Blythe Customization

The Blythe doll was created in 1972 (before I was born!) She wasn't very popular among children, probably because of her oversized eyes and head! She kinda looks a little creepy....As a result she was pulled from the shelves in that same year. 

In 2001 Takara started producing Blythe dolls again. By this time a Blythe had a cult following. A flickr search will easily show the amazing photo's and customizations that Blythe collectors create. 

I caught the 'blythe' bug about 3 years ago. I was hesitant to make the first purchase- they are rather pricey. But once I got one....well, it took on a life of its own. I now have 10, and Scarlet has 2. 

Blythe is so much fun to photograph, and even more fun to customize! Here is my first attempt. This was my first Blythe.

And now...

I did a re-root Red and Hot Pink streaks. I changed all the eyechips, sand matte her face, black eye shadow, removed blush, lip colour, crystal beauty spot and new eyelashes.

It was terrifying pulling her apart- but lots of fun making the changes. She is far from perfect, but pretty cute anyways :)

Scarlet now has me working on one of her dolls. I'll post pics when I finish. Hopefully it won't take as long as this one...

m.x

Mini Fashionista

Its official. I have no control or input when it comes to Scarlets outfits. I knew this day would come...its been slowly creeping up, for a while. We made it to 5, that a good run, yeah? I love shopping for Scarlet. I love buying unusual pieces- usually that I would love to wear myself. She gets them and....the outfits that she put together....its just....full on. Not always bad. but very in your face...

This was todays outfit for kindy. I gave her jeans and a tshirt to put on. She smiled, and the next time I saw her she was covered in spots. Can polka dots be over done? Maybe. So, just to be safe, she paired the spots with stripes. Ahhh thats better. We're balanced now :)

  

 

And notice how she REFUSED to look at the camera....that was because she was going to kindy. Still hates it. after 2 years. 

m.xx

A girl can dream....

David doesn't want a bar of it....but I'll keep looking for the ideal set of wheels. He'll have to give in eventually....won't he?

sigh. I would look AWESOME in these cars... :)

 

m.xx

shopping

Nothing cheers a girl up, after being sick for the weekend, than a spot of shopping :) I have been trying to not shop. for things that I don't need. But I really am quite addicted to the buzz I get from shopping. Its my drug. But drugs are bad. Because if you do drugs you're a hippy. And hippies suck. (that's a South Park line)....but I digress...

So. I wanted to go to the 2nd hand store to pick up some tea cups. I have a small collection, that I have gathered over the past few years, but in the past week I have broken a few, and noticed large cracks in some. Thought I should get some more...... But.Then.I.Saw.This....

 Yes. Its a 1950's bamboo bar. Doll size. I am crazy about Blythe. Some Blythe collectors also collect doll furniture, I never have. But seriously! It's a bamboo bar. I couldn't resist. Wish it was my size!!! Yeah...I'll probably ebay it- after I take some cute pics. Why isn't it my size???? 

I then found these bunnies. bunnies! I need no excuse :) Moss covered bunnies (fake moss...but hey!)

 

Oh, and I stumbled across this... a glass cloche. I have been looking for one since our Alice in Wonderland party. Oh, how I wanted to sit a giant cupcake under one of these... I finally found one. I took this pic with it sitting over my bambi, but it is currently in the kitchen over my bobble head Obama. So Yes. I have put it to good use!

And I did find some tea cups...

 OMG! Uh huh. Charles and Di. Can't wait for my morning coffee. When I was tiny I would get mum's Woman's Day magazine and cut all the pictures of Charles and Di out, and stick them into the covers of my Little Golden Books, I think I would have been about 5. I was born a royalist. If only for the weekly trashy magazine reading....guilty!

So. Feeling good. Shopping done. David was very impressed. Went to the 'post office' and came back with all these goodies .....

m.x

Scarlets sunflowers

Are about to bloom. We are very excited!

Scarlet and I have only recently caught the gardening bug. And we are loving it.

"I love flowering with you mumma. Its very pretty"

Over the past few weekends we have been spending our mornings at Bunnings, and our afternoons planting, fertilizing, and watering. 

Scarlets babies are the sunflowers. Its been a LONG wait, but they are quite very tall, and look like they could bloom at any moment. My babies are the hydrangeas. I'm worried that they don't like the brisbane heat....but we will see! Its been so nice watching our tiny seedlings grow. We have had our first rose flower. Our geraniums have gone wild and our herbs are looking like they will out grow their pots! Its so nice seeing Scarlet nurture her plants.

On a side note, I went to bed early Friday afternoon with a stomach bug (ugh) I came out of my self imposed bedroom confinement this morning to find that Jasper had....changed. He is speaking in full sentences, and is acting less crazy. Maybe I slept for longer than I thought???

And we have replaced our Toy Story obsession with Coraline- yay!!! at least I can join in the fun now. 

m.xx

finished!

Finished my drawing today. And framed it. Have had a frame hanging on the wall, waiting for something for awhile. Not sure about it. Don't think I'll tell people I drew it....

m.xx

Sunday afternoon plagiarism....

I've been so focused on photography and crafty projects that its been a very very long time since I've picked up a pencil. Or a paint brush. (painting random pieces of furniture doesn't count!)

I had the desire to draw....and surprisingly the time. But a subject. an idea. was eluding me. I flicked thru some old books hoping to find some inspiration, when I found 'The art of Angelique Houtkamp' under a stack of magazines in the office. Angelique is a tattoo artist and a painter. She is amazing. Every time I look thru the book I am left amazed at her talent. 

One picture stood out. Piaf. 

The dodgy photo really doesn't do it justice. It is so delicate and beautiful. I would love to tattoo a tiny version on my wrist....

Angelique herself is pretty darn gorgeous! (and yes. I photographed the book, because I am too lazy to find a pic on the net to link it!!)

So, still without any ideas, but I gorgeous image in front of me, I decided I'd try to duplicate her Piaf. Now I feel like I've got some rhythm back, and while I was drawing all these wonderful ideas came into my head (original ones...haha)

I like what Ive done so far...but am kinda too scared to finish. What if I wreck it?!

And I mentioned to David that a trip to Amsterdam is in order. Traveling across the globe for a tattoo seems reasonable. yes?

Hope your Sunday has been full of inspiration too :)

m.xx