How this all started:
I have loved costuming since I was a little girl. I have been fascinated with fantasy, film, and
historical clothing in period films for many years now. I was day dreaming about being able to own
all the different costumes that I truly love. From different movies, from many different periods in
history. I figured I would need a warehouse to hold them all, not to mention a fortune in order to
buy them all, or even make them all for that matter! Realizing the idea was pretty hopeless, I
began to think of ways that I could own a piece of that magic still. Then I came up with the idea of
making them really small, and rotating them out occasionally on a display in my sewing space. I
knew that I had hit on something- and I got very excited about the concept! I knew that with the
scale being so small, that I could afford to use the best quality fabrics just like those used on the
original costumes because I would not need very much of it. A little goes a long way on this scale.
The cost of fabric alone can at times be prohibitive for you when trying to make an accurate
recreation for yourself. By making them on this scale the luxury of owning the costume you day
dream about becomes much closer to reach. I just knew that there might be other people out there
who like this idea as much as I do, and so I began selling my tiny creations on eBay in October of
2005. I've been sewing for many years now. Mostly, I've made costumes for myself, or friends &
family members as well as various decorative touches around my home. I enjoy being a part of the
online costuming community! You can see my own personal costumes, my costume studies, and my
other interests at my home web site, The Pre-Raphaelite Woman.
My Main Influences Are:
The Théâtre de la Mode Exhibit
Many Many Period and Fantasy Costume Films
Historical Clothing Found in Books, Online, and in Museum Exhibits
Les Petites Dames de Mode Collection of John R. Burbidge.
What Always Brings Me Inspiration:
The Customized Dolls of Cheryl Crawford
The Costume Designs of Ngila Dickson for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Costume Designs of Trisha Biggar for the Star Wars Prequel Films
The Costume Designs of Sandy Powell for the Film Interview with the Vampire
The Costume Designs of Beatrix Aruna Pasztor for the film Vanity Fair
The Costume Designs of Milena Canonero for the film Marie Antoinette (2006)
The Art of John W. Waterhouse
The Art of Alphonse Mucha
(The Big Dreamers Who Remind Me: "If You Think You Can, You Can.")
Jim Henson
Walt Disney
The Music of Loreena Mckennitt
Nature & The Seasons
Thank Yous:
Grateful thanks to Lyn Waring for giving me permission to use her doll dummy patterns for my dress
form displays and for providing fitting slopers for dolls so that I can design my creations based off
of them! Many of the doll dummy patterns and fitting slopers are available through Lyn Waring's
web site, except the dress form/slopers for 41cm BJD's and dress form/slopers for 17" Sasha dolls
which I have designed myself. Thanks to the authors who published the book, "The Art of Making
Beautiful Fashion Doll Shoes", without it I would have been lost! An infinite thank you to my
husband for his constant support and his belief in me. And thanks to all the great people out there
in the costuming and doll customization communities that I have met because of this craft!
A passion for the details:
I am passionate about the details. You could say, a little bit obsessive about it. It's really
important to me that when I try to re-create a movie costume that I try everything I know how to
do, to get as close as possible to the original, otherwise it just doesn't work for me. I am willing to
make mock up pieces again and again and again until I get it just right. I am willing to slowly
collect the necessary components one by one over time, rather than settle for "close enough".
Sometimes, I get lucky, and I find something dead on to the original item. Many times much
improvisation is needed, especially when it comes to proper scale. Many times things need to be
made from scratch. Anyone who has worked on small scale costuming before knows what a challenge
it is to create tiny details. But it's a fun challenge! When I am re-creating a movie costume or
historical clothing, I work from photographs of the original. If I am lucky enough to attend an
exhibit of movie costumes or historical clothing, notes from the exhibit visit are used as well, but I
am not able to physically touch the item, so some guess work is always involved- working with all
that is available on the original. I am willing to do the reading and research when I begin a
historical creation, I have many books in my collection which I frequently reference while
researching a costume. I enjoy reading through them to find the proper fabrics, sewing techniques,
and trims to go along with any period in time. I would not consider myself a historian by any means,
and when creating a historical costume, I get as close as I can without counting stitches. With all
the research, thought and time that movie costumes and historical costumes demand, my mind aches
for a break now and then- and that's when I just let loose artistically. Fantasy costumes are my
chance to let my own creative mind flex. Anything goes. I still manage to drawn on historical
garments in the process.
About My Items:
Each creation I make myself. I draft my own patterns from basic blocks/slopers available from Lyn
Waring, or I use a CAD doll pattern software. Many times, I just play around with shapes until I
find the right one, the end result is my own pattern. I may use bought accessories as part of a
creation, made by a manufacturer or another artist. If an accessory is purchased, it will be stated.
I'd never take credit for something I didn't make myself. I use sewing machine, serger, and hand
sewing techniques. Most of the fabrics I choose are natural materials such as silk, cotton, and wool.
I prefer working with fine fabrics for the majority of my items. Allot of the time, because of lack of
space- hand sewing is the only option. I make sure to overcast, serge, or treat seams and hems for
stability. I hand dye fabrics as well. I am not perfect. I make mistakes, all the time. But if I make
a major mistake, I start over. I will never ever send you an item with major defects. I take pride in
my crafts and this pride shows itself in the fact that I will not settle for major imperfections, I
don't rush into production, and that I test things for stability. I can't promise there will not be any
flaws or minor imperfections. Because I am human. If you are not happy with your purchase from
me, please contact me right away. I am always happy to refund after item is returned in the same
condition it left here in. I am always learning. I learn something new every time I sit down at my
machines, each time I begin a new article I am taught, schooled if you will. I am completely self
taught, and have never taken a professional class anywhere. I have learned all I know by trial and
error, by learning from past mistakes, by talking to fellow costumers and sewers, and by reading
many books. I am truly honored when someone chooses to purchase one of my creations.
About My Display Dress Forms:
I use quality fabrics and 100% polyester fill inside the stuffed parts. The dress form base is made
from solid wood which has small black felt dots on the underside. The measurements of each dress
form display set will vary, so will the base size or shape, and the specific way the dress form is
mounted to the base unit. This all depends on the creation being shown on the dress form and the
scale I'm working in. The specific measurements will be listed on the auction page itself. The metal
portions of the dress forms are pure brass. Brass tarnishes over time, because of air & the way it is
handled. I polish the brass portions and then I treat the brass with clear lacquer to prevent
excessive tarnish. This does not stop it permanently, but it does prolong the shine.
About Limited Edition and Open Edition Runs:
Each creation will arrive in a display box with a certificate of authenticity. My limited edition runs
are of 4 (with the exception of Gypsy Girl No.1 -my first creation which was 10, and Tiger Tail
Mermaid -which was 3). The Open Editions made for charity do not have a number but still come
with a COA just like the Limited Edition runs. I will sell numbers 1-3 of the Limited Edition runs
on eBay and retain number 4 for myself or to take with me to shows to sell there. So When you see
in the auction ad: "This is for number 3 of 4, number 4 will not be listed", you know there are a
total of 4 creations out there in the world. I usually keep one for myself and display it in my sewing
space to inspire more creativity!
For The Doll Collectors:
Since my costumes are fully removable, they can be worn on a doll, not just upon my dress form. The
doll that the costume fits upon will be mentioned in the auction ad. Because of the delicate nature
of the items, and the fact that some come with tiny accessories I recommend these items be given to
the more mature collector, age 13 and above. I do not feel that these items will be a good idea to
give to a child. If you insist on this, my only other recommendation would be to pack it away for the
child until they are older.
It is known to the doll collectors world that certain dyes in fabrics can cause a bleed-in or staining
effect on vintage and new dolls that are made from vinyl. I treat the fabrics that I use on my
designs the same way I would as if I were making this for myself. This means that if the fabric is
machine washable, I wash it, if it is dry clean only I will steam clean it gently. Because of the
various factors that cause this problem with the dolls, (I've been told humidity plays a large role in
this occurrence) I cannot guarantee this will not happen to your doll over time. I want you to be
aware of this so that you can decide for yourself. The same thing goes for any base metal jewelery.
It is well documented what happens with the metal parts touching the vinyl doll head and the
"green ear". I have also been told that some leathers can stain the dolls. My suggestion to you
regarding all of this is: use your own best judgement. On my end, what I can do is: I promise to
wash the fabrics, and do simple tests for dye bleeding. I promise to tell you the contents of all my
jewelery components and findings so that you can use your own best judgement when it comes to
how long you should leave it on the doll. I have not had any customer email me or write to me
telling me that this has happened to their doll. I just want you to be aware of this. If I hand dye
the fabric for a creation, I rinse the fabric very well, but the chance of staining from the hand dye
process is possible. This is especially true for the darker or bright colors. This is where the beauty of
the dress form display comes in, while you change out your doll's clothing for something lighter in
color during hot, humid months, you can still enjoy the creation on the dress form!
Please Note:
I am not affiliated with Mattel, Tonner, Wilde Imagination, Volks, Obitsu, Luts, Madame
Alexander, Effanbee or any of the film companies that distribute the films that I have chosen to
re-create a costume from in any way, and this is not implied in any way.
I have loved costuming since I was a little girl. I have been fascinated with fantasy, film, and
historical clothing in period films for many years now. I was day dreaming about being able to own
all the different costumes that I truly love. From different movies, from many different periods in
history. I figured I would need a warehouse to hold them all, not to mention a fortune in order to
buy them all, or even make them all for that matter! Realizing the idea was pretty hopeless, I
began to think of ways that I could own a piece of that magic still. Then I came up with the idea of
making them really small, and rotating them out occasionally on a display in my sewing space. I
knew that I had hit on something- and I got very excited about the concept! I knew that with the
scale being so small, that I could afford to use the best quality fabrics just like those used on the
original costumes because I would not need very much of it. A little goes a long way on this scale.
The cost of fabric alone can at times be prohibitive for you when trying to make an accurate
recreation for yourself. By making them on this scale the luxury of owning the costume you day
dream about becomes much closer to reach. I just knew that there might be other people out there
who like this idea as much as I do, and so I began selling my tiny creations on eBay in October of
2005. I've been sewing for many years now. Mostly, I've made costumes for myself, or friends &
family members as well as various decorative touches around my home. I enjoy being a part of the
online costuming community! You can see my own personal costumes, my costume studies, and my
other interests at my home web site, The Pre-Raphaelite Woman.
My Main Influences Are:
The Théâtre de la Mode Exhibit
Many Many Period and Fantasy Costume Films
Historical Clothing Found in Books, Online, and in Museum Exhibits
Les Petites Dames de Mode Collection of John R. Burbidge.
What Always Brings Me Inspiration:
The Customized Dolls of Cheryl Crawford
The Costume Designs of Ngila Dickson for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Costume Designs of Trisha Biggar for the Star Wars Prequel Films
The Costume Designs of Sandy Powell for the Film Interview with the Vampire
The Costume Designs of Beatrix Aruna Pasztor for the film Vanity Fair
The Costume Designs of Milena Canonero for the film Marie Antoinette (2006)
The Art of John W. Waterhouse
The Art of Alphonse Mucha
(The Big Dreamers Who Remind Me: "If You Think You Can, You Can.")
Jim Henson
Walt Disney
The Music of Loreena Mckennitt
Nature & The Seasons
Thank Yous:
Grateful thanks to Lyn Waring for giving me permission to use her doll dummy patterns for my dress
form displays and for providing fitting slopers for dolls so that I can design my creations based off
of them! Many of the doll dummy patterns and fitting slopers are available through Lyn Waring's
web site, except the dress form/slopers for 41cm BJD's and dress form/slopers for 17" Sasha dolls
which I have designed myself. Thanks to the authors who published the book, "The Art of Making
Beautiful Fashion Doll Shoes", without it I would have been lost! An infinite thank you to my
husband for his constant support and his belief in me. And thanks to all the great people out there
in the costuming and doll customization communities that I have met because of this craft!
A passion for the details:
I am passionate about the details. You could say, a little bit obsessive about it. It's really
important to me that when I try to re-create a movie costume that I try everything I know how to
do, to get as close as possible to the original, otherwise it just doesn't work for me. I am willing to
make mock up pieces again and again and again until I get it just right. I am willing to slowly
collect the necessary components one by one over time, rather than settle for "close enough".
Sometimes, I get lucky, and I find something dead on to the original item. Many times much
improvisation is needed, especially when it comes to proper scale. Many times things need to be
made from scratch. Anyone who has worked on small scale costuming before knows what a challenge
it is to create tiny details. But it's a fun challenge! When I am re-creating a movie costume or
historical clothing, I work from photographs of the original. If I am lucky enough to attend an
exhibit of movie costumes or historical clothing, notes from the exhibit visit are used as well, but I
am not able to physically touch the item, so some guess work is always involved- working with all
that is available on the original. I am willing to do the reading and research when I begin a
historical creation, I have many books in my collection which I frequently reference while
researching a costume. I enjoy reading through them to find the proper fabrics, sewing techniques,
and trims to go along with any period in time. I would not consider myself a historian by any means,
and when creating a historical costume, I get as close as I can without counting stitches. With all
the research, thought and time that movie costumes and historical costumes demand, my mind aches
for a break now and then- and that's when I just let loose artistically. Fantasy costumes are my
chance to let my own creative mind flex. Anything goes. I still manage to drawn on historical
garments in the process.
About My Items:
Each creation I make myself. I draft my own patterns from basic blocks/slopers available from Lyn
Waring, or I use a CAD doll pattern software. Many times, I just play around with shapes until I
find the right one, the end result is my own pattern. I may use bought accessories as part of a
creation, made by a manufacturer or another artist. If an accessory is purchased, it will be stated.
I'd never take credit for something I didn't make myself. I use sewing machine, serger, and hand
sewing techniques. Most of the fabrics I choose are natural materials such as silk, cotton, and wool.
I prefer working with fine fabrics for the majority of my items. Allot of the time, because of lack of
space- hand sewing is the only option. I make sure to overcast, serge, or treat seams and hems for
stability. I hand dye fabrics as well. I am not perfect. I make mistakes, all the time. But if I make
a major mistake, I start over. I will never ever send you an item with major defects. I take pride in
my crafts and this pride shows itself in the fact that I will not settle for major imperfections, I
don't rush into production, and that I test things for stability. I can't promise there will not be any
flaws or minor imperfections. Because I am human. If you are not happy with your purchase from
me, please contact me right away. I am always happy to refund after item is returned in the same
condition it left here in. I am always learning. I learn something new every time I sit down at my
machines, each time I begin a new article I am taught, schooled if you will. I am completely self
taught, and have never taken a professional class anywhere. I have learned all I know by trial and
error, by learning from past mistakes, by talking to fellow costumers and sewers, and by reading
many books. I am truly honored when someone chooses to purchase one of my creations.
About My Display Dress Forms:
I use quality fabrics and 100% polyester fill inside the stuffed parts. The dress form base is made
from solid wood which has small black felt dots on the underside. The measurements of each dress
form display set will vary, so will the base size or shape, and the specific way the dress form is
mounted to the base unit. This all depends on the creation being shown on the dress form and the
scale I'm working in. The specific measurements will be listed on the auction page itself. The metal
portions of the dress forms are pure brass. Brass tarnishes over time, because of air & the way it is
handled. I polish the brass portions and then I treat the brass with clear lacquer to prevent
excessive tarnish. This does not stop it permanently, but it does prolong the shine.
About Limited Edition and Open Edition Runs:
Each creation will arrive in a display box with a certificate of authenticity. My limited edition runs
are of 4 (with the exception of Gypsy Girl No.1 -my first creation which was 10, and Tiger Tail
Mermaid -which was 3). The Open Editions made for charity do not have a number but still come
with a COA just like the Limited Edition runs. I will sell numbers 1-3 of the Limited Edition runs
on eBay and retain number 4 for myself or to take with me to shows to sell there. So When you see
in the auction ad: "This is for number 3 of 4, number 4 will not be listed", you know there are a
total of 4 creations out there in the world. I usually keep one for myself and display it in my sewing
space to inspire more creativity!
For The Doll Collectors:
Since my costumes are fully removable, they can be worn on a doll, not just upon my dress form. The
doll that the costume fits upon will be mentioned in the auction ad. Because of the delicate nature
of the items, and the fact that some come with tiny accessories I recommend these items be given to
the more mature collector, age 13 and above. I do not feel that these items will be a good idea to
give to a child. If you insist on this, my only other recommendation would be to pack it away for the
child until they are older.
It is known to the doll collectors world that certain dyes in fabrics can cause a bleed-in or staining
effect on vintage and new dolls that are made from vinyl. I treat the fabrics that I use on my
designs the same way I would as if I were making this for myself. This means that if the fabric is
machine washable, I wash it, if it is dry clean only I will steam clean it gently. Because of the
various factors that cause this problem with the dolls, (I've been told humidity plays a large role in
this occurrence) I cannot guarantee this will not happen to your doll over time. I want you to be
aware of this so that you can decide for yourself. The same thing goes for any base metal jewelery.
It is well documented what happens with the metal parts touching the vinyl doll head and the
"green ear". I have also been told that some leathers can stain the dolls. My suggestion to you
regarding all of this is: use your own best judgement. On my end, what I can do is: I promise to
wash the fabrics, and do simple tests for dye bleeding. I promise to tell you the contents of all my
jewelery components and findings so that you can use your own best judgement when it comes to
how long you should leave it on the doll. I have not had any customer email me or write to me
telling me that this has happened to their doll. I just want you to be aware of this. If I hand dye
the fabric for a creation, I rinse the fabric very well, but the chance of staining from the hand dye
process is possible. This is especially true for the darker or bright colors. This is where the beauty of
the dress form display comes in, while you change out your doll's clothing for something lighter in
color during hot, humid months, you can still enjoy the creation on the dress form!
Please Note:
I am not affiliated with Mattel, Tonner, Wilde Imagination, Volks, Obitsu, Luts, Madame
Alexander, Effanbee or any of the film companies that distribute the films that I have chosen to
re-create a costume from in any way, and this is not implied in any way.
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