HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

HELLO 2011!

From me and mine to you and yours!

Failed Expedition

Originally uploaded by Zanalee

We got as far as the park across the street before turning back again. It was bitterly and we we surrounded by a solid snow wall. I hope it's less windy this week. I love snow pics but I wasn't ready for this at all.

Shelf's Up!

Shelf's Up!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

We finally put the shelf up this morning for the girls. My sweety is very proud of the job he's done and I am so happy to have them all together and out of the way. This is a shelf just for them, so that they're no longer on top of boxes of their own clothes. It's really important for me to have these things separate so that I can focus better.

I love looking up and seeing them all together above me, looking like they're chatting or gazing out towards the window or at nothing. I think they're happy. I know I am. Now I can start looking for that sweater of theirs that seems to be missing, not to mention straightening up my own stuff. Oh the holidays! Bring it on!

Happy Holidays from my girls in Harlem!

Happy Holidays from my girls in Harlem!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

Happy Holidays Blythe Lovers and Doll lovers in general and to your loved ones!
May your Holidays be blessed and may you be surrounded with love, warmth and imagination!

Picture Show! Welcome to my life!!!

 Jewels Blueberry is one of my all time fave Blythe photographers. She was one the first people whose unique, vintage and retro technique I poured over whenever she would post new photos and I would just wonder, how in the heck did she do that? How does she just create this ancient, worn, faded, genuinely vintage look? And it's more than just a look. It's a feeling. And that's hard to accomplish by just pointing a camera at something. That is something inside the photographer which cannot be duplicated, only imitated.

I swear I thought that maybe she was still using film or something! I was so in awe. Finally, I just said, fuck it! I'm going to just ask her. To my great pleasure, she was super nice and always has been. She was kind enough to let me in on some of the filter software she was using. Yesterday she told me about the Picture Show app on iPhone and I just knew that if she was swearing by it, I had to have it. I checked out some of the pictures she had uploaded using it and I was sold!

Among the seven photo apps  have on my iPhone, Picture Show maybe the only one to rival Hipstamatic. Yes, I said it! I installed it yesterday at work and when I got home I spent the rest of the evening snapping away and exclaiming to myself out loud! I just am blown away by how good the filters look and by the combo of frames, vignetting and color adjustments available. It is incredible. I can see that in quality, it is not as subtle as Hipstamatic. In that department, Hipstamatic really does have it all over the other picture apps but it also depends I imagine on how you use it. I have only taken pictures with it using florescent light sources so far. God, only knows what it can do in natural light! I can't wait to see!

A great new photo app is like a new door for me! I swear, it's like everything else that sucks just disappears and all I can see are possibilities! *Aaaaahhh*

2608 (for zenzile)

2608 (for zenzile)
Originally uploaded by valentine westphal

I don't mind telling you that Christmas for my Blythes is going be amazing this year!!! No, I mean really! There maybe a recession but they sure as hell don't know anything about it.
HAHAHA!!!

YEA!!!!! I'm so excited about this HOP baby doll dress!! Julie just cranks out the most amazing dresses and I'm like an addict! I consider it to be fate whenever I happen to be on flickr as she posts up new stuff. My fiancee who was sitting next to me at the time just didn't understand all the noises I was making while I was clicking like crazy to get this into my paypal cart. I had my fingers in my mouth! LOL!!

Frankie Stein Monster Rock

Frankie Stein Monster Rock
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

So I went to a Prince Concert in Jersey this passed Friday with my bff who lives in Philly and I have really been devoured by a storm of revived love that I have always had for that man. As you can see I'm still on a Prince high and so was Frankie Stein this morning when I took these pics of her rocking out on Hamsa's punkaholic guitar. She could totally play with Prince right? I'm in bed now while i write this, listening to a Prince Mix CD I made years ago. I am pretty much in heaven and can't wait to see him again. Yes, I will be seeing him again. He makes me happy as a kid!

Perrin's travel will end soon!

Perrin's travel will end soon!
Originally uploaded by MinkiDynamite / Sandra

Oh the places Perrin has been! It's so great to see this montage put together by MinkiDynamite on flickr who came up with the idea for the "Traveling Blythes" in the first place. It was only last December that Perrin came to stay with me and the other girls for a week or so. She is such a sweet and serious little thing but I have to admit, she's my fave of the two that were sent out. She taught me to love the licca body which I was not at all fond of previous. Now I have to AA Blythes, Neige and Angora, both with Licca bods.

Thanks Perrin! I even received a postcard from her while she was in France several months ago! And now her travels are almost done. Oh to be a traveling doll with new clothes and adventures at every port!

: )

{play with blythe}

{play with blythe}
Originally uploaded by Kirbee {Sugar Sweet Dreams}

Seriously...
: D

Katja's ADG

ADG Custom Ref Pics
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

This is Katja AKA Blytheowl's beautiful ADG. She has done this amazing carving herself and sent her to me for a BB custom spray. I'm super excited and can't wait to see what she looks like when she's done.

She was at the Blythe Meet last weekend and asked if I would consider doing this BB custom for her to which I said yes and breathed a sigh of relief since I've had the best luck spraying the ADG body than with any of the other Blythe bodies (Licca, Takara, haven't tried Neemo yet) out there.

However, she would like to be able to keep the color of the lips in tact and I have never done that before when customizing Black Blythes. I generally spray the entire face. I was thinking about taping off the lips. That would have to be some really deft tape work.
Any ideas?

NOTE TO READERS:

 

On flickr, one has the option, if one would like, to "blog" a photo as a reference. This way when anyone reading the entry clicks on the photo, it will link back to the person whose photostream it belongs to. If you are unable to do this but have the option to download the photo or "grab the html code" please be considerate and credit the person by listing their name or username in a caption underneath or above the photo. This is what I do whenever I can. If you admire my work, that's great. Give me credit for it because it comes from me. Thanks. I would do the same for you, and I always will, because I respect your work.

NYC Blythe Meet Blast!

Mellisa's Lovely Pink Mohaired Girl

I was actually the second one to arrive at St. Alps Teahouse, which means that Mellisa, the organizer was already there as I walked in, she was setting out her dolls (she has more than anyone I know!) on the little tables and taking pics. Oh, I can't tell you how exciting it feels to arrive early and to set my girls out next to Mellisa's and greet everyone else as they arrived just shortly after, some new faces but mostly ones I know. Linda (Hollychan) and her daugther Katie (Blythechan) and Katja (BlytheOwl) Erica, (Ericaduh) and Georgette (I'm not sure I know her name on Flickr, then Damon (devolanges) and Siri who I met for the first time but have seen very often on flickr as IriS*blakK. It's so funny meeting people whose work and you probably are very familiar with and have probably chatted with online but have never met before. I've gotten used to being called by my flickr name, Zanalee. I will say my real name and people are fuzzy and then I say Zanalee and they're like "Ahhhh!!!" LOL!!


Hong's Blythe Licca


Anyway, our little space in the back of St. Alps got pretty full really quickly and within minutes it was abuzz with activity, fabulous Blythes, cameras snapping and bubble tea sipping. I;m so glad to have had this be my third meet. I was so much more relaxed this time.I was able to float around from conversation to conversation of just be quiet, sip my amazing tea (Black Sesame. Uhmmm the best!!) and take pictures and just disappear into the amazing faces of all these incredible customized Blythes, stock Blythes, Kenner Blythes and even *SIGH* a beautiful charismatic, absolutely heart stealing BL that belonged to Hong. You will see in my Blythe Meet stream that I took several of her. God, she just radiates! If any body really loves me, a Goldie or Hollywood Bl for Christmas will be proof of that. LOL!! No, really.

Mango Bowie and Gina!

Afterward, we took our customary stroll to Gina Garan's studio where this time I met her son Carpenter for the first time. He greeted us on the hallway where we could already here Gina's voice echoing from her studio. It's always an amazing experience being in Gina's studio and she is just such a genuinely cool lady.

Incidentally, I noticed a lot of new dolls in the space I hadn't seen before and happy to see that there were several dolls of color among them. Not that I feel she is at all responsible to have any around. But it was nice to see more than before. There were these adorable customized petites that I don't remember before at all. Oh! They were so sweet! I wanted to look at every one! It looked as if she had just gotten in a large shipment of stuff because there were lots of boxes stacked on the right as we came in. Some were Blythe wigs and others dolls and some really cool Blythe glasses that I had to tear myself away from.

I was very restrained in my purchases this time. The truth is I had a pretty good idea what I needed for the girls. I just got two tops from Moshi Moshi, waiting on a hat from BK and ahem, have a HOP dress being commissioned as I write this. I'm doing okay. I need to scale back a bit and focus on custom stuff so I mostly bought eye chips I really liked and a few clothes. I had to put away a couple of pairs of shoes I liked because I went over my budget a bit but all in all I got what I needed within my means.

I chatted with Gina a bit about really wanting to have a meet which included customizers so that we could have some carving and make-up tutorials. She said I should drop her a line around the Spring to talk about arranging something. I would be sooooo jazzed for that! Imagine? I mean that would rock my socks!! LOL!!

I also had a great chat with Erica about making Black Blythes and she told me a little about her technique coloring eyelids with pastels. Her work is just amazing. Also, it's become apparent that I should be using MSC (Mr. Super Clear) to seal in my work when I'm done to protect it I suppose from smudging and other elements. I've been aware of the use of MSC in doll customs for a while now but I wasn't sure how necessary it was to use until I spoke with Erica. So I'll have to get some pretty soon.

I also talked a bit of camera shop with Katie because I saw that she was shooting with a film camera at the meet and she had a lomo flash attached to Nikon EM which turned out to be the exact same model I have. I was impressed with the attachment of the plastic powder blue Lomo attached to this old black manual camera. She showed me the adapter that allowed the flash to be compatible with it. She also told me about the cool effects you can get shooting expired film. I've seen many photos I love shot with expired film on flickr so I'm really excited to try it myself.  So I had a really great time. I mean I was on a high all day afterward! But that could also be because I was starving and forgot to to eat anything all day besides that bubble tea. LOL!!

saturday, 12.4.10

saturday, 12.4.10
Originally uploaded by cybermelli

Hey, sorry to mention this so late! There's a holiday Blythe meet tomorrow! I wasn't sure I would be able to make it which I guess is why I never mentioned it. We're meeting at the same place we met for the first Blythe meet I ever attended last year. ST. Alps Teahouse and then off to Gina Garan's studio. Please put your Blackface Blythe away Gina! I'm coming for a visit! LOL!!!
Just kidding...sort of.

"Sugar Fairy"

"Sugar Fairy"
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

My first experiment with seed beads and invisible thread. It's hard to see since they're basically the same color of the dress and so close to her neckline but I didn't want to take any chances in case they turned out looking awful.

Heartfelt

Heartfelt3
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

I cut out a little felt heart and glued it on to the felt dress I made on Tuesday. I'm in love with the way it looks on Hamsa. I got a few yards of sequins last in the garment district but when I got home and moved them around on the felt it didn't really look like what I envisioned in my head for a design. I may have to go with something tinier like sparkles or glitter. I will definitely be buying more felt today. I also need to tackle how I'm going to close it up in the back. Snaps? Velcro?

So good I'm Blogging it

So good I'm Blogging it
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

This is not the best shot of these lovely blouses by Hilary Wagstaff for Moshi Moshi but you should be able to see even through the cellophane just how precious and detailed they are. I am blown away by them!

I couldn't really afford them but I didn't want them to get away. When I saw them I was so captured, not only by the detail but also the energy and imagination of them. They look so much better in person than you can tell here. I think I was also dying to see how she closed up the backs. She's just such a pro! They really are little miniature blouses!

I think one of the things I've always loved most about Hilary's Blythe wear is that I would absolutely wear most of her stuff if they human sized. She's a very practical designer, with a vintage palette but she doesn't ever seem to over romanticize. And not taking anything away from all the countless charming over the top fantasy designers out there, whom I adore as well. I just really appreciate her flare for the sweet, tailored and modest in the doll clothing realm which often defaults to fantasy and kitsch merely on the basis of it's subject being a doll.

Craft Ambitions

My First Felt Dress

I have creative spurts, peaks, spikes if you will. I have pending doll/craft projects laying about all over at any given time. I have an addiction to newness and I think this explains a great deal of my tendency to collect unfinished projects. Occasionally, the excitement over that newness doesn't last. 
Last night I was struck with the need to attempt several projects at once, but I plan to see them through to completion. I bought several pieces of felt in the craft section at Kinokuniya yesterday. I've been dying to work with felt and when I came upon these fat squares while I was at lunch yesterday, I just grabbed the opportunity. I had a great idea for the beginnings of a simple, seamless Blythe dress so I came home and made a pattern using a couple of dresses I already had. The first one I made was a bit wonky. The second which Hamsa is wearing to the left is closer to what I'm going for. I feel so ashamed being the daughter of a seamstress who graduated and taught at the Paris Academy of Fashion that I don't know a lot of sewing terms so bare with me. I mean the thing is I didn't sew anything, which is exactly my intention. LOL!! I always hated sewing. I would just sketch dresses and get my mom to make them. I think it's probably more that I'm intimidated of sewing then that I hate it. You know how that goes. I am in total awe of designers who are incredibly skilled at sewing like my mom and Valentine Westphal and Hilary Wagstaff  but I never for a second think that I could ever be that good because I would always get really frustrated when I was younger helping my mom with all the needles and bobbins and holding the pieces straight in the sewing machine. I was awful at it But I loved playing with her fabrics and draping them around me and thinking of things they could be used for. I was good at imagining and drawing, not so much execution where fashion was concerned. I made bathing suits for my Barbies which was a simple process of sewing two spandex halves together and turning them inside out. I was lucky if I remembered not to sew the leg holes shut. LOL!!

But ever since I saw this felt exhibition last summer with my cousin at the Cooper Hewitt Museum I've had it in my mind to make a dress for myself or Blythe from felt. I was so impressed by how the felt made garment pieces on display seemed literally molded onto the form and without any sewing or seams because felt takes on the form of the owner eventually and becomes like a kind of fabric sculpture. So anyway, that's what I have in mind for these Blythe dress pieces. I also plan on gluing little designs on them the way mom used to do on felt animals she made for our Christmas tree. She was into creation myths at the time and cut out a bunch of animals that represented those found in the Mayan "tree of life" myth, from the highest winged creatures to the lowest underground serpents. Yes, my mom is one of a kind, really ahead of her time. She glued on sequins for eyes and thin bits of felt for stripes or whatever she saw fit and it was all based on animals from the tree of life that she had seen in this huge  reference book on Ancient Art that she had borrowed from the library. This was combined by all the usual more traditional Christmas tree decorations, lights, icicles, wreaths, fake snow spray. We had a very eclectic tree. : ) 

In addition to the dress, I also spray painted Bowie's eyelids green with a little gold and glued her scalp into her coolcat dome which arrived a day ago finally! I'm super happy so far with how she's coming out. I also decided to work a little bit more on carving her nostrils. I think they look good, although I have no real idea what I'm doing. It's really helped a lot reading Fanny Zara's incredible fashion and customizer interview blogs this week. I just try to look at the work of people whose work I really like, like Melly Kay and Gbaby and others. I always feel that there must be some technique to carving but it seems as if everyone has their own unique way of doing it.  I love the diverse result of all that uniqueness and how special all their dolls look when they are done. They have such a sweet and singular spirit.

Photo of The Month in "Brooklyn Stars Forever!"

Hey, I was just scrolling around my blog subscriptions when I saw one of my hipstamtic photos of Takeo, Reese and Zaltana listed as "Photo of the Month" in Ebony Nicole's "Brooklyn Stars Forever" blog! I'm so honored! Thanks again Ebony!
: )

See more on my flickr stream!

EEEEeee!!!

EEEEeee!!!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

She just came in this morning literally, like 45 minutes ago! OH GOSH!!! I LOVE HER!!! I haven't even taken her out of the box yet but *SIGH!* I love her!!! I love her two different colored eyes, her one black shoe and the other silver!! I love her full beautiful lips and her big eyes! She's just so full of spirit for a dead girl! LOLOLOL!! They've got spirit, yes they do!!
: )

Frankie Stein

Frankie Stein
Originally uploaded by :Claudia:S:

I'm not one for cute goth or the sensationalism of scars but I do like more than my share of vampires and Kawaii so maybe mistaken
LOL!

I don't watch cartoons and so have no knowledge of the characters on which the "Monster High" Dolls are based but I have fallen for this girl in the past week or so. At least I have fallen in love with fabulous pictures of her like this one by Claudia S. on flickr. I tell myself that I cannot possibly get her because I can't risk starting a another doll line addiction. I've been really good with the DGs and Barbies though. I got one DG (Boogie Beach Reese)and I've never wanted another. I got one Monsieur Z, (Zoya) and never wanted any others i her line either. I'm pretty good with knowing exactly what I want in a non-Blythe Doll and not wanting to collect a bunch more. Chances are, if I do decide to get Frankie Stein, it won't be like a gateway drug the way Blythe is. But I also have this infantile tendency to want dolls that are so different from all my others to have "company." It's why I'm glad Lance (Harley Davidson Ken) is around, so that Takeo is not the only male. I've also had my eye on a black Momiji Doll with an afro but have been hesitant to purchase her for the same reasons.
And I already know I'm getting Black Barbie Basics Ken for the New Year.

I cannot become a hoarder! I'm making a real effort to clean out an organize my apartment lately. I really need to stream line and make sure that every doll in doll my doll world is a necessary one, the way I have been so far. But Frankie, you're making it hard.

The Birth of Mango Bowie

The first time I got "Simply Mango" it was to do my second AA Blythe custom which turned out to be Neige.
But I so adored that "Simply Mango" scalp before I transformed her that I vowed to get her again when got the chance. I really love the fruity creamsicle color and the wonderful way it pops in photographs. I also love the fuss free lightness of the haircut. It's not too long, not thick and wavy and really hearkens to the era of 80's Pop Rock in a fun and funky way.

Since then I had become bored with the look of Sabine, my Prima Aubrey, although I did the best lip carving and pastel make-up on her than I have on any of my Blythes so far. I just wasn't feeling her anymore, so I decided to try and adopt her out but she had no takers. That's when I realized I could easily turn her into a Simply Mango hybrid if I could just get my hands on the scalp which I totally stumbled upon by accident on ebay as I mentioned in one of my last entries.

Bowie without Eye Lashes

I have henceforth re-named Sabine, Mango Bowie, since I will be using David Bowie, one of my favorite transformers as inspiration for the rest of her custom. I removed all her eye lashes this weekend, which is a look I really like but I really only did it because I need to color her lids. I'm thinking of a faded powder blue. I'm not sure. I need to look at several other options before I settle on this. I also wanted to airbrush or at least get the airbrush effect of a few stars on one side of her face. And a mole maybe. One tiny brown mole. I was thinking about freckles but that might be going in the wrong direction. I'm already loving her so much more as Bowie. She looks way happier. Stay tuned for custom updates!

Yes, I'm in love again...

Yes, I'm in love again...
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

So Sabine's "Simply Mango" scalp arrived today, right on time, but like a dork I didn't realize it really was just the scalp and not the dome even though it is clearly described in the ebay listing. No matter though. It really is brand new and in perfect condition, flanges in tact and everything. I went ahead an ordered a new dome from Coolcat. That will be shipping from Taiwan so I have another little bit of forever to wait until that piece comes in.

AND YES!!!! As you can see, Hipstamatic 180 was released today. Did I mention that I'm a Hipstamatic addict? I get really unbearable whenever an update is released because I cannot rest until I have it.
I knew about the new lens and film because of a flickr contact who I believe works as one of the app designers. I marveled at his pics for weeks, waiting for it to become public. That day was today. The Salador 84 lens with the Dream Canvas film and a choice of two more cameras skins.
Ahhhh!! All is right with the world. Hipstamatic & Blythe, perfect together. : )

My FR/Barbie Gang

Originally uploaded by Zanalee

Left to right
Zoya (Monsieur Z), Reese (Dynamite Girls), Zaltana (Top Model Nikki), Takeo Mizutani (Mission Moscow), Lance (Harley Davidson Ken), Nikki Giovanni (Surf's Up Nikki), Alyssa (Fashion Royalty), Shirelle (First Black Barbie, Vintage)

I love each and every one. I can't wait for Black Barbie Basics Ken in 2011!
: )

Happy Autumn!!!

This was a lovely Halloween weekend! My HOP dress arrived just in time! I took Hamsa and Reya out early Halloween morning for pictures in the Autumn leaves. It was really ideal.

Also Trix, my "Speed Racer" Barbie arrived last Friday morning! She was made as a promotion for the movie "Speed Racer" which I have never seen. She is definitely the smiliest Barbie I have ever had and normally I  hate that but I find her so charming, genuinely whimsical and smart. It will be  interesting to see how she mixes with the others.

I also found a buyer for Sabine's Aubrey scalp on Blythe Kindom, my first sale there ever actually! YEA! The buyer is actually one of my flickr contacts in the UK. I mailed the scalp off to him just this morning.
The "Simply Mango" scalp I purchased for Sabine should be here sometime this week. I can't wait to get it!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Halloween and enjoyed some great treats!

2529 (for zenzile)

2529 (for zenzile)
Originally uploaded by valentine westphal

Okay! So I finally got my mitts on another HOP Baby Doll dress! YEA! I love her party dresses but have a particular fondness for her baby dolls. They are just so versatile and go so well with Blythe's other clothes. This one is extra special because it commemorates Halloween which is coming up this weekend! YEA!

This really may be one my first theme specific dresses. I certainly don't have any costumes made up for anything. For myself I'm more into the symbolic stuff about Halloween that is consistent from year to year. I like seeing the orange colored stuff, like pumpkins, and candy corn (although I hate the taste of that stuff) and the turning leaves in Autumn, the black cats and Jacko lanterns with candles inside and scary stories. I guess I'm kinda old school. But love love love seeing people's costumes, more so little kids than anyone else because they are still for the most part, in line with the true spirit of fun, mystery and imagination.

I will say that if I were to go as anything (I don't dress up anymore) my favorite costume has always been the Storm Trooper costume from Star Wars! LOL! The old one not the latest trilogy. I love Storm Troopers! When I see them in the parade I get all warm inside. It's such a full on nostalgic get up that there's never any mistaking who you are! Storm Trooper!!!

Anyway, I really have to start saving my pennies now. This HOP dress was my last impulse buy for awhile. I will have to watch enviously for a bit as more of her one of kind creations slip through my fingers. Not to mention Button Arcade's stuff! UGH! I don't wanna talk about it! LOL!!!

Happy Halloween All!!

This Just In!!

 Sabine with "Simply Mango Scalp"

So I've been looking to swap Sabine's Prima Dolly Aubrey scalp for a "Simply Mango" scalp for a while now. I had the offer up for a bit on Plastic Paradise but didn't get any takers at least not soon enough for me anyway. So I put Sabine up on ebay hoping that maybe I could just buy "Simply Mango" with the cash I got for Sabine. I don't really need the whole doll, just the scalp. I had so much fun with it when I bought "Simply Mango" months ago to customize and create Neige, one of my Black Blythes. I swapped that existing Mango Scalp for a "Heather Sky" scalp  which I feel suits Neige perfectly. Again I was fortunate to find someone to trade with rather quickly. But I have to tell you that while I had "Simply Mango" I adored her and that beautiful fruity colored hair. She took such great pictures! I vowed to buy her again if I could and then it occurred to me that if I could just get a hold of the scalp I could make any existing RBL I have into a virtual "Simply Mango" Blythe.  But I haven't found anyone willing to give up that Mango scalp again. And Sabine did not make a sale. So...

So this weekend I was randomly searching ebay for prices on blank Blythe scalps, with a mohair project in mind, because even though I still have the thermal saran re-root to finish, my mind has been toying with the idea of doing another mohair re-root just because I love mohair and the mohair look so much. I really want to take another crack at it.  I was not expecting to see a brand new "Simply Mango" scalp up for auction from someone who like I, explained that she also bought Simply Mango to customize and no longer needed the scalp! OMG!!!! It was meant to be! But I still had about 20 hours to wait and watch before I could put a bid in and I was thankful up until the very last minute that I was the only bidder. Oh YES!!!! I won it about 5 minutes ago! This means Sabine gets to stay and be reborn with a Mango scalp and I don't have to buy another doll! I will be putting her Prima Dolly Aubrey scalp up for sale on PP shortly.  One item from my dolly wish list down! WOOT!

Arriving/Awaiting/Planning/News

 mimimaus2009

Plastic Paradise ia a buy/sell/trade/forum I have not always found the easiest to navigate. In the past, I have only gone there to get in on the amazing used sale deals on clothes, shoes, what have you. And my transactions have always been perfect, smooth, quick, excellent. A while back because of the unfortunate event of a "bad dolly deal" tighter security measures had to be taken which required me to visit more often in order to access the marketplace once again. My access had been restricted since I never logged in to do anything but shop and for a while I stayed away thinking it was best for my wallet anyway, but after a while I wanted in again and with the help of a PP administrator who is also a flickr contact, I was able to post my way back in and through doing so I discovered what a great community Plastic Paradise really is, and what a difference it makes to post and discuss Blythe stuff in a place where everyone loves Blythe. The expertise, advice, and support is just wonderful. Also, they seem to have recently installed a system which alerts you when you have a new message if you're logged in. At least I think its new. I don't remember ever getting alerted when I had a new message in the past. Whenever I would inquire after something in the market place, I would just keep checking bask to see if a response came in. Yes, I just bought a couple of pairs of Blythe shoes from cybermelli's cleanout sale. They're loafers. I need to get myself a pair as well. : )

Erica, another PP administrator has announced that Plastic Paradise will become Blythe Kingdom on October 22nd. I love the new graphic and I can't wait to see what other new improvements they make since I plan to visit more often from now on.

In other news, I am also awaiting, another doll. No, not a Blythe! Another Barbie! I know! What's happening right? Well what's happening is too many people on flickr are taking pics of Barbies that I absolutely fall in love with on the spot. This one is Trixie, inspired by a character in the Speed Racer movie which I did not see. It seems I cannot resist a little black bob and a clever side long glance. It's all mimimaus2009's fault. When I saw the set of twins I just flipped and started looking all over for her, who she was, how much.

Things in the works, ummm I still have that thermal changing orange saran re-root which I shamefully admit has taking me almost a year to finish.
It's getting down to the wire today with my two girls, Molly and Sabine for sale on ebay. There are more watchers for Molly than Sabine which I didn't expect since she's the least finished looking. But then she is cheaper. We'll see what happens.

Coincidence?

Coincidence?
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

When I first saw the 2011 Barbie Basics Ken, Barack Obama was the first likeness that sprang to mind. Could Mattel have used the President as inspiration for the design of this fine young piece of plastic? LOL!!!!!
I say yea!!! And *SWOON*

Barbie Basics: Collection 002

Barbie Basics: Collection 002
Originally uploaded by tru_fashionista_luv

Hey look! I know this is "Born to Blythe" not "Born to Barbie" (LOLOL) but I could not help sharing this line of Barbie Basics Barbie and fine ass Ken dolls. A flickr contact. "Dolls Ahoy" who was checking out my Harley Davidson Ken just turned me on to these!! GASP!!

I am so overwhelmed! I had no idea! Okay, let me just catch my breath. Ummm, that brother on the right, yes! So getting him! Accessories, check! And, okay okay, ummm let me get my bearings and get back to you and back to Blythe. I'm just kind of in shock right now.
LOL!

So Damn Likeable!

So Damn Likeable!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

And here he is! Yes, I know it's a Hipstamatic print. There will be more pics soon without any effects. It's just that the light in my apt is awful at night which is when I pull my iphone out. Hipstamic does wonderful things with low light. But enough about my other obsessions!

Welcome Lance! The Harley Davidson Ken released this year! I can't even believe how realistic he looks! He has real hair, jointed limbs and an uncharacteristic, contemplative and reserved expression which changes slightly from different angles. More defined cheekbones, nose, lips, jawline all designed to look slightly more human than the traditional "Ken" prototype I'm most familiar with.

I bought him on a total impulse last weekend after seeing pictures from one of my latest flickr contacts. I was so impressed I had to ask him who this was. I thought he was some kind of super expensive specialty doll. I got him new and nude off of ebay. Nude is always cheaper and I didn't care about his Harley Davidson get up. He fits into Takeo's clothes pretty well. He's a bit lower maintenance than Mr. Mizutani.

What I Love About Dolls #1

In a day that is filled with banal, tedious, miserable, "adult" details, a doll can provide the most absurdly joyful form of escapes. Because it's so off the charts unexpected in the mainstream for grown women to derive such pleasure from toys, it's a given in my book that it produces such creativity, fun, craftiness and just a journey into a vast and layered inner world, a world whose access I don't believe is limited to anyone based on age. But then I've never really been much of a grown up. Pretending yes. Being, I don't know. My truest self has not changed so much since I was eight and it is that self that is re-awakened by play and the things that now produces in me as an adult, the questions it brings up for me as a woman of color and as an artist. These are the things that inspire me in the doll play/photography and crafts of other women in this world.

On that note, I need to talk a little about BlytheCon 2011. I have preregistered although I still have to mail in my signed waiver to Kylie. I know it's a long ways off but I'm getting a little concerned about flight and hotel prices. Once I realized (I'm not all that smart about how far places in America are from NYC) that Portland. Oregon was not going to be a train ride away, I suddenly realized how much cash would need to be shelled out for this one day before I  even bought anything!. And I'm starting to wonder if it's really in by best interest financially. I am not rich. Ha!
I am very excited though to meet many of the wonderful people in the Blythe Doll community that I have only chatted with on flickr every week and of course super excited to get some amazing clothes and prizes and take thousands of pictures maybe even conduct an interview or two! Oh, I just know it's going to be amazing! But I'm also a little nervous.And how long should I stay in Oregon if I go? A coworker and good friend of mine says it's a really interesting town. What does that mean? Perhaps I should do some research. Oh, I'm such freaking New Yorker.

Well, I have plenty of time to think and save and think some more. I think I already know who's coming with me if I do go. Angora, Neige, Reya and Hamsa. You didn't think I meant people did you? LOL!!

Little Haircut

Originally uploaded by Zanalee

I decided somewhat impulsively to give Sesamina, my "Perfectly Plaid" Petite, a haircut this weekend. I happen to love it. I like the way it frames her face.

In other news, I also impulsively bought another doll this weekend, which I had not even dreamed of buying but was inspired to look up because of the amazing photos from a new flickr contact. No, it is not a Blythe doll. I don't have the cash to be impulsive about Blythe Doll purchases which is why I have two Blythes for sale on ebay right now.

No, this is a doll that really caught me by surprise, so much so that I had to look it up and quickly found one I could afford. Sorry, no hints. Hopefully, it will arrive this week. That would make me really happy. I would ideally like a piece or two of dolly mail delivered to me every week.

OMG! Speaking of which, how have I not updated you on the beautiful pillows I got from Lipstick on etsy last week? Okay that's next. EEE!
: )

Sabine4Adopt

Sabine4Adopt
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

Crazy right? But true. I am putting two girls up for adoption. Molly, my PWP Takara and Sabine, my Prima Dolly Aubrey. I love how she looks but I'm just done with her. She's in great condition and I think I've done a pretty good job with her face up and lip carving. I just no longer have a strong affection for her and i need the money. So she's headed to ebay along with Moll this weekend. Molly was on Plastic Paradise for a while and there were several views but no takers. I tend to move things faster on the bay. We'll see. I will post links as soon as i put the girls up.

SHE'S SEXY!

SHE'S SEXY!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

Dolly Mail for the Barbie and FR gang today! I bought two really great dresses and this Channel hand bag from Yuko at Lipstick on etsy this weekend and they were in my mailbox this evening! I found her while doing a random etsy search for something completely different. I couldn't believe it because I am always looking for cool Barbie FR (Fashion Royalty) clothes on ebay but they are all made by factories and be re-sold at such high prices. I don't see very many good handmade Barbie or FR clothes which is why Lipstick jumped out at me. She even made this amazing little channel handbag! That is a Channel handbag!

...yes the Blythes will be borrowing that.

Takara PWP For Adoption

Takara PWP For Adoption
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

If anyone is interested she's up for sale on Plastic Paradise. I am also looking to swap Sabine's Prima Dolly Aubrey scalp for a "Simply Mango" scalp. Hit me up! FM or PM me!

Simply Chocolate and Vanilla Blythe (Out of the box)

Umm... you know, I can't say I'm like blown away or anything. Aveuch, one of my contacts on flickr said that "Simply Vanilla" looks like an 80s anchor woman and I have to agree. I'm way more into "Simply Chocolate" but not enough to run out and break my bank over her. I'm starting to realize that so far, the only stock Blythe I have ever purchased that I love for her pure stockness is my Hammy(Hamsa) "Punkaholic People" Blythe. I kept her in her stock outfit for quite a while after I bought her. For me, she works so well just as she is and I have not dreamed of customizing her in any way. But on the other hand, of all my other Blythes, I love most the ones I have customized extremely from head to toe because they are truly mine, truly one of a kind. I am pretty certain I'm about to let Molly, my SBL Takara PWP (Pow Wow Poncho) go soon. I just don't think I want anything other than my two ADGs and RBLS in my collection from now on because RBLs are just so easy to customize and that's what I like doing best. Especially since most of the stock Blythes that have been released lately are just not doing it for me. I actually like the factory illustrations better than the real thing!

I am also looking to swap Sabine's Prima Dolly Aubrey scalp for a "Simply Mango" scalp because I just loved playing with that hair! I had "Simply Mango" on my wishlist for a while before I realized, I don't need to buy a whole other Blythe! I just need the scalp! And you can only do that with RBLs. Really, it's time for me to start being smart and downsizing a teeny bit. This being said, yes I am getting the "Buckles and Bows" Petite Blythe and Lps set probably next week but they're like so cheap! *Sticks out tongue* So there!

Buckles & Bows

Buckles & Bows
Originally uploaded by lalasmom

OMG! HOW CAN I NOT? HOW-CAN-I-NOT????
LOL!

The Gemini Twins: Neige and Angora

Originally uploaded by Zanalee

I took a trip to Central Park this Saturday and took Neige and Angora with me. It was a singularly beautiful day this Saturday, warm but with wonderful breeze. I took some food and a book along with me and sat by the lake on the West Side with the ducks where I used to hang out years ago in High School. After a few hours, on my way out I decided to walk along a gravel path that I've never walked down before which goes along the opposite side of the lake. It was near a large mountainous collection of rocks that I hadn't visited since I was a teenager with my best friend. We used to go up there to sit and talk and engage in unmentionable adolescent hijinks.

I ended up climbing up there and finding the perfect remote spot to take pictures, unafraid that I might be discovered by passers by, because I'm still pretty shy about taking pictures of the Blythes in public. I think this is because I kind of disappear into a world apart when I'm doing it and I hate to be reminded of that other reality while I'm in the midst of Blythe world and nature. I've probably always been that way.

As a child, I loved finding beautiful remote places in nature where no one but me and my family seemed to go or know about. And I would get very annoyed whenever strangers would appear and destroy my meditative reverie.

This Saturday was such a day when there the tranquil reverie of my little world lasted for hours and everyone around me just seemed to be enjoying the day. I sat on the rocks taking pictures, watching people go by, observing brides and wedding photographers, basked in the shade of tall trees with long branches and stared into the green lake. I kept telling myself, "one last picture and I'll stop" or "I'll go up a bit higher and then head home. But I ended up coming down a lot later than I had planned and following that gravel path along the lake until I came upon a beautiful weeping willow with her branches swaying in the breeze and occasionally dipping the tips of her leaves in the lake.

I took quite a few pics of Neige and Angora on the rocks which were very beautifully lit. I'm really coming to have a special affection for these two especially when they are together.

Neige is sweet, childlike, friendly and playful. She is very attentive to how she looks. She likes to look cute and stylish. Angora has a childish face but I've discovered that she is actually quite surprisingly old, older than Neige and wise but but not bossy. She is adventurous and doesn't care about getting dirty or looking fabulous all the time. She's quite mysterious and has more going on than I think I will ever know about. The both of them are well matched partners in adventure, very different but almost like two sides of the same coin, like a Gemini. I think the fact that they both have Licca bodies with legs that I never really got right with the spray paint brought them together initially. But since their transformations they have grown to be true friends in earnest.

YEA!

YEA!
Originally uploaded by Zanalee

This beautiful piece of fabric from Hollychan2 one of my flicker buds arrived in the mail at work yesterday. I had almost forgotten I'd chosen it from a few pictures she'd posted of some free fabric she'd received several weeks ago. It looks even better in person! I love it! I've hung it up on a wall in my bedroom and I'm hoping to get some good sunlight on it so I can use it as a back ground for dolly pics. Holly is so awesome!

I'm hoping the light's good this weekend so that I can take some detail pics of all the fun things going on in this illustration. It makes me happy just to stare up at it when I'm at home.

Speaking of home, I have some small renovations in mind. Just some shelves really. Can you believe a bunch of dolls are my motivation to get shelves put in? Well they are. My large plastic family really needs a central place to be that's not on my bed where they happen to be right now and have been for a few weeks. Not that I mind sleeping with them every now and again. But they deserve their own space and it would be nice as well just to have them on display. I'm excited.

Sabine Before and After

I decided to give my Prima Dolly Aubrey, Sabine a make over one early morning this weekend. She just hasn't been getting much attention lately so I sand matted her face plate, carved her lips and gave her some pastel lip color which I didn't quite understand until recently although I had been told about this several times by some some people whose doll customizing skills I really admire. The pastel is like a stain on the lips so that unlike the heavy pigment of acrylic paint they give the sense of  a more natural lip shade. I'm really liking it. I also gave her some pastel make up on her cheeks and eyes. I think I may go back to a more neutral look for her eyes though. I got a little to excited and went with green this time but she looks a bit too made up that way. I may be doing Reya's lips over again as well. The coppery color is not working for her anymore. See what happens whenever I learn to do something new? I just lose it. LOL!