Date: 2009-07-15 07:22 Subject: Working on the Jeremy doll Security: Public

I have spent the past several days carving down the neck on my Soom body, and modifying the face sculpt slightly.

The exagerated sunken cheeks just weren't coming off as JN to me, so I softened all that, and it looks much more like him now. The neck on the body could maybe go a little shorter even yet, but I am going to do him up this way and live with it for a time and see how I feel about taking more off later. I can always shorten more, but it would be much harder to add length back if I take too much off.

When I softened the cheek lines on the jaw, I did two heads as I want two completely faced up, one with facial hair and one without, so depending on costumes, I can exchange them out onto the body.

So, now I need to put the body back together, check the head on it, hooked, and then see what needs to be done.

next up is adding some blushing to the body to better match the head, face-up the heads, build the Soom jointed hands, and then cut a few more wigs to see if I can get even closer to the right look for him. Man, but this doll is alot of work!

Date: 2009-07-09 05:34 Subject: Michael Jackson Security: Public

I was a fan, not a huge one, and all his insanity of plastic surgery and child molestations were really a turn-off. However, I did always feel sorry for him as it seemed that given his upbringing, there really could have been no way he ever could have had a normal life.

All that being said, I do think he was a musical and performing genius, and the Memorial was very moving.

My favorite part of it was John Mayer's version of "Human Nature". This was absolutely exquisitely done. Mayer made that guitar talk. Such a beautiful rendition of a perfect song.

For those that didn't get to see/hear it, here it is on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj0Lc_j9ToU&NR=1

Date: 2009-07-07 03:33 Subject: Doll chat Security: Public

It's been awhile since I posted, so figured it was time for an update.

I am finishing up my face-up film for IFDC, what a load of work that is. We almost have enough film and will now need to get it edited into something cohesive.

I still need to work up the supply list and basic technique write up. I hope I have a few takers, or all this work will feel for naught.

I stripped Aidan's old face-up and used him as the model for the film. I didn't really try to do a quality face-up for the film, instead I just tried to illustrate simple techniques and how to use the various medium, brushes, and tools. So, today he is soaking off the practice/film face-up and I will re-do him in ernest. I am surprised how much color change Aidan has had over the past few years. Areas that don't get any light are still quite pinky, but every exposed part has a definite yellowing. He's the only one of my Dollshe guys that has had a significant color change, and I sort of wonder what the deal is with that. He's newer than Armand, and Armand basically still looks like I just got him. Maybe the batch of resin that Aidan came from was different, at any rate, I am not crazy about the change, but can live with it.

The Hound I sold to Russia finally arrived. Boy am I relieved. That took forever, and I was really uncomfortable that the doll would be lost and I'd have to reimburse the gal. Of course, he was insured, but it would have been a big hassle, so I am happy he is safe and she is so thrilled to have one.

Once I get Aidan finished up, then it;s back to work on the Jeremy doll, so much work to do there on the hands and body. Wigs are still a big issue as well. Why doesn't anybody make a selection of interesting short wigs for guys? It's very difficult to get the right hair look for this doll.

I joined in a group order for a Tilda Swinton Minimee. Gotta have a pal for the Jeremy doll, and she needs to look as realistic as he does, plus, they were in a very good movie together, so I though she'd be fun to have. Now the search begins for a body for her.

Date: 2009-06-27 02:22 Subject: Doll projects Security: Public

I have a bunch of doll stuff on my to do list. In brief, here they are, and not necessarily in order

1. Fix Arlo's leg chip. As I was taking off a shoe at GoGa, I heard this awful crunch sound, and sure enough, a chip had broken out of his ankle.

2. Re-do Aidan's face-up, and film it for a basic face-up class i am teaching at IFDC.

3. Re-do Jeremy doll face-up, get the brows right this time.
other stuff to do for the Jeremy doll:
Sand down neck
blush body to better match head
construct Soom jointed hands for him (that looks like a piece of work)
cut down a few more wigs and see if one of those works better for him

3. Blush Spiritdoll body for Adam

4. Build Regency Ballroom set

5. Make costume for Alia, incorporating the cool velvet jacket I got from Zag at GoGa.

These are just projects for my own dolls. I have three commissions in here right now as well, and the commissions will have to come first.


I got the last of my Jeremy heads yesterday. Man, Jeremy heads everywhere! I need to really think about how many I want for myself, and how many I am comfortable selling. I think if I have five or six in the NS that will be plenty for me. I'll keep one of the WS ones, just because. So, that leaves two white ones to sell, and possibly two NS ones.

One WS one may be sold, and one NS is spoken for, so I may only have two heads to part with.

Date: 2009-06-25 06:10 Subject: All that GoGa Security: Public

This year was such a blast, and I am so proud of the GoGa gang for pulling it off so well on such a shoestring. They did a fabulous job over-all!

We arrived at the hotel at about three PM on Friday, and just as we were hopping out of the shuttle, there were Becky and Julie (two of my favorite people). We chatted for a few, then off they went to Blick's Art Supply and we got checked in.

After we unloaded gear in our room, we went around the corner to this great little Italian place for a pizza. San Francisco sure has wonderful little ethnic restaurants everywhere. You could seriously just eat your way through that city, good thing I don't live there, as I am plenty fat enough already.

Ran into a bunch of people I know during the registration check in, and wound up going to the bar with Julie, Becky, Pam SD and Robin for a drink. A bit later Zagzagael joined us as well.

The cocktail party was fun, though $8.50 for a bourbon and soda is truly appalling, I should have just had wine. The festivities included a munchie buffet, of which I actually got a few things this time, and quite a few door prizes and give-aways. That group is amazing in terms of getting prize donations, I don't know how they manage it actually. After the cocktail party, Brandy, Glynn, Jamie and Kyotopunk came up to my room to hang out and have a few drinks. We had all brought booze so that saved quite a bit of bucks over last year when we were drinking/spending in the bar. It was great to see my "dolly daughters", I love those girls, and just wish there had been even more time to hang out with them throughout the con.

We had the perfect room. I swear, I am seriously gonna try to request that room next year. It was on the sixth floor and our sliding door opened up onto the pool area. So, essentially we had a patio, with tables and chairs where we could all hang out. It was chilly at night, but it was such a cool option to the bar that I want it again next year. In addition to the patio, the room was also directly across from the soda and ice machines, very handy.

Saturday AM, I set up my costume contest entry, then proceeded to find a physician I could see. I had been fighting a little issue before we left home, that was bothering me so much that I didn't think I could make it through the con comfortably without some medical intervention. As it turned out, I had a UTI on top of the standing condition so left the Dr.'s armed with several meds (which helped immensely).

I taught my sewing class at 1 PM. It was basically the same class I had done the previous year, with a few modifications to the film. We didn't have speakers, so I had to talk through the film, which was sort of awkward as I had pretty much forgotten what I had said on it. Overall I think the class went reasonably well however. We had a few hours after that, so I just meandered through the sales room, visited with people, and then Jud and I went to a little Greek Place for dinner. GREAT Greek food.

The swap meet was fun, though I didn't do as well as I had the previous year. I am getting sick of hauling this same batch of wigs around. Zag and I shared a spot, and started joking that next year we will turn all our for sale spare fur wigs into tribbles, with little eyes, and sell them for five bucks each. Maybe then we could get rid of em, LOL.

The swap meet was really the only time I got to hang with Zag, and we did have fun. I pilched a few items from her sales stuff (with her permission of course). Got some great Luts shoes that will fit my jeremy doll, some cute casual pants that fit my small Narin boy, and this wonderful dark blue velvet coat with tails that I am going to modify for my Topaz and coordinate into an interesting outfit for her. BTW E, it fits her!!!

Pam and Robin were next to us for swap meet and the four of us got pretty zany, it was fun!

After the swap I was pretty worn out from the medical stuff, so Jud and I just went up to the room and relaxed. It was an early night and I slept like a log.

Sunday was a pretty low key day. I had a little money from the swap, so of course, I had to go spend it in the sales room. I got a few really adorable clothing items from Her Delicate Strength for my Narins. That gal makes adorable stuff for the little dolls. I also bought a few sets of Jamie's great glasses for the Jeremy doll. I really didn't buy much this year, which is good. Didn't over spend at all.

At noon, I hooked up with Alex to set up the whole wedding tea party. All of that went smoothly and came out great. It was a crazy party that was really loads of fun. Danny was the minister and wrote a script that was hysterical, very tongueNcheek. The party offered a great opportunity for some fun pics, and ended with a conga dance line to "Love is in the air". I really like it when people can let go of their inhibitions and just play, and this was one of those opportunities. Well done GoGa staff!


Closing ceremonies were, well, closing ceremonies. Lot's of super great give aways and raffle items, and contest awards. My Las Vegas bride won second place in the costume contest, which was fun. and Donna Beam and Clara won first place with their Hippie Wedding. Their entry was so clever, complete with strobe lights and 60's music. VERY clever.

After closing ceremonies Alex invited Jud and I to have dinner with the GoGa staff as I was sort of unofficial staff this year with the whole wedding project ( I did alot, all through the year on it). We went to a terrific family style Chinese Restaurant (best pork fried rice I have ever had), and had a great dinner and a wonderful review of the con and improvements thta can be made for next year.

Monday, Jud and I just bopped around the city, went to the wharf, had crab Louis and generally played. Tuesday we came home to all the unpacking etc.

That's about it for my report! I had a wonderful time and can't wait til next year.

Date: 2009-06-24 09:08 Subject: Abby and Arlo at GoGa Security: Public

I'll get to a write up later today or tomorrow, but the short version is that it ROCKED!
IMHO, it was the best one yet!

Date: 2009-06-18 04:58 Subject: Last bit of GoGa readymaking Security: Public

I am pretty much all set. My personal stuff is packed, and my suitcase is under 50 lbs. Amazing, considering all the crap I have in there.

Today I need to rewire Abby, and make she and Arlo the proverbial annual Con T-shirts to wear. Trying to decide if Abby should be her usual "I channel Meg Ryan" self, or if she should have red hair for the weekend. I am kind of leaning in the direction of the red as it's different, and the color is also really pretty with her tanned resin. Other than packing some stuff for the "kidz", all I have left to do is to go get cash, in small bills for the swap meet.

About the only thing I really want to buy this year is some more of Jamie's cool glasses. I hope she has a bunch to choose from! The Jeremy doll wears glasses, often, so I need a few.

I really would have loved to have the Jeremy doll ready to bring, but time and humidity have been the enemies. I'll finish him up, without pressure after the con. I'll probably do a better job because of that.

See a bunch of you Tomorrow at GoGa!!!

Date: 2009-06-12 05:52 Subject: One week until we fly to GoGa Security: Public

So the last minute crunch is on!

I packed all my sales stuff for the swap meet yesterday. It all fit in the one little duffle I used for the swap last year, which is great as that is a really simple system. I sure hope I can manage to unload these wigs that have been hanging around unused for a year.

Today I have to finish up a couple of minor touches to my costume contest entry, and go make copies of the handout for my sewing class. Then, I gotta figure out what clothes to pack for me. I froze my butt off last year, so must remember to take warmer clothes this time, and comfortable walking shoes.

Still not sure about who to bring. I know I'll be bringing a big girl for the costume contest, but other than that it's a toss up. I really want to bring the Jeremy doll, but there is still so much work to do on him. I need to mod the Soom neck to a more realistic length for the head, and blush the body to be a better match for the NS head. I also really want to re-do his face-up, as I know I can do him better, especially the brows, which I just didn't get as close to Jeremy, the man, as I wanted. IF, I can get all that done in a week, he's the one that is coming. If not, then I'll bring my little Narins. Of course, it's also very tempting to bring Topaz as she'd probably be the only one there and I am sure people would like to see her. Why are these doll decisions soooo difficult?

flist, who do YOU think I should bring?

Other stuff I need to remember to bring:
Booze (it's too expensive to buy all drinks in the bar)
WS Jeremy head for Zag
cash, in small bills for the swap meet
doll repair kit
camera and lots of extra batteries
ipod

Date: 2009-06-12 05:27 Subject: Taken from Sodapoprincess Security: Public

Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in 15 minutes. Copy the instructions into your own note.

Damian-Hermann Hesse
Narcissus and Goldmund-Hermann Hesse
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter-Carson McCullers
One Hundred Years of Solitude-Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Dune-Frank Herbert
Childhood's End-Arthur C. Clarke
The Earthsea Trilogy-Ursula LeGuin
Brideshead Revisited- Evelyn Waugh
Persuasion-Jane Austen
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy-Douglas Adams
Anna Karenina-Leo Tolstoy
The Jefferson Bible-Thomas Jefferson
Autobiography of a Yogi-Paramahansa Yogananda
Codependant No More-Melodie Beattie
Misery-Stephen King

Date: 2009-06-10 13:44 Subject: My first run on my Jeremy Minimee Security: Public

The wig isn't quite right for him, and I am not sure about his eyebrows, something looks off to me there, mouth might not be painted quite right either, and, the five o'clock shadow tends to make his face seem a little too narrow. Overall I am pretty happy with him though.

He's all dressed/covered up because I haven't done the neck mods or blushed the body to match, will get to that in the next few days.

I apologize for not making an LJ cut. I can't for the life of me seem to do that successfully, so forgive all the space I am eating up.

Date: 2009-06-09 06:32 Subject: In honor of my anniversary today, a few pics... Security: Public

It was a VERY good day! And man, did I ever luck out in finding the right man for me!

Date: 2009-06-08 17:42 Subject: This post is for my friend Zagzagael... Security: Public

Not sure what your vision might be with the Jeremy head, but, as I was cutting a wig for him today, I was struck, almost blindsided at what an amazing Mr. Spock he might be. OR, has the potential to be.

He wouldn't need much, some elf ears ( I can do those in my sleep), and the right face-up, and sheeite, sheiza, Spock incarnate.


If that WAS what you are thinking, LMK, as I could do some elf ears pronto on one of the WS heads for you.

Man, this project is TOOO much fun, and I have to say, I LOVE having FULL control on all ten heads. It Rocks!!!

Hugs,
g

Date: 2009-06-07 10:15 Subject: My Jeremy Northam head is here!! Security: Public

I am really thrilled with it!

Date: 2009-06-06 05:28 Subject: Aheisted from wolfemeister meme Security: Public

1. You can ONLY answer yes or no.

2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments to you and asks and believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming. Nothing is exactly as it seems.

Been arrested? —Yes
Kissed someone you didn't like? — Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? — No
Fallen asleep at work/school? — Yes
Held a snake? — Yes
Ran a red light? — Yes
Been suspended from school? — No
Experienced love at first sight? — Yes
Totaled your car in an accident? — Yes
Been fired from a job? — Yes
Fired somebody? — Yes
Sung karaoke? — Yes
Pointed a gun at someone? — No
Did something you told yourself you wouldn't? — Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? — Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? — Yes
Kissed in the rain? — Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? — Yes
Saw someone die? — Yes
Played Spin-the-Bottle? — Yes
Smoked a cigar? — Yes
Sat on a rooftop? — Yes
Smuggled something into another country? — Yes
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? — Yes
Broken a bone? — Yes
Skipped school? — Yes
Eaten a bug? — Yes
Sleepwalked? — No
Walked on a moonlit beach? — Yes
Ridden a motorcycle? — Yes
Dumped someone? — Yes
Forgotten your anniversary? — No
Lied to avoid a ticket? — No
Ridden in a helicopter? — No
Shaved your head? — No
Blacked out from drinking? — Yes
Played a prank on someone? — Yes
Hit a home run? — Yes
Felt like killing someone? — Yes
Cross-dressed? — Yes
Been falling-down drunk? — Yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? — Yes
Eaten snake? — No
Marched/Protested? — Yes
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? — No
Puked on an amusement ride? — Yes
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? — Yes
Been in a band? — Yes
Knitted? — Yes
Been on TV? — Yes
Shot a gun? — Yes
Skinny-dipped? — Yes
Given someone stitches? — No
Eaten a whole habenero pepper? — No
Ridden a surfboard? — Yes
Drunk straight from a liquor bottle? — Yes
Had surgery? — Yes
Streaked? — Yes
Been taken by ambulance to a hospital? — Yes
Tripped on mushrooms? — Yes
Passed out when NOT drinking? — No
Peed on a bush? — Yes
Donated Blood? — Yes
Grabbed electric fence? — No
Eaten alligator meat? — Yes
Eaten cheesecake? — Yes
Eaten your kids' Halloween sweets? — Yes
Killed an animal when not hunting? — No
Peed your pants in public? — Yes
Snuck into a movie without paying? – No
Written graffiti? — No
Still love someone you shouldn't? — No
Think about the future? — Yes
Been in handcuffs? — Yes
Believe in love? — Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? — Yes

Date: 2009-06-06 02:40 Subject: A little Abby and Arlo Security: Public

These two make me just smile!

Date: 2009-06-05 12:12 Subject: For Sale/Auction: Dollshe V2 Hound Security: Public

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4819059#post4819059

Date: 2009-05-24 07:12 Subject: A giggle for today Security: Public

This cracked me up

Date: 2009-05-19 04:09 Subject: Teaching Art to eight year olds Security: Public

Today I am teaching an art class to my 8 year old nieces class. I am feeling a little overwhelmed as I have never worked with 20 kids that young. I have taught several basic painting workshops for teens and adults, but never this young.

My sister asked me to do this as the only art programs kids get anymore are programs that the parents fund and bring to the schools. I feel obligated to assist with programs like this as I truly think it is criminal what the state of CA school system has done in terms of stripping out the arts.

The only issue is, I have only had three days to prepare for this, and the way I would teach the segment (Georgia O'Keefe, with basic color theory and painting techniques) typically would be like a three day workshop. I have an hour an a half to give these kids a brief introduction to the artist, why she was important, how to mix a full palette from primary colors, and painting their own flower, ala O'Keefe, during class.

It's a heck of a lot to cover, and I'll only be able to just touch on the subject matter in that short amount of time.

Call me stressed..........