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(This
page is still in the "building" stage. I Have a VERY long list
of links and resource information and will be adding more every so often as I have time, so check back
often. No list is complete, just
trying to get some in each category to get you started.)
Suggested
sites for techniques and how-tos: No particular order except how they
showed up in my favorites list .
a. Glue this to that: a site that
tells you what glues are best to use to adhere two different items
together. Most helpful when adding items to your dolls that can not be
sewn.
b: Animated
Lessons in Bead Crochet
c: Cleaning and restoring dolls
d: Doll maker
Tutorials : Covers a variety of subjects including mold making and
jewelry
e: The Renaissance Tailor:
Researching 16th and 17th costumes
f: The Hair
Boutique: Some how-to's on hair styles
g: The Costumer's
Manifesto: Too much to even list here
h: Focus on
Photography: Nice site for photography tutorials.
I: Jennifer's
Hair Styles for Barbie
j: Marirose's Hat
Making Tutorial
k: How
to sew on vinyl
l: Jimbobwan's
Instructional Page: Interesting site dedicated to action figures but
lots of techniques that can be adjusted for dolls.
m: Basics on Jewelry Making
n: Lisa Explains
it all: Learning HTML written by a child for children. Should be
called Building Websites for Dummies.
o: Dan Lee's Page on
Making Shoes
p: Mimi's Doll
Making
q: Juan
Albuerne's Repaint Class
r: Printing
on Fabric by Heather Camden
s: Customizing and Repair Tips
from the Doll Doctor
t: Customizing
Purchased Shoes
u: Beadaholic
v: Stitchline.com A great online
source for knitting, crocheting, tatting, etc stitches
w: White Swan: mini
macramé with beads to created some unique looks, Some classes are free,
some require purchase
x: PlasticMania:
worth a look to think "outside the box"
y: Hacchi's
Volks Page: introduction to the Volks products. Nice resource page.
z: Chocolate Pretzel:
Information on Dollfies, SuperDollfies, etc.
Supply
links:
Beads/Rhinestones:
a: Cote Materials and Supplies
b: The Bead Warehouse
c: Out on a Whim
d: Beads and Stained Glass by
Sharon Cooper: Patterns, Books and Forums
e: Cybertrims : Rhinestone
appliqués and trims
f: Fire Mountain Gems
g: General Beads
h: Glitz Online
i: Honey Beads
j:
Jewelry Making/Findings/Etc.
a: Fanciful Inc. : Charms and
Filigrees
Sites Devoted to Doll Supplies:
a: Mini Dolls: I've
purchased from these folks many times! Great mini prints and quality
products, fast service!
b:  Quality repair and restoration parts for vintage fashion
Dolls, Barbie Dolls, and friends. Saran doll hair and many other Fashion doll
parts. This is the BEST hair I've used for rerooting. Beautiful colors,
many matching vintage colors, soft, shiny...I drooled!!!
Other
goodies:
a: Frantic Stamper:
Carries eyelets and brads in 1/16 and 1/8 sizes in a variety of
colors!
Purchasing
Dolls:
a: Heroes Club/ Art of
Toys Information and purchase of non-fashion dolls for makeovers
b: Hobby Link Japan Buy Volks and other
products from Japan. Great prices, watch the shipping!
c:
Selling/Display
products:
a: Potomac
Display: Multi-Platform acrylic risers and lots more. Something for
about every budget
b: GIJOE
Elite: Stands and boxes
c: The Box Depot
d: Papershops : Make your own
boxes and purchase supplies
e: Master Collector: Besides
getting the scoop on new toys, keeps a list of shows and events around the
states
REFERENCE
Library:
I
include this because I firmly believe anyone wanting to do well at
something should have a comprehensive library of reference books. Some of
these books are pricey or no longer in print, but the diligent person can
often find them at discount online or at used book stores. I consider
reference books to be THE NUMBER ONE key to expanding knowledge and skills
and that is a priceless commodity that pays off in better dolls. Some of
these books have nothing to do with dolls but have techniques that when
used on dolls, have phenomenal results. It's up to you the reader to look
at the information with an open and inquiring mind when confronted with
such information. More than once, I've been asked how to do something and
many times, that information was found in such a book. This is a very long
list and I'll only be adding a few at a time so check back once in awhile
to see what's new. I'm including a synopsis of each book and a review.
TO
make life easier for those who've stopped by to learn more, I'm going to
be adding links to where these can be purchased . Please be patient. It
will take me awhile to hunt them all down. :)
a. Fashion Doll
Makeover Series by Jim Faraone.
There are 5 books in this series. Each book features the work of several
makeover artists, with actual technique instructions in the back of each
book. The instructions cover new techniques in each book. I've heard some
complain that it's mostly artist work and not enough instructions. My
thoughts to those people is that you do not know how to use your reference
materials well. I had owned several of the books for a long time but
really did not follow the instructions when making my dolls because I
thought I already knew how to do those things. One day, I decided to sit
down and make a doll from start to finish following Jim's instructions
exactly! WOWZER! What a difference it made. My dolls went from
"Okay" to "PROFESSIONAL!" Well worth every penny I
spent on the books. As far as the artists go...A great source of reference
there as well. In photography (backgrounds and how fabrics look against
them), fabrics (what works and what doesn't work), color (again, what
works and what doesn't), trims (how they look when used in different
applications) and sheer inspiration in some cases. All things you need to
be aware of when working in this scale.
b. Ultimate Fashion
Doll Makeovers, Tips from the Experts by Jim Faraone.
One of the most comprehensive books dealing specifically with fashion doll
makeovers on the market. Covers a variety of techniques and subjects with
input on various ways to do them. Another must have for your reference
library.
c. The Doll
Dressmaker's Guide to Patternmaking by Lyn Alexander
WOWZER! Out of print but I picked up a copy off of ebay for just $3.00!
Best money I ever spent! This book takes you step by step through the
various ways to create your own patterns, from flat pattern making,
draping and drafting. It covers everything you need to know in fitting and
altering patterns. A variety of skirts, sleeves, bodices, darts (both
decorative and functional), pleats, flares, necklines, etc. These are NOT
patterns but instructions on how to create basic patterns and then how to
add these decorative touches. If you can get a copy of this book, do so!!!
d. Dress Forms by Lyn Waring Not a book,
but patterns and instructions to make dress forms for some of our favorite
dolls! Included in each is a set of slopers (basic patterns without seam
allowances) that will work GREAT with the above book! Lyn is in Australia
but you can purchase the patterns individually for each doll or in sets of
four (paypal accepted!) and she'll email you the patterns in PDF format.
She also has an online group for help in creating the dress forms and to
answer questions. Excellent! http://www.lynwaring.com/
e. Hats in Miniature by Lyn Waring Step by step on
making hats in Miniature with patterns, etc. The patterns are not sized to
Barbie or Gene but can be easily copied and reduced on a copy machine.
Currently out of print, but if you come across a copy, get it, if nothing
else but to learn the techniques you'll need to know!
f: Creating Fashion Dolls by Sabrina Guidice This
book takes the reader step by step through the process of creating a
fashion doll. This book would be helpful to the very beginner who has no
experience what so ever in fashion doll makeovers. I would not suggest it
for those who already have experience as the information is very basic in
nature. There are plus' and minus' to the book. Plus is that she goes step
by step with TONS of pictures so the instructions are easily understood
and instructions are clear. Minus' is the fact that you can not finish the
doll as there is no index on where to purchase many of the supplies used,
nor are the names of many of the supplies used given so you can look for
it yourself. The doll made is a showgirl so sewing gowns, etc is not
covered, nor are hemming fabrics in doll scale covered. It's enough to get
one started in the basics, a jumping off place to get yourself going, but
you'll need more comprehensive information to go beyond the showgirl type
of design.
g: Artist Makeover
Dolls by Karen Cooper and Lynn Smith
Covers a wide variety of subjects from use of color, beading, designs,
etc. Also includes patterns for gloves and hose to fit Barbie and Gene. My
favorite was the mannequin page that you can use to make copies of and
draw out your designs! My copy also came with samples of beads and
rerooting hair. I purchased this book from them personally through one of
my groups,
but have not been
able to reach them about getting copies now.
h. The Art of Making Beautiful Fashion Doll Shoes by Timothy J.
Alberts, M. Dalton King with Pat Henry BEAUTIFUL book with
tons of inspirational ideas and instructions. More suited to the larger
dolls such as Gene and Tyler as I found the soles to be a bit bulky for
the smaller dolls. However, I still learned tons that I have been able to
adapt. A must have!
i. The Doll Book by Estelle Ansley Worrell An
older book printed in the 1960's. You should be able to pick up a copy off
ebay. Tons of patterns for period costumes including shoes and
undergarments, wig making, coats, etc. I've used them a few times but
found that you'll need to make a muslin mock up first to check for
accuracy and make adjustments before you use your good fabric. The
patterns are hand drawn so not perfectly accurate. Still, a great book
full of information and ideas and a must have!
j: Couture Sewing
Techniques by Claire B. Shaeffer
Comprehensive book on Couture Sewing techniques. Though the book is about
sewing for big people, the information on tailoring, hand sewing,
finishing, embellishing, fitting, pressing, closures, etc is invaluable
and very applicable to making garments for dolls! Just reading about the
world of couture creations is a fascinating read that will take you inside
the industry that creates stunningly original designs (nearly ENTIRELY BY
HAND!) Great book!
K. Designing the
Doll by Susanna Oroyan
Covers designing and creating dolls from concept to construction! I found
this book to be a fascinating read and absolutely most helpful in those
areas where I have a concept for a doll, but need to figure out
"how-tos" to make my ideas a reality. Though it actually covers
making the COMPLETE doll, whereas we use a purchased base doll, I still
found the book to be extremely helpful in concepts and modifying existing
dolls.
l. Finishing the Figure by Susanna Oroyan
Another MUST have for your reference library. Covers Doll costuming,
embellishments and accessories!! I learned TONS from this book. If nothing
else, just looking at all the dolls in the book that were created by hand,
your mind opens to the possibilities and they are much more than most of
us have been doing to date! BUY THIS BOOK!
m. Fantastic Figures
by Susanna Oroyan
Okay, not really about makeovers, but on creating your own doll from
scratch. But I have found her other books to be so informational and just
wonderful to look at, that I had to buy this one as well. And I actually
have learned a few things as well. I'm keeping this one handy because this
is an area that I hope to venture into soon.
(The link above
should find you this one as well!)
n. Oh, You Beautiful
Doll! by Yvonne Rawston
1982Out of Print but I've seen it on ebay a few times (that's where I got
my copy) Interesting in that the book actually NAMES Barbie with Mattel's
permission and has tons of photos of vintage beauties wearing the clothes.
Has lots of patterns and information on sewing different fabrics for this
scale (that along with the photos are worth the price of this book!). Also
covers some accessories, hair styles, etc though I would keep in mind what
we've learned about chemicals and how they react to dolls since this book
was written. Highly recommended for the beginner sewer.
o. Sewing Specialty
Fabrics from the Singer Sewing Reference Library
Again, another find from ebay! I found TONS of information on sewing with
leather, lace, sparkly fabrics, chiffons, etc in this book. How to sew
with them and create attractive seams and hems. If you've been struggling
with these fabrics, this book could be very helpful to you!
p: The Complete
Guide to Beading Techniques by Jane Davis
30 decorative projects teach you the basic in beading techniques from
peyote, beaded crochet and knitting, etc. It also covers tools and
materials, etc. Beautiful and inspiration photos of beading projects and
techniques. Whether you decide to make one of the projects or adapt the
techniques to miniature, it's a lovely and helpful book to have.
ADDED SOME MORE BOOKS TO MY LIBRARY!!! GOTTA SHARE!
q: A FANTASTIC FIND!!!!: WOW! This book is INCREDIBLE! Both as a technique
book (how-to) and inspiration! I can not WAIT to try some of these on my
dolls! I sat and drooled over this one!
r: Théâtre de la Mode: Fashion Dolls: Great
reference book or research on period costumes. These are actual dolls in
historically accurate costumes. Delighted! Awe Inspiring! Great read!
s: The Art of Making Miniature Millinery
Another
great book by Timothy Albert who gave us the shoe book above. That cover
alone was enough to make me want this book!
t: Creative Cloth Doll MakingNot a whole lot on
technique for makeovers, great for making your own dolls. INCREDIBLE when
it comes to sheer inspiration! I loved these dolls!
u:
Sewing Victorian Doll Clothes: ALthough this book is mainly
for dressing antique dolls, it gives a very in depth look at historical
fashion and construction techniques. Great book!
V: A-Z of Embroidery Stitches: from the
publishers of Inspirations magazine, edited by Sue Gardner. Finding
beautiful prints in quality fabrics in scale for dolls can be a trial. One
solution is to embellish your fabrics yourself. Check out (Q) above and
this book for beautiful embellishment techniques. This particular book has
more than 1300 step by step color photographs of all your basic stitches,
plus lots of variations. Very easy to use and follow, plus the stitches
are just sheer wonderful! I found my copy at Barnes and Noble!
I have more but will add them as I can! Hope these are helpful to you.
More
coming soon!
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