New subject: swaps/style

11 Feb 2002


      Hi Pat,
    Even with the flaming red Ariel hair!  Just let me know when you find
that set!  LOL
As far as time, my OOAKs average 10 to 15 hours, unless I reroot, then
don't ask!  Depends on what I am doing.  Some dolls start with the face and
hair and then get dressed and others get the clothes made first.  I think
it depends on where the idea comes from.  Silk N Brocade got the clothes
first, and the Copper Midge got the doll first.  She actually sat around
naked for a while even.  It also depends on how many times I have to do
things over.  I had to do the midges eyes twice and make her top twice as I
wasn't happy with the fit.  First time was a pattern, and the second time
was my own, but with the new body it fit better.  I also make all outfits
removeable and that can take some extra time.
...
I have often wondered the time it takes for a makeover, and so, depending on
the complexity, 12 hours or 2, right?  Have you got your customizing worked
out to a formula and method to the steps you use or do each of your designs
require their own set of steps, which can then vary the numbers of hours put
into a customizing?
As far as the custom board.  The one I am on is the one moderated by
Rebecca Chulew.  I don't have time for two, and Jims board occasionally
devolves into scawbbling that I don't like to deal with.  I have only had
one dissapointing swap on the board, and I am not real sure what happened,
but I chalked it up to an inexperienced customizer, and ignored it.  In
general on that board the swaps are very good, as each person is trying
really hard to please the other as a matter of honor.  Also, almost all the
dolls get shown, so they better look good!  Many of my last swaps were
people who wanted contest dolls, so that was easy for me.
For anyone insterested in customizing, the boards are a wonderful
resource.  There are some amazingly talented people there, and most of them
are super about sharing their secrets.  We have people who are multiple
winners in the BMAA, and other contests as well.  Tess Barton, who designed
the Gold Rush fashion for Candi is a member ( and super sweet too.  you
should see my swap from her!)  as well as Bill Jones who was on this list
and designed the wonderful Oberon and Titania that won BMAA a couple of
years ago.  Too many other talented artists to mention, so it is well worth
your while.  List is open by approval, and you can spend as much time as
you like just lurking.  For those interested here is a link.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CustomDolls/join
Also, you might like to take a quick look at our E-zine.  This is open
to anyone and has some great articles, also some cute pics of swaps etc.
Look in there and you will find my swap from Tess, as well as one with
Rebecca.
http://www.customdolls.net/
You can also view past issues from this link.  I think you can even
sign up to be notified when the new issue is up, as it can be sort of
sporatic in the publishing.
And for anyone that has not died of boredom with these last couple of
posts, here is a link to my Poison Ivy.  This was only the second or third
doll I had ever done, so be kind.  LOL
http://www.frii.com/~mroczko/creation/poison.jpg
I can see a dozen ways I can make her better now. Glad I still have
her, and no one else is forced to look!  I still have most of the fabrics,
so can still do that, but that repaint has got to go, and I need to do the
cape neater as well.  LOL my own worst critic.
Kathy M.
Frivolities Antiques
 Ft. Collins, CO

Re: swaps/style