Integrity Buenos Aires Victoire Roux Doll!

Just some quick photos of my new doll, an exclusive from Integrity, the Buenos Aires Victoire Roux doll.  I won a spot in the lottery for the chance to purchase her.  For the price point of $99 plus shipping, at least on first glance, I'm impressed!

The blue eyeshadow I admit is off putting at first, but I really think it is because of her light colored outfit.  I plan to redress her in something with dark tones.  I bet she will look fantastic in a classic "little black dress".

I haven't fully examined her yet since work has been so busy, and left me so tired each evening this week, but I hope to do a more thorough exam and photo shoot with her this weekend.

For now, here are a few shots of her still in the box. 

Group Photo

Random Photos Day-Maudlynne Macabre

Tonner's Maudlynne Macabre doll was one I anxiously waited to be released.  When I finally got her, I was smitten.  Those big eyes!  Those worried brows hidden under her bangs!  And she's flexible, and can even stand on her own.

Plus, her back story was one I felt I could relate to.  Basically she's a shy young girl who would rather stay in her room and read than venture out and gasp! meet people!  :D

I made up some tiny toys this weekend, a miniature version of a doll I made last Xmas, and named Blobby Monsters.  I've been making full sized versions, but until the holidays roll around again, they are probably just going to work on taking over at least a corner of the house.

But with the quest to miniaturize Binky Boos, I found myself picking up scraps of felt and fleece, and voila!  A micro/mini Blobby Monster was born.  And Maudlynne seems like a girl who would appreciate them, so I pulled her out for a few random pics.

A Racoon, And A Mini Binky Boo

I finally got my Parkland Racoon finished!  The next one I make will probably be more colorful/fantasy, but I still like the natural/neutral tones on this first little guy.  Using the fusible fleece on the back of the fabric worked out well, but I'm going to watch and see how he stands up to a little wear and tear.  The black fabric was more polyester than cotton, so the next Racoon I make I will definitely be pickier going through my scrap fabrics for his body, inner ears, eye mask, soles, and tail rings.

I also sold one of the little Binky Boos I recently made, to a fantastic doll photographer (if you're on Facebook and are a fan of doll photography, you need to be following her!).  She asked a question about making them even smaller, and I figured, what the heck?  Let's start trying to miniaturize!

I was going to wait until the weekend to start trying, but the bug bit me yesterday evening as I looked at my smaller felt scraps.  Here is the first result, which turned out pretty cute.  I hand embroidered the eyes, but next version I think I will use seed beeds, or see if I can find even smaller safety eyes. The pic below shows the mini guy in orange next to a "regular" sized gray bear.  The mini isn't quite half the size.

The mini Binky Boo's little arms move, too.

Little guy next to a U.S. quarter for scale.

Closeup on the face. 

The next version I may try to make a little smaller, too.  Plus, I'm eyeing the pony pattern, and picturing it a bit smaller, too.  :D

Random Photos Day-Horsman Urban Vita

Look at me, labelling this post as "Random Photos Day", as if it's something I've ever done before. :D

But, this could easily become a "thing". I love to snap photos of my dolls, so why not share some when they turn out at least halfway decent?

I currently am using a Canon G12 for the majority of my photos. My hubby has a Canon Rebel, an older model (I can't think of the version off the top of my head, but we've had it for at least five years now, maybe seven), which I am encouraged to use when I feel the need. I sometimes go through the extra time and hassle to pull it out and use, but often I just want a few quick pics while the mood is upon me. Plus, using the professional level camera makes me feel like I should pull out all the stops and set up our mini photo box, and take "proper" pictures.

So in lieu of the extra steps, I normally opt to set up my makeshift photo stage, consisting of two pieces of foamboard duct taped together with cardboard on the back of one to keep it standing upright. I drape that with grey fleece, which seems to work the best for most shots. Or, in the case of these photos, I'll pull out pieces from my giant stash of scrapbook paper for backdrops. With the G12, I just use the "auto" settings, which normally turn out well as long as I have good light coming into my office that day.

So here are a few photos of my lovely Horsman Urban Vita "My Valentine" doll. I love the wig she came with, and those big earrings. She looks 1920's-era glamorous, but still modern. She's wearing a sweater I knit up on a whim.

And now for my favorite picture of My Valentine I took today:

Click picture for larger image