One of  my favorite Doll Makers/Photographer, is Ilona Jurgiel.  I met Ilona last year when I discovered her wonderful "Lightpainteddolls".  Ilona is one of those rare artists who have managed to turn her craft into a most unique work of art. Creating  tiny dolls and capturing them in a very special way through her photographic talents.  BUT! One of the best things about Ilona is her generous heart and her kind words.  I guess this is why her art is sooo appealing.

I am looking forward to a special work that Ilona and I are planning to do together this fall.  Stay tuned as I attempt a Two inch hat!?

With her purple, pink and sometimes multi-colored hair, Ilona and I have common interests in being inspired by everything.  You can also visit Ilona and myself on Facebook which you can link into from our websites.

I am now researching a new project that I am very excited about. Recently, I posted EALGA, from my Goblins Bend collection.  I am in the process of creating the entire costume! Although it is already spoken for, I will surely show you the pictures when its complete.

The new Goblin?....stay tuned!
Visit me: www.susanlakedesigns.com
               http://www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadwear

Susan Lake Designs

Susan Lake Designs

Creating hats has not only been my career but it is also my passion.  Yesterday I posted "EALGA", the next hat from the Goblins Bend line that I design.  I think its been the most fun to make.  I make hats for BJDs like I make them for my women's line.  I think of hats as the most important accessory.  That's because it sits right next to your eyes!  BJDs have such great faces that it is so much fun to enhance that!

Goblins Bend is a collection I make based on faeries, warlocks, witches and such.  The hats are made of scraps of ribbons, twigs, tree pods, feathers and such. Carefully sewn together, I spin my magic to create hats that would be made by creatures of the night! 

Creating objects that encourage people to experiment beyond comfort zones is a designers responsibility. I have two sides!  One is all about black and white and one is all about fantasy and color!  I am inspired by ALL my design friends.  From those that are Gothic and fashion forward to those who are conservative and adhere to high design style. They all bring inspiration to the table and keep moving design forward.

Black and white can go from classics to editorial to Gothic to modern  I like to use color to add tension points and "Drama Shock".

By adding the neck piece for Ealga, I opened the door and begun the process to create the entire costume! 

You can see "EALGA" on my facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadwear
and follow me on twitter at: @SusanLakeDesign

This year has been filled with many transitions for me, particularly in my design work. I became hooked on BJDs last summer, when a friend of mine introduced me to her cousin, Cheryl Austin, noted face paint artist for BJD.  It was a match made in heaven and we quickly became each others biggest fan.  Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting a variety of "doll" artists that I will be telling you about, and I have the BEST group of clients.  I am honored to think that I  have created a sense of "Ok" to ask zone, as so many ladies have asked me for their own special creations.

Designing for these dolls is like a dream come true. Why?  It has afforded me the ability to create all those designs that so many of us designers only get to "dream" of getting to do. From straw to twigs, from drama to Goblins, I get to do it all! 

Here's the best part...it seems my doll designs have created an excitement for my women customers too!  I guess girls just wanna be "Great big beautiful Dolls! 

Follow me on twitter @SusanLakeDesign!!!!

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! I am looking forward to sharing with you weekly my passion for design!! Being involved in both the visual and performing arts for over 20 years, I have been asked questions about where I get my inspiration, how I choose the materials I work with, and how I became a head wear designer. I have recently become impassioned with designing hats for Asian ball jointed dolls. If you are familiar with these dolls, you will understand what I mean when I say that they are truly fine pieces of art. Designing hats for these dolls has taken me in a new direction and each week I look forward to sharing with you what's on "THE DESIGNER'S TABLE".