Wednesday, December 12, 2012

THE YEAR IN REVEIW

What's on the Design Table?...

First, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the designs that were your favorites from this year.  Here are some of my favorite FASHION HATS,  and the designs from the GOBLINS COLLECTION which I will tell you more about in the New Year!

Parisisol straw, is one of my favorite textiles to use in creating my hats, and I have included them below.  I love the way it keeps it's shape and for me, is easy to work with.  My fashion collection is something that I love to do.  I have always been very curious about accessories , especially HATS!  Nothing shows off the face better that a beautiful hat.  It  dramatizes the eyes, and when worn close to them, frames the face like a beautiful picture.  However, we now live in a time when the status quote, is no longer the norm.  I love to design shapes that are unique in there construction and realistic to how we want to see our girls forecast future style.

My Goblin collection,  has a very special place on my Design Table.  Next year starts with an introduction to lots of "Characters" to come.  stay tuned!

Although all the large HOLIDAY HATS are sold, there are three whimsical little "chimney sweep' styles available in my etsy store, www.susanlake1.etsy.com.  

So...Happy Holiday everyone! Hope you enjoy revisiting these designs and be sure to check my store as the designs you see there now will be gone in the new year!


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

HOLIDAY DOLL HATS!

This year...

I wanted to celebrate the Holiday Season by designing in two of my favorite Seasonal colors, cranberry red and emerald green. I have coupled the colors with purples, gold and teal to create a delicious palette of holiday cheer! I think I love these colors because they remind me of the Holidays!  I also wanted to design something for everyones tastes.

The first hat is a large gorgeous "Hallmark" of a hat.  I wanted to create something that  made me feel like every Christmas and Holiday story makes me feel around this time of the year.  The hat is large, I have created a small head block that I used to shape the crown of the hat, and the brim is all hand shaped.  The front of the hat is adorned with lots of ribbons, berries and other holiday finds.  I design the doll hats, using the same philosophy I use for designing for my human clients hats, by creating lots of interest in the front and bringing attention to the face.  I think you will agree that this hat would make a great addition to a fabulous wardrobe!

The second hat is emerald green.  It looks like the perfect hat to wear on a sleigh ride! It has a large turned up brim, which I have decorated with a Holiday plaid ribbon, berries a gold holiday trim and swarovski crystals are sewn into the berries in front.  The front brim is turned up and sewn into place.  The back looks just like the hood "little red riding hood" wood love!  Just perfect for a sleigh ride!

The third hat is one of my trade mark designs.  I have designed a modern, architectural twist on a traditional Edwardian design.  This hats brim is one large piece, twisted and sewn into shape.  In the back are sinnamay roses, hand shaped and sewn around the crown.  Of course this hat would be a dramatic statement for any occasion.

Lastly are three whimsical shaped hats.  They are blocked and then I have hand shaped them to sit on top of your dolls head. The brim is cut and left with a raw edge which ads to the humor of the design. They are fun and quirky and would make the perfect focal point for any Holiday outfit.









You can see additional photos and view these Holiday designs for sale in my etsy store.
www.susanlake1.etsy.com

Saturday, November 24, 2012

DESIGNING for BJD...What's next?

Some of the most fun I have ever had in design is the head pieces and now costumes I am designing for BJD dolls.

During the past two years I have created both fashion collections and fantasy designs.  I like the Asian as well as European aesthetics of these dolls, and I am started to develop my ideas for the future creations.

I am going to put the GOBLIN costumes out in January so if you are interested in starting to collect these designs, please be sure to contact me as a limited edition only will be available.  These costumes are multi-layered and have a variety of textiles included in them.  The head pieces and neck pieces that go with the costumes are all unique and take many hours to design and construct.  Most of my costumes are hand sewn and are made as couture.

The costume of Raspina Raspberry , starts with the headpiece.  The hair is all hand twisted hair that I shape and sew into the crown.  The crown is designed from parisisol straw, and the elaborate detailing that took the crown piece to another level of design.  It is large and very commanding.  The design of the costume for Raspina, started with black velvet pants and black velvet corset top.  The corset is lined and hand finished and the feathers are sewn into the bodice. The arm pieces are black velvet, lined and snap into place.  There are pink ostrich feathers as well as back feathers sewn into the top section, that covers the hand.  There are additional feathers and black tulle sewn into the back of the pants and two velvet roses are placed on either side of the black tulle train in back of the pants.  The "Goblugs" are wonderful black velvet boots that the pants are tucked into and are decorated with black beads and mylar strands.
This is the complete Raspina Raspberry costume, and is the premiere version.

Coming up next?...The Spring collection!

Be sure to visit me at www.susanlake1.etsy.com    as there are a few wonderful pieces still available for the Holidays!



 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Making of a GOBLIN...


I have always loved the unusual.
Intriqued by both the "Dark" and the "Light"  and so I have created The Goblins as if they were gorgeous, unpredictable, dangerous, friendly and to the human eye... unseen.

For  the first costume, (GOBLINS) I decided that living in the deepest part of the forest, meant that you had most likely put your clothes together from objects and materials you had found along the forest floor.  I wanted to add the textures of raw materials, and I didn't want it to have a "costume" appearance.

I created the first layer, pants, as the anchor.  I chose a bronze color taffeta, that had a velvet "bug" at the front pleat.  I loved the color, which was earthy and the bug...for humor!  I created a boot called a "Goblug".

The boot is made from a heavy moss green colored suede and lined with a violet material.  Folding the lining over, there a deepening of the layers and the boot adds bulk to the slender leg of the doll.  I liked that.

Next, I designed a "swing" style top.  It had a deep chocolate bodice and violet color combination and I cut a low, v-neck and sleeveless cut.  I cut the neck to accommodate the multi-layered neck piece that I hand made.  I wanted to design a neck piece that combined, little objects, pieces of feathers, metal objects and things that "sparkled"  All these things created a raw but beautifully layered neck piece that balances her bulk in the boots.

Next, her skirt. If you like what I am describing, then you too would want to wear this skirt!   It's a peaceful green, not quite emerald and not really a moss.  It looks as if its woven, and the design is very loose. A modern knit pattern. I then hand cut a piece of quality brown leather, twisted and sewed it onto the hip area of the skirt and sewed a copper adornment in the front.  It fits over the pants and snaps into place.  On the hem I have hand sewn silk threads from Nepal. It gives the hem a raw, natural finish.

Lastly...the cape.  There will of course be many versions on the cape as it plays an important part in my story.

This version, is a circular shape.  It is lined, and the beautiful emerald green taffeta with copper design pattern, blends with the trees in the forest!  It has a dull, grey chenille top layer and then a hand cut leather piece layered on top of it.  There are two arm straps inside the cape, which keep it securely anchor to the arms of the doll.

In designing this costume, I didn't want to re-create something I had seen or remembered, rather I was letting my imagination design what I imagined Goblins might where from a new point of view.

Remembering their unpredictable nature, there wild imaginations, trickery and possibly dangerous personalities,  I wanted to design a costume that was both beautiful, over powering and multi-layered.  Of course there would be the HEAD PIECE!

Each head piece is created from natural elements as well as dyed feathers, ribbons, hand twisted paper flowers and tree twigs. The crowns are all hand made and the pieces are lined.

These Goblins costumes allow for as variety of different possibilities. You can pose her with the complete outfit, or remove the skirt, remove the cape, take off her boots,  keep the skirt on and take off the pants...and on and on.

I love the fact that as the story unfolds, you can change the costuming and yes....I will be designing additional pieces that will can eventually add to your costume or embellish it with further.  Yum!




The costume will be sold in limited Edition and will be available starting in January 2013.
  

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The GOBLINS HAVE ARRIVED!

Hello Everyone!

On Nov. 3, 2012, I attended the San Diego BJDC on Mission Bay.  The convention has doubled in size from last year and was very well attended.  It was great to meet so many new people and to see how well your taking care of your "girls!"

It was also the weekend that I previewed two new costume designs from the GOBLINS BEND collection.  The first costume, "THE GOBLIN" is a limited edition piece and I am showing you a photo today!  Consisting of 5 interchangeable pieces, it is designed to coordinate with the GOBLIN headpiece and neck piece.

I also previewed" RASPINA RASPBERRY", also from the GOBLINS collection.  This costume will be available starting January 1,2013 and is a limited edition as well.  The costume starts with the headpiece (of course!) which is completely hand made. The raspberry hair, is all hand twisted and sewn into the headpiece.  It is a stunning piece, embellished with strands of raspberry and fuchsia feathers, petals, Swarovsky stones, handmade floral buds and other little treasures! There is a handmade neck piece, with selected jewel adornment. If you like couture, this is for you!  A black velvet three piece ensemble.  Black velvet pants, a black velvet corset top and custom designed arm piece are only the beginning.  Sewn into the corset top are black feathers that form a "winglike" cascade.  Sewn into the pants is a "tail" of black tulle, and black velvet petals are attached on either side.  This is the frame for large black feathers which further the dramatic appeal and Gothic over tones of the costume.  RASPINA'S costume, is made specifically for her as she is a "GOBLITCH!"  Half witch and half goblin, one of the main characters from the fairy tale I am working on.

I am attaching pictures of both costumes and welcome your questions and comments.




I will be busy designing additional costumes, writing, and creating new exciting selections for the seasons ahead.  Visit me on facebook and my website and oh yes!....Pinterest!!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

ABOUT THE WITCHES...

This year the WITCHES are not your ordinary "garden variety!"  Sitting on my desk in a the tiny area I call, "my office",  is a pile of papers that comprise the original manuscript for a fantasy I am writing.  For most of my career, I have been in both the visual and performing arts and have had the great pleasure of being submerged in my passions.

The  collection of headwear pieces called,  The WITCHES, are all inspired this year by my story.   When I am not lost in sewing, I am the choreographer for a performing dance company.  Most of my pieces are story telling dances about, "Things that go Bump in the Night" and other intoxicating subjects! So very often my choreography's inspire my designs and vise versa.   Last year when I sat down to design the witches, I was inspired to create the "good" side of a witch!  I mean after all,  isn't that what makes them so much fun!

This summer I spent a lot of time in an area called Silent Valley, located just below Idyllwild.  It was a heavily forested area and many of the paths were suspicious at best!  It was a great environment to write....and so I continued to develop a new type of WITCH!

This years designs are inspired by characters who will appear in my story.  There is a place I write about called, GOBLINS BEND.  Herein lives the witches, goblins, trolls and fairies that are all part of a magical adventure centered around....A Magic Hat.

About the hat I called ABSINTHE,...(SOLD)
This glamorous over sized hat, made from a beautiful emerald green velvet material, is the witches crowning glory!  It has an unusually large brim, to shade her face from the light and to allow birds and butterflies to rest upon it. Under the brim there is shade for the  small fairy creatures who fly about.  The hat is covered with vintage flowers that resemble wild foliage found in the deepest part of the forest and secret gardens.  Green dyed wheat, hand made green organza rose buds, tiny green and brown feathers make this, the quintessential  "good witch" hat.  It honors all things green, a crown to be worn by only the most revered witch in the forest!

If you are not on my preview mailing list, you can begin to see all the witches in my etsy store starting this week.  Please contact me personally regarding the "WITCH with GREEN HAIR" or would like your name added to the viewing list.  ENJOY!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The WITCHES!...Welcome Ladies.

The WITCHES! From top to bottom they are:
Absinthe, Turkendrella, The Witch with Green Hair, Barkaboo, Bethenbark and Radilla






This is one of my favorite collections of the year.  This year, all the designs were inspired by a story I am writing about GOBLINS BEND.  The names are inspired by characters I have created and the places where you can find them!  I will  be listing additional pictures on my facebook page and in my Etsy store and please feel free to contact me if you should like to ask questions or chat about them.  Besides one traditional shape that we associate with witches, you will find that each hat is uniquely made to fit a particular character that you can read more about.  If you are not on my mailing list and would like to be, just contact me on my facebook or leave me a message in the comment section.  There is lots to know about these little pretties!

They will be available in my etsy store by next week and yes, you can contact me if you see one you just can't resist!

Please visit my website where you can link to my facebook and etsy store, or e-mail me:
www.susanlakedesigns.comwww.susanlakedesigns.com

Friday, October 5, 2012

Susan Lake Designs: Susan Lake Designs: The WITCHES...Are Coming!

Susan Lake Designs: Susan Lake Designs: The WITCHES...Are Coming!: Susan Lake Designs: The WITCHES...Are Coming!

Susan Lake Designs: The WITCHES...Are Coming!

Susan Lake Designs: The WITCHES...Are Coming!

The WITCHES...Are Coming!

Next week I will be putting the finishing touches on one of my favorite collections, THE WITCHES.  I will photograph them and then, they get posted and they fly away!

This year I have spent many hours designing and creating them.  My Designers Pick for this year? "The WITCH with Green Hair!"  As with all the WITCHES, it is completely hand sewn and each intricate design element, was carefully selected and attached.  This particular one is my pick this Season, because it is completely magical.  It's base is black parisisol straw, which I spent many hours shaping and sewing into place.  Then the fun begins!  I used a green synthetic yarn to create a "Rapunzel" like dramatic road of hair that trails down the front and is piled up on top, where you will find lots of goodies!

No additional wig is needed with the head piece, as the green hair is meant to be the focal point.  It attaches to the back of the dolls head with a black elastic which does fit wonderfully.  Although this particular piece looks like it would weigh a ton...it's actually very light.

I use my beautiful Soudoll-Zenith, Agnetha, as my muse for all my designs, and I must say...she looks very "withchy" in this one!

There are seven hats in all this year, each one is entirely different. I wanted to make each hat be the "crowning glory" for that special night!  You see...witches are not all bad, not all good, not all scary and not all nice!  The photo I am showing you this week is "AGNES", she is from THE WITCHES 2011 Collection.  She has long since "Flown the Coop!"

Look for my blog and the "debut" of THE WITCHES next week....


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

WORKS IN PROGRESS

HATS on the way!

I have been quiet the past few weeks, as I am working on one of my favorite collections...The WITCHES.  I am also in the process of designing my first costume, inspired by the GOBLINS BEND collection.

The witches hats, are made in whats called, flat pattern.  They are made from both straw and material and in some cases I combine both.




The witches of 2012, are influenced by my collection called GOBLINS BEND, and  by the witches in the Harry Potter stories and witches yet to be seen!  I love that witches are both scary and lovely!  This season, my designs for the witches are quite different.  I have given them a "Fantasy" quality without a literal translation.  What am I talking about?  This year the hats are large, dark and wonderful!  If you love structure you will want one for sure.  If you like dark...get ready!

Here is a few shots from the work table.
Sewing parisisol straw for me is preferable by hand.  I turn up the edges and create the hem or I hand sew the wire into the design to sustain the shape.  Either way, they are done by hand.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A BJD BIRTHDAY HAT FOR CHANEL!

"Coco 129",  A Tribute to Chanel

This month has been a lot of fun for me.  I have been working on "The WITCHES" , finishing up a new collection and even wanted to take time to make a hat in honor of what would have been Chanel's 129 birthday.

So, I moved myself from one section of my work area, over to a different space, picked up some pink straw, black ribbons, feather and yarn and created a BJD design in honor of Coco!

I wanted to make a hat that suggested Chanel's sense of masculine relaxed look, with a definite twist of femininity.
The hat fits close to the head, has a spot of focus in the front where the interest brings attention to the face...of course!  I was very inspired to do this hat by the wonderful shade of pink parisisol straw that was sitting on my table.  I had just finished reading an article that was about her on the vogue site, and I wanted to share in celebrating her impact on women's clothes and hats!


I love designing headwear for BJD dolls and this little hat was one of my favorite to make....Happy Birthday Chanel!




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Susan Lake Designs: "Shades of Dark"

Susan Lake Designs: "Shades of Dark"

"Shades of Dark"

Let The Season Begin!

This is the start of my favorite Season!  In the dance world, my choreography's have  been recognized for there "Shades of Dark!".  I love the drama, anticipation and sense of the "Forbidden" in story lines. I have associated large movements, small details and color in not only my choreography's but my designs as well.

So at the moment I am bathing in a cauldron of ideas for my most beloved girls! My BJD dolls and their Hats!

I thought I would start off by "easing" into September and then bring out the full parade in October.  This first piece, is on a headband.  The headband is a milliners wire covered with black felt.  It is adorned with some of my favorite  findings from the forest floor.  It has pods, tiny acorns and acorn shells, pieces of cracked walnuts, feathers and ribbons.  All the wonderful gems that perhaps your little troll or dark fairy wood adore?  It is hand sewn and yes, the little nuts etc. are glued on.  It fits easily on the dolls head for sizes 8-9.

What I liked about making this headband was seeing all the little nuts and shells etc., and thinking..."This little pretty could be dressed for a variety of special FOREST happenings!".



Right now my design table is covered in black, green purple and other colors associated with "creatures of the Night".  It is my favorite time to design and bring to life all the fantasy's  of the Dark!
www.susanlakedesigns.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

RAG HATS/ Hat #2 SILVIE

"RAG HATS"/ HAT #2, SILVIE

If you like Boho, Hippie, Fantasy hats, I think you will love this one.  I have sewn the beautiful silk yarns and ribbons into the head band of the hat and NO WIG is needed.  It has a great look for those of you who love fairy looks as well!  I am very excited with this design, it has a great look and I love pushing the possibilities for BJD hats.  Check them out and then visit my website, www.susanlakedesigns.com to link to etsy or flickr to see more photos.  If you enjoy looking at albums of doll hats I have completed throughout this year, please visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadwear


So just enjoy this design and let me know what you think!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

"RAG HATS!"...NO WIG NEEDED!

BRAND NEW DESIGN...RAG HATS!
I am so excited to share this design with you.  I wanted to design a hat that had a great Boho, hippie appeal AND had the dreadlocks sewn in the head band!  The hat is so charming that you just can't help but smile when you see it. It's made out of silk shantung (my favorite material to sewn on) and is a magical collection of pieces of "raw" pieces of materials, hand created flowers, ribbons and silk yarns!  So charming.  Then I added the silk yarn dreads and fake fuchsia hair which goes down below the knees!  It's so wonderful to see.  You can see the complete album on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadwear .



I am always inspired by color and fabric and I was sitting at my design table with all these remnants, pieces of silk, ribbons and yarns.  I just knew it had to be fun and I wanted to create a hat where you DID NOT NEED A WIG.  I hope you like this one and the next is on its way!