Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Ai Phlox
These little BJD dolls are absolutely adorable. Tuesday Morning has them on sale for $30 each on their website currently. They are beautifully boxed and dressed in such delicate, adorable outfits.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
High Art
Via Flickr:
Art included is "The Lady of Shalott" and "Sweet Rose" by John William Waterhouse.
Art included is "The Lady of Shalott" and "Sweet Rose" by John William Waterhouse.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Safely Removing Stickers/Gooey Stuff from Doll Furniture - A How To
With some of the plastic doll furniture I buy, pieces will come with stickers, etc. already applied to the pieces. Case in point (the blue hutch from this Disney set):
Note: This is not my photograph. It's a Disney promo shot I pulled from Amazon.com.
You can't see it very well, but there are stickers (albeit cute Disney ones) inset on the back of the hutch shelves. Since I don't have any Disney characters and I use my furniture for a wide range of dolls, I needed to get those stickers OFF.
The first step was to put warm water over the stickers and leave the hutch sitting on its back overnight. This helps loosen up the stickers.
Next, I used this awesome tool:
The uses for a nice scraper are so vast I just can't recommend having lots of them enough. You need various sizes because some of the larger ones won't fit in tight spaces - this one was perfect. Very cheap - purchased as a pack (with additional plastic "blades" at Fred Meyer.) So... I scraped until I had the stickers gone with nothing but that gooey sticker junk left behind.
Next, I used Goo Gone to remove that left behind residue. Here is an example bottle:
For this step in the process, I strongly recommend wearing a pair of latex (or non-latex if you have an allergy) gloves. Anything that can remove sticker residue has to contain some pretty powerful chemicals. You don't want them on your skin. NOTE: I recommend using gloves and N-95 class masks when spray-painting as well - and always painting in an area with great ventilation. Preferably outdoors and upwind.
I let the Goo Gone sit for a few minutes (per the instructions) and then used a paper towel to get most of it off the surface. Then I washed the hutch with soapy water to remove any lingering chemicals.
And here is the final product!
Pretty cute! And if I were going to paint this piece (I'm not - I like the blue and the decorations on it....) it would be ready for spray painting!
- DollsinDystopia
You can't see it very well, but there are stickers (albeit cute Disney ones) inset on the back of the hutch shelves. Since I don't have any Disney characters and I use my furniture for a wide range of dolls, I needed to get those stickers OFF.
The first step was to put warm water over the stickers and leave the hutch sitting on its back overnight. This helps loosen up the stickers.
Next, I used this awesome tool:
Next, I used Goo Gone to remove that left behind residue. Here is an example bottle:
For this step in the process, I strongly recommend wearing a pair of latex (or non-latex if you have an allergy) gloves. Anything that can remove sticker residue has to contain some pretty powerful chemicals. You don't want them on your skin. NOTE: I recommend using gloves and N-95 class masks when spray-painting as well - and always painting in an area with great ventilation. Preferably outdoors and upwind.
I let the Goo Gone sit for a few minutes (per the instructions) and then used a paper towel to get most of it off the surface. Then I washed the hutch with soapy water to remove any lingering chemicals.
And here is the final product!
- DollsinDystopia
Headless Mistress Bloodgood
Is on sale again at TRU online! Here's the link: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19180486&ab=TRU_Header:Family
I got mine a few weeks ago when she went on pre-sale. But they don't seem to last long. So if you want one, hurry!
I got mine a few weeks ago when she went on pre-sale. But they don't seem to last long. So if you want one, hurry!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
CAM Witch
Via Flickr:
I love the Create-A-Monster dolls. They just seem to be so much more well-made than the stock dolls.
I love the Create-A-Monster dolls. They just seem to be so much more well-made than the stock dolls.
Completed Kitchen
Via Flickr:
Had to post one final picture of the completed kitchen. The copper pots and pans turned out great... I already have ideas cooking for my next painting project!!!
Had to post one final picture of the completed kitchen. The copper pots and pans turned out great... I already have ideas cooking for my next painting project!!!
Hold Them Close
Via Flickr:
I love my cats. They are my babies - the only ones I will ever have. Since January, I have lost 2 of the most constant companions in my life - Gigi and Molly. And today Magda gave us a pretty good scare. Whether it be your human babies or your furry ones, hold them close. Be tender to them and let them know you love them. Because sadly, the one true thing about life is that it isn't forever.
I love my cats. They are my babies - the only ones I will ever have. Since January, I have lost 2 of the most constant companions in my life - Gigi and Molly. And today Magda gave us a pretty good scare. Whether it be your human babies or your furry ones, hold them close. Be tender to them and let them know you love them. Because sadly, the one true thing about life is that it isn't forever.
Friday, May 24, 2013
What's for Dinner?
Via Flickr:
A few pieces are finally dry enough to set up in the new kitchen. I think the copper pots and utensils look MUCH better than the original pink and white.
A few pieces are finally dry enough to set up in the new kitchen. I think the copper pots and utensils look MUCH better than the original pink and white.
pots and pans
Via Flickr:
Another project for my kitchen diorama. It came with cheap white and pink pots, pans and utensils. I thought painting them copper would make for a nice addition. They look great and are drying now. More pictures to come!
Another project for my kitchen diorama. It came with cheap white and pink pots, pans and utensils. I thought painting them copper would make for a nice addition. They look great and are drying now. More pictures to come!
Jonathan Adler Barbie Sofa
As an avid collector of both dolls and furniture, I always like a good deal. Just wanted to share that the Jonathan Adler Barbie sofa is selling on Amazon.com right now for $29.99. If you have Amazon Prime, it's free 2 day shipping! This is a much lower price than I even paid for mine about 2 years ago. And it is extremely well-made - and showcased in many of my doll photographs. Here's the sofa (not my pic - I screen-capped this from Amazon.com.):
So if you are so inclined, pick up this beautiful piece at an extremely reasonable price and enjoy!!!
- DollsinDystopia
Edit: Almost forgot about adding the link!! http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Collector-Jonathan-Adler-Room/dp/B002IGVM9W/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1369419009&sr=8-34&keywords=barbie+furniture
- DollsinDystopia
Edit: Almost forgot about adding the link!! http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Collector-Jonathan-Adler-Room/dp/B002IGVM9W/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1369419009&sr=8-34&keywords=barbie+furniture
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Let Them Eat Cake. Sweet, Sweet Poisonous Cake.
Via Flickr:
Maid Cleo. She's not much nicer than Goth Cleo.
Maid Cleo. She's not much nicer than Goth Cleo.
Repainted Kitchen
So here are the newly painted pieces... not perfect, but I'm getting the knack for it now! And I have to say - it looks much better than the original.
New Kitchen Re-Paint
So... I bought this kitchen set super cheap off of Amazon (this is not my picture - this is one of the pics I snagged off Amazon.com of the original set):
I repainted the island and the stove/oven hutch a satin black using Fusion spray paint. And I have to say I'm getting better at this. I left the refrigerator alone because it looks just fine in white. I still want to try and paint the little dishes and pots that it came with using a high-shine copper paint I bought but I need to figure out the logistics of spray-painting very small things without the force of the paint blowing them away! At any rate, pics of the newly painted kitchen coming later today. It isn't perfect - I learn something new every time I do this. But it's much better than the last endeavor. And if I get daring, I may try to do some hand-painted touch ups on the eyes of the stove, knobs, etc. with some silver paint.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
J Dolls
Via Flickr:
Malecon and Avenue Kleber (redressed and Malecon's hair has been cut and restyled.)
Malecon and Avenue Kleber (redressed and Malecon's hair has been cut and restyled.)
Ghoulia Comicon
I love this version of Ghoulia. I hope to get this year's SDCC exclusive too... fingers crossed!
Nefera Redress
Via Flickr:
I finally found something else that fits Nefera! The pants were made for Momoko dolls and the top came from the Juku Couture doll. The purse is from a J-Doll.
I finally found something else that fits Nefera! The pants were made for Momoko dolls and the top came from the Juku Couture doll. The purse is from a J-Doll.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
She's Got Class
Via Flickr:
Dance Class Howleen dressed in Juku Couture clothing and wearing Only Hearts Club boots.
Dance Class Howleen dressed in Juku Couture clothing and wearing Only Hearts Club boots.
Howleen - Clothing Options
One of the biggest requests I would have for Mattel right now is to create fashion packs for Howleen and Nefera. I think it's an absolute travesty this hasn't been done yet. I love Howleen. She is one of my favorite MH dolls. So I am constantly trying to re-invent her and find new and interesting clothing for her. I thought I would share the brands I have found so far that fit her extremely well - with pictures coming soon.
- Only Hearts Club: (drawback - the fashions are expensive, but very well-made. Some of the shoes even fit Howleen. And she looks ADORABLE in the outfits.)
- Juku Couture: As discussed below, I picked up one of these dolls the other day via Amazon.com and immediately stripped her and put her clothes on one of my Howleen dolls. They fit perfectly. The shoes? Not so much. Which is sad because they are so cute. These dolls are out of production as well so the clothes are overpriced. But not too badly if you really comb Amazon.com. I will note that the clothes that come on the dolls themselves are apparently of better quality than the fashion packs (based on the reviews I read on Amazon.)
If you know of other doll clothing that fit Howleen (or Nefera!), please let me know. I will get back to you on J-doll fashions. I'm going to be trying those next!!!
- DollsinDystopia
- Only Hearts Club: (drawback - the fashions are expensive, but very well-made. Some of the shoes even fit Howleen. And she looks ADORABLE in the outfits.)
- Juku Couture: As discussed below, I picked up one of these dolls the other day via Amazon.com and immediately stripped her and put her clothes on one of my Howleen dolls. They fit perfectly. The shoes? Not so much. Which is sad because they are so cute. These dolls are out of production as well so the clothes are overpriced. But not too badly if you really comb Amazon.com. I will note that the clothes that come on the dolls themselves are apparently of better quality than the fashion packs (based on the reviews I read on Amazon.)
If you know of other doll clothing that fit Howleen (or Nefera!), please let me know. I will get back to you on J-doll fashions. I'm going to be trying those next!!!
- DollsinDystopia
Juku Couture Kana
Via Flickr:
I picked up this little cutie from Amazon.com just because I am always interested in various articulated dolls. Her body articulation is very much like a J-Doll - but smaller at 9 inches. Not nearly as well-made but her clothes were cute (most of which were usurped for Howleen - who they fit perfectly!) I was sad her cute shoes didn't fit any of the MH dolls. But all in all she is very cute - glass eyes - Disney-esque, cherubic face. I put colorful hairbands in her hair to match her colorful outfit. (She is wearing an Only Hearts Club top.) I think these dolls are out of production now and VERY overpriced for what you get. She was the cheapest I could find at $19 on Amazon.com.
I picked up this little cutie from Amazon.com just because I am always interested in various articulated dolls. Her body articulation is very much like a J-Doll - but smaller at 9 inches. Not nearly as well-made but her clothes were cute (most of which were usurped for Howleen - who they fit perfectly!) I was sad her cute shoes didn't fit any of the MH dolls. But all in all she is very cute - glass eyes - Disney-esque, cherubic face. I put colorful hairbands in her hair to match her colorful outfit. (She is wearing an Only Hearts Club top.) I think these dolls are out of production now and VERY overpriced for what you get. She was the cheapest I could find at $19 on Amazon.com.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Goth Cleo
Via Flickr:
I love this effect of blending 2 photos together. It works well in creating these atmospheric, macabre images of Goth Cleo.
I love this effect of blending 2 photos together. It works well in creating these atmospheric, macabre images of Goth Cleo.
CAM Torsos/Body Parts
http://shop.mattel.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12806734
Since Mattel so rarely puts the package of CAM torsos and extra body parts in their shop, I figured I would put out a signal boost. If you need them, they are only $7.99 for the package right now. :o)
Since Mattel so rarely puts the package of CAM torsos and extra body parts in their shop, I figured I would put out a signal boost. If you need them, they are only $7.99 for the package right now. :o)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Witch's Brew
The CAM packs were one sale for $12.99 at one of my local stores so I picked up another witch/cat pack. That was just too cheap to pass up. :o)
fridge project inside
Via Flickr:
Inside of the painted refrigerator: Keeping in mind that this was my first painting project on a piece of doll furniture, I don't think I did too bad. I used Fusion spray paints (specifically made to bond to plastic) and I also put primer on first. The pic on the left is unretouched. The pic on the right is how you will see it in any pictures I shoot! (THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP!!!) But all in all - for a first time using spray paints (which I believe is a true art form) I don't think I did too bad.
Inside of the painted refrigerator: Keeping in mind that this was my first painting project on a piece of doll furniture, I don't think I did too bad. I used Fusion spray paints (specifically made to bond to plastic) and I also put primer on first. The pic on the left is unretouched. The pic on the right is how you will see it in any pictures I shoot! (THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP!!!) But all in all - for a first time using spray paints (which I believe is a true art form) I don't think I did too bad.
fridge project outside
Via Flickr:
Keeping in mind that this was my first painting project on a piece of doll furniture, I don't think I did too bad. I used Fusion spray paints (specifically made to bond to plastic) and I also put primer on first. The pic on the left is unretouched. The pic on the right is how you will see it in any pictures I shoot! (THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP!!!) But all in all - for a first time using spray paints (which I believe is a true art form) I don't think I did too bad.
Keeping in mind that this was my first painting project on a piece of doll furniture, I don't think I did too bad. I used Fusion spray paints (specifically made to bond to plastic) and I also put primer on first. The pic on the left is unretouched. The pic on the right is how you will see it in any pictures I shoot! (THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP!!!) But all in all - for a first time using spray paints (which I believe is a true art form) I don't think I did too bad.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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