I have for a long time wanted a little ball jointed doll. The complete little ones (the ones with faceups, clothes, wigs ect..) are hard to come by, they quickly sell out. So for a long time I just sat with it on my mind. I decided after playing with Blythe that I would maybe like to buy a blank and do it myself. I was afraid, even a blank doll is well more than $100.00. I was not quite ready for that yet.
Then one day at the beginning of December I was cruising the internet looking at all the beautiful little dolls with my friend Wayne, (Wayne lives in Singapore) and on ebay we found her.
She is not resin, she is a hard plastic, (abs) but at 5” (about 12cm) she is just what I wanted, and she was cheap, $28.00 shipping included. She is a Hujoo baby doll.
So I sanded her down, did some facial carving around her eyes, chin, and lips. I did not like the eyes I purchased, I thought the iris was too big for her, so I took apart a Liv doll and used her eyes. I blushed her body using pastels and painted her face with acrylics, and gave her some lashes.
I have lots of mohair around here. I mean the raw kind, locks, not the fabric (although I hoard that also) So I dug through my stash pulled some out, dyed it, and followed a tutorial on the web to make her a wig, fits perfect.
Poor girl had no clothes, so I crocheted her some with some #8 pearl cotton thread. How come I can work this small with a crochet hook, but can’t make a bear under 8”? I need to think on this. She still needs some shoes. I did order her some, but I think I might try my hand a making her some with the thread to match her outfit.
I had so much fun playing. I think she turned out exactly the way I wanted her to. So I ordered another, this time I think she will be brunette.
I swear I have been working on bears. I am getting ready for the Phoenix Show in March. I will be showing off the finished bears soon now.
If you live anywhere cold and need a break in March consider coming here. The weather is no finer in the country than Phoenix in March. More on that later.
She is gorgeous! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteI might even try to get a BJD and work on her, sometimes you need a break from being creative in the same field.
Have you thought of crocheting shoes for her and then make them stiff with Stiffy? (I think this is what it is called. You get it at hobby stores like Michaels). I have an American Girl mini doll that was missing her shoes. I couldn't find any, so I crocheted a pair, used Stiffy and they fit perfect. I just couldn't find any shoes that would fit her.
Have a great weekend!
Marion
She is gorgeous and I love the little dress u made for her. Shame on me, I am still in the stage of sanding her down! I must work on her soon, your completed doll makes me motivated! :)
ReplyDeleteShe is a real cutie. I will also be at the show in March, look me up.
ReplyDeleteJoanne you have done such a sweet job on her!
ReplyDeleteOh, she came out fab, love the hair, and her wee clothes. Crocheted slippers would be perfect for her :o) I wouldn't worry about deviating from the bears for a while either, we all need to stretch our creative muscles in different directions or we'd get so bored, and there's nothing worse than a bored looking bear ;o)
ReplyDeleteOh my, my! Joanne, I saw you pinned her on pinterest and I clicked on her as I thought she was absolutely adorable (not knowing you did the faceup and wig!) She is absolutely precious! Her face, wig and little dress are absolutely wonderful! Your talents never cease to amaze me! I noticed you don't have the "Playing with Dolls" blog any more - did you decide to combine both on your bear blog? So happy I peeked in on her when I saw her on pinterest! BEAUTIFULLY DONE!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI have also wanted a small bjd but they were way too expensive. Yours is beautiful and one of a kind. She is about the size of a Strawberry Shortcake doll...some of the clothes made for them might fit.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe she is the same doll! You are SO clever. She is lovely!
ReplyDeleteShe is so sweet, you have made a lovely job of her, very brave. I have just discovered bjd and have my eye on a Kaye Wiggs doll. You have put me to shame with your wonderful work and saved a fortune. The wig is also fantastic.
ReplyDeleteJoanne you never cease to amaze me. Your little doll is a gem. I love her face so much. Let alone her beautiful crochet dress. Just perfect.
ReplyDeleteHugs
kay
Thank you all for the kind comments.
ReplyDeleteMarion, I will try crocheting her shoes, that is my plan, that way they will match.
Wayne, I am anxiously awaiting to see what you do. I know it will be wonderful.
Nancy, I have some Strawberry clothes here, she was wearing them, she is shorter in the leg and longer in the torso, so not quite a perfect fit, but easily altered. I will be keeping my eyes open for them.
And Janice. I am so glad you found her pin worthy.
Thanks again to everyone for the compliments.
Ohhhh I am in love!! She is just about the sweetest little doll I have ever seen. Joanne, if you keep creating, my list of things to try is never going to get any shorter. Ofcourse, that is a good thing. No time for boredom!!! I hope at some point there might be a how I did it post. :O) That would just about put me over the moon. I have already travelled all over E-bay looking for dolls but haven't the foggiest idea where to begin. I just know this is something I have to try. So much for not collecting dolls. LOL!! You simply continue to make me smile!! Thank you!! :o)
ReplyDeleteYour little doll is gorgeous! Your talent and restlessness is inspiring. I imagine your hands are never still for a second.I wish I can go to the Phoenix bear show to see your new bears, we people in NY never get any bear shows. Last night I was actually checking the airline tickets...sigh!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and a great 2012!
I loved your little baby girl, she is gorgeous like all your bears!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Alena
She is so stunning. It's so amazing when people are able to take blank dolls and turn them into works of art.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful way to start a new year. Congrats on finishing her.