Blu Ice, New Hat!

Greetings!

This week I have been finishing up on several hats that I will be showing this and next week.  Today's hat is a new addition from the collection call, "The Lady from Shanghai".  I love this collection.

I have always been fascinated with Asian culture, and  especially the beauty of the Asian women. From their porcelain skin to their delicate mannerisms, I wanted to create a line with a sense of modern architecture and old world design.  In this collection, I usually choose to mix different textiles and combine vibrant colors and delicate adornments.  In the last two hats however, I have focused on the movement and shape.  In this months hat, "Blu Ice",  I chose a blue organza and hand cut and folded it into a shape that reminds me of the sea.  Twisting the material, pinning it and then sewing it into shape, I wanted to once again create drama around the face and then continue the sweeping design moving out and away from the face.

Below are several photos of the hat and you can view the photo album on my facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/susanlakeheadweardesigns
This hat will also be for sale in my Etsy store at:  www.etsy.com/susanlake1

Enjoy!

HATS ON DOLLS!

I wanted to share with you how thrilled I was when a new twitter friend, asked if they could blog about me. They are a young group in Hong Kong, and graciously introduced me to their community.

I have met so many great people in the doll community, and some have become close friends.  So...it gives me great joy to tell you about them. Kaoliberry.com/?p=636  Here is the blog they wrote and while you are there, why not check out the rest of the website!  They are also on facebook and I have seen some great "How to" tips there as well.

This weekend I am delighted to update you on where we are with the Goblin Costume for EALGA.  The patterns are made and we will be consumed with bringing them to life by cutting the materials (the good stuff!) and doing the initial sewing.  Then I take the finished product and..."Bring in the Magic!'  I personally do all the intricate detail work and embellishments. So here is something to consider in your own projects.

Design Changes:

EALGAS costume is turning into an exercise in a sewers delight!  This week, we were constructing the pattern for her cape.  I wanted to take different elements from a variety of cape styles I love and create an organic design that demonstrates power, through its over sized construction. In applying the sleeve, we used a gusset ( which reduces the tight fit or stress from the material) then we modified the use of the gusset, to create a modern or current  fit. In creating a costume, we often dramatize and alter tailored elements.  But that's another topic!

Why Choose the Color BLACK?

Why Choose the Color BLACK?

I went to see a play this weekend at the La Jolla Playhouse, in La Jolla Ca. The play was the NIGHTINGALE, Hans Christian Anderson. After the play, a radio broadcaster and a Professor from UCSD, spoke about Fairy Tales.  The talk went from Hans Christian Andersen's, childhood, life of poverty  and eventual rise to fame as it were.  Interestingly , he had  NO wonderful childhood experiences and it is amazing to think that he wrote some of the most famous fairy tales of all time. So....the question was asked..."Why are the most popular Fairy Tales today, the dark ones?"  The answer?  simple ,  there is a fascination with the dark. Oh yes, there is the forever, "Sign of the times" line, but lets face it. In this high tech, "Make it happen now" world, anything less is going to be short lived.  For me, black is the color that contains ALL colors. It evokes mystery, drama, sensuality and suggests a  foreboding.  Example.  I was once interviewed by CNN en Espanol, for  a particular tango choreography I had done, along with the designing of the hats the dancers wore. Why black? was the question.  Simply put, I said, "because black is the color of the night. It is where we become ourselves as no one else sees us.  It is the quintessential power color and it evokes a sensual perfume that will not be denied".

Last October, I created a collection of doll hats called "The WITCHES".  It was wildly popular and all of them sold before Halloween!  Yes....they are basically black, and now you know why!  I am posting pic's of what I created last year and hope you will like what I will be doing in just a few short months for this yeaar!

In the meantime, I am just about completed with the work we are doing with the patterns for the Goblins Bend Collection and that means the fun is just about to begin!

I am also getting ready to put some "Goblin" inspired "Rag Hats" in my etsy store, check weekly for new hats.  Please feel free to visit my website as it links to all my links and facebook page  as well.

Talk to you next week!

AGNETHAS FALL HAT!

As I continue to work on my first Goblin costume ,  I am often inspired to create something a little less conventional for my more fashion minded customers.  I have just released photos of the hat I am showing you today.  It is a beautiful moss green with a some what "present" peacock in front!  It is both glamorous and whimsical and to me....why put on a hat if it isn't incredibly stylish or fun!

I design these hats for the BJD girls with the same enthusiasm and eye that I would for my human ladies.  I just love making AGNETHAS hats and they are made by me for you!  I posted this hat last night on facebook and I have had several requests for it already.

I have a goal to design the most honest yet fashion and fantasy forward designs in order to keep the look of these glorious girls in the "mainstream"  of the doll world.

As you know...I am in the first stages of creating EALGAS costume, from Goblins Bend collection.  We are having the most interesting experiences and I think you will LOVE what we're coming up with.

If you are creating clothing for your dolls and it is the first time doing so,  you will most likely want to be very aware of the hand size and shape and the challenges that come with considering that!
Enjoy!
Come see me at www.susanlakedesigns.com where you can link into all my other links.

I am also now on tumblr!

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...