The AWOL Tutorial

Due to some unexpected issues, today's tutorial will probably be pushed to next week. I'm very sorry about canceling, but I really have no choice. Some things came up, and, while I hate to bail on you, they simply had to come first. See you again next Sunday, and, as usual, let me know if you have any tutorial requests.

Thanks for your understanding!

Paper Doll Art Contest Entry

Today's photo shoot is my entry for Paper Doll Art's contest. Click the link to see more!

The doll in this photo set is named Tesla Jane. Here's the storyline I created for the entry:

Tesla wakes up early to get ready for school. Her hairstyle, a braided headband, takes a while to do and she doesn't want to be late. Tesla picks out a red and white pleated skirt and white shirt with a fish-scale pattern on the top and cap sleeves, a look she thinks is fresh and polished, yet fun. She packs her lunch and laptop in her backpack and sets off.

Tesla arrives a few minutes before her first period class starts, and uses the time to review her science textbook in case her teacher gives a pop test. Science is one of Tesla's favorite subjects; she's thinking about having a career in environmental science.

When the lunch bell rings, Tesla grabs her food to go outside. She likes to carry her food in a brown paper bag because it's recyclable. It's a nice day out, so most students are eating outside.

Tesla sets out her food - celery with peanut butter and raisins, an apple, and a cookie. It's a somewhat nutritious lunch that she hopes will give her energy throughout the afternoon.

After her classes, Tesla dresses up for her internship. For the past few months, she's had a job as an intern at a prestigious environmental planning firm, and today she's presenting her big project - a design for a rest area and sky deck in a local park - to the members of the firm. Tesla and her mentor have spent a long time setting it up, and Tesla really wants it to go well. She swaps her gray and white shirt for an ecru button-down with lace trim by the buttons, and adds a pair of golden dangle earrings. Her pink and blue sneakers add a fun and unexpected touch to the outfit.

When it's time for her to present her work, Tesla connects her laptop to the projector to show what she's done. At first she feels nervous, but after a few slides she gains confidence. 

The members of the firm are impressed by the design, and Tesla's mentor is proud of the work. When Tesla finishes answering questions, her best friends Alina and Rani come up to congratulate her.

To celebrate, Alina suggests they go shopping. Tesla finds a black and white dress in her size, and tries it on in the dressing room. It looks nice, but something's missing.

A mint-colored bow belt adds the finishing touch. While Alina and Rani keep browsing, Tesla takes the dress and belt to the counter to pay.

The three promise to meet up later for sushi, and Tesla goes home to walk and feed her English bulldog puppy, Lucy (nicknamed Lulu). Lulu can get a little rambunctious, so Tesla changes out of her good clothes into something more suitable for play. Her shirt has a whimsical deer print, and the colors set off the black buttons and Peter Pan collar. The denim cutoffs add to the casual feel of the outfit.

Quick summary of all the items in my entry:

- Doll: Tesla Jane, MyAG #53

- Outfits: Ecru button-down, cap-sleeve shirt, red and white skirt, black and white dress from Janie Jumps. Deer print shirt design from Janie Jumps, deer print fabric from Modes4U.

- Accessories: Earrings and textbook from American Girl. Laptop from Apple. Lunch, belt, dog, and backpack from my design.  

Thank you Alexandra for hosting this contest! Check out Paper Doll Art for more information on entry requirements and photos of the prize. 

Sneak Peek To-Do/Wish List

A few things I've been thinking about making:

1. Sleeveless shirt from Mon Chat Dans La Lune. It's so pretty, and I love the styling. I'm trying to keep the clothing collection low, though, so I'm a little conflicted over whether or not to make it. Your thoughts?

2. Jacket from L'Atelier de Sitara. Again, same clothing-overflow problem. I would love to attempt a fully-customized denim jacket, complete with patches and decoration, but is it worth the closet space?

3. Backpacks from Doll It Up and American Girl. These would be great for a school photo shoot. Do you think these colors would suit the dolls well, or should I try different colors?

4. Laptop. It's a nice small prop that would work well in many scenes. I'm torn between making a little Macbook or Lanie's laptop. Which do you prefer?

5. Fingerless gloves. These would be nice with the winter clothing I'm starting to accumulate, though I don't think I'll include the AG logo on mine.

6. Pajamas. I typically don't like to make pajamas because I do so few nighttime photo shoots, but these are quite nice. My current favorites are the polar bear and peacock pajamas because they look like they can mix and match well. Which other pajama sets do you recommend?

7. Patience from Wilde Imagination, Sad Sally from Wilde Imagination, MyAG #53 from American Girl. I know, I need to add a new doll like I need a hole in the head, but I'm really tempted to make these. Patience is so pretty, and Sad Sally is so unusual, that I think they would be a fun challenge, and I've recently become enamored with #53. If I make her, she will most likely have a braided hairband because I love how she looks in them. I'm planning on making hoop earrings in any case, but they'll be tricky because the hoops are so small. Which of these dolls, if any, do you think I should make?

What items are on your to-do list?

In Memory

I had a different post planned for today, but it didn't seem respectful to put it up on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, so here's a more somber photo in memory of the victims. We should never forget the tragedy of senseless violence and honor the memories of the brave people killed on this day twelve years ago, yet another date that shall live in infamy.

The Long-Awaited Kitchen Tutorial

Here is the kitchen tutorial you wanted! Sorry for the poor photo quality; I had very bad lighting. This kitchen is based on the one in Lanie's camper.

Draw a square or rectangular shape for the countertop.

Draw some rectangles for cabinets, a dishwasher, etc. I made a refrigerator and a cabinet, but you can make whatever you want.

Add details to the shapes.

Draw a rectangle for the sink. Add some tabs to the sides to attach it to the counter.

Do the same for the under-counter areas (in my case, the refrigerator and cabinet).

Color it all in, cut it out, and tape or glue the pieces together. It can get a little mind-numbing, so make sure to have plenty of time and patience when you assemble the kitchen.

Here is how the refrigerator looks like when fully assembled. I can't wait to stock it with food!

Making the cabinet, fridge, and sink three-dimensional is tricky, but it adds a lot of realism to your kitchen.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Any ideas for future ones, besides the great ideas you suggested last week?

Paper Doll World Featured in Doll Mag!

If you read the latest issue of Doll Mag, you may have noticed my latest project - a set of tutorials especially for Doll Mag! Working with Bella and Lulu was a fantastic experience and I hope you enjoy making the costumes as much as I did.

See page 7 for instructions on making a flapper costume, hippie costume, and more! Thanks Bella and Lulu for the opportunity to share paper doll fun with Doll Mag readers.

Fiona's New Legacy Dress

Since Apple White's dress was my favorite (or least hated) of the Ever After High Legacy Day doll outfits, I made one for Fiona. It was nice to finally change her out of her original dress!

You might notice that the purse is not the one included with the Legacy Day set. I didn't feel the need to make an extra purse, since I use the first one to store the items she isn't wearing.

The cape is nice, but the combination of elaborate dress and fancy cape is a little overwhelming. Without the cape, it's easier to see the details of Fiona's dress; I'm especially proud of the high-low skirt. 

The headdress isn't perfect, but I like how it looks on Fiona. I'm not sure about the earrings, though - do you think they look gaudy, or do they look good with the rest of the outfit?

Which outfit do you prefer?

By the way, thank you all for your name suggestions and tutorial ideas. I'll consider them all and try to make as many as I can. You guys are the best!