This is what Alex looked like when she first arrived, except nude. The eye makeup was a crusty glittery pastel, quite hideous. It took me forever to get it off. Then I started cutting the hair, and in stages, it went shorter and shorter, at one point looking kind of Marilyn Monroe. I looked at that for a long time, just not happy, until I finally shaved the head. Theeeeen, she was bald for a long time.
After I made Jin and Yuki's fur wigs, I felt a lightbulb go off--and the fur was flying! Once Alex had that spiky black top, the punky face was immediate! Now I am crazy about her and she will never leave my collection.

Sweet Jenny

This is a Takara Jenny. I rerooted her from her original lemon-yellow hair, but what you can't see is the back of her head is still bald. I got tired of rooting and put the hair in a ponytail. Now I want different hair, so after taking this picture I cut the hair off and may just order a wig. I want long silver hair, but she looks so pretty in this picture I may order black!
This is one of the white dresses I ordered to use as a "blank canvas" as in the Manna Energy fundraiser.

My Special Girl, Michiko

Michiko is a unique girl at the agency. Both her face, her story, and her personality are interesting.

Michiko came from Volks. She has a tall, curvy, expressive figure. Her eyes are big, dark, and kind of sad. Michiko's face was damaged and had to be "reconstructed." She is so cute now, but she does stand out in a crowd with her tiny button nose and huge eyes. She is more of a fashion model than a "face" model.

Michiko is a quiet, intelligent, and dry-witted girl. She is nice to hang out with in a cozy, laid-back environment, especially since she does not like attention and excitement like many of the other girls her age.

Photography

I really enjoy photographing dolls. I only recently realized what a great camera I have, for these purposes. I love setting up studio shots AND going out "on location." I've always adored fashion photography and magazine layouts, and even have been fascinated with the job of stylist. Now I get to play at those activities without leaving my current job, getting on-the-job training, and moving to NYC. How convenient! Anyway, I devour magazines like Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Marie Claire for doll ideas. Now I just need gobs of tie to PLAY!

Mimi and Koko in the House!

Katie

This doll is a favorite because it has my daughter's hairstyle, but really, she is a darling Barbie friend. I enjoy Barbie dolls because the clothes and sewing patterns are readily available.

One of the Prettiest Ever

This is the "Vitamin C" doll from Mattel made in the image of the pop singer Vitamin C. The yellow hair is long and silky, and the face mold is my favorite--I think it was called the "Kayla" face. I customize most dolls but will not touch this one!

New Recuits

I'm kicking off the new blog with my new recruits: two girls from Japan! They are Samejima Mamimi (Mimi) and Haruhara Haruko (Koko) of FLCL animation. They arrived via Hobby Fan for $5 each! They are by Takara, who also makes Jenny and Licca, and they are wonderful dolls. (More pictures later when the girls are settled in.)