Look Wardrobe.  It also needed a bigger than life dress because it is…after all…the Oscars. Who better than Jason Wu and his talented team at Integrity Toys could do that?!  Finally, I needed the prefect model for the dress and I wanted someone who is not seen that often.  Since I am a deboxer, I have the luxury of redressing a rare or low production number doll.  For this photo shoot, I decided to use Pinch of Platinum.  She is a platinum edition doll which means there are no more than 999 of her in the world.  I also felt , given the pain and aggravation of her entry into my collection https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/05/25/pinch-of-platinum-how-about-a-bucket-of-valium/ , she deserved her moment to shine.  No valium necessary with this one .wink

Model, earings, shoes:  Pinch of Platinum Barbie

Bracelet:  Showgirl Silkstone Barbie

Gown:  Dark Romance Giselle NuFace Fashion Royalty

Set:  Barbie Look Wardrobe, Horsman pink chair and scroll side table, Jonathan Adler side table,  Randall Craig zebra rug and too many little items to name individually.  If you have questions on any item, just ask .

Stylist:  ITFDS

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How about this fabulous closet and it’s potential!  When it comes to diorama pieces folks…it doesn’t get any better than this.  My only complaint is the price.  It is pricey ( $70!!).  I purchased this one on sale and received $20 off.  That definitely made it more palatable.  It comes with three interchangeable backgrounds ( I love the black and white one!) and you could make your own too I suppose if you had big enough paper.  Oh, and drawers open and it comes with a bunch of hangers.  Someone mentioned on the doll boards that it would be great if Mattel could offer an extra set of hangers on their website.  Excellent notion!

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And… because Rebecca loves her macro lens…a few more shots of the doll and her accessories.  Love those shoes!  If you click them together three times and say “There is no place like Mattel” do you think you could be transported there?

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Music from the shoot…..


Welcome to 2013!!

It’s the third official day of the new year  and it has been roughly two years since I started the wonderful journey into blogging on WordPress.  I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to come along for the ride Smile.  I am hoping that 2013 will continue to bring inspiration, time and creativity my way so I can share more photos with you.  In the year ahead, I am looking forward to more of Mr. Best’s Silkstone Atelier line as well as the wonders that Integrity Toys will have for us.   While I will not be attending and reporting from the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention this year, I will be reporting for the first time from Paris for the Paris Doll Expo in March and I hope to be attending Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty convention in October.

To kick off the new year, I am trying out some new lighting ideas ( received some new lights for the studio from Santa!!). I had a whole “Narnia” thing going on LOL!  I was wishing I had a 1/6 Mr Tumnus.

Model:  OOAK Silkstone by Jon Copeland

Gown:  T.D. Fashions

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2012 ITFDS Favorites

At the end of each year, a flurry of photos floods Flickr and doll boards with groupings of collectors favorite dolls for the year.  I always have these grand ideas of doing a group photo too and never seem to get around to it .  This year, I had a flash of  inspiration and decided I was going to MAKE the time to do it…so.. here it is.  I was inspired by this years Vanity Fair Hollywood Edition.

In no particular order, my favorite dolls for 2012 are

1) Glam Addict Giselle

2) Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie

3) Fame by Frame Imogen

4) Lilac Frost Poppy Parker

5) High Profile Eugenia

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Inspiration photo…..

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue 2012


Seasons Greetings from ITFDS

After a couple of weeks of absolute holiday craziness…I am sure you all can relate….I have finally finished editing photos of the doll room and surround for your viewing pleasure.  Because I have some avid pinners out there who are still pinning from my skydrive when I have asked “Please, please , please don’t do that ( you know who you are), I will not be posting all the photos in a slideshow.  I have , however, put together a slideshow set to music which I have uploaded to youtube and am sharing here too.  I will share a few stills but the bulk of the photos are in the slideshow.  There are over 100 photos in the slideshow so a little something for everybody Smile 

Happy Holidays!  From my doll room to your home, I hope you enjoy the photos and slideshow.  I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge, huge “Thank You” to my readers and commenters.  You are..in a phrase…”why I do what I do”.  I thank you all for your support and encouragement.  I hope in 2013 that my work will continue to interest you.20121205-958A9757wmsized

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Note****  If you want to see the high resolution version of this, you need to tell the youtube player on your scrren to give you the highest quality.  It’s one of the small icons on the bottom right of the youtube screen**


Decking the Halls with Paintbox Designs

One of my favorite things about being part of the collecting community is discovering amazing OOAK fashions for our diminutive divas.   This past June, Pam Seeman of Paintbox Designs brought her fabulous fashions to the National Barbie Convention for the first time.  I think it is fair to say she and her fashions were a huge hit.  Paintbox Designs has been a fixture at Fashion Royalty convention but this year was the first time we had the pleasure of seeing and purchasing her fashions for Ms. Barbie.  I must have spent a good thirty minutes at her table…along with a whole host of other shoppers and walked away with some beautiful OOAK outfits.  I adore the floaty rose fabric she used for the skirt of Dasha’s dress.  Loni’s dress is one of her signature designs and it never disappoints.  I must have this design in at least three different colors.  You can find Pam and Paintbox Designs at  http://www.paintboxdesigns.net/index.html

Models:  FR2 Always Polished Dasha and Lemon Crush Loni Lawrence

Gowns: Paintbox Designs ( http://www.paintboxdesigns.net/index.html)

Shoes: FR2 “Shoe Win” shoe pack from 2012 FR convention( Dasha), Mattel (Loni)

Set:  Feather trees in 15’” and 18” from Target.  Repainted chair is Petit Luxury Arm Chair for Pullip.

It looks like Dasha is completely bored at the country club holiday party…LOL!

Paintbox Designs postcard 2

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Verushka Attends A Holiday Party

I was shocked at how a simple updo changed the entire look of this doll.  She is now one of my favorite models. 

Model:  Restyled Verushka™ Barbie® Doll

Gown:  Joe Tai

Earrings and gloves:  Hope Diamond Barbie

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What this picture would look like as a Chanel ad…..Smile

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