Doll, doll, doll!

I didn't want to post anything about this until I figured out if it was actually going to happen or not, but it looks like I may be getting my "grail" doll.  I use quotation marks there because I never thought I would actually get one.  Not because of cost or limited availability, but more because I just didn't see myself getting any more dolls.  But...

If I had one "regret" about Uri, if you can even call it that, it's that he's not a Volks doll.  Now for clarification...I'm not saying Volks are better than anyone else.  I simply prefer Volks dolls over others.  Again, my preference, not a statement about the quality of any other dolls.  They have just been my goal since I got in the hobby, and the more I've experienced them, the more I realize they have the perfect feel for me.  My current collection is almost all Volks dolls, and I like the continuity of that.  Plus, if/when I go to Japan or the Volks store, I could only take Volks dolls with me.

So I decided to look for a substitute head for Uri that was a Volks model.  Ideally I wanted one of the four sisters molds, specifically Megu.  Technically they are all the same face sculpt with different aesthetics, but I always think of them as Megu.  She has been my Volks love forever.  I almost ordered one a few years ago from Volks directly, but ended up not doing so because of the cost.  And yeah, even the heads on the after market are quite expensive.

I had almost give up hope when I saw a thread for on old four sister's head on a boy body.  Old, yellowed, bit of damage, but still lovely and reasonably priced.  So I PMed the seller and waited.  She just got back to me a little bit ago, and it looks like he's still available, so I'm waiting on a shipping quote!

Now, for dolly plans...Ideally I want this to be another version of Uri.  I've done a small version of him once which I liked, but I've always wanted other big versions of him.  He's the only doll who is so interchangeable with looks that I think it can be pulled off.  Just get him the right eyes, do a matching face up, and I think we'll be in business.  I am not planning on replicating Uri's mods on the Volks head, but I think that with the face up that should be enough.  I would like to purchase a second pair of matching eyes, but for now I might use the originals or a spare pair depending on how things go.

I am not however completely against the notion that the doll might have a different character instead.  I figure it's best to leave things open just in case, that way I'm not surprised or disappointed if they go one way or another.

New face for Nowell.

I really like it, just think I need to darken his eye brows some.  Hmm...

Nowell my little dancer.

Working on a little dance costume for Nowell with bits and pieces of leftovers from my own costume.  I made him a pair of wide-leg dancing pants last night, and today it's the "hip scarf."

And the finished product!

Not dolls but fun!

I mentioned in a prior post that I have been working on some dancing clothes for me, and getting inspired to make things for Nowell too.  This is my most recent outfit, belt was made by me.  The bottom is three layers: black leggings, black flared belly dancing pants, and then a brown skirt.  The belt itself is made of a black fake fur base, two rabbit pelts (one grey, one brown), feathers, a fox tail, charms, fake bones made from Sculpey, and a small leather wolf pouch I made.  It was a blast to wear and so much fun to dance in, I will definitely be breaking this out again for future events. :)

And just because, my wolf-inspired make up.  I didn't want to wear too much because it usually melts off when I dance, so just a bit of eye make up to mimic their eyes.  I will be doing this again too, it's a fun and simple look (and I'm amazingly lazy when it comes to make up).

Nowell is slowly becoming my dancing buddy.  Not that I dance with him, but as I design dance clothes, he is beginning to get more and more of his own.

Nowell has always been kind of a funny doll style-wise.  He is a kid, and I find myself often dressing him as such.  So while he can get away with the fairy coat for example, I really don't like him in leather pants.  Can't explain it other than to say it feels weird to me.

Today he's kind of pushing to the edge of what I feel is...appropriate for him? I just threw together some pieces and kind of liked it, so here he is.  Choker is from a fer, shirt is handmade to match one I own, and leggings are from Dollmore.

He also isn't a doll that I can put in dresses.  Uri will wear pretty much anything, but Nowell is a little more specific in his style, at least in things he won't wear.  So it's taken me a while to figure out what works and what doesn't.

Recently I started working on some dance costumes of my own, for various upcoming parties and such.  I've also been reworking my own wardrobe to include mostly a mix of mori girl and somewhat gothic pieces, because that's what I prefer to wear.  Nowell seems to have come along for the ride, and I find that I've been sketching up outfits and purchasing clothes that match some items I have.

I'm working on getting him a pair of black capri pants that look exactly like a pair of belly dancing pants I have.  He's got that lovely fairy coat already, and I'm working on developing a leather/fur belt for him.  Very tribal style, which is what I tend to wear as well.  I'm heading off this afternoon to pick up a few odds and ends for my outfit tomorrow (leather, rabbit fur, bells, etc.) and I think any leftovers will go to him.

Nowell's story, like that of Uri and eventually Paks, moves in separate arcs.  So there is his beginning as a child turned pseudo-zombie, and the early days of the world falling apart.  Then it progresses to the future time, after humanity has begun to rebuild.  It's in that second part that more of the steampunk/sepia fashion comes in to play.  Lately I only seem to want to dress him as the latter, probably because I am doing the same.

The Haunted Vessel: Symbols

Symbols, like names, can be very important in magic workings.  They can be used for any number of purposes, from stating a name to protection.  The symbol may be painted, carved, tattooed, or otherwise marked, but it's meaning remains the same.

I have a protective symbol tattooed on my chest, a picture of which I posted here before.  In my practice it's associated with the goddess Hecate (Greek goddess of the crossroads, magic, and spirits among other things).  I used it as protection from all that goes bump in the night, and for the occasional magical working here and there.

On one of the supernatural doll stories threads on DoA, a conversation began about marking dolls.  One girl said that each of her dolls had two marks, one general protection symbol and one more specific to them.  Others discussed the notion that because dolls are empty* it's a good idea to mark them to protect from possession.

Up unto this point I had occasionally marked dolls with tattoos or sometimes with jewelry, for example Uri has a scale pentacle.  But I like permanent marks, especially when it comes to the paranormal (less room for error), so I decided to mark my boys.  Uri and Nowell now both have matching marks to the tattoo I have on my chest.  I modified theirs slightly to add another piece, so it basically looks like an equal arms cross
(another Hecate symbol) descending into the Grecian key I have.  I did it with a small exacto knife, so the marks are thin but definitely there.  If I wanted to I could blush them, but I think I like them as is.

*Dolls are considered "soulless" vessels in many cultures/religions. Some suggest that a doll could over time gain a soul, by magic or by intense love/involvement of their owner.  Others use dolls as protection against wandering spirits. If a spirit comes calling, it would be more likely to possess the empty vessel than a child.

My little imp.

MSD-sized bjds always remind me of faeries or little imps.  Especially when I have Nowell dressed up like this.  So I jokingly call him my imp, and tuck him away in small areas around my desk.  

Bring your pseudo-zombie to work day!

We're still here, just crazy busy.  We will return to your normal programming soon. :)