Emepris Doll: New OOAK resin beauty available now

Miss V is available from Emperis Doll for £750 plus shipping. She wears a pretty handmade haute couture dress with sequin flowers, attached buckle. Her wig is hand-dyed pink, and is adorned with a lovely floral headband.

Glamorous Misaki

Along the same lines as the OOAK Beatnik Blues, I could hardly pass up this lovely rerooted Misaki. She is a limited edition of 4, I believe, created by the talented Rob Thompson for this past year's Wave from Japan seminar at IFDC.

Here, Misaki is modeling the fashion from Glamorous Darling Poppy Parker, the souvenir doll from IFDC. It's quite a lovely gown, I think, and it matches the purple in her hair.

It has the effect of lifting Misaki's dour mood, much to her chagrin. I just love this doll--she is so delightfully grumpy--with her long bangs obscuring her face, and her purple and black hair. I think she's wonderful!

Beatnik Blues in IT Girl

Beatnik Blues OOAK reroot Poppy Parker is modeling IT Girl's fashion (the companion doll from this past IFDC), which turns out to be quite a nice look for her, I think.

Sometimes, I love to match the hair and clothing of the dolls in my collection. I think it can be sort of fun. And I do have a weakness for dolls with fantasy hair color, for some weird reason. They speak to me!

Souvenir dolls for sale - and more!

So, I've finally gotten around to listing some of my recent acquisitions for sale. Check them out on the Dollpage Show & Sell. Here's what I've got listed--all are NRFB:

• IFDC exclusive Evening Ingenue Poppy Parker - $275 including US shipping (I have two of these)
• IFDC souvenir doll Glamorous Darling Poppy Parker - $375 including US shipping
• Gene repaint - $99 OBO, including shipping
• Midnight Celebration AA, NBCC 2014 souvenir doll - $300 including US shipping
• Midnight Celebration, NBCC 2014 souvenir doll, Lara sculpt - $300 including US shipping
• Agent Lotta Danger, 2014 Poppy Parker - $225 including shipping

If you check out my page, you can see my sales policies as well as my current trade wish list. Thanks for looking!

Beatnik Blues gets ready for summer...

I've finally gotten a chance to take some decent photos of the Trina Turk Barbie set I won in the raffle room at the Grant A Wish convention. It's a really great set--versatile and fun--even if you aren't a fun of Model Muse Barbies.

Here is my OOAK rerooted Poppy Parker Beatnik Blues, getting ready for summer, wearing the bikini, coverup, hat and bracelet from the set. You have to admit, she looks pretty amazing in it--and it fits her perfectly! The bandeau top ties in the back, so I imagine it would fit different sizes pretty well.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

Magia 2000 at Grant A Wish

Check out the photos on Flickr if you'd like to see a selection of the dolls that Mario of Magia 2000 brought with him to sell at the Grant A Wish convention this year. Above, you can see the gorgeous convention auction doll.

My "first" attempt at a OOAK Barbie

Okay, so the "first" in quotations means that this is not actually the first one-of-a-kind Barbie that I've tried to re-paint. There is one very sad attempt that is hidden deep in a drawer somewhere in my my house. You will never see a picture of her and we will never speak of her again.

Now that that's cleared up, here are the before & after shots of the first OOAK Barbie that I'm not ashamed to share pictures of. She began as a "Celebrate, Disco Doll!" Barbie (2008) with an afro of short, sausage curls & glitter eye shadow. Cute in her own way, but ready for a different look.

Steffie of the Day: Mermaid Steffie

Mermaid Steffie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Just sharing my rerooted Miss Amethyst, a Birthstone Beauty from 2007. She's a OOAK doll on a Poppy Parker body, dressed in FR: Monogram Inspiration and jewelry by Facets by Marcia.

The doll has been professionally rerooted and styled by Cat Hammond of A Doll Affinity.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: OOAK Birthstone Beauty

Nicki Minaj-inspired Steffie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Miss Diamond has had a make-over, thanks to Cat at A Doll Affinity. She's been rerooted with lavender and white hair, inspired by Nicki Minaj.

Here, she's dressed in Miss Ruby's dress, Tiny Kitty's shawl, and jewelry from Facets by Marcia.

You can see a few more photos of her on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: Miss America OOAK

Miss America by A Doll Affinity, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Just returned from some exciting rerooting by Cat at A Doll Affinity, it's the lovely Miss America (formerly a blonde Quick Curl). Her soft pink hair has white highlights, and it's currently styled in ponytails.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

Outfits by MegannArt

Gingham dress $20

Got outfits? There's nothing that spices up your collection more than adding outfits! If you're looking for casual styles with amazing detail, check out MegannArt on Etsy.

Megann sews for many different sized fashion doll--every small body you can imagine:

• Momoko
• Silkstone
• Fashion Royalty
• Poppy Parker and Misaki
• Revlon 13" by Tonner
• Monster High

Plus, she also sews for BJDs--in every size from YoSD and smaller up to SD13.

Check out her shop. There's lots of goodies in there!

Photo is property of MegannArt.

Ultimate Basic Sydney

Ultimate Basic Sydney, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Tonner Doll has created a few resin fashion BJDs, including this love inset-eye Ultimate Basic Sydney.

Mine has had a new face-up by Beesou of Overnight Flight, and she is much softer now. Her lips are originally painted quite brightly.

I think Tonner's resin is just a lovely shade--and so gorgeous. I can't wait till Tonner's convention this year--I'm hoping for a resin Daphne!

Jacqueline in Intriguing

Jacqueline in Intriguing, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another quick shot of the gorgeous OOAK Jacqueline Frost Basic, glass inset eyes by Jim Dandy.

Here, she's dressed in the Precarious fashion Intriguing. I think it suits her quite well.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

OOAK Australian designer Integrity Toys dolls

Limited edition Alannah Hill POUT doll, courtesy Chadstone

According to a recent newsletter from Integrity Toys, there are a few OOAK couture dolls available for auction on eBay Australia. I'm not sure they ship outside of the US--but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Here are IT's notes on the doll:

Earlier this year, we participated in an exhibition of our dolls in Australia called POUT which featured a selection of 50 Fashion Royalty dolls created by the Integrity Toys design team since the start of the collection in 2001. Also part of this exciting exhibit, selected top Australian fashion designers where invited to replicate some of their creations in miniature and were each given an FR: Monogram doll to display their OOAK creations. These mini-couture models where also put on display at Chadstone.

These OOAK dolls that the Australian designers created are now available in a charity auction on eBay. The charity that benefits from these auctions is the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne.
Please note:

1. These are one of a kind fashions crafted by various Australian designers. As such, they may have different levels of detail and quality.

1. While we wanted to alert you to this auction, Integrity is not involved in any aspect of it and cannot answer questions, etc., so please direct them to the auction seller.

1. Please note that none of the props shown in the photos are included in these auctions. Only the dolls with their fashions are included in the auction. If you have any questions about these dolls, please contact the auction seller.

A link to the auctions can be found here. The auctions start at AU $100 (currently $103.87), and have 3 days and about 7 hours left. I have to admit--I'm tempted!

A BEARel of Laughs - An interview with Jude

You have probably already seen the auction - for a BEARly used Tyler Wentworth doll.

The debut of Barney the Bear's OOAK artistry was a rousing success

I don’t know about anyone else, but I was laughing so hard that I could BEARly breathe by the time I finished reading it. The auction was for a Tyler Wentworth doll by the Tonner Doll Company, who had had an up close and personal encounter with Barney, a black bear in Colorado. Jude, a regular poster on Prego, posted her photos of Tyler and Barney, and eventually sold Tyler on eBay.

I love the wit that went into this auction posting:

For sale a poor pathetic older unknown Tyler BEARLY USED PLEASE EXCUSE THE STRAY HAIRS
I have used her for a wig model
Mint except for:
Hair has been cut off
Thumb missing on one hand
Fingers missing on the other hand
Slightly played with by bears
Bite marks on head and body
Smells like Bears
Hairspray on Face
She is kind of dirty but could be cleaned up with a magic sponge or NOT
No original box

Comes from a smoke free and BIG pet friendly area
Questions please email.
Emergency sale

Will be shipped in a padded envelope as more damage won't hurt her anyway

On Sep-04-12 at 15:59:52 PDT, seller added the following information:
Sorry the bear is not included in the auction. It would cost an enormous amount to ship and he doesn't want to leave the mountain.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sep-05-12 at 06:49:19 PDT, seller added the following information:
COA included with doll and signed photos from Barney. He has sacrificed his beloved doll for auction and hopes the winner will be delighted with her. With a little TLC she might look better or maybe not. Barney is thinking of offering another one of his dolls from his private collection for auction at a later date.

BEARing this in mind, it seemed like a BEAR Necessity to interview Jude, and have her tell our readers a little about herself, and her big, hairy, artist neighbor, Barney the Bear.

Who you calling big and hairy?

Jude, how long have you lived in Colorado?

All my life

How have you adjusted to living with neighbors such as Barney? How did Barney introduce himself?

I have lived here on the mountain for 21 years and there are a lot of bears here. We have learned to adjust to them. We are just very careful. The photo opportunites are amazing.

I admire your bravery, I am a coward when it comes to bears. The closest encounter I ever had was while camping at Mt. Rainier when I was about 5 years old, and a bear made my dad teleport about 15 feet!

Barney at work on his first OOAK project, a Tyler Wentworth doll

Was this particular Tyler Wentworth doll, whom you used as a wig model, a favorite?

I have had this Tyler for about 7 years. She had a mishap with my dog when she was a puppy and has issues since. I thought she would be a great candidate for “Bearly played with” for Barney.

Hey, no photos until I'm done! 

Tell us something about your doll collection - what dolls do you have in your collection? Are there any Grails that you are still seeking?

I collect Numina dolls by Paul Pham, Sybarites and a few bjds and Tonners. No Grails at this time.

Ugh! The stupid brushes always fall just out of reach of my paws!

What Grails, if any, do you think Barney has?

Barney loves dolls. He seems to bearly think of anything else. He has a special love for Bearallina dolls. (ballerina)

That would be an interesting OOAK to see next - maybe a Night On Bald Mountain would be an appropriate theme to play to inspire Barney while he works.

A closeup of Barney's painstaking work

What inspired your eBay auction?

I was just thinking it would be cute to put a doll outside and see what the bears would do. Barney showed up first and was BEARy intrigued with her. I took the photos and got to laughing so hard and decided to post them on Prego. Someone on Prego suggested I should put it on Ebay. From there it was 3 days of constant laughter. The questions and answers were hilarious. Animal lovers came out in force and the auction turned out incredible.

I'll say - from a $.99 opening bid to a $430 close - that's pretty impressive for an OOAK debut, especially by an artist of a completely different species!

Not quite mint, but not bad, either!

How did you and Barney come to the decision to sell his OOAK work?

Barney loves art and wanted to share it with all the doll and bear lovers. He is so thoughtful.

One thing's for sure, Jude, the two of you make a winning OOAK team. With his artistry, and your genius for publicity, the only limits are affording the dolls for Barney to work on.

Better start running, I want to look my best for the auction!

How did you feel when you found out that Robert Tonner, the owner of Tonner Doll Company (Tyler’s manufacturer) knew about your auction?

It was amazing!!!!! I was afraid he might be offended because Barney loved the doll so much.

I seem to recall telling you to send an email to Mr. Tonner, telling him you had photographic proof that his dolls are beloved by all species!

Did anyone at Tonner Doll contact you?

Yes, they did and said they loved the auction and would be bidding on it.

What is Barney’s next OOAK project, after this stunning debut?

Barney is working on 2 different bearalinna dolls. The next one will go on auction tomorrow. He is finishing up a makeover of a Miss Piggy. They try to dance. Barney picked a special song just for her  ”Swine Lake”

Jude and Barney's second auction - a Miss Piggy doll by Tonner

Does Barney have anything to add? I’m sure our regular readers would love a quote from him!

Barney is so touched about all the caring posts and bids on his auction. He wants to tell everyone how BEARy touched he is with all of this!

I don’t want to pry into anyone’s privacy, but a fellow Prego member is said to have won the auction, and thus, Barney’s first efforts at OOAK. Please tell the winner to take pictures of his or her new doll, and post them. I’m sure we would ALL like to see that Tyler has adjusted well to her new life as a piece of One of A Kind art.

The questions asked on this auction were pretty funny, and it seems that the potential buyers understood the humor Jude and Barney intended. Here are some of the highlights:

Q:  You mentioned in your listing that were a few stray hairs and this Tyler was used as a wig model. What size wig does she take. I suppose the stray hairs are what I see on her face. Since you said "Mint Condition" I assume they can just simply be brushed off and she is pretty well cleaned up. Or (reading between the lines) is the damage to her face so bad that she has filed for workmen's (women's) compensation and her face needs extensive plastic surgery if she wishes to appear normal in public again.

A:   She wears a 5-6 wig as you can also find in my store. Barney is taking wig styling so Mr. Barney may have some great creations on the horizon. Yes, she has been a model for about 6 years and that hair is embedded with hairspray. You might be able to clean it off with a power sander. That is a thought. She should file for some kind of compensation. She is bearly able to have any spa treatment at the time. Sad isn't it?

Q:  You mention that this OOAK Tyler is in Mint condition except for a few minor defects which you list-mostly to the hands. I was interested in possibly using her as a shoe model, but you don't show her feet in any of the photos. Does she even have feet? or have these modified in the artistic process? Thank you.

A:   Thank you for your question. I bearly remembered to take the other photos. Sorry. Yes she does have feet and one has a tooth mark on the bottom and the other has some mystery brown stuff? on it. Not sure what it is???? I'm sure she could be a great shoe model. The bite is on the bottom and bearly noticable. Thanks so much for your interest in Barney's creation.

Q:  Can you please take my pre order for Barney's next offering. I believe its to be a ballerina called " She Who Dances With Bears." Will you require a deposit. Do you have an anticipated price and ship date. Thanks so much.

A:   Barney will be working on edition #2 shortly. As a STARVING artist he is going to be working like a bear to get it done quickly. Please save him in your favorites so you can be first to see his new creation! He really thanks you for all your interest! Bear Hugs, Barney

Q:  Hi,does she come wearing any clothes or does she come bear ?,sorry I mean bare ! :)

A:   Thank you for writing. She comes Bare but I can cover her bits so she is bearly bare if that would help. Thanks for your interest. Barnmey thanks you!

Q:  But if she encounters further damage, my pristine Bear Art is ruined!! and the COA becomes invalid.......

A:   Oh dear. That is a grizzly thought! I bearly thought of additional damage. I can certainly send her in a box. Barney will wrap her carefully so that she will arrive in the pristine mint condition as shown in the photos! lol

Q:  Do you think that if we ask him nicely he can sign her butt? also I would like to know if she had a given name and if a COA would be provided, thanks. I hope this is just the first of many pieces, Barney is for sure a promising artist!

A:   Thank you! Yes, Barney would be glad to sign her butt! I believe he named her Mauledeen. Yes, there is a COA included . Barney plans on doing a ballerina next called " She Who Dances With Bears. Please put Barney on your favorites list so you will know when his next ooak comes up for auction. Since this all started he has bearly had time to rest. Thanks for writing! Big Bear Hugs

Q:  Free shipping is really great~thanks. Does this include tracking and insurance for the winner Thank you.

A:   Thank you for writing and your interest in the Bearly played with doll. Yes insurance and tracking is included. Not sure what to insure her for tho as she has so much damage . Bear Art is hard to insure accurately. I am sending her in a padded envelope because more damage can't hurt her anyway. lol Thank you. Jude

Q:  Hi,I was wondering if Barney does commissions? I have a doll that resembles my X Husband's Girlfriend that needs a Makeover and I think Barney could help with that? What would he charge for the body enhancements? She wears a lot of Cheap Perfume, has Breast Implants, Facial upgrades and long hair so I think he would like this work. Price with photos please??

A:   Barney may start doing commissions. He is already going to do a ballerina called "Doll That Dances With Bears". If you add Barney to your favorites list you can be informed of his next offering. I'm sure he would love to do a cheap doll. He loves cheap and cheap perfume. lol He can bearly stand it!

Q:  Is this doll sold "as is"?

A:   yes, I'm afraid it is sold as is. As you can see she has some minor issues. Please ask any questions before you bid as I want to keep my good feedback and stars! Please look at the photos carefully. I have tried very hard to describe her as well as I can. As you can see she may require some "PLASTC Surgery". I am not an expert so hopefully this has answered your question???????? Feel free to contact me if you have other questions. I'm not sure what the true definition of "AS IS" really is. lol

Barney has left the building!

And that wraps up this edition of Fashion Doll Review. I would like to thank Jude and Barney for their gracious consent and use of their valuable time to be interviewed. All photos are by Jude, and starring Barney the Bear and Tyler Wentworth. All auction text is by Jude.

Pink Diamond Barbie by The Blonds - OOAK auction doll

Pink Diamond™ Barbie is a one-of-a-kind doll created by The Blonds. She is available now on charitybuzz, and as of the time of this post, her auction price is at $1500.

Proceeds of this doll will benefit the MAC Aids Fund organization.

Photos are property of Mattel.

Madame Deneuve

Madame Deneuve, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Angelic Dreamz exclusive JAMIEshow Deneuve has just returned from the spa at OOAK Zoo, and James has given her a wonderful makeover.

Here, she is dressed in Madame de l'Amour by Tonner Doll Company and the wig from the Rose of Versailles outfit.

As you might have guessed, the lady wants for nothing--except perhaps for a new pair of shoes.

See more photos on Flickr.

Be sure to subscribe to James' blog, OOAK Zoo, and also his fabulous Flickr photostream, to see his wonderful repaints.

Interview with Patita Taylor

Integrity Toys Dynamite Girls Aria, modeling Patita Taylor outfit

I had the pleasure of meeting Patita Taylor at this year's Barbie convention where she is a regular attendee and salesroom vendor. She is also a regular attendee at the IFDC in Las Vegas.

Her outfits are meticulously handcrafted--starting at just $35, you can get an outfit, including a cocktail dress, matching belt, hat, shoes, bag, and earrings--all packaged beautifully in a gift box. I left her table with more than one outfit in my bag, and an agreement for her to do an interview with me for the Fashion Doll Review!

About Patita's business:

How long have you been in business? How did you get started?

I started sewing about three years ago. I had sewed some 40 years ago, and I met this young lady and asked her how to make a dress, and from there I just kept it up.  I really don't have a business; I only sew for the convention and if someone wants me to make a dress for them only.

Where can we find your outfits? 

If someone wants an outfit, they contact me email patita@patitataylor.com

I notice you sew for 11" sized dolls. Is this how you got started, or did you work in another field first?

I got started just by making 11" sized dolls clothes for Barbie. People want me to do clothes for them, but I just want to stick to the small stuff.

How long have you been designing outfits? Do you sew other items as well?

I really don't design, I just use pieces of different patterns. I just go to different stores and if I like a fabric I buy it.

What is your workspace like? Does it work well for you?

My workshope is one of my bedrooms.  It does not work very well, because it's kind of small.

Where do you get your inspiration? Do you generally decide which outfits to sew first, and then choose fabric and supplies, or do you let the fabrics find you and inspire you?

My inspiration comes from people wanting to redress their dolls.  I do not really decide which outfit to sew: if I like an outfit I will sew it. If I love a fabric: ask myself, would this look good on a Barbie? Yes? Then I buy it.

What is your favorite part of creating a doll fashion? What is your least favorite part?

Will it look good and will other people like it as I do? The least favorite part of a doll fashion is cutting the outfit out.

When you create fashions, how much do you keep your collector in mind? Do you mostly design what you like or what you enjoy collecting? Do your collectors have a predictable style?

I keep in mind the size of the prints on the fabric, color, and what a collector would buy. I design mostly what I like and what someone else would like for their doll. I sometimes wonder what style people would like. Some like vintage--pencil skirt or a full skirted dress. Color plays a big part with the style also.

Have you ever created an outfit and decided to keep it for your own collection instead of selling it? (I think if I were talented in sewing, I'd be doing this all the time, LOL!)

On items that I sew sometimes I like to keep the outfit for myself, but I have to let them go to the convention.  If I don't sell the outfit at the convention, then it comes back home to my dolls.

Do you have favorite places to shop to add your stash of supplies?

I like to shop at F and H Fabric and Jo-Ann's.  If I am in a mall and they have a fabric store, I will visit that store.

About your own doll collection:

Do you collect dolls yourself? How long have you been collecting?

I only collect Barbie dolls, and I have been collecting for over twenty years.

Do you have themes in your collection? What sorts of dolls do you collect?

You can say I do have themes in my collection, but I buy what I like.  I only collect Barbie dolls, I have attended the IFDC, but sell the doll. I mainly go to this convention to take the classes they have to offer for making things for your dolls.

Do you have a current favorite (or a few favorites) in your collection? 

I do have a favorite doll: Bob Mackie's Starlight Splendor.

What sorts of things attract you most about a doll?

If I like a doll I buy it. Sometimes when I like a doll I buy three to four at one time.

Do you sew for your own doll collection?

I usually don't sew for my doll collection--only if I use them as models to display the outfit.

What really got me started in collecting was when I was a little girl around 6 or 7, we lived in projects and my mother could not afford to buy dolls all the time. When it was trash time, me and my sister went around digging in the trash cans and found Barbie dolls. Boy, do I wish I would have held on to the first ones made in 1959!  

Then also my father asked me one Christmas what I wanted, and I told him a Chatty Cathy doll, he did not get me that doll, and it hurt my heart. So my mother said I just went crazy when I was able to buy them for myself.  I also bought lots of Barbies for my daughter, because of what my father had done to me.  She gave them away when she was about fifteen. Boy, was I mad, because she did not tell me until years later when I got back into collecting dolls!

Silkstone by Mattel modeling Patita Taylor fashion

Silkstone by Mattel modeling Patita Taylor fashion

Silkstone modeling Patita Taylor fashion

Silkstone modeling Patita Taylor fashion

I took a similar fashion home with me! Modeled by a Silkstone

Patita Taylor, modeled by Silkstone

Patita Taylor modeled by Silkstone

Model muse by Mattel in Patita Taylor 

Two gorgeous Silkstones in Patita Taylor fashions

Silkstone in a Patita Taylor fashion

All photos are property of Patita Taylor.

White Nights in St. Petersburg

White Nights in St. Petersburg, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Sassy Tarina, my travel doll, all ready for the White Nights in St. Petersburg dinner event and charity auction on Friday evening at Barbie convention 2012.

She is dressed in a Jennygrey fashion, Barbie Basics belt, and Facets by Marcia jewelry.

Artist Creation's charity auction doll

Bon Voyage, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another doll from the Barbie convention charity auction, this one-of-a-kind Silkstone doll was created by Artist Creations.