2 posts by tamsart



Our first WPWD Featured Dolly Lover is Lisa Peterson aka Ragazza (Flickr) and Petite Wanderlings (Etsy).

This truely amazing lady’s talents seem to be endless, from doll customiser, photographer, clothes designer, painter to sculptor and her knowledge is second to none in each of the areas. Lisa’s passion and energy is so infectious that one could spend hours drooling over her flickr photos (I know because I’ve done exactly that… LOL).

We asked Lisa some questions in a recent interview:

1. Tell us a little about you?

Hi, I’m Lisa Peterson from Maryland, USA, aka Ragazza on Flickr and Petite Wanderlings on Etsy.  My shop/website used to be known as Blythe Studio, but has recently gone through a name change and I’m still trying to get everything updated.

I practiced as pediatric Registered Nurse for 10 years before deciding to stay home full time with my two children.  I love all forms of art and creativity from sewing and painting to sculpting and photography.

2. How and when did you discover Blythe?

I discovered Blythe in 1993 when I was working on 3D collage paintings, journals and jewelry for nearby art shows, galleries and boutiques.  I was always looking for 3D media and vintage ephemera and happened upon a book by Gina Garan with those famous pictures of Blythe.  It took me a little while to catch on, but before long I had bought my first doll, merely to add as an interesting addition to my studio. You know something to look at and inspire me, but nothing more than that. I was only planning to ever buy one!

3. Who was your first ever Blythe?

Art Attack because I loved all of those great outfits she came with.

4. How many dolls do you have in your current collection?

I have gone through some real changes in my style of collecting over the years.  When I first started, I felt like I needed to have every doll ever made or I might die. Of course, it didn’t take long to realize that would be a bit difficult to keep up with. I also remember thinking Kenner prices were ridiculous and I would never pay that amount for a used doll.  It took about a year for me to recognize and understand the magic that lives inside a Kenner and once I did, I was history.  They remain my most favorite of all Blythe dolls to this day. I also finally realized that for me, I cannot change a Kenner in any way or she will lose her magic and the more imperfect they are, the more I love them.   It took a few years, but I finally found my style of collecting these dear girls from Takaras to Kenners.  I simply have the girls with me who I love most. 

I have 8 Kenners; one is a custom that I re-rooted with pink mohair. 5 Bls and 2 Ebls.

I have 6 custom dolls; 5 are ebls, 1 is rbl.  One re-root and 3 makeovers by me, 2 were made for me by friends and I have one more custom dolly on the way that I am really looking forward to. :D  

5. Do you collect any other dolls? 

Yes and Blythe started it all. I collect so many other dolls that I have created a group on Flickr called Thursday’s Child to give them a spotlight of their own and for everybody to join and share their ‘other’ dollies: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1489194@N24/ 

6. What do you love about Blythe the most?

I have met so many interesting and wonderful people, including my very best friend in all the world, Zozolala, through Blythe.  I enjoy the companionship of the dolls and the art of recreating and styling them.  Blythe has been and will always be my greatest and most dearly loved muse. I have found so many new creative outlets because she is in my life.

7. What are your current interests and projects?

I have recently reopened my waiting list and am presently working on quite a few commissioned dolls.  I’m also working on new dress designs and making toy companions along with trying my hand at sculpting my own dolls for the first time.   

 

Want to know more about Lisa? Please check out these sites: 

 

 

Blythe, Interviews | 2 Comments »

In preparation for the 2011 National Meet, we have begun to organise a travelling Blythe to tour Australia. Her journey will begin soon, and end at the meet itself in NSW, in the middle of 2011. Would you like her to visit you? Here’s the info you need:

Facts

♥   Up to 50 hosts Australia wide


♥ Eligibility based on peer feedback (wpwd/50 posts + etsy and/or ebay and ID showing current address where Miss Sydney will be sent).  ID must be sent to the Travelling Doll Co-ordinator and kept on file until the project is finished. ID’s will be kept confidential and be destroyed at the end of the project.

Penalty. Bad feedback at BadDollyDeals or other sites will mean a rejection in application

Costs. Each participant will be required to paypal $10 to cover costs associated with the project (includes cost of doll and all surplus funds to be allocated to 2011 NSW Meet). See FAQs for details.  A nominated paypal account will be assigned.

Risks. Custom fees, postage fees and stress.

Obligations. Communication, any custom fees incurred when receiving the doll, taking and sharing pictures, being a good host, safely packing up the dolly for shipping, and being responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and tracking to travel to her next host.

Project ending. Every participant will be entered into a raffle to adopt the girl that they hosted with her collected goodies and give her a permanent home.  The draw will take place at the 2011 NSW National Meet.

FAQ

Q: Who are the organizers of this?
A: Committee members of the 2011 NSW National Meet include Jen (Jenink – Travelling Doll Co-ordinator), Adele, Jodie (Kittyrobot), Sophia (Philosophia) and Tanya (TamsArt)

Q: Which Blythe will be chosen?
A: We have chosen a stock Bow Wow Trad who will slightly customised to make her individual by Jen (Jenink)

Q: I like Blythes stock! Why do they have to be customized?
A: We thought it may be a good idea to have very unique girls traveling around Australia for this very exciting event. They will be featured in photos for at least a year, so they should be easily recognizable.
We are not expecting the worst, however if one of the girls disappears it would be more difficult to sell a custom doll.

Q: What about the costs?
A: Each participant will be required to paypal $10 AU to cover costs associated with the project. These costs include the doll and all surplus funds will be contributed to the NSW National Meet in 2011.  This is for fun! Not to make money.

Q: Who has to pay for the shipping?
A: Each participant has to pay for the shipping (incl. tracking and insurance) after their week of hosting.

Q: How long does the dolly stay with each host?
A: We have planned a 5-7 day stay. The doll must be shipped on or as close to the 8th day. Understandably, the post office is closed sometimes. We as organizers will make sure to keep in contact with the sender and the receiver so we know where the doll is at all times and whether to expect any delays.  A scheduled route will be planned and each participant will know who to send to next… It is likely that many hosts may be able to pass Miss Sydney on by hand delivery.

Q: Can I add goodies to the dolly’s suitcase?
A: It is encouraged, but it is not necessary that you add something to her suitcase. We ask you snap a quick picture of the item or items by themselves and email the picture to your organizer. We will be keeping a photo-journal of all the goodies she collects, as we want to make sure she doesn’t forget anything along the way. Miss Sydney will carry a travel diary for each host to write notes and it is requested that each host upload notes so they can be added to an online journal which will then be added to completed book package before she is handed to her host owner. Please feel free to write something about her stay or about yourself ….something that can be shared and enjoyed with all the other hosts.

Q: What are the obligations for participants?
A: Everyone who decides to join the project, has at least a 2 week obligation. Please keep in mind, that you must have time to communicate, to pick the dolly up from the post office, to unpack her, to take good photos of her, to pack her safely up again, and to bring her back to the post office. Furthermore, you have to stay in contact with the organisers before the dolly will be shipped to your place. We won’t let the doll be shipped to you, if you don’t give the OK a week before. Your obligation ends when the person after your turn has received the doll. This will be stressful! Please think about this before you sign up!

Q: What risks are there? What if something happens to the dolls?
A: We can’t and won’t hold anybody legally responsible for loss or destruction. This is one of the risks you are taking when joining this project. You could loose your payment of $10. This whole project is big and of course we hope that nothing bad will happen. But it might happen. Please think about this before signing up!

Q: Do we need a fancy camera to take part?
A: Definitely not! We only ask you take lots and lots of photos. Maybe photos of meeting your other girls, visiting historic monuments, going to the park to have a picnic, trying on new outfits….the possibilities are endless and please get creative!

Q: How will this project end?
A: Miss Sydney will arrive in time for the 2011 NSW National Meet where she will be on display with all her goodies.  She will then be raffled to one of her hosts to take home

♥ Australian residents only can apply

Blythe, Community, Meets, News & New Releases, Petworks Momoko, Odeco & Nikki, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

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