The New Girl

Since my last post was rather vitriolic, I thought that a fun photo shoot with a new doll would be a nice, lighthearted change. 

I've recently become quite fond of My American Girl #55, and since Alina needed a friend, I decided to make her last night. She still doesn't have a name yet (though I'm considering Isla and Rona), and I may not keep her in the end, but here are some photos of the new girl in the doll house.

I know, it's another picnic scene. I can't help it; I love picnics and taking pictures of the dolls in the grass. You might notice that something is different in this picnic scene - the grass is turf rather than green cardboard. Taking pictures with actual grass, or even the fake stuff, makes your photos look much more realistic and fun. The plates holding tamales and pineapple upside-down cake were inspired by the ones at the American Girl bistros. I love the color contrast between the bright picnic supplies and the sharp black and white stripes. 

This is one of my favorite photos. I'm not sure if it's the lighting or the colors, but it just feels so vibrant and peaceful. The painting is based on the one in Saige's painting set. I added a cactus in the foreground for some more color and contrast.

The dress in this picture was inspired by this entry in the Doll Wardrobe Fashion Design Contest, and I love how it looks with her dark hair. I worry that the lack of straps or sleeves makes this dress seem a little too "mature" for her, but I like the neckline too much to consider covering it up with a cardigan or other top.

Just for fun, I posed her with a drawing I made with sidewalk chalk. I haven't drawn on the sidewalk in ages, so it was fun to pull out the chalks and sketch dots and swirls. 

What names do you think would fit her best? Do you prefer Isla or Rona, or do you have a different name that you like?