Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Gift from a Wonderful Friend

I just had to share this with everyone. I received an unexpected gift from my friend Andrea, the maker of Andy’s Rascals, (http://www.etsy.com/shop/andysrascals )

I love mermaids and the magical stories around them and this was the best surprise I could have received!! IMG_1796This is how they looked when I unwrapped them, and then discovered they were meant to kiss!! That inspired me to create the magical kingdom under the sea where a human boy could live forever with his mermaid love, as long as they were together. Her kiss gave him her love and the ability to live under the water. Her pearls gave him her magic to allow him to be part of her underwater world.

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Happily ever after….

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Reunited with an old friend

I’m very pleased with the results of this labor of love. This doll was given to my daughter, Dori, in 1979. It is the Beauty Secrets Barbie. This was her favorite even though the doll’s hand fell off, a little girls I babysat cut her hair off and the dolls joints were so loose you could just about tie her in a knot!! IMG_1795

A couple months ago, Dori asked if I could repair or do something to fix her very worn-out doll. IMG_1551 (1024x721) (2)Sadly, the only thing I could salvage was the head, which I will re-paint, re-root and find a new body for.

In the meantime, I found another Beauty Secrets Barbie IMG_1627 (1024x683)IMG_1630 (683x1024)on Ebay,

used and needing a thorough “spa treatment” but her body was sound and completely in tact. Her hair was very dirty yet long and full. Her face was perfect, eyes bright and full of life, all the face paint was great. There was a smudge over her left eye that looked like an extra eyebrow. I was able to remove it with no damage.

IMG_1676IMG_1679IMG_1683After washing and conditioning her hair, I boil permed it and then fingered combed it to style. Then added a beautiful bow.

Next she had to get underwear and a slipIMG_1689IMG_1690

Then the very special crocheted dress that I made for this doll over 25 years ago. It needed some repairs, just a change of hooks and eyes in the back to give it a more finished look.IMG_1673IMG_1675

Now the hat and a special hat pin, a perfect pair of sandals and she is ready for another special place in my daughters heart.IMG_1695IMG_1707IMG_1699