Family

 

Another Instagram challenge photo. I'm not completely happy with it, but it's cute. It was a pain to tuck all those dolls under the blankets, and I'm also sorry that I didn't get a chance to put some items in the background.

Coffee or Tea ?

I'm trying to take part in a November photo challenge on Instagram. November 2nd's prompt was Tea or Coffee? I don't like either, but I pictured one of my dolls drinking green tea, and another drinking coffee.

I also ended up hanging my doll-sized painting on the wall. I had said I had some other pictures I wanted to take with the blue wall, but without the painting. The best laid plans and all that, those pictures haven't happened yet. I've been distracted by other things, one of them being that my nephew is getting married today, an hour and a half away. I wanted to make a dress, and I was almost finished, but discovered a tear in the fabric that kept me from cutting out the last piece. Replacement fabric is on the way, but won't be here on time. Oh well, I'll still have a nice dress to wear all winter. I managed to find a dress from a store, that I liked, and also got some new shoes for the occasion. I haven't had to wear dressy shoes for years. I miss formal family occasions.

I'm motivated to participate more in this photo challenge, so hopefully I can get back into doll stuff tomorrow.

New Artwork for the 1:6 Crowd

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted. I just haven't had much interest in doll photography lately. I did put a lot of effort into cleaning up and organizing my doll crafting/photography area during August, so I was at least getting things done, although I've missed interacting with you all and getting stuff online.

Last weekend, Mr. BTEG and I went to an outdoor craft fair. One booth had a variety of poured acrylic paintings in various sizes, including tiny ones, just about the right size for Barbie artwork.

Cassie is enjoying a warm drink in the cooler fall weather, next to her lovely new painting. Canvases in this size are super cheap at the craft stores. I have some blank ones that I want to create something on; I just can't decide what would be "just right." Although now that I think about it, maybe a stylized pumpkin for the fall, and a pansy for another; pansies are my favorite flower. There were also mini easels being sold with the little paintings. I did buy one, but it's not the right proportions. I could probably make an easel, or just hang this on the wall. I didn't want to hang it this time, because I'm moving on to another photo shoot or two with this backdrop.

I may have to buy another ring light. I used my large "softbox" light for this shoot, and most of the photos turned out blurry, I think because of lighting issues.  I don't exactly like the composition of this, and some of the edges are blurry, but my goodness, I really wanted to get this shoot done. I also need to do some serious doll sewing. Cassie is wearing the only pair of long pants that I own for the Barbie group. 

Talking of cooler fall weather, as if right on cue, the temperature dropped about 30 degrees Fahrenheit on the first day of fall. Autumn is my favorite season, and it is rather glorious here right now. I hope that you all are doing well!

Dresses for Curvy Barbie

I've been chatting with MC about sewing for dolls over the last month or so. I sewed these two dresses for the Curvy Barbie body shape a very long time ago, but I decided that the dresses needed Velcro instead of snaps, and I kept putting off making that change. I finally forced myself to do it, and it did take me quite awhile to get all six of the snaps, over both dresses, off, but now the dresses can be worn and not stay on my "to-do" pile.

I'm sorry to say that I have forgotten where I bought the hook-and-loop closure that I used to close up the backs of these dresses. It is, however, very nicely suited for dolls. The hooks are not as large and grabby as on other kinds that I've used, and the attaching side is very soft, almost leathery in feel. As for size, the strips above were cut in half from a large roll that I have. This stuff goes through the sewing machine beautifully, and cuts easily.

The bodices of the dresses are fully lined, which I find the easiest way to finish a sleeveless dress, and the pattern was created by myself. Even though we're moving into what will probably be the hottest days of the summer here, I think I should start working on autumn clothes for dolls next. I'm trying out some new patterns, and September will be here soon!

Happy Independence Day

I had this nice backyard picnic diorama set up, and then my ring light didn't work. After only one other use. So these pictures aren't great, but I put so much effort into this, and got help from Mr. BTEG, that I decided to pick the best of the group and put them up anyway.

Along the Shore

This spring, Mr. BTEG and I began to search for beach glass during some of our trips to the lake shore. Some of the pieces of glass are so tiny, that my 12" dolls can have their own collection.

I wanted to have the glass in the sunlight, so that the light made the glass sparkle, but this also made my photo not turn out as well as I would have liked. I guess I'll just keep trying to improve.

Here are some other interesting pieces of glass that Mr. BTEG, the Dancer, and I have picked up.

You can tell the part of the bottle from whence these pieces of glass came.

Some of the pieces of glass still have letters on them. This was probably part of the words "One Quart."

This glass has gotten extremely cloudy with time. I'm thinking the S. was part of U.S. Not sure what the W could be.

I like cloudy pieces of glass as something different from the plain clear pieces.

Not sure what this is, maybe from a Pyrex bowl. I couldn't get a good shot of it, but whatever this was, it was genuine.

There are lots of pieces of pottery or tile that wash up onto shore. There are also lots and lots of shells, although not very many large ones, due to being fresh water.

I have several pieces of very pretty blue glass. The dark blue is one the rarest, if not the rarest color for a beachcomber to find. I find it interesting that there are so many shades of blue.

Do you have any fun plans for the summer with your dolls?

6/26 I'm adding a picture of an ornament that I bought, made from beach glass, driftwood, shells, and I think some pottery.

2022 World Doll Day - In Honor of Dorothy in PA

Technically, yesterday was World Doll Day, but I didn't get a chance to celebrate it until today. World Doll Day was started in 1986 by famous doll artist and collector, Mildred Seeley. It is a day to share the love of doll collecting by giving a doll to "someone special." It is promoted by the United Federation of Doll Clubs, although you do not need to be a member to take part. I especially wanted to give away a doll this year in honor of a blog commenter, that many of you know, Dorothy in PA. Dorothy very kindly spent a lot of time last year getting me signed up as a member of UFDC, as an independent member. This is my way of honoring her time and effort.

Sadly, there aren't any little girls in my immediate circle anymore. So I gave a doll to the daughter of someone I am friendly with, who works at a restaurant that Mr. BTEG and I like to eat at. I've met the girl a couple of times; she is a little cutie and will be turning three next month.

The Girlfriends line is sold at Meijer, if you wanted to know. Thank you to Dorothy in PA for being a great doll friend!