Spring Swap 2000

In the spring of 2000, Stephanie Adam and I did a swap through CustomDolls. We both agreed - no poufy dresses! Steph said she was open to unique, so that is what she got! I will probably enter this doll in the BMAA 2000 (International) contest.

I used a 1976 Ballerina Barbie, rescued from the flea market. I don't normally like to customize an older doll, but her hands and feet had teeth marks, and her hair was tattered beyond repair. As a collector's item, she wasn't going to be worth much without doing some serious repair and rorooting work. Not to mention that she was missing her crown. So I found ways to cover up her flaws and turn her into what I think is some of my best work so far.

This doll is called Spirit of Spring Roses. Her dress, modified from a pattern to be not so poufy, is from a lovely leaf print cotton I got from Fabricville. She is covered in miniature roses, entwined with green floral wire, and accented by golden beads here and there. The dress is covered by a latticework of roses.

Since I couldn't do a thing with her hair, I covered it with roses! This was the hardest part of the doll, no question. I had to do it twice, to get it looking decent. I put it into a ponytail, then used about 5 rubber bands to coax it into a really high bun. Then came the hardest part, adding enough roses and floral wire to cover the rubber bands!

I removed all original face paint, for a total makeover. I don't really like to reroot eyelashes, but this doll asked for it, and I think they turned out fine. I used gel to tame them.

Click on any of the below photos for a better view.

Steph has sent me a lovely doll in return. She said that sewing isn't a strong point with her, but I don't agree! Here she is: