BJD, FALL 2011, Hats in Review!

The photos I am including are from the collection I designed for Fall 2011.  I had a great time experimenting with color, size and style.  This year, I am using the color palette suggested as the "colors of fall" by pantone.

Next week I plan on showing my first hat for the Fall 2012 season.  I love the fall colors, as I have always been partial to jewel tones.  I think you will be surprised at the way I have introduced the drama of the "picture hat" for your BJD with just a hint of humor!....hence, the peacock!

As a designer who has created headwear for lots of different fashion venues, it is my vision to design for the beautiful BJD girls, much the same way I do for my human customers.

First, understand for me, a hat is NOT an after thought.  It is the main event.  Focused around the face, it brings attention to your most important feature, your eyes!  Secondly it is like a big "jewel" on top of your head so why not make it fabulous!   I hope you enjoy reviewing these designs from last season and please check back next week for a peek at this seasons first design!

The Designing of a Hat, Goblins or NOT!

The FOCAL POINT!

After a long time in the Headwear business, I have developed a philosophy about making and photographing hats.  First, my philosophy.  Let's be honest.  It takes a very confident lady to wear a hat. Why?  Its my thoughts that a hat says..."I am not afraid to be seen".  To some, this can be scary.  I am not sure why when in this very vibrant and progressive world its important to say..."This is who I am and How I feel!"

So, I have always designed hats where the focal point was kept close to the eyes (passage way to the souls!).  I  am very inspired by faces.  I think that a hat should be a  "gateway" that invites others to "pass if you dare!"  So...all my hats have much of the detail, architectural elements and color, focused close to the face and in particular the eyes.

In designing for BJD dolls, I use the exact same principle.  I was first introduced to BJD's by a friend of mine who's cousin just so happened to be Cheryl Austin, the face paint artist for many of the exquisite BJD  dolls you may either own or have seen on the internet.  We immediately became friends and many of you may have first seen my designs on Cheryls dolls on her threads.  The rest?......History!

I invite you to visit my website or facebook to view more of my designs.
http;//www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadweardesigns
www.susanlakedesigns.com

I have currently been working on my  "pet" project, Goblins!  Earlier this year I made and sold BLODWEDD, my first Goblin headpiece.  Recently I released the second, EALGA and I am working on the "Cape" of the costume now.  If you have not seen the headpiece EALGA, I am including it in this blog so you can follow along on the costume design.

Keeping true to my "raw" approach, here is something I thought I would share with you on steps of designing.
Yes, BJD dolls bend in many different directions etc,. HOWEVER...here is something you might find helpful to consider.  Always make a simple pattern from which you modify and build upon. Secondly,  I suggest you HAND SEW the pattern together first so that you can make micro adjustments once you start to a drape it on your doll.

Like photos? I have recently started posting on Tumblr so you can find me there each week as well.
Have a great week!..Talk to you next week.

Susan Lake Designs: Goblins, Witches and Fairies....are coming!

Susan Lake Designs: Goblins, Witches and Fairies....are coming!: The Goblins are coming, ha ha hee hee ho ho!   This is the time of year when I become a recluse and hit the spinning needle.  I happen to be...

Goblins, Witches and Fairies....are coming!

The Goblins are coming, ha ha hee hee ho ho!   This is the time of year when I become a recluse and hit the spinning needle.  I happen to be one of those people who love jewel tones, rococo adornments and tons of layers so it should be no surprise that I am usually buried beneath tons of boxes of fabrics, buttons, twigs and other "things that go bump in the night"  right about now. 

I am in the process of designing my first complete Goblin costume and it all started after I sat down one day to begin writing a story I had been thinking about for several months.  I started writing and began designing almost simultaneously.  Yep...one thing inspired the other.  I made "Bloddwedd", the first of the Goblin hats and I must say it felt great to design fantasy hat that everyone loved.  I wasn't really sure how the doll world was going to accept this design for BJD's. They did!  On to the next three Goblin hats and then earlier this year I created "EALGA", my most elaborate design.  My facefook hits jumped to 1500 on the initial posting!!!  Awesome!!  It was all the reasurrance I needed to deside to go for the complete costume.  It is, to date, my favorite project,  Yes...I do say that about what ever it is I am currently working on,  but this time I think we're on a roll!  

I have long been a fan of mystery novels, sci-fi adventures, unique and creepy costumes and complicated design concepts.  So I am in my element 100% with this project. 

I am also working on new hats for my "Witches" and have been creating whimsical little hats that are inspired by my "Goblins".  I will keep you posted as to when they are about to make their "debut!"

www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadwear

BJDC HAT/ Under the Sea!

I have just completed the hat that I will be sending to the BJDC in Texas this August.  The theme was things having to do with the Sea.  I wanted to make something that was not literal, but rather consisted of materials and shapes that suggested mermaid like qualities. 

I must admit that I am not really a "water" person, as I very rarely go to the beach and do NOT know how to swim, but I can apprecitate the beautiful qualities that the sea offers.

I have put together some of my favorite materials, chiffons, silk ribbons and pearls and coupled them with sea shells, clear stones, and shapes that signify the ocean and created my contribution to the theme!  The head piece is built on a crown base, wired and completely hand made.

If you are attending the BJDC, perhaps you will get to see it in person.  If you win the hat...please drop me a line!