Layout

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Moved! A Small Cup of Tea


I have officially moved the blog to tumblr. ^^

It took me forever to decide on a layout, which is why the huge delay (and I went to Otakon, lol).

I'm still moving over all my links. I've realized how much cross-pollination has occurred between 'ball jointed doll links' and 'artists and photographers', so I'm trying to get everything sorted in a more easy-to-reference manner.


Here is the link!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Also, Moving Blog to Tumblr

After much thought, I have decided to move this blog to tumblr. I will definitely be keeping this one here for archival purposes, but I have decided that I have a greater affinity for the polished look of tumblr and the ability to more easily manipulate the html in their templates.

I'm going to be fiddling with the new site (and it's also going to be given a new name!) so please stay tuned for more updates. ^^

Not Dead Pt. 2

I don't have anything good to report - just that my newly arrived K-r turned out to be defective, and I'm never going to buy Pentax equipment again. The switch for SR on my K10D broke off and I had to get it fixed, and on this newest incarnation, the K-r's mode dial was actually broken, rendering most of the advantages of quick, preset goodness completely unreachable. My K10D was metal, heavy, solid, weathersealed, but the K-r feels like a toy in my hands (and I have small, old lady hands! XD). I returned it to the AMAZING people at Amazon (who let me return it even though it was opened, and exactly 33 days after purchase when their policy only allows for 30). I'm now waiting for it to get to their hands/from their hands to the seller's hands (I purchased used to save money).

I had no idea how much it could hurt not having a camera. I am totally blowing this thing out of proportion, but I am really feeling down without it! Even the wonderful news of my MNF Shushu's shipment doesn't quite make it through the fog. Maybe when the girl gets here she'll cooperate with me while I'm giving her a faceup so that I don't want to throw her faceplates and cry like a toddler. >< I haven't even finished 1 cosplay for Otakon (out of my 4 - one for my friend, 3 for me). I have the feeling that I won't be motivated to do much of anything because I'm too distracted by my mental whining.

I'm a mature person.


Sunday, July 10, 2011

I'm Not Dead...

... just very busy! Otakon is fast approaching, and I've been doing all sorts of things to make myself busier.

I'm sewing 3 cosplays, opening a photography commission shop, my faceup shop is picking up, and I work a full time job with another part time on the way!!!! I overloaded myself for sure - I don't think I'll be posting until after Otakon!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Switch's Romantic Emerald and Models

(Note: I apologize for the large gap between the pictures and text, there is a rather large bottom border on that last one.)

From-Switch (aka SNG) has just announced release of their new 'Romantic Emerald' outfit set. The set is designed and manufactured by Uyuchagongbang, and sold through Switch's website. This is the first of their 'Switch's Ensemble' series - and if this is a sample of the sets forthcoming, I'll have to keep my debit card away from me in a guarded location.

Blinded as I was by the sheer awesomeness of the outfit itself, I did take time to note that ... wait... those are Switch heads on those girl bodies! Honestly, that shouldn't have surprised me, because, well, their main products consist of their boy heads. However, I think I was interested to see company pictures of their 'boy' heads on girl bodies. I've seen the female hybrids on DoA, but never before has the company released photos of their heads on girl bodies. It was interesting that they also see and endorse the androgyny of their sculpts, though they market all of their dolls as male.

I was also surprised by my response to the photos. I personally like girl dolls more than boy dolls, and I found myself looking up Javi because he appealed to me much more as a girl than as a boy. Yet I'd never spared two seconds for him before. If they marketed future heads as girls, would I be more interested in buying them? I have no idea.


What do you think? Does the gender of the doll that the company is marketing effect the way you view them or want to buy them later on?

Friday, May 27, 2011

Regrets


I really, really, really, really miss my Volks Kurumi. Words can't describe how stupid I feel selling her. I guess pragmatically it's still for the better - proceeds from selling the Unoa Zero will go towards furniture, and somehow I feel better about getting a Shushu and some furniture from the Zero's blood money than with Kurumi's.... but still. I should've just bit the bullet and bought the Ariadoll body for her, whether the resin would be an exact match or not......

I've never experienced such huge sales regret before. >< I never realized it could sting this much to just part with an object.

My only consolation is that I shall be getting her in the future..... someday, I think. A DP20 version that may be less yellowed (but by that time, who knows T_T).





Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Forsaken World

For some inexplicable reason, I randomly acquire a need to play MMORPG. This is my new addiction. I played Perfect World back in the day, and I remember liking it, so I decided to give this new on a try.... and who can resist the lolita Dwarf class? First time ever seeing a cute dwarf makes me wonder why no one's made female dwarfs cute before this....



Cadenza - The Most Beautiful Clothes in the World


I've been watching Cadenza for a while now, and it never ceases to amaze me that all of her outfits are delicate and well-coordinated pieces of art. This yo-sd dress is actually my favorite creation of hers ever posted. Each outfit retails for around $100-200, and on the second market those prices are even higher, and that's only if you can find someone willing to part with theirs.


This is only a small sample of her work. Each outfit has many more photographs that accompany its posting in a set on her blog or flickr page.


Cadenza has an Etsy shop which does not see frequent updates...


...which is wonderful for my nerves and my bank account. XD


Friday, May 20, 2011

Rolling Doll





Rolling Doll always has exquisitely dreamy outfits with delicate lace and sheer fabric detailing. The shapes are based off of sailor outfits and pretty, billowing gowns; it seems as if Rolling Doll also has some lingerie sets. RD mostly makes SD sized outfits, but there is the occasional Yo-SD outfit.

I wish I could read Japanese or Korean already, in order to have a better chance at obtaining outfits like these from Y!J auctions without a shopping service. There always seem to be such talented seamstresses and customizers overseas!

Shadowing Haven


I stumbled across Shadowing Haven's faceup and photography work while browsing through the gallery on Den of Angels. Her interestingly multi-colored faceups and shadowy photography (no pun intended) really caught my eye! ^^



I love the delicate, gothic feel of her pictures and settings, and her faceups are quite good! I believe that she is restricted from taking splits and commission work on Den of Angels for an unknown reason, so I do not have a link to commission, but it is obvious that she is quite talented. ^^ If you're interested in seeing more from her, please visit her blog here.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Cup of Tea Esthetics Shop


I'm almost open for business! The MSC just came in today. I'll be having 5 $10 faceup slots to celebrate the opening of the shop, and to build up my portfolio. I have yet to open a DoA thread, but that's coming soon (tonight or tomorrow), and my website is finished. ^^ I'll be updating the grahpics for the site over the next few days. So excited!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Faceup Shop in the Works


I've ordered a huge pack of MSC Flat for my faceup shop! I'll be taking commissions as soon as the cans arrive. <3 In the meantime, I'm planning out the thread and deciding on prices, etc. There will be 5 'free faceup' slots so that I can build my portfolio. This Switch Milwha head belongs to me (I got him in the New Year's Event for my birthday... self presents for the win?) and I don't have a body for him yet, but I decided to faceup him. He's definitely not supposed to be so dark and gothy. T_T But I wanted a good 'technical' example of my work, so I went with whatever was easiest for me to do.


Thursday, May 12, 2011

Doll Meets

Not-so-recently, A and I went to a doll meet (that's her Lisette there, with Tryphosa). We only stayed for a short time, and it felt a little awkward. The more I go to doll meets, the more aware I get of the awkwardness that I feel at them. It's not that people are mean or foreboding; usually it's just the opposite, where everyone tries to make each other feel welcome. But I guess it's just the knowledge that I have nothing in common with them other than dolls that makes me feel falsely cheerful and kind of odd in conversation. There are some meets where it's less awkward, but those are few and far between.

I'm not sure what my concept of a meet was before I started to notice this. Maybe it was 'a gathering of friends with dolls involved', where the emphasis is on friend-making? Or perhaps it was 'a chance to see other people's dolls in real life'? That seems just as likely. I go to the Otakon doll meets, but those are just to trade or buy things, and I usually don't really find anything I love there.
What is your concept of a doll meet? Have you been to meets? Did you feel awkward as well? Do you feel at home there? Why?

Saturday, May 7, 2011

New Blog!


I am definitely still keeping this one, but I made a new blog just for when I'm fooling with the Dream Selfy tool. Now I can save my Selfy dolls somewhere.... it makes me so happy!

Monday, May 2, 2011

CSaw Feature

I've been a huge fan of CSaw's for a while! As you can see, her photos are full of color, life and light that just radiates from the computer screen! The Thailand based photographer has a beautifully faceupped collection of Volks dolls which can be found in the sets in her Flickr, or viewed at her blog named Pastel Cottage. Robin, this Volks Miruku, really made me miss Kumiho... T_T

Her beautiful F-01 dolls also softened my originally harsh opinion of the mold with their beautiful clothes and well-done faceups. The colors in her photographs always give a serene and cheerful feeling! So refreshing (points! XD).


Her SD Lisolette makes me want one, too.... Her collection of cute girl dolls makes me die of moe! I really admire her collection and her photography! Please check her websites often for updates..... I don't post a lot, so I'll be lurking right along with you! XD



Friday, April 29, 2011

Mio (m2k Dolls)

I know that when I first started the BJD hobby, it was exciting to me that people made such exquisite and beautiful doll-sized productions of clothing. I wanted to get a doll almost solely to own clothing for it. The person that really introduced me to quality doll clothing was Mio. I had never before seen doll clothing that was so elaborate and so to-scale. Her designs were always so well-balanced in color, texture and fit. I aspired to be like her; I still dream about being able to make such amazing clothing for ball jointed dolls one day. I resolved that if I came into any flexible funds, they would go towards Mio clothing for my doll. I wanted to collect every outfit, and win every auction. My circumstances and lack of a consistent doll size didn't enable me to do that, but I had always dreamed about it.

...But now I'm hard-pressed to find even these two pictures of her splendid work. It seems that she has disappeared. Her Den of Angels account is dead, her Flickr deleted, her website gone. And she didn't just leave after finishing her last batch of orders - it seems that she took everyone's money, as well. There is a long and sad thread on Den of Angels in the Problem Transactions forum that was started in 2009, for orders not received from 2008! To my knowledge, nothing new has turned up. Try as they might to contact her, those who ordered from her last received neither their items or a refund.

She had last been contacted some time in early 2009, claiming that her father was ailing and she needed to take care of him. They gave her a lot of time to work herself out, but there was still no word. Time passed and they are still waiting for an answer. I do not think that anyone took a police action against her, as many were in different countries and their jurisdiction did not extend to Korea. My knowledge of international criminal laws is about zero, so I don't know what could've been done, but I'm sure they tried something, given that they lost several thousands of dollars collectively.

What would make such a prominent member of the bjd community just leave like that? Why did she suddenly decide to turn into a scammer? For someone who could make such exquisite clothing, and who must love dolls as much as she did, why would she disappear from her customers and the hobby? I understand personal obligations and personal conflict can be tough, but, as was mentioned in the Problems thread, emotional turmoil is not an excuse to turn to thievery.

I suppose it's a mystery that will never be solved.




Thursday, April 21, 2011

Interior Design





I've been obsessing over reorganizing my living space for a while now, and I've been scouring the internet for pictures of very small apartments with very fresh interiors. I came across a blog called 'Deco Photo Blog' in my net travels. The pictures are airy and light, and each house/apartment is given tourist treatment, with every room pictured as if you were going on a virtual tour. I can't read the text, because it's in a different language, but the pictures are enough for me.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

This Narae


...I need her (stole her picture from Andreja on DoA). Her owner has put her up for sale on the Marketplace and I really do absolutely love her. Maybe this is real dolly love? Lol. She would look so good with the Shushu and Tryphosa, too. I'm thinking she might be Leathie Rivers from my novel! Maybe, maybe not?

EDIT: Turns out not. I had a bit of trouble with her current owner, and I really don't want to go through with the transaction because it seems like it will be unpleasant for the both of us. I decided to try to give my Shushu the same expression, and hopefully it'll work out better that way. I bet I wouldn't like the Narae body anyway *tries to console self*


Doll Rooms - Keera and Flickr Group!




I was browsing through Andreja's flickr, and I noticed that she had won some kind of amazing lati-sized diorama from an auction. Wondering from whence this delightful creation came, I followed a few links and found myself at Keera's flickr and website. Keera is a talented doll artist - the term is really general, but it's the best I could think of to encompass her broad range of skills and talents. She makes miniature foods and sews all of the covers, pillows, drapes, etc. herself. The little books, the notes strewn over the desk like real notes would be, the cutlery, dishes, everything in these well-put-together little scenes are made by her!




In addition to making these amazing dioramas, she paints pictures of blythes and also customizes blythe dolls to put up for auction.



...And if all that wasn't enough, she sews Lati Yellow-sized clothing and puts them up for sale on her Etsy from time to time.

While digging around to find more mini rooms by Keera, I found a group on flickr named 'The Ultimate Doll Interiors' which is aptly titled. You'll find Keera's works and tons of similarly amazing mini-room artists, each with their own style in interior decoration!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Zeruda



... describes herself as "A 24-year-old Swede living in Germany". To me, she is one of my favorite blogging Lolitas ever! As you can see, all of her coords are fresh and well-done, and most of them are made from off-brand pieces and well-edited Bodyline or Anna House. I aspire to make a wardrobe similar in source and color scheme, so I follow her lookbook account and her blog often! She also shares my Princess Tutu love. XD

Fairyland's Sebastian from Black Butler!


Fairyland is releasing Sebastian in Japan only due to licensing issues in the US.

Other pics can be found on hobby chanel.

I don't personally like Black Butler, or this doll, but I think it's great that another big company besides Volks is doing a properly licensed resin reproduction of an anime character! I'm also glad for fans of male dolls - DD, as much as I love them, are always girls and always vinyl lol. I wonder if they'll do any others after this?

Which characters would you like to see Fairyland do? Do you like their 'anime style' doll better than Volks'? Are you going to try to buy him?

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Azuria on Flickr




While browsing through the DoA gallery today, I had the fortune of stumbling upon Azuria's post of her Soom Fir and her friend's Chibi Unoa. The pictures are colorful, fresh and sensitive, and the focus effect is beautiful!

If you love these photos, please check out her flickr page for more beautiful work like it! She also has a Deviant Art page.


Leekeworld Boycott - Your opinion?


I was following Azuria's lovely flickr gallery, hoping to feature her (It's coming up!) when I stumbled upon something quite shocking.

Leekeworld has been accused of copying French bjd artists at Dust of Dolls. Their art dolls show some notable similarities to the Dust dolls, in both the sudden use of those down-pointing thigh joints and the strange exaggerated pear proportions that Mikhaila displays.

The whole story can be found through these links:

I don't really know which side of the issue I truly support. At first I was definitely in favor of Dust. However, some DoA user's opinions can be found in this thread, and to be honest those who loved Mikhaila swayed me a bit. I've always noted the similarity between Narae bodies and Unoa bodies, and people have also pointed out similarities between the Ariadoll bodies and Unoa Zero bodies. Unoa hasn't sued any of the aforementioned companies - in my opinion, it's because their aesthetic is becoming more mainstream.... sort of like how Volks allows other companies to produce BJDs even though the entire art form in its current state exists due to them.

I think that Leeke's repeated tampering with their own pictures and the bribing then accusations against Dust are breaking it for me. I wish that they would've just come out and said that they were going to do a collab with Dust, or at least contact Dust to see if they would be offended by the new doll since it was obviously inspired by their creation. All of this secrecy and backpedaling are suspicious and sickening to me, and I really feel for Dust, since they are such a small studio. On the other hand, the doll isn't a recast, and the head is original. The doll is also in a different size than Pun, the original. And there is always question about the boundaries between inspiration and theft.

I've put some Leeke wigs and shoes on my list to buy for Tryphosa and my incoming girl, but I don't know about that now. I'll have to ponder the issue more.

What I do know is that those who purchased Mikhaila are certainly not to blame for this incident. I really hope that I don't see backlash on DoA for the Mikhaila owners.

What are your thoughts on the issue?


Friday, April 8, 2011

Why I Think I Can't Keep Dolls


... So, I'm selling my Zero. I'm really upset about it. I sanded her seams, nipples, eyebrows, and did a lot of work for her posing and faceplates. I really tried to keep her. I LOVE her body scuplt and her faces are beautiful.... but she just won't stand for me. It's hit or miss - sometimes she will, sometimes she won't, and I've never had so much trouble photographing any doll (even my Supia Roda, with her weird 'uneven' legs).

Contrary to my keep/buy record, I really, really loathe selling dolls. My friend has had her two dolls ever since I introduced her to the hobby back in highschool. But me - I've had around 10+, now including the Unoa Zero. I've wondered for the 5 years I've been in the hobby about why I can't seem to bond with any of my dolls.

At least my Shiny Fairy May, Tryphosa, isn't going anywhere. Maybe it's because I see her as a precious gift? But, I had seen my DZ Shoyo in that light, as well as my SDF Ethan head. All were still sold. It's not like I don't want to bond with a doll, it's just that I can't seem to. Even my precious Kurumi left me, because of the thought that 'maybe this just isn't the right time in my life for her'. I do plan on getting her again someday, so it's not a permanent loss.

I'm getting a MNF Shushu again, small bust with #3 hands. I think she'll be turned into a Multihead, with a Miyu and maybe one other head or a modded head or something, to counteract the 'one look' syndrome ('I don't really see an 'expression' on her face. It's all just one look'... that thought has also led to the selling of dolls). I'll also be buying a TON of accessories, wigs, clothing and shoes for both Tryphosa and the Shushu. I've never had a lot of things for my dolls, preferring to make most instead, but perhaps my lack of leisure time (when employed) and lack of fabric experimentation funds just dampen my enthusiasm for free form sewing fun. Maybe the ability to fully style both will help me to get along with them better.

Maybe it's just because I can't justify spending so much on myself. Maybe it's just that I would prefer to spend the money on more 'practical' things, but I can't ever shake my beloved doll hobby. Maybe it's that I haven't found the 'right' doll for me. The Shushu, if she were in 60cm size with all available A-line options, would fulfill all of my dreams. Maybe 'my' doll hasn't been made yet? I have no idea.

I'm so tired of selling dolls. I really hate saying goodbye to them, especially since the reasons I bought them haven't changed. And it may not seem like it, but they're all special to me.

Sorry for the text-heavy, ranty post. It's just been on my mind lately. Has anyone else here had bonding issues with *every* doll they've bought? Have you known someone like this? Did you think that they should just settle with a doll and get it over with? Did you get frustrated with them? Did they seem to be upset over it, or did they seem to be okay with selling a lot?

Even if you just have a random thought on the issue, I'd love to see your opinion. :3

Friday, April 1, 2011

Raouken's Wonderful Corsets



This fine detail work and beautiful craftsmanship is brought to you by Raouken, who goes by the same screen name on Den of Angels. Her commissions thread is very navigable, and she is a personable and fun seamstress from what I can tell. She has excellent feedback and her prices are great for the craftsmanship you're getting. The corsets are 35 euro for a basic SD corset, and 30 euro for a basic MSD corset. There are other little details that may run you a little extra, but the results are well worth the extra 5 euro or so. She also has an Etsy shop in which she posts ready-made items, but nothing is up there at the moment (I'll bet she's busy with commissions).

I plan on commissioning her for my Zero when I get my monies together. I absolutely adore her work!

A Flesh and Blood Doll


...whose screen name is Jajaneko. :3 I do watch the lolita groups on DA still, I just haven't had the time or money to invest in lolita fashion for myself since I left home. This girl's dress designs caught my eye!


My favorite part is that she uses sheer chiffon on her dresses! I ADORE sheer fabric in lolita design, and I don't think it's used enough! If you would like to commission her, you can find out how on her blog (which is updated more regularly than her DA). Or you can go to her Deviant Art page!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Clara and Marion Again




Some better photos of Clara, with her actual wig. I never thought that the Kurumi wig would look better on her.




I painted the Marion yet again... still no name, no character. I don't know what to think of her when I look at her. I think part of the reason is that I don't ever favor blonde dolls, so this is a new thing for me... she's just so... fair. @_@ Please let me know what you think when you look at her!!! I need some inspiration for her character and my brain is all wrung out. XD