Born To Blythe

Commisions on the way

2012-01-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

Why I am commissioning dolly things when I have no money, I don't know. Perhaps it is because I'm so tight and it's so depressing that I need something to look forward to and nothing makes me happier than having dolly things made special for me. A vicious cycle, yes. And to make up for it, I will be having a Blythe Kingdom lot sale to get rid of some of the dolly clothes I have accumulated over the years. I will keep you posted but I'm pretty sure it will be up by this weekend.

The first commission on it's way is a set of two sweaters for my petites made by Mari aka Suedehead. I just love her knit dresses for full size Blythes. I have two and they are among my absolute favorite things. Her knit wear for petite Blythe is just unbelievable. I will never stop being amazed by tiny garments with so much detail. Her and Care aka Obsessively Stitching are just masters at this.

Wee knitwear from Suedehead

So I selected the yarn colors Mar had available and commissioned the pink hoody which is one I've seen and loved and wanted for a full sized Blythe for a while as well. I love the Orla Kiely leaf pattern and asked for that to be knit in the front of the turtle neck. I think it came out wonderful and I can't wait to see it!

I was also able to pin down the very talented and very busy Melacacia to commission a pair of her hauntingly beautiful Blythe Doll eye chips. I have admired them and her amazing Customs Blythe dolls for quite some time and since I will never be able to afford one of her dolls, I figured I might at least get a pair of her eye chips for the next Blythe doll I am able to custom.

I also happened upon these adorable sweater shirts made by Mari Batistello while surfing flickr a week ago and commissioned one of those as well.

Monster High, Operetta

2012-01-25T19:50:00.001-08:00

Operetta, a photo by WhiteNoise_85 on Flickr.

Ahem!
So guess I'm not done with Monster High after all. I just couldn't resist this lady! Her design is just so sick! She's got a kind of 40s Bobby Soxer glamour I'm a sucker for fused with this romantic, goth-like phantom of the opera look. And of course the fire red hair. I'm a redhead junkie.

She's also got tattoos and an embedded opera score on one side of her body. It's a little creepy. Me likey! LOL!!
I can't wait to see her up close!

A very Blythe lunch hour

2012-01-23T18:12:00.001-08:00

A very Blythe lunch hour #blythe, a photo by brooklynpablita on Flickr.

Had a mini meet Blythe Lunch with Paula this afternoon. It had to be one of the brightest spots of this dreary grey Monday.

The Blythe Collection Guide Book which she ordered from Kinokuniya just arrived and we looked at it a bit while we ate and talked about work and the nuances of our Blythe addiction. LOL! I only saw a few pages but it looks amazing! I'm thinking of ordering a copy myself but I'm not sure when.

Her HS Ama (first from the left) just got that beautiful new dress she's wearing from Morganours of Tomate Cerise and a hat from Blythe Warmers aka me! Doesn't she look just lovely? At her side are Bowie and Hendrix who I brought along with me. We also remarked on how well coordinated our girls are when they meet up. Paula took this photo of them in the bookstore cafe and it just captures their chemistry and cheery colorful outfits so beautifully!

Bee Girl!

2012-01-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Monster High Bee Insect is here! As part of the Create a Monster Accessory pack however, the rest of her unfortunately will not arrive until later. LOL!

These bee glasses are a huge hit. I want a pair for myself!

Aria tries on the fly shades for size

Blythe Doll sighting on NYC2.0!!

2012-01-19T08:33:00.001-08:00

Blythe Doll sighting on NYC2.0!!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

So one of my co-workers who also knits told me about this absolutely fascinating sounding episode of NYC 2.0 a show that comes on the NYCTV channel which I love that came on about a week or two ago. She couldn't remember the name of the show at the time but recalled it this morning and called to tell me. I looked it up on line, found it and had been watching, completely enthralled for the last 20 minutes and then O saw this!! A Blythe doll in the art studio of a woman named Becky! WAHH!! I love it!!! This particular episode is about how artists use and apply cutting edge technology to create innovative projects. It's really amazing. Check it out!
www.nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctvod/html/home/nyc2105.html

Moss Green Puff Stitch Hat

2012-01-18T16:58:00.001-08:00

Moss Green Puff Stitch Hat, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Now available at Blythe Warmers.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zanalee1

Blythe Warmers Update!

2012-01-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Smurf Blue and Ginger just added.

Drop on by!

Castaneda's Unfortunate Return

2012-01-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I've know n about this for a while, but didn't want to write about it until she was safely back in my possession.

On New Years Eve I received a message on ebay that the buyer was not happy with Castaneda and wanted an issue refunded. To be honest, she perfectly good reason. This was the first custom doll I have ever attempted to market and I'm afraid I could have done a better job at describing her.
The fact that the hair under the wig was not sufficient enough to keep the wig in place (although it was in the description that this was a wig) as well as a few places on the body where paint had chipped or where there was no paint were mostly what concerned her. I admit I wasn't really sure how or if I should describe all of these things when I was writing the description for Castaneda on ebay. I wasn't even sure if I should describe her as "new" or not because I had spent so many months working on her. It certainly was not a great start to my New Year but I had to chalk it up to a lesson learned for next time and not let it completely depress me.

Castaneda's Scalp

I won't stop making AA dolls. I just love doing it too much. But next time I will be sure to provide detailed photos of what the doll looks like as well as detailed written descriptions. I'm actually quite glad to have Castaneda back. I didn't want her to be with someone who didn't love her.

More info on what Castaneda's next move will be shortly.

Helmets and ear flaps

2012-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Purple Puff Earflaps and Green Puff Stitch Helmet

I started experimenting this week with making helmet hats and a hats with ear flaps. I made two on Tuesday night, one with the purple Brushed Suri and the other with a mixed green yarn. I'm thinking of making a few more this weekend. I was at the Yarn Company yesterday and noticed that they had gotten in a shipment of more colors of Brushed Suri Alpaca of which I am now apparently addicted. I think I need a yarn budget. These yarns are not cheap but I cannot help myself. I need at least three or for more skeins. I just love working with it so much. Like I've said, Brushed Suri is just like a cloud spun into string. It's unbelievably light and soft and so easy to work with.

Chemisty Test: Zanadu and Malcolm

2012-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

I did a little impromptu shoot with my AA Pop Life Barbie, Zanadu and Malcolm this weekend using a black and white filter from Instagram. I don't shoot Malcolm a whole bunch but when I do I'm always impressed by him in spite of his sort of one note range of expression. Of course light, shadow and strategic tilt shifts in the right places help as well.

NYC Blythe Meet 2012

2012-01-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

Flo, Fabian, Beautiful blue haired girl, Middie Blythe, Felix, Moof and Whitney, Cutie AA Blythe, Poppy, Ama, Group Shot, Group shot close up, Hamsa making a friend, Joplin, Group close up, Mimi

This weekend's NYC Blythe Meet was at Cowgirl NYC on Hudson and West 10th Street. I was delighted to be able to sit with Linda and Paula, two women I know and love near the window at this lively little hipster location. I met Linda for the first time ever at a Blythe meet and it is wonderful ti see her every time. Paula and have already had a few dolly lunch meets together in midtown and Brooklyn and but this was her first massive meet and I was so happy and excited that she could make it!

Apparently people arrived on time as our table were packed on arrival! Some people came from as far away as Baltimore! I love it! Michael, AKA Maw Photo on flickr, joined us at out table as well. Interestingly enough he didn't bring any dolls but had a great time chatting with us about his amazing miniature diorama work, about photo apps, about Blythe and about the city.While all this was happening and food began to arrive Linda would occasionally hand me beautiful dolls to photograph from across the table. I had also made online requests to see Mel's Fabian and Erica Duh's Flo and Toast and I loved seeing them all! I sooo need to do another mohair reroot! I just l love mohair girls so much but these in particular just steal my heart

Mel's Fabian and me at Cowgirl NYC

Paula's Una Moof

I also loved spending time with Paula's Moof Doll who I have loved seeing in her photostream. I had never seen one up close and I just really like her lot. I'm a big haired redhead fanatic which is part of it but there is something else about her as well. Like Blythe she seems to be in and of her own world, very self contained but perhaps not as snarky or opinionated. Hahaha! I need to do more research on these dolls.

Paula's girls Felix and Ama were there as well. Moz was absent but I didn't get the chance to ask why. I myself wanted to keep the number of Blythes I bought down to about four or five. I ended up going with four; Hamsa, Hendrix, Vida and Whitney. I regret that they didn't get to mingle as much as I would have liked but I just became so totally immersed in photographing many of the old and new faces...of dolls! LOL!!

Linda's Holly Rosey and Ivy were there and I love this shot she took of Hamsa and Holly together. I love Punkaholics. They just make me smile so much!

66 in all!!

I was just writing Linda on flickr that this was the first time I had stuck around for the large Blythe doll group shot and it was just so elating!! All the waves of uniqueness and personality staring back at us from the collective bunch was quite powerful and intoxicating. I really could spend hours just taking pictures of all them, rearranging them and playing with them.

On my way out of the restaurant, a woman who was waiting at the front for the table asked me what this whole doll thing was about. It's always interesting attending these meets at restaurants because people around us, including the waitstaff naturally have some very varied reactions to our dolly shenanigans. I'm usually so preoccupied in the bubble of our world that I don't notice unless I break away for the restroom and then it's like, oh yeah, there are other people here. We usually take up about four or five large tables so we are quite a noisy bunch.

I nervously tried to give the inquiring lady a brief overview about what Blythe is and she seemed genuinely engaged the whole time. I also told her to Google Blythe. I guarantee you she will become addicted. I guarantee it!
: D

66 Blythes

2012-01-07T19:44:00.001-08:00

66, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Just let this sink in a little bit.
...I'll get back to you later on with more.
: D

AA Pop Life Barbie

2012-01-06T09:06:00.001-08:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

When I first saw AA Pop Life Barbie, I was amazed by her retro vintage look. I thought she was going to be really expensive but she's not. I don't really care about doll stock outfits so I got her nude for like 24 bucks on ebay.

She arrived at work yesterday and I have to admit it was not a good day for me at all. I was pretty down and almost didn't wan to open her when I got home. But I did. I needed a pick me up and I was instantly charmed by her.

She has a is a very light, hollow pivotal body which explains the low price but it's designed to really emphasize her very 70s long limbed body. I think she is a reproduction of an original vintage AA Barbie.

She has rooted eye lashes which I adore painted nails and a big white bauble ring which I may have to crazy glue to her right hand because it comes out occasionally on it's own which if why it's not seen in the photo I took above.

I'm still thinking of a name for her. Something short and cool and sophisticated.

For the Love of Blythe!

2012-01-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Please take a moment to check out the blog for this new Blythe, "For The Love of Blythe" being brought to life by fanny Zara of Mademoiselle Blythe, and company. It is so exciting and just sounds so amazing, I cannot wait to watch it unfold!

Below, I have copied and pasted a paragraph of the introduction, which I really love.

The basis for the project is to showcase the talent within the Blythe community, coming together for one big project to make friends, have fun, and do something outside of ourselves to help others in some way. We think the Blythe community as a whole has a big heart. There are lots of really talented, interesting and generous people, who all love Blythe. We think that Blythe is more than just a doll or a child’s toy. She has a life of her own which, remarkably, seems to bring people together from all walks of life, who want to have fun, see beauty in the world and want to share it. We would like to bring that notion to the forefront and give back in some small way. Each of the 7 dolls will be auctioned to charity at the end of the project.

The line of Blythe doll designers is so kick ass, it's ridiculous! This is going to be soooo good!!!

New Button Arcade Commssion on it's Way!

2012-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Since Button Arcade is no longer posting shop dresses on Flickr as they are made I had to hop on her commission list a few months ago just so I could get one more dress. My name came up just before New Years and she contacted me so that I could let her know what fabric I wanted and what kind of pockets. I adore her monster dresses and at first said I wanted another but then decided to go with the pull ring pockets instead on this beautiful "Peace" design fabric. She just emailed me the photo today. I LOVE IT!!! I also bought one of Hilary Wagstaffs "Spirit of '72" pieces, a very cool orange butterfly collar blouse with polka dots. It's been a while since I got some Moshi Moshi and I couldn't resist this ode to the 70s. I'm a 70s baby! 75 not 72. LOL!!
Weeee!!! I love anticipating Dolly Mail!

NYC BLYTHE MEET THIS SATURDAY!

2012-01-04T07:40:00.001-08:00

Important info for those coming to Saturday's meet, a photo by cybermelli on Flickr.

YAAAY!! This was originally scheduled to happen at the Museum of Natural History which I was not down for because of the cold and crowds but it has been rescheduled and will now be meeting at Cowgirl NYC, a place I've never been to but which sounds nice enough.

I'm really excited to see a few people I know and love as well as meet some new people I've only communicated with on flickr and of course to see everyone's incredible dolls! Seeing Mellisa's collection alone is a wonder in itself! I can't wait to see Fabian! I took photos of her at the BBG meet at the Cherry Blossom Festival last Spring but she's even more amazing now since being worked on by Gbaby.

I also look forward to seeing Erica Duh's Toast and Flo as well as Paula's girls, Felix, Ama and Moz. I'd also love to see her moof doll who I've been adoring in her Instagram pics for weeks now. And of course I can't wait to see Linda and her girls, Holly, Rosy and Ivy.

As always, I will report back here next week with photos and comments.

HAPPY 2012!

2011-12-30T18:05:00.001-08:00

HAPPY 2012!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

We wish you all the best out there for a safe, happy and prosperous NEW YEAR!!!!

Imma Bee

2011-12-30T16:15:00.001-08:00

Imma Bee, a photo by nevraforever on Flickr.

I thought I was officially done with collecting the Monster High Dolls. And I was. But then they start with these "Create a Monster" kits and there's a bee and wigs and a chick with a third eye and all kinds of freaky fierceness! I'll be on the look out for her in Target this weekend.
Buzz buzz!

Avatar Freak

2011-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned that I am an avatar junky? Well I am. I have an entire collection of sets on my flickr account devoted to all my fave avatar fun times. Madmen, Doll Divine, Pet Society, It Girl, Coco Girl. Basically if I can change make-up clothes and accessories, I'm obsessed for the most part. And I'm not sexist. If there's a dope avatar dress up game for dudes, I wanna know!

This recent dress up avatar which I found out about from Erica Duh is from Dream Selfy which is naturally Japanese. I'm afraid to even guess how many Japanese Doll games exist on the internet. But since I am also a bit of a Japanophile this is like endless freaking junk food for me! Fortunately I've been through this before and so I'm limiting myself to only three of these adorable avatars for today since I am at work. I can't say what will happen when I get home.
LOL!

Whitney Before and After

2011-12-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

The original release of the Hollywod Blythe Licca doll had a matte face I believe. And then the second release was shiny. Or vice versa? All I know is there are two versions and my Whitney is the shiny faced one. I adore her to pieces but whenever I see the matte HBs I just fall apart! I love them. Something about that matte surface enhances her soft pastel make-up, serious gaze and just makes her look even more fabulous.

So anyway, I'd been contemplating spray matting her with the MSC for a while but thought I would have to figure out how to take her apart first which I am terrified of doing. After seeing a couple of fabulous matte HBs in Joey and Ole's photostream I just said that's it! I'm going to just do this! I stuffed paper around her eyes, wrapped her body in plastic and her hair in paper towel. I sat her by the window an sprayed a few light layers over her. It was so easy and dried almost immediately! I didn't touch her until the next day though. I have to say, I love Mr Super Clear. It has worked so well for me so far and really does a great job sealing in color. And as I've mentioned before, the matte surface is a dream to photograph.

Someone's on their way to the UK!!!

2011-12-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

Someone's on their way to the UK!!!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Congratulations to Lisa Mead in the UK! She placed the winning bid for Castaneda on Thursday afternoon!

Thanks to Melly Kay I was able to find the perfect shipping box for a Blythe box to fit into. It's called a Priority Shoe Box. I was stressed out about that. In fact I was stressed out most of the time about this. It's my very first custom sale and I only hope that the new owner is a happy one. I have no regrets about letting her go because she was always meant to travel. I had a lot fun and challenges making her and I am so happy she's found a new home.

I shipped her out yesterday morning on the last open day at my local post office until the holidays are done. The line was mercifully short and it wasn't busy at all. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Farewell Castaneda! Bon Voyage!

The Yarn Company

2011-12-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

I visited the Yarn Company yesterday after work because I was desperate for some new yarn at a place that wasn't too far from midtown. The Yarn Company is located in 82nd and Broadway. I've passed it tons of times but this is the first time I've ever been inside. It is lovely, very warm with wood floors and tables and I believe a larger space in the back where they hold classes. The two women who were working there yesterday evening were very nice and really helpful. The yarn is on the pricey side but it's great quality and just lovely to look at.

I picked out two skeins of a brushed suri one in a powder blue and the other in plum. All you wanna do is just squeeze this stuff and hold it your face. It is insanely soft! I just love it. The yarn is spun very thin and I thought I would trouble crocheting with it but worked really well and I was just very careful to unravel it bit by bit as I worked. It looks just like cotton candy and I think that the combed mohair kept it from slipping off my hook too often. I made another puff stitch hat with the some of the blue skein last night. I haven't timed myself but I can whip one up in less than an hour for sure. It's just so much fun to see how each hat turns out using these different textures. Working with the suri last night I can see how almost anything that can be turned into string or rope or yarn can be be knit of crocheted, because the brushed suri seems so much like some kind of hair and I guess that's what a lot of yarn is, just hair, cotton, fiber of some kind spun into string, thread or yarn. That's just fascinating to me!

So anyway, I'll be making a few more of these hats for Blythe Warmers and maybe thinking about embellishing them a little bit as well. I'm kind of addicted right now an not really thinking about how much this is costing me. LOL! At some point I will need to slow down. I do want a couple more skeins of this brushes suri though to makes hats for a couple of people, maybe even myself!

Petite Holiday Gifts

2011-12-19T08:19:00.001-08:00

EEeeee!!!!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

So what's happened is I decided to have a bit of a Blythe shopping spree a while back. I do believe in a Blythe Christmas but I admit I may have gone a little overboard this year. There have been packages collecting on my bed since last month! And just when I think it's all done something else arrives that I forgot I ordered.

These adorable little mini garments arived in my mail this weekend! I commissioned them from Care AKA
obssesivelystitching/stitchwhipped on flickr and I am just so jazzed I cannot tell you! I was just seeing too many adorable petite clothes in her photostream that never made it to her etsy store! So I had to get her to make a few things for my petites who are often starved for custom made clothes. LOL!!

I cannot even tell you how perfect these teeny clothes are! At such a small scale, they leave nothing to chance! They are exceptionally well made teeny little clothes. Care is literally obsessivly stitching! I just love seeing the stuff in her photostream and how much she loves her large petite family. It's a real pleasure seeing how much "care" she takes in setting them up, styling them and just creating an atmosphere of fun and personality!

I can't wait to put these on my petite gang!
: D

Blythe Warmers Update!

2011-12-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Ummm, I made like two more puff stitch hats yesterday! I freaking love them! They are so fun an easy to make and I love the texture of them. Plus they fit so perfectly on Blythe's big old head. LOL!

I've made eight in all but have kept four for myself. The two I made yesterday are solid colored, marigold and a dusty rose color. I put them up on Blythe Warmers a few minutes ago. 'Tis the season! Happy Holidays everyone!

Puff Stitch for all!

2011-12-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Early one morning this week I was at the reception desk where I work, the only person there as usual and I was on a mad search for a simple crochet hat pattern on youtube. I found one for the puff stitch and I have lost my mind making little Blythe hats this week! I love this stitch! It is so easy because it gives you such a large base to put your needle into. I never have to wonder if my needle is going into the right loop or not. And I just love the pattern an texture it creates! Most people have seen and or worn a puff stitch hat before. It's a pretty common pattern. Making it is so much fun!

I found this really cool pink mohair mixed with thread yarn at a place on 34th called "Gotta Knit" and whipped up two really fun hats the last couple of days. I've made five hats in total but I will only be putting the two pink ones on Blythe Warmers tonight. They are so fun and soft and sweet! It's like crocheting hand spun cotton candy and not as difficult as you might think.

Castandeda is now live on ebay!

2011-12-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

I had scheduled her to go up at 10:00am but noticed the listing was not up yet so I just selected to have her go live immediately.

The link to her listing on ebay is here
Sorry if this caused confusion for anyone. I'm not sure why this happened but everything looks fine now. Happy bidding!

Castaneda will Travel Soon!

2011-12-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

For those of you have expressed an interest in the past, my custom AA Blybe hybrid doll, Castaneda will be going up for auction on ebay at 10:00am Monday morning. Please see the image above for title description and appearance. You can click on it for a larger view. If you still cannot find her, let me know and I will post the link once the auction goes live on Monday. The duration of the auction is ten days.

Thanks for looking and good luck to you!

: D

Dear Reya...

2011-12-10T10:47:00.001-08:00

Dear Reya..., a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Takeo is in a rare sentimental mood this afternoon and trying to write a letter to someone who is always in his thoughts someone who he wronged long ago, whom he hopes will one day forgive him.

Thank You So Much!

2011-12-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

As gray and stormy as it was yesterday, my day was made light and cheery with a very generous gift of Kawaii cuteness that arrived in a small package at my desk yesterday morning from Kyi Lynn. She did tell me that I should be expecting something but I had forgotten all about it. There is just so much stuff in there! And I love it all! I am so honored that I should inspire such generosity! I enjoy this hobby immensely and the spirit of giving in the Blythe community never ceases to amaze me! I mean really this totally made my day! Not just the gifts themselves but also the act of giving them. It was like an early Christmas!

I also want to say thank you to everyone and anyone who reads my blog. I would write it even if no one was reading it. I just have a compulsion to share my dolly goings on with the world because I just love hearing about everyone else! You are the ones who inspire and support me! I love you're creativity, resourcefulness, willingness to share, be honest, be crazy and not be ashamed to be be kooky doll people. LOL!!

Weee!

2011-12-05T20:01:00.001-08:00

Weee!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Had this sweet rement miniature set waiting for me on my desk when I came in to work this morning I wish there something this cool on my desk like once every week! LOL!

I saw the set in a photo on flickr by Wooly Rockers and I just had to have it! I just love everything about it but it was that typewrite that sold me. he carriage actually slides back and forth! EEEP! Oh we're gonna have fun with this.
: D

3114 (for zenzile)

2011-12-05T13:07:00.001-08:00

3114 (for zenzile), a photo by valentine westphal on Flickr.

My Blythe Christmas is not complete without a festive and seasonal HOP dress. Snagged this one just in time today. No messing around.
: D

We're finally ready for the weather @zanalee

2011-12-05T12:37:00.001-08:00

We're finally ready for the weather @zanalee, a photo by brooklynpablita on Flickr.

Brooklyn Pablita's custom Heather Sky, Ama is sporting the "Hamsa Poncho" from my Blythe Warmer's shop! She looks so sweet in it! It's amazing seeing something I've made on another Blythe, especially one I know and love. *Sigh* It's a nice feeling. It makes me want to make even more stuff.

I have a couple of scarves that I've finished but have been too lazy to post. I'd like to make hats to go along with them. Hopefully I will have an update on that soon.

A Blythe Weekend!

2011-12-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Blythe Meet

I finaly got to catch up and have a mini Blythe Meet with Brooklyn Pablita on Brooklyn on Saturday! It was really nice. We've met up in my work area a couple of times for lunch but it's always such a drag to have to run back to work again just when the conversation is getting really good. To date, she is my only friend who I see in person (In addition to Linda aka Hollychan) who is actually a true Blythe lover and collecter. It's so great to be able to talk to someone about all the intricacies, fun, craziness and various annoyances of Blythe collecting, crafting, customizing and the Blythe community in general. After I met her at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden we had a great dinner at a place on Franklin Ave and talked for quite a bit before whipping our girls out. From there we took a bunch of photos of them, next door in front of a cool looking record shop and across the street at this amazing looking Black owned candy shop called The Candy Rush. Thanks to Paula who asked them before hand if we could take pics of the dolls there, we pretty much had the run of an empty candy store with an amazing painted mural wall at the entrance and an amazing wall of shelves with candy jars on the opposite wall For some reason all of our girls were dressed really colorfully that day and it made for some great shots. It was a lovely evening.

On Sunday, I finally got around to completeing my work on Castaneda. I replaced a part of her eye mech with the one in a new Blybe I purchased a while ago with that purpose in mind. It was at the suggestion of some clever person on flickr where I had expressed my frustration on my initial issues with her t-bar. Even after I got the right t-bar from donor my Blybe, her mech was still having issues with the eye change pull. Someone suggested I just transplant the whole thing and even though it's hard for me to explain what this means, it worked perfectly and was fairly easy to do as well. Practice practice! Blybes are cheap but I don't know if I'll ever do another custom with a Blybe again soon.

Thumbs up!

I love Castaneda but she's been a work in progress now for almost a year. She's a true hybrid with Blybe face plates, Blythe Eye Balls and chips, and a pure neemon non-flection body which I adore. I sprayed her face plates with matte MSC so she has this velvety ebony sheen I'm just in love with and photographs terrifically. There are some scuffs near her neck from the movement of her head on the toggle of the neemo body and a couple of small scraped on her legs as well but other than that's she's great. I'm terrfified of touching up so more than likely, she will remain as she is. We'll see.

Blythe Post Update!

2011-11-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Just added two new postcards to the shop this evening! They came out so amazing I'm actually keeping a couple for myself. The colors are just wonderful! They are two of my favorite photos that I took of Hendrix a week or so ago in the Park. I noticed that most of the postcards in my shop are a Fall theme. I used to want to so more themes like the Holidays or Halloween but I just can never get into the set up for that. But whenever Fall comes around I make sure to get out and take a bunch of photos. The colors are just so amazing, I can't resist.

My first wierd little Blythe hat

2011-11-21T07:19:00.001-08:00

, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

I finished it last week. It makes me think of gnomes. I completed it on three double point needles but I feel like I need to using five and thicker yarn for the next hat. I really like the colors in this one but it's a little snug. I really am a pattern averting person. I need to stop that and just take a class and learn to read a pattern.

I like how the colors turned out in this one and I think Hendrix looks adorable in it. She's a good model. She can make anything look adorable.
: )

Meet Dusty

2011-11-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

The two on the right are the new girls

So I purchased two more petites from a seller on ebay several weeks ago. They arrived sometime last week. One of them is a twin of a petite I already have. She has long jet black hair and I just love her so much I had to get one more. Plus they come with these great high white boots as well.


Dusty before and after

This blonde one, I intended for my second AA petite custom. But as I was cutting her hair last night I had this idea for a cute little punk hair cut. I thought, hey if I don't like it, I just keep cutting, pluck it all out and continue with the custom. Well, she just kept getting cuter and cuter and now I like her just as she is. I'm calling her Dusty because she reminds me of Dusty Springfield whose hair and voice I actually happen to love.

Little Miss Donor

2011-11-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

The whole reason I purchased this latest new Basaak Blybe in the first place was to get that notoriously hard to find Blybe t-bar. I found out the hard way while customizing my third AA Blybe, that RBL t-bars are not compatible with Blybes. They have a special t-bar that has a larger hole in the back with a groove on the bottom. It's all so annoying. In any case, even with the t-bar in, I'm finding that I still have a lot of trouble getting Castaneda's eyes to roll up on the existing mechanism when I pull the string. Sometimes it works but takes a lot of pulling upwards and then it doesn't work at all. So she still has some major issues. I may need a whole other eye mech for her. I don't know.

In the meantime I got this cute little curly hair no named Blybe prancing around with no plans and I kind of like her. I wish they weren't so horribly made though. They practically fall apart in your hands. I'm not kidding. But I love that seller from Bangkok always sends along a bunch of extra goodies with the Blybes, clothes, leggings, ballet shoes, a little handbag. It's really nice. I have a vision for how I will customize her but I think I will keep her color as she is. I will know her name probably when she's done.

I wish I didn't have to keep putting Castaneda aside though. It's so disappointing. I love her so much. I need to know I can finish her.

Blythe Warmers Has Finally launched!!

2011-11-12T23:11:00.001-08:00


ON SALE NOW!!!

I finally just up and did it. I had to create a whole new account which I anticipate being a pain in the ass but it really wasn't that bad and making the listings seemed so much simpler this time. Thank goodness. Plus there are some good tutorials on how to create a shop banner which I really suck at. The one I have up is pretty bare but it will do for now. I hope you'll stop by and check it out soon!
'Tis the season!

Autumn is Here

2011-11-12T19:01:00.001-08:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Autumn is officially here. I took a few hours today just to go out and take a walk in the park with my camera and see some foliage. It was cooler than it has been the last few days. It was brisk and windy but the turning leaves were gorgeous and the sun came down so quickly I watched my shadow grow longer and longer in the grass every minute. I just love the colors of Autumn. As much as i love Spring, I look forward to it every year.

Blythe Warmers Project

2011-11-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is the latest poncho I've made for Blythe Warmers, which I really need to set a launch date for because what's happening is this. I make a poncho. I like it. I have another idea for another one and I like that one better which makes the previous one look not that great to me and so on. I have now made about five of them and I like this last one I knit last night while watching "Dancing with The Stars" the best. I like the length of it and I like the flare I get from decreasing stitches as I go. I think it looks adorable and authentic. It's not perfect but it's a huge improvement. I keep wanting to do more though, something fancier, finer. And while this is happening, I am not in fact launching the darn store. I'm just knitting! LOL!! Which I love. But I really need to start setting up shop.

I guess I'm a bit nervous. I've never sold any kind of garments for Blythe before. I feel like I need to start thinking about packaging, branding, that sort of thing. Nothing fancy or expensive of course but even the most basic stuff requires more thought than just stuffing a product in an envelope. But I don't want to get lost in all that either. I'm looking at this initially as just an experiment. I am also hoping that my friend, Cecelia will contribute to Blythe Warmers by making some of her adorable crotchet pom pom hats which I love

Well I'm going to start another poncho now but I swear this will be my last. Okay, maybe one more after that and then I'm going to start taking some product photos and just do this thing. Stay tuned!
: )

GO RUNNERS!!! WHOOHOO!!

2011-11-08T19:01:00.001-08:00

GO RUNNERS!!! WHOOHOO!!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

I'm a bad Blythe Blogger not to mention that Hendrix joined Cece and I at the NYC marathon last weekend. It was tons of fun! Cece had us cheering for everyone with or without a name on their running outfit. She has a friend named Ilene who actually ran in the marathon. What an accomplishment! It was really interesting getting to talk with her a bit about what she went through during the run.

The weather was just perfect! It's been unseasonably warm this whole week and I'm really enjoying it, even though in my bones I know it's not normal. We're gonna enjoy it while it lasts.

Chakra Smile

2011-11-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

Chakra Smile, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Say hello to Chakra Khan, my first AA petite Blythe! I removed her hair, sprayed her and then let her dry overnight. The nest day I added the powdered flocking on her scalp for hair. For some strange reason the paint on her face dried very rough and speckle like. I'm not sure why since the surface of her face was perfectly smooth. I know that there are optimal temperatures when it is best to use spray paint or dry it or not and that it effects the way it dried but I don't remember what they are and I was totally thrown off by this. So now she looks like she has really bad skin. LOL!!! But other than that, it was so easy to do.

Her body dried perfectly without any stickiness and the flocking was super simple. I just applied some craft glues evenly along her scalp, starting with edges first and and then filling it in. After that shook the flocking powder color I chose on her head over a plastic container to catch the excess and Voila!

I just love this color!! I really wanted to do a deep vibrant red as well but couldn't find that color at Michael's this weekend. So i bought this beautiful blue color along with black. I have another petite donor on the way and plan on doing at least two more so she will have a couple of sisters to play with. Weee!!!

How to make a Little Brown Petite Blythe

2011-10-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

CBG's transformation, a photo by Suedehead on Flickr.

Ummmm... this is my next project. The only thing I don't have is flocking powder.

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meet Valentina!

2011-10-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, meet my little sister: Valentina
Originally uploaded by Suedehead
I am such a huge fan of Suedehead's Custom AA Blybe Pepita that i totally flip whenever she posts pics of her which is not that often so whenever she does, it's extra special. You can't imagine my joy over seeing this photo of her and a mini Pepita just a minute ago!! Her name is Valentina!

I LOOOOOVE HER!!! I'm like alive right now!! I need to get my ish together and make one. Pepita is the only AA Blybe I know that has short closely cropped flocked hair. She keeps it simple and you don't see that very often at all in Black female dolls. I just adore her!! And now tiny petite version! I'm soooo digging it!

Girl, put your records on

2011-10-26T07:37:00.001-07:00

Girl, put your record on, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

"Girl, put your records on,
tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans,
I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down."

Dolly Mail!!

2011-10-18T07:55:00.001-07:00

, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

A new dress by Laura of Plastic Fashion that I was lucky enough to snag a few weeks ago finally arrived in the mail yesterday! I love the rich vibrant colors in the fabric she uses as well as her daring pattern combinations!
: )

On our way home

2011-10-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

On our way home a video by Zanalee on Flickr.

Took Angora Lee out for brunch with Cece and I this weekend. We stopped to feel the breeze on our way home. Sorry about the noise. Angora likes to chomp on her gum very loudly!
: )

Coraline's Sweater

2011-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Coraline is a movie I have never seen but I've been doing some research in knitting sweaters in a small scale and happened upon this absolutely amazing video about the woman who knits the little tops that Coraline wears in the movie. Her name is Althea Crome. I wasn't even aware of how much work went into this animated feature to the degree to which there was an actual person in charge of knitting these tiny things! I actually purchased the tiniest double point needles I've ever had about a week ago and they are still no where as tiny as the ones she uses. I nearly went crazy trying to knit them! But I am absolutely floored by her skill! Jeezus! It's just mind boggling!

Maybe I should see Coraline. LOL!

2011-10-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting my fifth or sixth poncho in the park this weekend. I really like how this one came out. I bought the yarn at Michaels in Sunday. I love this yarn. It's very fuzzy and has a pretty gradient of warm colors. I definitely want to make a matching set of leg warmers.

I may be making more of these things which means I may have to open another etsy shop. I'm not really sure how many more I can churn out but I think I might as well put them on the market and share them with the world while I am. "Blythe Warmers". That will be the name of my new etsy shop. So it shall be!

LOL!

Headband for Hamsa

2011-10-08T23:02:00.001-07:00

Made a little headband out of scraps for Hamsa, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

I made this little headband for Hamsa out of scraps of fabric from a dress I bought and hemmed this summer. I was supposed to try making a dolly dress out of it but I'm not sure there was really enough. I love having a reason to whip out the little yellow sewing machine.

I really like how it turned out.
: )

Knitting Experiments with Blythe

2011-10-03T18:49:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Crotchet Hat (By Cece) Knit Shrug (by me)
I'm still experimenting with knitting in the round, still using double pointed needles but still plan to learn the circular needles as well. I think I need to tackle increasing and decreasing stitches next for varying shapes. I'm intimidated by that. I'm impatient and sometimes hate following rules but I will try to patient with myself moving forward.

Wish me luck!

Fave Video of the Day!

2011-10-03T08:04:00.001-07:00

Riding the tube a video by sozzielou on Flickr.

Sozzilou's Edna riding the tube in London where they traveled for BCUK (Blythe COnvention UK) this year. I'm so jealous. The NY Blythe convention won't be for another year again!

It started with these Kewpies

2011-09-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Photo by Brooklynpabilta

I spotted them at Kinokuniya Bookstore last week in the lower level next to the squares of felt fabric and posted a shot straight to flickr before buying myself two. I've never been that crazy about Kewpie dolls. In fact some of them creep me out a bit but these were so cute and I mean they were so cheap I couldn't not get them.

Paula AKA Brooklynpablita, one of my fave flickr contacts loved them so much I told her I could get a few for her if she liked, because I know was in the area occasionally and probably just missed them. I even sent one across the ocean Clare aka Ditsy Print in the UK this morning! I just loved having the opportunity to spread some dolly joy. : )

Felix and Hamsa

Paula said she was going to be in my work area today and could pick up her kewpies so I suggested we just meet for lunch at K's and bring two of our Blythes each. She requested to see Hamsa and Hendrix and she brought Ama and Felix who were exactly the Blythes of hers I wanted to meet! Felix has this amazing Marigold scalp hair, amazing makeup and pull rings all done by Melly Kay! I just love her! It was great seeing her and Hamsa, both Melly Kay customs side by side. They are just so cool, vibrant and sweet!

Ama and Hendrix

Our Heather Sky Blythes, Ama and Hendrix really hit it off! It was so great seeing them side by side and comparing our observations about them. Ama is about to have some custom work done my Moofala who is an amazing customizer in the Blythe world. I can't wait to see how she turns out.

In general, it was also just great chatting with Paula about how she started getting into Blythe and how we both enjoy alleviating our everyday stresses by playing with Blythe shopping for her and taking photos of her and discovering all the incredible things that people create for them. I really never get to talk to anyone face to face who collects Blythe and it was just really kind of reassuring to talk to someone who gets a similar kind of joy and release from having them around. It may sound crazy but people do all sorts of crazy things as hobbies. I had a terrific time actually ended up staying well over my lunch hour but it was worth it. I look forward to hanging out with Paula and her Blythes again when we both have more time. In the meanwhile I count that as an official lunch time Blythe meet! I could use one of those at least twice a month!
: )

How Bowie was Born

2011-09-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Looking at Mango Bowie now, I often forget that she was not even a Simply Mango Blythe to start. She's a hybrid; a Prima Dolly Aubrey whose cute reddish bob I sold and switched for a Simply Mango scalp which I adore and then completely re-did her make-up several times! I sand matted her, carved her lips, gave her freckles, changed three sets of her eye chips and gave her a pair of ultra long two toned lashes which I love and I also feel make her really unique. I sealed her Bowie inspired make-up with MSC and gave her custom pull strings and pull rings. I was a bit scared at first that I'd gone too far her make-up but realized that I had to take some risks making her colors a bit bolder if she was going to have a Bowie like rock chick vibe. I still want to change one of her eye chips in one set of eyes so that she has two different eye colors like David Bowie himself but that's forth coming. For now, she's pretty much done and I am so happy with how she came out. She photographs really well and seems to have an entirely new spirit.

I think that customizing my Blythes or having them customized really makes me feel that they're one of a kind and really my own. What goes into making each one unique really creates a look that brings out a special story in each little face. And that story is ever changing.

I'm really starting to get a hankering to do another custom soon. It just feels so good once it's done and being on flickr all the time looking all the incredible work of Blythe artists every day is so inspiring!

Kyi Lynn, a flickr friend who purchased my book Little Brown Blythe has just completed her own Brown Blythe recently and I just love seeing all her process pictures! Her girl, Evangeline is sooo beautiful! I really love the shade she used on her and her overall vision for Evangeline is just so very sweet and playful! She also happens to be an exceptional photographer and super creative! I so look forward to seeing her images in my Flickr contacts stream. I think she's definitely one to watch for in Blythe land!
: )

Easy Rider

2011-09-22T07:01:00.001-07:00

Easy Rider, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

We felt the need for speed yesterday evening.

Sunday in the Park with Aria and Hendrix

2011-09-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was really lovely, just the kind of relaxing, wind down Sunday I needed since Saturday was kind of stressful for me.

I went out in the early afternoon to pick up a few groceries for dinner my mom was making later. She's been visiting and staying with me for a bit since last week and I have just loved having her!

The light that was coming into the apt through all the windows looked nice so I took Aria and Hamsa with me. On my way back from the market I passed through the park across from where I live. It was where I took photos of my very first Blythe, Emily a few years ago. There's a nice little quiet area up near the public pool which is only open in the summer. I would go there a lot and take my first photos of Blythe in greenery and flowers in the spring and snow in the winter, orange leaves in the fall. It was blocked by construction most of this summer so I didn't get to go then. It's just been a while since I took a few nice park pics with my dolls. I kind of like the weather when it gets like this. Still warm but with a little chill in the air and no humidity. It's so clear and crisp. I never thought I would be happy to bid farewell to summer, one of my favorite seasons but I'm ready for the fall which I love as well with all it's beautiful, fiery, earthy colors, just begging to be photographed. I can't wait!

The Last Doll

2011-09-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Well wait a minute! Don't get all dramatic! I don't mean the last doll ever! I had made this announcement on flickr last month when I first got Aria.

Yes, Aria will be my last doll of any kind for a bit while I get my life and finances together so there won't be any posts about new dolly family members for some time. I have all of my dolls in my bedroom with me at the moment because my mom is in town visiting me. Looking at them all in one place I can see I've made the right decision for myself at the moment. I have enough. Enough. If there is any dolly movement in my family, it will be of someone leaving, not coming in. I need to get practical for awhile.

This doesn't mean I won't still be blogging here though. There's still plenty in the Doll world to blog about and naturally I will still be taking hundreds of pics of them. But right now I need to get organized and take stock of other long sought dreams and goals in my life while my dolls look on. I'm sure they will also help me out along the way! Hahaha!!

Peace

2011-09-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

Peace, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Out of sight but not forgotten. Castaneda's eye mech issues were impossible but I hope to have her up and walking again some time this Fall.

Aria has Arrived!

2011-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

On July 23rd I posted this stock photo on flickr and expressed my deep need to find and acquire Boogie Beach Aria. I had no clue how I was going to find her. I looked on some old outdated doll sites that posted her availability, sent a couple of emails that never came back. Finally I just decided to to a regular bay hunt, thinking there had to be a chance she might show up there at some point if anywhere. It wasn't looking very hopeful until about a week ago and then whamo! There she was, nude, beautiful, available but for auction which I won literally in the last few second of a back forth bidding war. I have to say though, I was pretty calm about this one. I set my limit and know just how much I was willing to bid before I quit. I only went a few dollars over that. I'll be honest; it was a very reasonable price. And she is in fabulous condition! I would even say mint! There are no flaws anywhere I can see. She just came nude, so without any of her stock which was totally fine with me.


Aria is a girl unlike any other. A proud Latina she is one to always experiment with her fashion. She owns whatever look she chooses to wear. She’s a favorite stylist of Pop and Rock stars.

When I first saw her, I have to admit, I actually didn't get her look at all and didn't like her very much, but it was the photos of one of my fave FR collectors on flickr (the handle of my contact escapes me) that turned me right around. She's got a very sexy, sultry Marilyn Monroe vibe about her and her funky blonde afro rocks my world! I believe she was one the first in the original line of Dynamite Girls released by Integrity in 2007.

I really love the original Dynamite Girls line. The Boogie Beach theme is really fun and sexy with a touch of retro which I love. All the characters had these fun colorful illustrations and personality blurbs about each one. Aria is my third Dynamite Girl. Reese was my first and Gavin my second. They are really a special group of ladies to me, full of personality and with a wide range of pose-ability and photographing styles. I adore them.

We Made It!

2011-08-30T10:27:00.001-07:00

, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Well Hurricane Irene has come and gone and although we were up in the boonies during a power outtage that lasted from late Firday to Sunday afternoon, we are safe and sound back home in the city where everything is totally normal in my tiny apartment, as normal as can be expected anyway! LOL!!

I know large regions of New York and the East Coast did not fare so well and I hope you guys were not among them and if you were, I hope you will be getting power back soon. Playing with my Blythes did help a bit but generally I was going crazy without internet or a wifi signal. UGH! So pathetic!

But anyway, we're back and I have a new gal joining the family who just arrived this morning. Nope, she's not a Blythe. In fact aside from that I am cutting myself off from buying any more dolls at all for a while (It's gonna be hard) after this one. More on that later.

BE CAREFUL AND KEEP SAFE!

2011-08-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

To all my dolly friends: I hope and pray that you are prepared and safe for the storm hitting this weekend. Please do not take the warning lightly. It's better to take it too seriously than not at all. I hope you are in safe shelter, and ideally have someone to hang out with while this blows over.

Stay tuned to the news or radio or internet for updates an above all do not take any unnecessary chances. See you soon!

Blythe is Peace

2011-08-25T18:56:00.001-07:00

242, a photo by n-ao@japan on Flickr.

My Fave pic of the day! Look closely!

Frankie Two Times

2011-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Umm, yeah I just got "Home Ick" (a play on Home Ec) Frankie Stein last week. I won her on ebay for way cheaper than I thought I would. It was a total fluke. I just went for it. I frikkin adore her. Frankie Stein is my favorite of all the MH girls. It took me a awhile to pick a second one because DOTD (Dawn of The Dance) Frankie, my very first Frankie is super special to me. She's just so vibrant and alive. I didn't want to get another Frankie that wasn't worthy to stand next to her. LOL!

I have not seen another version of Frankie Stein in these other lines that I've like anywhere near as much until this one. I think it's those bangs that finally hooked me!

Introducing Dot Starlight!

2011-08-18T08:47:00.001-07:00

Introducing Dot Starlight!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

So I broke down and got a mini Lalaloopsy doll about a week ago. She arrived yesterday and I was so happy to see her. I'm not a fan of the large version of these dolls as they appear to mimic a sort of modern version of a handmade button eyed rag doll but in plastic and this interpretation is bit scary to me in a large version. But these tiny four inch versions have been catching my eye in several flickr streams lately and when I saw they had a little brown girl who was a Stargazer i just had to get her.

Her name is Dot Starlight and she comes with a telescope, a space rocket, a birdie (not shown in my pic) and what appears to be a planet on a spinning globe. I really adore her. I think she's super cute and clearly she will have no shortage of playmates of all sizes at my place.
: )

Dolly Mail!

2011-08-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've been an admirer of "Sleepforever" dresses for a while. Their long bell sleeves and high necked lace collars evoke such old century romance. So I got one a few days ago on sale and it arrived today! EEE!
It was a bit of a struggle getting the sleeves on although I have to say that by the time I had tried it on Whitney, Angora and Hamsa, it slipped right on Hendrix and I think it suits her the best. I adore it on her! I may need another one. I think I like the idea of Hamsa having a wardrobe that includes things with a lot of sleeves. It really fits her Bohemian flair to a tee.

Sew What?

2011-08-14T10:29:00.001-07:00

Sew What?, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

This weekend, I hemmed a dress I bought on the street last week for ten bucks about a week ago. This may not seem a big deal to those of you who know how to sew in circles but for me it's kinda huge. Ever since I was a girl, raised in house with a huge iron Singer machine, piles of fabric, thread needles and notions that belonged to my momI have been intimidated by the intricacies of pattern sewing.

My mom who graduated from the Paris School of Fashion when she was in her twenties sewed dresses and little outfits for me from when I was a baby to a young girl.
I designed my own prom dress for my High School Prom which she sewed as well. I found the fabric, a green velvet in the garment district and it was at that time raciest thing she had ever let me wear in public, that she knew of anyway. LOL! I designed it to have a long slit, backlessness and heartshaped cleavage going on but it was tasteful.

I never wanted to sew myself though. Just the thought of guiding fabric through that loud rough looking metal foot and keeping it straight until the thread ripped or some bobbin malfunction occurred just stressed me out. The few times my mom tried to show me how to put my foot down gently on the peddle I was just too freaked out. I think it's also the same thing that makes me nervous about driving. I feel like the motor is going to get away from me and drive off with me in it, that I will lose control. When that sewing machine started up, I just got tense. It seemed too big for me.

But being so engrossed in the Blythe world and having always loved fashion and DIY the way I do, I constantly run up against this wall. Can I learn to sew? I bought this sweet little yellow hand sewing machine from Urban Outfittters so many months ago and all it's done is sit under my living room table until recently when I hemmed this dress. And It wasn't the straightest most even job but it worked! It was easy and smooth going and I achieved the perfect length that I was going for after pinning and adjusting, laying it flat and trying it on a few times. So now I have that sewing bug again.

The mystery of sewing to me seems very similar to what knitting was like before I learned. It's a mystery I like to probe occasionally but I always hit a wall and stop again. I know the levels of complication vary depending on what patterns you're using but even the simple patterns tend to escape my understanding and ultimately frustrate me.

I think if I could grasp one simple basic pattern it might throw open a door to other more complicated stuff. Why do i feel like doll dress making is even harder than people's clothes?

Anyway, I just know the leftovers of this gorgeous fabric would look fabulous on Hendrix and she has, perhaps foolishly commissioned a dress from me so I'm going to have to hit Pucci Collective again this week and see what I can find! Wish me luck!
: )

THANKS YOU GUYS!!

2011-08-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

For whatever reasons, I've noticed that my "Little Brown Blythe" blurb book has been getting several comments lately in my blurb account. I've been making blurb books for a few years now and have never received (nor expected) one comment until now! There are only a few but I am so honored even for those! One of the people, a young woman, named Christina, left a comment and also plugged my book in her pininterst board! Thank you so much Christina! I'm so glad you liked it! I hope you make your way to this blog and stay in contact!

It means a lot to me that people have found some inspiration from a book I created specifically to spot light my experience making AA or Black Blythe dolls. I have not actually made one in some time. The last as some of you know was Castaneda who is actually a hybrid, made from a Blybe (Blythe Doll Clone) head and a pure neemo body. She has been put on hold due to eye mech issues. In general, customizing Blythe dolls is not a cheap or easy endeavor, which is why the sale of any custom doll is very pricey. But I do hope to make one some day that I feel is worthy enough to put on the market. Until then I really appreciate the good words and encouragement from you all, blurb contacts and blog followers alike. You inspire me!

Fave pic of the day

2011-08-11T06:47:00.001-07:00

Aja spits a ryhme..., a photo by BarbieGurl4eVa on Flickr.

Spoken Word night always gets a thumbs up from me.
: D

The Two Darlas

2011-08-09T13:50:00.001-07:00

The Two Darlas, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

I'm not sure which I want more. "Twist N Shout" (on the right) looks so mean and stand offish but kind of cute and I love her outfit. "Hit Single" I love but do I really love her enough? And don't even get me started with her stereo-typified "Hit SIngle" identity. I just can't. I mean great, she's singer, but can we please get a wider range of roles for Poppy's "friend" to fill?

What are other people thinking? Which one is your fave?

LIVE WORK CREATE

2011-08-08T15:52:00.001-07:00

Live, Work, Create, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

And LOVE.
^__^

2940 (for zenzile)

2011-08-05T21:38:00.001-07:00

2940 (for zenzile), a photo by valentine westphal on Flickr.

It's been a while since I won a House of Pinku original. Well it feels like winning even if it's not an auction on ebay! You're on flickr after midnight on a Friday (which are Julie's peak hours) and you're doing something completely unrelated like playing "It Girl" on Facebook or watching old episodes of "True Blood" on when you just happen to click back on to your flickr page and see that your contacts updates include new dresses by Valentin (Julie) Westphal in those amazing carnival/vintage postage fabrics you missed out on initially weeks ago.

You don't miss a beat. Click profile, click Artfire link, see dress is still available and get in your cart. it's your cart, but you know that means nothing. You've had H.O.P in cart before and had it snatched out right from under you. Only when you get to paypal do you finally feel secure. Aaaahhhh...

And that's what winning an H.O.P. dress is like. Can I afford it? Why ask such silly questions? LOL!!!

Ghoulia Triptych

2011-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had a little light tent shoot with Ghoulia yesterday evening. It was fabulous. I love her outfit so much I may not take it off for a while but I'm not the collectors item kind of lady who will put her away in a box to preserve her re-sale value. As you know, I like to play. I will definitely be keeping her outfit and stock pieces in tact though as those will definitely come in handy if I want to resell them later. I'm long overdue for a clothing clean-out sale. I need the money but I'm just so lazy. I will let you know when I do.

Fave Blythe Video of the day: Hotel bed

2011-08-03T12:45:00.001-07:00

Hotel bed a video by sozzielou on Flickr.

And that is the cutest thing I've seen all day!
: D

My Monster High Limit

2011-08-02T06:15:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

So here's the deal. I don't care how many more amazing lines Monster High comes out with or how many more amazing photos of them are taken by my fave MH flickr photographers! I can only allow myself to get two more! "School's Out Clawdeen" and "Dawn of the Dance Lagoona Blue." "Schools Out Clawdeen" would make my third Clawdeen and DOTD Lagoona would be my first Lagoona.

Yesterday my first Ghoulia Yelps, the SDCC (San Francisco Comic Con) Collectors item version came in at work. I've never been crazy about Ghoulia Yelps. My take on her is that she's supposed to be the nerdy odd one. She's not really cutesy and girly like the other characters and I guess that was kinda hard for me to get used to at first. Also the fact but they always give her these big pink or red lips in previous lines totally turned me off. That may work for Frankie, Cleo, Lagoona and Clawdeen but for me that color just looked kind of mocking on Ghoulia.

I happened upon this SDCC version of her one day a few weeks ago while trolling on ebay and I just thought that this coloring was so smart (pun intended) for her. Silver lips, glittery silver eye shadow and amazing blue and silver hair. She is dressed as her favorite fictional Comic Book hero, Deadfast. LOL!!

The rest of her stock is just amazing and I finally have a pair of her wonderful nerdy glasses which I have wanted forever! They really do transform her face which looks completely different without them. I love love love glasses! Doll glasses! Glasses for myself. I love them!

This Ghoulia also comes with an extra pair of superhero shades that are just too effing cool. More pics later. But to conclude, I have only two more MH gals that I have to have and that's it! This has to stop!

YAAAAY FOR PETITE GEAR!!!!

2011-07-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

I've gone and done it!, a photo by obsessivelystitching - StitchWhipped on Flickr.

Obsessivley Stitching (and believe me, this lady is true to her flickr handle!) is one of my fave pette Blythe dress makers thus far! The only reason I haven't put her on blast until now is because while is prolifically turning out dresses, she has not actually put any up for sale until recently. I have to tell you that for me this is like torture. I want like every other thing that she makes literally!! You can tell she really loves to sew for them and that feeling totally transfers over in her photos.

Today she posted that she now has these sweet itty bitty dresses up in her e-shop and even though I have no business buying a thing (after using my paycheck to pay all my bills today I am sadly nearly broke already!) I had to get that yellow dress with the tiny cars!!! OH! I just love tiny clothes! And she is sooooo good at this! If you like petite Blythes you should definitely check her shop out! : D

Blythephoneography

2011-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Blythephoneography by Zenzile Greene | Make Your Own Book

I take a lot of Blythe Doll Photos. I've taken a lot of Blythe Doll photos using my iPhone: about 876 or more to be exact are posted to my flickr account. I thought it was time to put together another Blythe Blurb book.
I just love making these and didn't have an immediate theme in mind so I just decided to do it around Blythe phone pics because I just love how they go together and how much they have in common! At it's best, iPhononograpy for me is nostalgic, emotional, quirky, mysterious, dark, funny, random and ironic, many of the same wonderful qualities that I love about Blythe dolls. I decided to make this one in the smallest trim size available, the square size, which I believe is 7X7 inches. I ordered the first copy in a soft cover with premium matte paper.

I admit to putting this one together a little faster than my previous books. It's kind of an experiment with the interest to do something a bit larger and more involved, perhaps with more of a narrative. Please check it out if you get the chance! I would appreciate any feedback! : )

Have I not talked about Darla Daley?

2011-07-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well before I talk about Darla, I need to talk about Poppy Parker. Don't laugh. These stuck up, uptight, snotty butt, preppy names are real! Poppy Parker is a doll I became aware of the way anyone who becomes a Jason Wu Doll Collector does. She is part of a line he created which is inspired by the story line of a girl who has just landed in New York and wants to explore and experience all of it's opulent downtown sophistication and "magic." She is described as "a sweet girl from the mid-west." She's supposed to be a teenager but she never looked sweet nor teen-aged to me. The whole series of pouty lipped Poppy Parker princesses disturbed me initially. But as always, having seen her look transformed and interpreted in so many different ways by incredible flickr photographers has given me a slightly different opinion about her. Recently released is her black friend, Darla Daley! Uh huh.

She's just as snotty, and uptight looking as Pops and reminds me a bit of Dominique Devereaux on Dynasty. LOL! But I kinda wanna get her! HAHAHA! So watch out for Ms. Daley. She may be moving her fancy bags in soon.

Back in NYC!

2011-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Newport Rhode Island was better than I though it would be even if the one day we were on the beach the sky was covered in fog and the wind was so high and violent it felt like a freakin hurricane was coming. Meanwhile all the New Englanders stood around doing all the normal beach stuff as if every pore of their bodies was not being covered in sand from merely being there.

Angora's hair looked lovely flowing in the hurricane like winds and Hamsa just stretched out for a nap. No one got in the water. I don't go into the ocean unless it's above 90 degrees. I know better. Now here in NYC it's currently over a hundred. That's when I don't leave the water! LOL!!

*Sigh!* Well the Summer's not over yet. I will have my true beach day before it's done! : D

Hope all your summers are amazing as well. But stay cool and stay indoors if you have to. And of course, stay hydrated.

Who goes on vacation with me?

2011-07-18T16:38:00.001-07:00

My Gang, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

I don't think I can handle more than three.

Are ya ready for the Summer?

2011-07-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well Summer is definitely here ready or not. It's hitting 100 degrees here in NYC! And we and my sweety are planning a beach vacation for all of next week. Thank God for vacation!!

But now, for me, one of the next challenges is figuring out which of the Blythes will come along with me. Ridiculous right? But I can't pass up the photo opps! I'm trying to be reasonable. In fact I have to be. This is luggage space we're talking about. But I always feel terrible when it's obvious I have favorites and other girls get left out. I think I've been giving Hendrix, my latest gal from Melly Kay, particular favoritism lately. She's just so gosh darned cute and photogenic and travels so well, I can't help it. When I say she travels well, I mean that she just seems to go anywhere. She's adaptable like crazy and I love that. And that's kinda what I need on vacation, plus she has that healthy tanned look! LOL! I may bring Reya (above) as well but with my older customs, I worry about them getting scratched and banged and all kinds of unforeseeable stuff. Not that I don't worry about the others, but Reya's my first AA custom. She's very special. I can't afford to have anything happen to her since it would be very difficult to touch her up. I've decided I can only bring two. Hendrix is definitely in. For the second, I'm thinking either Hamsa, Whitney or Neige. This is so nuts that this is what I'm thinking about. I really need to get a Blythe doll carrier. Yes, they make those.

New Girl Planet Gear!

2011-07-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

New MH gear from Francine of Girlplanet was waiting for me in the mail when I came back from 4th of July Vacay on Tuesday! One of the fun things about her dresses is trying to figure out from the pictures how they actually work. Like for the white dress on the right, there is a flat snap just underneath the ruffle where it snaps to the end on her chest after wrapping around her neck. But to look at it, I couldn't tell that there were snaps or anything that comes apart any where. It all just look seamless and delicate and simply beautiful. I really appreciate the tricks of small scale clothing design that use tiny details to convey something slightly more complicated and refined.

There was a postal strike in Canada near the end of June so I was warned by Francine who lives there that the mail might be severely delayed. But I opted to wait because I was really excited about what I got. I got a pair of white lace leggings and a fushia colored front ruffle dress not pictured here and the white dress above. The pleather suit on Clawdeen was a freebie! Francine just makes my day!

BlythePhoneography

2011-07-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

BlythePhoneography, a set on Flickr.

I'm putting together a set on flickr of all the pics I've taken of my Blythes on my phone. I'm hoping to make a small Blurb book of them which I haven't done in while. I really enjoy my photo apps. Let's be honest. I'm addicted to them.

I also love putting together Blurb books. But this is going to take some time, mostly because I have so much to choose from and I'm not even done putting this set together yet. I started it this weekend and my hand started to cramp up from clicking and dragging.
To be continued.

Happy 4th oF July all!!!

2011-07-04T19:44:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Enjoy and be safe!!!

Fave Pic of the day!

2011-07-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

Come on.. get in!, a photo by Shannon♥candyjunky on Flickr.

Do I really need to say why?

Photo of the Day (By me)

2011-07-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

Angels in New York, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Hendrix went to Soho today to take in all the overpriced glamour of reconstructed lofts and narrow cobblestoned streets.

Fave Photo of the Day

2011-06-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

257/365 Let's go fly a kite ..., a photo by sozzielou on Flickr.

This is what I would love to do at least once this summer. Great job by Sara AKA sozzielou.I just love her Blythe pics.
: D

BLYTHECON IS COMING TO NEW YORK!!!

2011-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

(INSERT HIGH PITCHED SCREAM)

(then click link for details)

Monster High Invasion

2011-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that I never hung out with the Goths in college or anything and I'm not into emo or horror. So I'm not quite sure though, why I've developed such a thing for the Monster High line but it's clearly becoming more of a thing for me than I thought it would. I guess it doesn't hurt that I do have quite a significant love and fascination for "True Blood" "Vampire Diaries" (Yes, I admitted it) and Vampire lore in general. LOL!!

I now have six MH Dolls from both the "Dawn of The Dance" and "Gloom Beach" line and I am waiting with baited breath for the "Schools Out" versions of Cleo Clawdeen and Frankie although I'm hesitant to get another Frankie because I just feel like no one can compete with my Frankie Stein. She's the first MH doll I ever bought and I just love her so much. The recent addition is "Dawn of the Dance" Clawdeen (my second one)and she is just...all kinds of stunning! I guess I just really like their proud freakiness! LOL!! I also got my first MH male doll, Holt Hyde just before her. Umm, I couldn't resist that fiery hair! I'm coming to realize that I really like that cartoony fantasy colored hair. It was her green hair that initially turned me off of DOTD Clawdeen when I first saw her but as usual, someone's flickr pics of her turned me right around and I knew she was something special. I would love a fantasy hair colored Blythe one day soon as well. I'll probably just customize one of my own. I need to finish what I've started before I can move on to that. But this is just kind of a warning that my MH collection will be increasing this summer, a lot.

Yay Weekend!

2011-06-27T06:22:00.001-07:00

Yay Weekend!, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Spent most of Saturday with Hamsa and Hendrix in the park, taking pictures of flowers and Bees and trees. I have yet to go on one these trips with my Jill Bliss nature drawing journal. Looking at the beautiful flowers in the park is really inspiring. I'm not the best at drawing but I need to just try it this summer.

Drinks

2011-06-26T14:50:00.001-07:00

Drinks, a photo by sozzielou on Flickr.

Fave pic of the day by sozzielou!

Blythecon 2013?

2011-06-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

YOU HEARD ME!

Erica sent out a feeler on flickr for Blythecon 2013 in NYC a few days ago. She's gotten about 80 responses or more by now. eeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Please check out the link and respond if you're on flickr and are interested. And if you're in NYC or not and would like to come, please check out the link for more info. I wish it could be next year but I can understand how that might be too soon for some. I'm just so excited to have it here in New York! I so wanted to go to Portland and had a blast chatting with all the other Blythers who couldn't make it on Virtual Blythecon this Monday. It was great watching it on live stream and hearing all the hilarious comments on all the activities we observed. I hope that some of the cool people who made it to Portland can come to NYC as well!

Erica has proposed that this one in New York be two days long so that there can also be time for workshops and such. I AM SO THERE!!!!! I am living for a sewing or customization or any kind of workshop like you wouldn't believe!

In other news, the eye mech I ordered from coolcat to replace Castaneda's just arrived with the mail at work today. So I'll be working on that sometime this week hopefully. I don't really need the lids or the eyeballs actually, just the rest of it, which is good because then I can perhaps donate those parts to another custom in the future. More later!

MH Gear at Girl Planet!

2011-06-21T09:21:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by girlplanet...away on Flickr.

And you know what that means! I just snagged two dresses. Man, I love her stuff!
: D

New at Blythe Post!

2011-06-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

And just in time for the 4th of July!

Check it out!

New Things!

2011-06-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

There's really waaaay too much going on in the Blythe world right now, both my own and in general. I can't get it all into one entry but I will see what I can do. I love it when it's busy! : )

I got three pieces of Dolly mail this week, new Neemo hands for Castaneda, a reproduced Francine Barbie (AKA "colored Francie") swimsuit and two sets of eye chips from Gina at This is Blythe. The two toned yellow and blue chips are seen above on Hamsa. I think they go amazingly with her make-up. I'm not sure who will get the other pair which are blue. I'm toying around with giving them to my Hollywood Blythe Whitney who is due for an intense makeover as soon as I can figure out how to get her scalp off. Pucchi Collective makes it look so easy. It's not easy.I also have a new postcard for sale to add to my Blythe Post shop inventory but I will blog on that in a separate entry.

I'm super happy at all the expressed interest I've received about Castaneda. I am definitely going to be putting her on the market as soon as I touch her up a bit and replace her mech which snapped inside a few weeks ago to my dismay when I pulled her pullring. I've ordered a new one along with another t-bar. That oughta do it. I've been stalking some mohair for a few weeks because I would looove to do another mohair reroot, probably for Whitney. In the mean time I still have Emily's thermal changing orange re-root to finish and really should get around to ordering one more hank of that from restore doll. Ugh! It's taking forever.

I purchased my Container store set of drawers thing yesterday after work yesterday and as soon as I got it home I knew...I would be needing another. But I have to say. it's really great to have all the little things, like shoes, and toys and hair clips organized and put away. I have a lot of shoes! I have like five hair brushes. Lots of dresses! I had no idea. I wish there was one with just wide drawers because those ran out pretty quickly. And this brings me to the only reason I'm not sorry to to be unable to make BlytheCon2011 this year.

More stuff. There is so much amazing stuff that's gonna be at BlytheCon on Monday, I just swoon thinking about it. And I know I will be green with envy over the free goodies and prizes alone! Okay, now I'm sad again. : (
But I really don't even know if I have any room for more stuff! So maybe the virtual Blythe Con site (by invite only) put up lovingly by Wonderella will be the best thing for me after all. I'm still not sure exactly how it's going to work but I'm really happy to see a whole bunch of familiar and new faces signed on for the experience that will take place on Monday the day of the actual Blythe Con in Oregon. And for those of you attending, have a blast! I know it will be amazing.

Gosh! Is there anything else? I've gone to lunch, watched it pour down rain, the sun come out, rain and then stop again since I started this entry this morning. If I remember anything else it will be for the next entry. Have a good weekend folksies!
: D

Fave Blythe Pic of the day

2011-06-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

DSC08991 copy, a photo by greendot on Flickr.

She's wearing a dark trench in a dark hall and looking around suspiciously! Is someone following her? What is she on her way to do? We may never know.
: )

Photo by Lisa, aka Greendot.

I think I need this

2011-06-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

I think I need this, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

Yesterday I was out from work on a sick day and had a few errands to run in Chelsea. I went into the Container Store, a store I can go into any day with no actual purpose at all but to browse. But in this case there was a container I wanted to check out.

It has like 20 small drawers and 6 large ones that will come very much in handy for all my dolly accessories. I'm getting it this week and really hoping that it will allow me to take my bed back finally! I may need one more but I want to see how much this first one can hold before I get another. I'm really excited both for the space it will provide and for some organization!

Takeo's Jason Wu pants arrived

2011-06-13T15:41:00.001-07:00

Takeo's Jason Wu pants arrived, a photo by Zanalee on Flickr.

First off they got here so quickly. I love domestic mail!

You can't really tell but there is no difference between this pair of pants and a real pair of men's pants. None! They're just smaller! There's even a teeny tiny working zipper! It's insane.
i love it.

Barbie's Next Top Model

2011-06-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

I was up late last night on flickr when I stumbled upon this! I just love it! Personally I wish that ANTM, a show I used to love years ago and also think should have ended years go should follow a very similar format. I don't care about the catty behavior, the drama, the hating. I just wanna see the photo shoot challenges, exotic sets and locales, judging and elimination. Here, done incredibly well with amazing shots of customized barbies and a clean, quick format, you get humor, excitement, and sometimes disappointment (LOL!!) all in 5 minutes or less!

MSC Virgin No More!

2011-06-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Horror stories of custom Black Blythes turned white after spraying the MSC (Mr.Supper Clear) hobby spray and sealant made me avoid even the thought of using it on any of my girls. But after Erica Duh, who does amazing Blythe customs recommended it at a Blythe meet especially for working up layers of color on eyelids, I had to seriously rethink it. I bought my first can of MSC Flat several months ago in ebay. I'm just discovering you can get it on Amazon as well. I figured I would experiment on one of my white Blythes first because what could go wrong right? She's already white. Plus if she got too pale I could always sand it off which I absolutely cannot do with a Black Blythe which has been painted first. Anyway, Bowie was my guinea pig for the first MSC spray and she came out great. I just did a few light sprays and wallah!

So but this week I decided somewhat riskily that If I am going to put Castaneda on the market, I better seal her face and back plate and just make sure she's in the best condition possible. That's one of my anxieties about selling a doll, which by the way I have never done. I see a tiny scratch or an imperfection anywhere and I think, "Well I can't sell her. She's not perfect." I'm gonna have to get over that. One of a kind means imperfect. But anyway, I sprayed Castaneda and she's fine, a little more matte looking than before which gives her face a marvelously wieghty look as if she was made of ebony porcelain. I just love her. I glued her scalp down last night and will let her sit for another night just to be safe. Don't ask me how I finally fixed her t-bar and eye mech. It was a labor of love. It's still a bit tricky and her pull string, which I've replaced with ribbon has to pulled more out than down in order to get her eye chips to switch down. I intend to mention that in her description when I sell her, if-I sell-her...which I intend to! .....mostly. LOL!

Sneaking...

2011-06-08T06:34:00.001-07:00

Sneaking..., a photo by camembear on Flickr.

This is just my favorite Blythe pic of the day!!!
Taken by camembear who just added me as a flickr contact! Her photos are so fun! And I just love how her adorable daughter participates in them!