Hello dear friends!
I hope you are doing well in your neck of the woods.
I’ve been working on so many arty projects lately, including this lil’ cutie…
She is a recently completed custom Blythe doll.
What this means is that I have taken a factory made doll and resculpted, painted, sanded and changed her up completely.
Changed eye chips, washed and cut hair, repainted face, etc etc.
(if you are curious about this you can google custom Blythe dolls to peek into the vast world of Blythe dolls)
I have been collecting custom Blythe dolls by different artists for many years.
They range from around $500 dollars and can go above $1000 easily.
I know, you are thinking to yourself, how is this possible?
But the time and detail is what makes them so expensive, and they are not that easy to come by.
All mine have come from Russia, as most custom Blythe artists are way over there.
Anyways, I got the bright idea that I wanted to try one out myself recently, and not only was it fascinatingly fun, it was so relaxing and enjoyable.
Since I normally sculpt my dolls from a chunk of clay, working with hard and delicate plastic was definitely interesting.
I’ve also been doing a lot of drawing and painting of the wonderlandish variety, which I’ll share more about at the end of this post.
So, to begin customizing a Blythe doll you have to disassemble them completely.
Not the easiest thing in the world, especially the eyes.
There are so many delicate moving parts inside the head, along with springs and strings that make the eyes work, to name a few things.
So, you have to carefully take the doll apart before sanding, sculpting and repainting.
This is what she looked like before I started the sanding process.
And this was her face after I had sanded, sculpted, changed forehead, chin, nose, lips, etc.
Here’s a peek into the inside mechanism after removing screws, springs and strings.
Right before I removed the eyes and changed the eye chips.
(eye chips were very challenging and had to be drilled out beyond carefully)
Then there was the making of powder pigments for her face…
I decided to change her skull cap to a more peachy hair color after coloring her face, because of the warm tones I ended up using.
And then, because I go way back as a Barbie hair cutter :-), I decided she needed a little hair cut (after washing and drying).
Remember when your mom cut your bangs as a child?
My dad cut mine once when I was around 8, and he cut them exactly in the shape of Eddie Munsters forehead hair line, it was gorgeous, (haha).
My mom and I both sobbed, so then I ended up with one inch long bangs as the repair.
Luckily it all grew back.
Unfortunately, I only had one shot with my little lass and no chance for regrowth if I messed up, eeek!
That’s the thing with the face too, you only get one chance.
I worked very slowly on her bangs (fringe) because doll hair is so straight and cuts so bluntly.
Happily, it all worked out in the end, hooray and phew.
And here she is, completely done.
I had all these different elements of clothing that I put together to create one outfit.
It was such a pleasure and delight to get to put her back together and see how cute she was.
You don’t really have a full idea when you just have the face plate in your hand.
Such a fulfilling project, I must say.
I understand why custom Blythe dolls are so pricey.
It takes a very long time, it is super fragile work and there are soooo many steps.
Also, you just get that one chance, and the cost of the doll and supplies and clothing really adds up.
I love trying new projects and this was a top contender in the joy department.
You just have to be super patient and delicate handed.
I’ve already started a couple more, but I’m not sure if I can part with them.
Maybe if I make a few.
Meanwhile I have been sculpting, I have also been preparing myself for our Mad Tea Party.
I will definitely & undoubtedly post a mad tea party this year.
You can join in if you’d like exactly as we have in previous years.
This time you can join in via your Instagram or blog link.
Or you can just pop in as a visitor.
I will give more details in a separate blog post.
But for now, we have a new little cutie in the house, hanging out in the tea room.
But the question of all questions is…
What should I name her?
Have you any idea?
If you know, then pray tell, please share.
Are you a Blythe doll collector or into Blythes at all?
Many of you know I’ve been making clay dolls for many years, and now am inspired to make more of my old school dolls.
That’s the thing about creativity.
Once you start, all sorts of a ideas and inspirations find you.
You just have to start.
I hope you are doing well friends.
Thank you for stopping in, it means the world to me.
Love, Vanessa
See you soon!!
<3 <3 <3
She looks like a fairy child version of you Vanessa!Just lovely!
She looks like a pixie…so that would be my name for her! How adorable. Makes me want to play with dollies today! I love her…SO MUCH!!! Sweet hugs!
Thank you Miss Tina ♡♡♡
Oh she is so darling Vanessa. I think she looks like a Petunia Petals. 💖🦋
you are making me want to start trying all the things i think of in my head but am too afraid to try. i’ve never really been a fan of blythe dolls, or maybe it was a different doll i’m thinking of that have really big eyes. but i LOVE this girl you’ve created! she is so gorgeous and her outfit is beyond and i want an adult version to wear!! i think she looks like a leah or maybe a tina. so cute!
i’m looking forward to tea party shenanigans and am working on being ready to join in…
love, kisses & magical wishes!!
ps…hugs & kisses to Matty!
Well she IS a doll isn’t she? Just perfect, and rocking the fabulosity of that outfit, I must say! So Russia huh? A nod to her heritage would be..maybe..Anastasia? I looked up Russian flower names but they didn’t feel right…? 🙂 xoxoviiroostah
She’s adorable! Thank you so much for sharing the process–very painstaking and delicate! Do you actually sculpt their faces? This doll is precious–I like the Anastasia suggestion! I hope you do sell some–you are so talented!!!!! I would love to have her or her sister living at my house in Florida 🙂
A Mad Tea Party again! A Mad Tea Party again!!! I’m here! I’m here!! How exciting!! I can hardly wait to tell my daughters! 💓💓💓💓
How fun it is that you showed us some of the steps to making your dear dolly your own! It’s very interesting! I really love everything about her. I’m not sure what her name should be, but I always love flower names: Pansy, Anemone, Tulip! Looking forward to knowing more about the Mad Tea Party!
Wishing you a good week ahead!
xoxo,
Betty
You are amazing! She turned out awesome. As for a name…she loves kitties and has a knit hat so perhaps Purl? <3
Dear Double V, I have adored Blythes for years,n have collected several.I am making Mermaid Margaritas for them.(Out of disposable Communion cups!)I will look at something,n think that would be perfect for Blythe!!None of my Girls r as Dreamy as yours.I think she looks like a Tatiana Starshine Valencia!!
I forgot to ask.R U making her clothes? They r exquisite.I am trying to learn to sew small clothes.Not the easiest things.
You don’t need to drill the eye chips out. If you melt a hot glue stick to the eye, it can work like a handle- turn the eye chips then lift out
Yes, unfortunately that trick did not work in this case 😊 Tried it many times but these chips were practically soldered in. Some are not in so tight, and others are I guess.
Diving into the heart of Vanessa Valencia’s enchanting world at “A Fanciful Twist,” feels like stepping into a realm where imagination flourishes and creativity knows no bounds. Her blog post, “Wonderlandishness: The Making of a Custom Blythe Doll,” beautifully encapsulates the essence of whimsy and the intricate artistry involved in crafting a Blythe doll that radiates personality and charm. Vanessa, with her exceptional talent and keen eye for beauty, doesn’t just share a process; she invites us on a journey into the heart of doll customization, where each choice in color, fabric, and accessory tells a story, breathing life into these captivating figures.
Vanessa’s narrative is a rich tapestry of creativity, showcasing her dedication to selecting the perfect elements that make her Blythe dolls stand out. From the luscious locks that frame the doll’s face to the sparkling eyes that seem to change with their mood, every detail is chosen with care and thoughtfulness. Her dolls aren’t just playthings; they’re masterpieces of creativity, each with their unique flair and personality. This dedication highlights the endless possibilities for customization, making each doll truly one-of-a-kind.
For those mesmerized by Vanessa’s creative process and dreaming of starting their own collection or venturing into the art of doll customization, This Is Blythe emerges as a haven of inspiration. Offering a wide array of Neo Blythe dolls, This Is Blythe at https://www.thisisblythe.com caters to every enthusiast’s desire. Whether you’re captivated by the allure of a custom Blythe doll with hair as dark as the midnight sky or as vibrant as the autumn leaves, there’s a Blythe doll that’s just waiting to spark joy in your heart at https://www.thisisblythe.com/custom-blythe-doll-full-set. And with their unique eye mechanism that allows for an enchanting change of eye color, these dolls offer a glimpse into a world of magic and expression.
This Is Blythe doesn’t just stop at providing a diverse selection of dolls. They understand the joy of unboxing a doll that’s ready to dazzle from the moment she arrives. With full set options that include not just the doll but also a curated selection of clothes and shoes, each Blythe doll is prepared to make a statement in her new home. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a classic dress or the playful charm of modern attire, your doll will embody your vision of style and personality.
Beyond the allure of the dolls themselves, Vanessa’s blog serves as a lighthouse for creativity, guiding artists, collectors, and dreamers towards the shores of imagination. Her ability to capture the magic of the Blythe world and share it with such passion and clarity is truly inspiring. Each blog post, adorned with tales of wonder and images that speak a thousand words, encourages us to see the beauty in the details and to chase after our creative endeavors with zeal and heart.
In the spirit of Vanessa’s inspiring journey with her custom Blythe dolls, let us all embrace the joy of creativity and the endless possibilities that these dolls represent. May we find inspiration in her dedication to crafting stories through the dolls she brings to life, and may we continue to share the love and wonder that these beautiful creations bring into our lives. Vanessa, thank you for being a beacon of creativity and for inviting us into your world of wonderlandishness. Your artistic journey not only celebrates the magic of Blythe dolls but also encourages us all to explore, dream, and create with boundless imagination.