Tuesday 8 April 2014

Jonquil's Turn

Jonquil's still not quite sure why I "chose" Juniper for the Flickr 365 Blythe Challenge (the challenge is to post a photograph of the same doll, every day, for one year).  I'm not sure either.  It wasn't a conscious decision.  Juniper had just arrived, I photographed her, loved the way she photographed and leapt in, which is pretty much my MO.  Carpe Diem and all that!

However, Jonquil too shines behind a lens.  I've mentioned that one of the facets of this very rewarding hobby I'm enjoying the most is photography.  I'm learning to take photographs properly (not just on auto or with my cameraphone) and I love how the girls' eyes and hair react with different light levels.  

So without further ado, here's the gorgeous Jonquil, RBL Simply Love Me (Takara 2012 release).  Jonquil has a fairly laid-back, edgy style, and really doesn't like to brush or style her hair.

Jonquil:


Jonquil with her namesake







Very subtle changes in focus between these two









Jonquil wearing the Sugar Blocks Breakfast Club dress with KMT stock boots (Jonquil LOVES Bender!)


Jonquil wearing Orange & Spice stock dress, and Jemgirl boots.

This is my favourite photograph of Jonquil.  I think it's the mix of bright colours, flowers, and a little wire giraffe.

Sunday 6 April 2014

My First Blythe-versary!

One year ago today I ordered a Blythe doll.  

I'd never seen a Blythe doll in real life.  I couldn't tell a Kenner from a Takara Blythe, let alone distinguish between the different face moulds.  I didn't know what a limited release was, and I had no idea what a custom doll was.  I had, however, won 3 Blythe jumpers in a give-away, which I took to be a good omen.

And then Rosabela Liliane arrived:


My beautiful RBL MPG (I love her to bits).  Rosabela needed a friend.  Enter Iolanthe, the fashion-conscious party girl - RBL Cappucino Chat.  

And then Merrily (Silver Snow - for ages I thought she was an RBL but now I know she's a lovely SBL).  Marissa was followed closely by my very special Saffron Grace Bee (Saffy)- RBL Prima Dolly Saffy.  

And then many girls.  All carefully chosen, one or two on a whim, like Meredith Taisie (RBL - Sadie Sprinkle) and Linnet (SBL Odekake Kimono Museme).  

So, to celebrate my first Blythe-versary, here are my girls.  It's also coincided with Dolly Shelf Sunday on Flickr, something I've yet to do.  


I couldn't fit everyone in this shot so:

SBL Love.  L-R:  SMF - Renee, OKM - Linnet, SS - Merrily, MRM - Marissa, ILYIT - Iseult, VS - Jaime.  I forgot PWP - Niamh, so here she is doing her catwalk strut:


SBL PWP- Niamh


EBL Love.  L-R:  BBA - Lyssa, LM - Madison, DB - Harley, CT - Rosamund, FruPu - Daria.

And then:


The RBLs:  L-R standing:  UC - Dakota, ETC - Juniper, PDS - Saffy, SD - Jonquil, MPG - Rosabela, CC - Iolanthe, SD twins Storm and Solange, PDWW - Paige.  L-R seated:  SaSpr - Meredith, KMT - Tatiana, Mango - Horatia; TBL - Peony

and not quite last:


My only BL, Hero (who's having the longest bad-hair-day in history!).   

And after a year of Blythe-ing?  Welll, I can speak the language fairly fluently.  I've spent a lot of money, I've spent a lot of time on Flickr.  My photography's improving - it's proving to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of my new hobby.  My girls have all remained with me (except for an FBL and a TBL), and are all completely stock except for PDWW Paige, who's hair I bobbed upon return from Blythecon UK 2013 - feeling inspired.  I've hosted a beautiful Traveling Blythe, James, created by the talented Saience.    
James, the Traveling Blythe
I've learnt to crochet, knit and sew small things.  I've stepped out of my comfort zone and joined on-line forums and groups on FB.  Most importantly, I've met LOVELY people, both on-line and for real.  People I really enjoy spending time with, and I only wish I could meet them all.  

Who knew - from one doll (and three little jumpers) - all this.  I feel blessed.  

Happy Blythe-versary!