WIP: The tools and the carving

Having my Blythe all in pieces actually motivated me more than anything else. I had my little work studio out on the patio, displaying my "dollie -in - pieces" with all the scary tools for all the neighbours to see.

I sandmatted her face using a 3M Ultrafine sandpaper. It worked wonderful, although it is a little bit tricky to sand the ears, nostrils and her lip creak. I did try with the Superfine first, but found that it was a little to coarse for my liking, making small scratches on her face while sanding. I did prepare myself for the carving session by watching Kitty's tutorial on lip carving, reading Blythe Kingdom and REALLy studying other lip carvings. I wanted my girl to have a slightly crooked smile and somewhat un-even as I am fond of quirkyness. In the picture below you can see all the tools I have been using so far for this step.



My tools for the carving are the needle files from Coolcat, and a sponge as well as some water to clear out the dust as I carve. I started off with the smallest one to shape the lips how I wanted them to be. After that, I took some time with the largest needle file, before ending the carving using the smallest one. I wasn't all that pleased with how the left side ended up, but found that if I carved even more and used the needle file to smooth out the edges, it got much better. I ended up being quite pleased with myself actually. The picture below is from the process, before I carved the final stages and before I smoothed out the edges. It shows off the shape of the lips. Crooked, yes? Uneven, yes? I am happy!

WIP: The Blythe Makeover

Finally. It is time! I have started to work on my Blythe custom (after MONTHS of her waiting impatiently in her box). I am going to upload the WIP pictures both here on my blog, and on my Flickr. The difference is that I will write more about the obstacles and experiences I do while customizing here. So, if you just want to see the pictures - go to Flickr, if you think it is fun reading my little ramblings, stay here :)

I always thought that when SUMMER came, I would have time for my Blythe girl. After starting her customization though, I realize that I probably would have had more than enough time for her sooner. I always thought it would be long, time-consuming process, but being the newbie I am (and not into very complicated customization) - it really goes quite fast.

I did start with removing her scalp. It took a little bit of tugging and pulling, as well as a very un-sharp knife to help me, but it did come off eventually. I just smile everyime I see the picture below. She is all "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY HAIR?" Haha!



Opening her face was a breeze. I read the horror stories about how difficult it could be to pop her open, but I gently pressed her ears - and then I pressed again really hard, and she popped up. Tada! I did remove all the screws, even the ones inside her head. I know that I could have probably let them stay in her head after loosening them, but hey - that is for next time. I got a little excited ;D The one and only problem for me though was her eyemech. Mainly because I had done so little reading on how to remove it, that it surprised me when I found out it was a little bit difficult. After finding my prefered tool (a flat screwdriver) and really, really push - it did not go out nice and easy, but made a super-jump and hit me on the nose. Ouch!

Well, first step: Done.

Can't stop the constant flow of dolls

It is a shame really, why I seem to never be able to just stop and enjoy! Makes me think that a part of this hobby for me is the dollie hunt. Always looking for that PERFECT doll. The problem is that the concept of perfect is not a constant thing for me.

This is my new perfect though - my sad little Lati Yellow Grown-Up Bayer. Her name is Judith, or Judie Bug that I like to call her. It's something sweet to that name, and it just seems to fit.