After two and half years of cranking out a blog post every week to 10 days, my dolls finally unchained me from my desk and granted me two, much needed weeks of vacation which I spent wining and dining with family in San Francisco. Since I returned from my trip, however, I've had mucho problems getting back into my current time zone and shaking off the lazy habits I developed over 14 days. As a result, the post I'm working on is taking a little longer than anticipated. I promise, it will be up in a day or two and I guarantee you will enjoy it because I will be showing you more methods of printing your own fabric.
In the meantime, I've noticed the "Sisterhood of the World Bloggers" tag that has been going around the blogosphere. So, instead of waiting to be tagged, I decided to jump ahead and provide answers to the questions posed.
1. Do you collect anything other than dolls?
Yes. I'm a child at heart and as such, I also LOVE pop-up books. Below was an early attempt of showing off both collections.
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| Janice poses in front of the book, "600 Black Spots" by David Carter. |
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| Brandy poses in front of Architect, Frank Ghery's Pop Up book. |
I had a plan to write a book. Along the way, the blog took total control of my time.
3. What doll line is your favorite.
I love ALL my dolls. (Needed to say that to keep the peace in the dolls.) But as far as a line is concerned, I'd have to say Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty. It is a doll company that doesn't rest on past laurels. Their dolls evolve with the times. The W club is brilliant from a marketing point of view and I think this company has a strong fashion brand image thanks to its creative director, Jason Wu, a world renowned fashion designer.
4. What is your favorite doll accessory.
The original question refers to the American Girl doll, which I do not collect. However if I were 9 years old, Santa would be bringing me this doll and everything that comes with her. I love the concept of matching outfits for the little girl and her doll. Now, as far as what doll accessory is my favorite for the types of dolls I collect--that would be shoes. I find the ones produced by FR and Tonner to be exceptionally made. I still have not figured out how they make shoes with soles that tiny!
5. Do you know how many dolls you have.
I know exactly how many. It's not what the average collector has, but I'm too scared to tell the non-collector for fear they'll think I'm crazy. Moreover, I know I'm not nearly at the end of my doll purchasing!
6. Do you play any instruments?
When I was in elementary school, I studied classical piano for 6 years.
7. What is the most favorite place I've ever been.
That would be Paris France, my adopted country.
8. What is your favorite thing about yourself.
That I am a well balanced and creative person who still has a lot of common sense.
9. Favorite book or movie?
Cabaret with Lisa Minelli; Breakfast at Tiffany' with Audrey Hepburn and Alfred Hitchcock's Rear View Window with Grace Kelly.
10. If you could design your own doll, what would it look like.
I think the doll companies are doing an incredible job as it is. I wouldn't want to compete against FR or Superdoll (the Syberites). However...if I could design a special collection of dolls they would be based on supermodels past and present.
I now tag the following bloggers with the same questions as those above:
1. Billa (Billa's Dolls & Fashions)
2. Vanessa (Fashion dolls at Van's Doll Treasures)
3. Sarah (Sarah Plays Dolls)
4. Shasarignis (Shasarignis Barbie & Co)
5. Miniature Clothing
In the meantime, I should have the next post up within the next couple days! Stay Tuned!!!!
April, I loved reading your answers. What I like about this thread is it gives us an opportunity to get to know each other a bit better. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Phyllis. I totally agree with you. These types of threads is like getting together for a girls night out where we get to know each other better!
DeleteI love seeing how people answer these questions, so thanks for sharing them! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you jSarie, for stopping by to read my answers. I think this thread is a lot of good fun.
DeleteAs much as I love reading your posts, I'm glad you had a vacation! Everyone needs a break/creative recharge every now and then.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you're a Hitchcock fan. I just watched Rope and Strangers on a Train, and I loved both films. And I had no idea you played the piano. Takes a lot of discipline to do that for six years, says the girl who dropped it after one.
Thanks for tagging me! I'm going to have fun with this one. My dolls are already begging to be photographed with my bead and sequin collection.
Sarah, I'm a HUGE Hitchcock fan! Another favorite of mine is "The Birds." Each time I see it I get scared all over again. The other thing I love about his films is how well dressed all of his heroines are dressed! (I love Tippy Hendron.)
DeleteThe piano lessons occurred between the 1st and 6th grades. Everyone in my family at that time, was required to paly a musical instrument. I was fascinated by the piano.
Can't wait to read your responses to the thread!.
The Birds was awesome. I went to Hampshire College, which used to be famous for its crazy Halloween parties. The costumes there were amazing... and someone actually dressed up as Tippy Hendron. She had the outfit on... with little birds glued all over it! I wish I'd taken pictures.
DeleteToo funny!!!!
DeleteGreat answers! We have the same taste in movies, and don't you love the clothes Grace Kelly is wearing in Rear Window too? :-). I admire doll collectors like you who know exactly how many dolls they have, I have sold so many dolls lately, and still don't know how many there are left (it's clearly high time to organize for me LOL!). Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love the clothes in most of Hitchcock's movies!!! Also those of Audrey Hepburn (who had the services of Mr. Hubert de Givenchy), as well.
DeleteI don't see any end to the doll collecting because I seem to be addicted to these little treasures with their beautiful faces. That means in a few years, I'll be up there with the "typical" collector and their hundreds of dolls count. LOL!!!!
I LOVE your photos. Your dolls dress so beautifully, and the photos are so crisp. However many you have, they present themselves well here.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your answers - I like Hitchcock movies, too. They're intelligent, smart, and classy.
I've never been to France, but I studied French in college.
As long as I have been collecting, I have not tired of it. We swap dolls out, etc. and keep on PLAYING! LOL
Thank you D7ana. When I began blogging, I kept things rather basic. Then one day, I realized that I was in control of the content and I could do ANYTHING I wanted to do. With that, I decided to turn it into part "magazine" with the fashion reports. When I photograph the dolls, I try to capture them as though they were human models and I were shooting them for Vogue. The last question I ask myself just before pressing the "publish" button is....Would I wear this myself? And then I laugh about how everything's only 1/6 scale. Yes, playing is fun!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy not write a doll book?? Personally I love your clothing tutorials- explaining how and most importantly WHY things are done! It is so different taking real scale clothing and creating it for dolls, not only the sewing knowledge (stitch size, darts, etc) but knowing the important steps to keep the same and what to change, and still keep the same look as the real garment. I think it's fascinating. I don't mean to put more work on your plate lol- just having fun while teaching! The definitive guide ;) There is no shortage of models anyhow :D
ReplyDeleteThank you. My dear, a book is definitely in my future. In fact, my resolution for this year is to set aside time each day to work on it!!! I will keep making this my resolution until the work gets done.
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