GOBLINS BEND...

The past few months I have been focusing on completing the first part of my book, GOBLINS BEND and the costumes from chapter one.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to write a story that has inspired a line of costumes that I have created and will be making available in limited edition, one of a kind availability.  The first two costumes are Raspina Raspburi and The Witch!  You can order the book and the costumes starting in April 2013, and create the fantasy on YOUR favorite doll.

I will be presenting  the book and costumes in April, at IDEX and if you are planning on attending, PLEASE come over, I would love to meet you!

The books SOLD OUT  at our reception on Sunday, (very exciting!).   Pictures and more news will be coming and please feel free to visit my website and facebook page for updates.  You can link into my etsy store and facebook page from my website, at:

www.susanlakedesigns.com 

NEW ITEMS! The PASTRY COLLECTION!

The PASTRY COLLECTION!

This month I have been in the process of designing several pieces to  compliment the RAG HATS, a wonderful Mod, Boho style hat a released last summer.  I wanted to create several designs that were just as playful and current as the hats!  You can see the designs in my etsy store and please feel free to contact me if you like what you see!  These first items are in a pink burnout cotton. Both the swing dress and the two piece swing top and crop pants, can all be worn in combination!  The crop pants can also be worn under the dress.  Next week I will be adding two soft cotton tops, one without sleeves and one with a long sleeve that rests midway down the hand.  Wait until you see the POWDER PUFF PETTICOAT! It's literally to DIE FOR!

This April, I will be attending the IDEX Convention in Florida.  As you know, I have been working on my fantasy story and the costumes I am designing which are influenced by the book.  I will be premiering these couture, one of a kind, limited edition, designs at the convention along with the first chapter of the book.  I will be making a limited number of each costume this year. These designs are all unique and character specific.  I am very excited as we are creating wonderful fantasy costumes that you can dress your favorite doll in.  In the meantime, please enjoy the PASTRY COLLECTION and  HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!

Susan Lake Designs

Susan Lake Designs

Doll & Teddy Bear Show/ San Diago

Last weekend I attended the Doll & Teddy Bear Show, in San Diego, Ca.  I have attended in the past, as I think it's important to attend and support the popularity of all kinds of dolls.

Along with finding some great ribbons, materials and wigs, this was the first time I actually saw a BJD vendor there as well!  Located on the second floor of the venue, right in front was a table of a variety of bjd's!  She was a private collector, selling her beautiful collection of dolls in beautiful outfits...they were really stunning.

I also met a vendor who was selling wigs, for the BJD style dolls.  She told me about the PNW BJD EXPO in Bremerton, Washington,  in May.  Everyone was very friendly, I met new friends, learned more about the world of dolls and will be reunited with a few of them for dinner at IDEX in April.  Yes....I will be there in April!....More to come on this topic next month.

If you love the color BLUE, check out my boards on pinterest, I have made the board covers dance across the pages in the color blue!   While your there, check out the board I call, "Oh!...You beautiful Doll!"  I show you some incredible dolls and you can add some to your own boards.

I am getting to release a very "PINK" surprise for you, just in time for Valentines Day....Keep watching, as it's "TO DIE FOR!!!"  

Til Soon...
www.pinterest.com/susanlakedesign
www.susanlake1.etsy.com
www.susanlakedesigns.com

BLUE...The Winter BJD Fashion Hat Collection

This Season I was inspired to create the following BJD hats, from some very beautiful straw.  It was the perfect color blue to give the hats a very ethereal, cool almost Zen like look.

This is one of my most popular collections and also one of the most fun to make.  Their architectural design is something I love to experiment with, and these larger BJD dolls are very well suited for them.  I will be listing them in my etsy store, at www.etsy.com/susanlake1 where you can re-visit them and I always enjoy hearing your comments...Happy New Year!

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!

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