Dolls, Bikes, Corsets, oh my!

As promised, a few photos of two dolls I just finished (with more to come very soon!)  These are not their 'official' pictures because I'm going to make a lightbox tonight to try to get better photos for my Etsy shop (oh-so-barren at the moment.)  I've always struggled with lighting, and am hoping a lightbox will give me more control.

They look French to me. Delphine?  Cosette?  Haven't decided yet...

Well, it's another beautiful day here in Point St. Charles - how about a trip to the surprisingly well-stocked local library? (I feel a bit like creepy Mr. Rogers here with the virtual neighbourhood tour, but will push through my self-consciousness.) Let's go out the front door this time...

These are the houses across the street.   I love the colour and the little gabled  roofs over the windows.  The rest of the street looks like this:

If you look to your left, you'll notice some more of the Point's unusual graffiti, certainly part of its charm...

'Velo' is French slang for bike, hence the 'velorution'.  According the city stats, Montreal has the most extensive bike paths of any city in North America.  There is one right outside our door that leads to the Lachine canal, a beautiful canal that runs through the entire city and has bike paths long its entire length.  I love biking in Montreal and not having to worry that I'm going to get flattened by some aggro driver (and there are certainly plenty of those here, too.)

This lady drinks her soup just up the street - isn't she lovely?  But we can't stop long! We have to get to...

This is where I recently took out the most stunning book on Kyoto's fashion collection (aptly titled Fashion.)  The mannequins are all white with white ribbons for hair - tres belle!  Here are few photos from the book:

I'm working on some larger dolls in paperclay and plan to use this book as a reference for quasi-authentic historical costumes (that is, the ones in the book are thoroughly authentic, but mine will be quasi as I lik e to combine rough edges with all the bows and frills to temper the froufiness factor of period costume.)Thanks for the walk everyone.  Happy Spring!

Comments

[Ky Eliza]

Not only do I love your dolls (I have Lizzie!) but WOW! I love the pictures you post of your neighborhood-- have you had photography training as well?

[Marjorie]

Your new girls are so lovely!! I want the creamy white dress to wear!! ;)

and Fashion (the Kyoto museum book) is my bible!! I love it! Those particular Regency-1820's stays always make my costumer's mouth water! :)

Good luck with your lightbox!:)

[A Fanciful Twist]

HEeelllo there!!! Oh, you live in such a lovely dreamy place... I would love to roam a place that looked as such!!! Looove your two French delights!! They are so delicate and wonderful!! just like the most perfect French woman...

[Susan]

I must say, again, I just love your blog. I love the dolls, and your photos are wonderful. You have the artist's eye in everything you do. I do so love stopping by for a visit. Thanks again.

[noodle and lou studio]

oh your dolls are gorgeous!!! They do look perfectly French:) Thank you for the lovely stroll down your street...so fun to see your neighborhood! Thanks too for stopping by my blog and for all your sweet comments. I always respond, but my emails come back saying "undeliverable". It's most likely my silly hotmail account...but I wanted you to know that I appreciate you!! Have a great weekend! xox...jenn

[Aimee]

I love your two new little French girls. They make me want to have mini cafe au laits and croissants with them on the Champs Elysee :-) Your new neighborhood is charming as well. When do you think these two will be in your shop? OO LA LA

[Prudence]

Your new girls are gorgeous!!! So, so, so pretty. How long, on average/or what range, does it take you to make one of your dolls?

And your neighborhood is lovely, too. Thanks for the tour! You take great photos.
xo

[lou]

i do love those old buildings, something we are sorely short of here - england isnt what it was, most of the beautiful, interesting stuff goes the way of a supermarket these days, mweh!

but boy do i love those dolls! every time i see one i want one, and i never manage to snag the one im after. it will happen!

oh, and my apologies for being slow to reply to emails lately, im way behind due to moving house. im sending you all my best wishes regardless!

enjoy!