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!!!