Duke Special

Thursday 18 December 2008

A new kind of paper doll...

The last few days have just been a whirlwind of Christmas preperations and taking care of Little Miss P, but finally I have chance to post again!

I made this little girl about a week ago but never got chance to photograph her. She's a new kind of non-dressable, jointed paper doll I made for fun :)

paperdolljointed

She doesn't have a name yet, I just call her 'Matey'!

Hope you are keeping well in the run up to the holidays!

Holly & the festive dollies xoxoxo

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Sorry for the lack of posting!!!

I know I've not kept the blog up to date the last few days, but the weekend is always hectic, not least of all before Christmas, also Little Miss P has been off school sick. She seems to be on the road to recovery now though...

See you on the other side of the busy tunnel (hopefully tomorrow)!

Holly xoxo

Friday 12 December 2008

Dyanite Girl and Eve Kitten arrive!

Sorry for the poor quality pics, it is so dark here today, but I couldn't wait to start photographing the new girls!


First Jolly Jett...


jettportrait


Jett has been adopted by Little Miss P, and she is just so beautiful! I love almost everything about her right down to the little space between her toes!
My only complaint is that without her clothes she really looks like she could use a hearty meal (or actually, probably several hearty meals!).
Other than that though she is beautiful and so are her clothes (she also has a faux fur coat which isn't shown in my photo).
Little Miss P has been glued to her since her arrival and with good reason ^-^!


Next is my Eve Kitten...


Evekittenfilmnoir
evekittenportrait
Powerevekitten


I've always wanted a doll in the style of 'Tura Satana in Faster Pussycat Kill, Kill' my Eve Kitten fits the bill (or should that be Kilbill?) perfectly :)


I am slightly disappointed that she is not more poseable, she only moves at the shoulder joint, neck joint and hops joints I'm afraid, but her sheer presence makes up for that :)


She's a bad grrrrl and I love her!


Holly & the baddddd dollies xoxoxo

Wednesday 10 December 2008

The repro Sindies are here! - plus the tragic tale of the death of my first ever Sindy...

reprosindybrunnettereproblonde


Good news! The postie arrived while I was at home!


Bad news! The package I received was not my Eve Kitten and Jett.


Good news! The package actually contained an internet radio I won in a competition!


Bad news! I think the post office must have a huge backlog because I'm waiting for several parcels which are now veerrrryyy late!


Good news! I did get some dolls in the mail! I got my repro Sindies!


One is a blondie wearing an entirely unseasonal sunsuit, while the other is a fully uniformed brunette nurse, so at least she can administer first aid when Blondie catches pneumonia!


reprosindies


These dolls were originally sold with a short-lived Sindy partworks magazine. On closer inspection I have to say that she looks the part despite being obviously cheaply made (and sometimes a even a bit grubby) in the pack. She's not a perfect replica, the plastics used look cheaper, she doesn't have rooted eyelashes and her body is different. But the outfits are nice and she does what I wanted her to, which is to remind me of the Sindies I had when I was a little girl, she does still have that Sindy character so I am very happy with them!


The Tragic Story of the Death of a Sindy


When I was very young every girl played with Sindy and no-one had Barbie. Much as I like Barbie, it seems a shame that little girls nowadays only seem to have the option to play with American dolls. Sindy always seemed to be portrayed as so... English!


The story of my first Sindy probably goes to explain my dolly obsession now;


The very first doll that I can ever remember having, at age three, was a blonde active Sindy in an ice skating outfit. I adored her, so naturally, decided to take her along with me on a family visit to my Great Auntie's house.
We didn't have a car in my family, so after a long and exciting visit we began our trek back through the town centre to catch the bus home.


Because I was only very small and quite tired I asked my Mum if she would carry my Sindy for me the rest of the way home (well, actually I probably whined my request!).
My Mum being a sensible woman who wished to instil responsibility into us, refused my request (or most likely demand) telling me that I had brought the doll so it was my job to carry her. However, being a cunning little minx I devised a sly plan to slip the poor dolly into my Mum's bag when no-one was looking.


I waited for my moment and when I thought her attention was elsewhere (observing a gap in the traffic so that we could cross a busy road) I tried to make the switch!
Unfortunately we also chose that moment to set off across the busy road. I dropped my Sindy who was promptly crushed flat by a bus before my very eyes!


Thus occurred my first dolly tragedy...


Although I was very upset, my family had very little money, and there were three of us children to support. I didn't get a replacement Sindy (a brunette in a pink swimsuit) until the following Christmas almost a full year later. Could this be the trauma induced root of my doll obsession? Who knows... there was also the tragedy of the 'My First Barbie' who got eaten by a neighbour's dog... and the toddler doll I had to wrestle from a thieveing horse... (yes I said horse)... but they're different stories! ^-^


Holly xoxo

Tuesday 9 December 2008

A tribute to the late, great Oliver Postgate


I was deeply saddened by the news of Oliver Postgate's death reported on the news this morning.


As a child brought up in the 70s and 80s I was raised on Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine and the Clangers. Even my dolly obsession can be partly placed on the shoulders of 'Smallfilms'; first with Madeline the rag doll in Bagpuss, but most influentially with the animation 'Tottie: the Story of a Dollshouse' based on the wonderful book by Rumer Godden.


Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin were the fathers of the 'Golden Age of Childrens TV' and I will always be grateful for the enrichment they gave to my childhood, and the joy of storytelling and wonder that I still treasure to this day. And I am happy to say that my own daughter also enjoys their work even now.


I'd like to add though, that wonderful as this work is, I was unaware if the political and social campaigning and commentary that Mr Postgate dedicated his later life to. I would certainly recommend that you take a look at his own website at http://www.oliverpostgate.co.uk/ if you haven't already.


Holly xoxoxo

Monday 8 December 2008

New curvy paper doll outfit - Morgana inspired gown.

We've been watching 'Merlin' on BBC every Saturday evening. I wouldn't say that it's wonderful, but it fits the family, fantasy entertainment mold nicely for us all to watch together, and will have to do until Dr Who returns at least :)

Some of the dresses worn by Morgana in the show are rather nice too. The costumers seem to have gone via the same route as they did for the 'Robin Hood' series and gone for a modern spin on period costume rather than direct authenticity.

The dress you see below is very loosely based on one worn by Morgana in the last episode.



I hope you enjoy it :)

Holly & the magical dollies xoxoxo

New BE Goths revealed!

BE Goths have posted pics of their upcoming series 8 dolls:



I look forward to seeing them in the flesh when they arrive at 'The Last Picture Show' like they normally do, and to see more pics.

I'm loving Greta Vendetta, and Gloria's Egyptian look is nice :) Little Miss P is interested in ancient Egypt so I think that'll be right up her street!

Holly xoxo

Friday 5 December 2008

My pick of the doll auctions for charity on Ebay







I have highlighted just a handful of the Ebay auctions for dolls where a percentage of the takings goes to charity. I picked them because I thought that they were interesting items but there are lots more to choose from LOOK!
Holly and the shopaholic dollies xoxoxo


Postman waiting apathy...

I am waiting for the postman. He's meant to be on his way and delivering all manner of dolly goodness, repro Sindies, an Eve Kitten, a Jett and a Dynamite Girls outfit.

But he's not here yet and I can't settle to anything, so sorry for the lack of constructive posting but I'm too fidgety to concentrate!

See you later ^-^!

Holly and the dollies xoxo

Thursday 4 December 2008

Twilight Dolls from Tonner revealed!


Everyone seems to be very excited bout all this Twilight business but I have to admit I had never even heard of it recently. Perhaps this means I'm getting old... perhaps it means I'm ALREADY old!?... I will be 34 in a matter of weeks... I'd better buy some fluffy bootee slippers and Werthers Original!


Anyway, if you know all about it perhaps you'll appreciate the dolls more than I :)


Holly and the baffled dollies xoxoxo

New curvy paper doll outfit - Shelter charity tee


Shelter is a UK charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. They achieve this by giving advice, information and advocacy to people in housing need, and by campaigning for lasting political change to end the housing crisis for good.


Homelessness does not only affect single people, even whole families with young children can find themselves forced into a position of living rough or in poor quality temporary accomodation through no fault of their own. This puts them in danger or risks the splitting up of children from their parents.


If you like this paper doll outfit (or even if you don't!) then please consider visiting http://england.shelter.org.uk/ and consider taking action to help with campaigning or making a small donation to help people in need this Christmas and beyond :)


Now enjoy the papery goodness!

Holly and the dollies xoxoxo

More drama in the Bratz vs Barbie catfight!

A federal judge has apparently declared Bratz to be the property of Mattel and has therefore is the legal owner of the line and has the right to recall all unsold Bratz.


According to Toy News Online The court order, which represents a major victory for Mattel, says MGA may no longer manufacture, sell, advertise or license its core lineup of Bratz dolls or any other product with the Bratz name.


Both companies are due to meet in court in February and the ban will not begin before that date... dollies wait with baited breath (or would if they could breathe...


Holly and the warring dollies xoxo

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Meet Charvi a Bengali lady with Saree

Bengali Bridal Couple Dolls


The inspiration for this paper doll came from a party I was at on Saturday. My good friend, S, was having an anniversary party. Being of Bengali descent she wore the most beautiful saree and I was so jealous I had to make my own ^-^, lol!!!
Appropriately enough I also discovered this very cute Bengali Bridal couple of dolls while looking for reference pics :)


So meet Charvi, a lovely Bengali lady of the same proportions as my other curvy girls, Libby and Alyssa, so she can wear the same clothes as them.




Neither the doll or the saree actually resemble my friend or the lovely dress she wore, they are merely a tribute (cue guitar solo...)



CLICK HERE TO GET THE DOLL PDF



CLICK HERE TO GET THE SAREE PDF



Holly xoxoxo

The Another Day Another Doll Flickr Group is open now!

I have started a Flickr Group for Another Day Another Doll. It's open to all doll lovers to join and post their dolls be they paper, vinyl, resin, wax, porcelain or anything else!


You are welcome to join in :)


Another Day, Another Doll. Get yours at bighugelabs.com/flickr


Holly and the Flickrite dollies xoxoxo

Q Pot revealed!

Ta daaaaaaaa!


New dolls from Gina Garan and Christina Gordon exclusive to Henri Bendel



I had to share the cuteness of these new Bendel dolls created exclusively for Henri Bendel Boutique by celebrated international doll designers Gina Garan (of 'This Is Blythe' fame and Christina Gordon of Jamfancy fame... Each doll is 17” tall and available in a limited edition of 250 (individually numbered). Priced at $68 a piece they're pretty reasonably priced too considering the low number produced :)


->CLICK HERE<- to visit the Henri Bendel shop to see more.

Monday 1 December 2008

Final design for the new Primadolly Blythes!

Date Available: December 5, 2008.Price: 8,400 yen.


I'm glad they've decided to make new versions of these Primadolly favourites. Violetina's hair has me swooning! It would have been nice if they'd used the radiance mold for Ashletina and Violetina though, otherwise there's not a whole lot of difference from the originals :(


Cute girls though, and this is not doing anything to quell the urge to search for and open my Christmas prezzies while my hubby is working =D


24 days to my Ashlette!


Holly and the counting dollies xoxoxo

New petite Blythe for the new year Cocoa Butter


Continuing on with the new year themed petites each year following on from Inossy and Chu Chu Chan comes Cocoa Butter.

Never has the phrase 'she's a total cow!' been used in such a positive context ^-^!

This supercute girl is due for release on the 19th of December from Junie Moon and will cost approximately 2,625 Yen.

First Week of Advent Gown

As yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent I have decided to mark the occasion with this lovely Advent gown for my curvy dolls (e.g. Alyssa and Libby).


adventdressthumb


Purple is the colour of the liturgical season of Advent, and the pattern is taken from a photo of clouds I had taken, tinted purple, it seemed appropriate since our thoughts are meant to be focused heavanwards in this season.


The outfit also includes an evergreen crown spotted with red berries, and she holds a lighted candle.


In case you wish to make your own Advent wreath then click ->HERE<-


I also discovered a lovely Advent blog ->HERE<-
Holly and the anticipating dollies xoxo

Saturday 29 November 2008

Toneer Cyber Monday Sale 15% off EVERYTHING O.o


I have a veeeerrrryyyy busy day ahead, but just time to share an email I got this morning.

Tonner are having a 15% off everything sale on Monday 1st December PLUS free shipping (in the US).

Visit the site and at the checkout enter the promo code: 0815FS

Offer ends December the 1st at midnight.

Holly xoxo

Friday 28 November 2008

New doll and new outfit :) - 1950s cupcake housewife and introducing curvy girl Alyssa

I was up until almost 1am this morning because I couldn't stop drawing! The result was new curvy girl Alyssa.


She's a natural, easygoing, optimistic sort of girl. I think Kaylee might have had something to do with that :)


This morning was mostly spent baking cakes for the church Fayre. I thought it would be appropriate then to design a 1950s style cupcake dress complete with pinny.


50sdressillustratopn


The pattern for the fabric is taken from a genuine print that I found on Etsy from seller Breezyb5.



You can get them both from MY SITE


Alternatively here's a direct link to the Alyssa doll PDF


And a direct link to the Cupcake Dress PDF


Holly and the retro dollies xoxoxoxo

Thursday 27 November 2008

More Serenity stuff...

Okay, after the Kaylee paper doll outfits and rant of earlier I promise not to talk about Serenity or Firefly any more after this post... today anyway =D

I remembered recently seeing a posting about a Kaylee figure on Plastic & Plush that I'd been meaning to share with you and here it is... (click on the pic for the original post):


And if that wasn't cool enough, while doing a search I also happened across these great custom Barbies of the whole Firefly crew at the Serenity Stuff blog (follow this link to see... http://www.serenitystuff.com/2006/01/29/firefly-barbies/ )

Holly and the shiny dollies xoxoxo

New Kaylee inspired Firefly cosplay paper doll dress - Episode Shindig

kayleeballgownthumbnail


I managed to do it... all those ruffles! This is the dress Kaylee wore in the Firefly episode 'Shindig'. Well, it's almost the same! And she's even holding a strawberry from the buffet table :)


Get it here -> http://www.dinkydivas.com/doolmakerscript/PDFs/kayleeballgown.pdf


All other dolls and cloting from here -> http://www.dinkydivas.com/printablepaperdolls.htm


Holly & the shindiggin' dollies xoxoxo

Cosplay for Libby paper doll - Kaylee from Firefly / Serenity

I hate Firefly. And this is why; it has completely ruined TV for me!


I love Firefly so much that whenever I watch anything nowadays I can't help but be disappointed. Firefly shows what TV is capable of, and what TV should be.


Watching the episodes on DVD I always start to get upset as the series comes to an end because I know there are no more episodes to watch.


Yep I know I do sound dangerously like this guy:


But I can't help it. As an outlet for my Firefly longings, I decided to make a Kaylee costume for Libby.


kayleeboilersuitillus


It's found in the usual place. In case you're not familiar with her, Kaywinnit Lee Frye is Serenity's engineer. She's completely adorable and infectiously cheerful and optimistic, I think we could all use a dose of that =D!


I plan to make the infamous ruffled ballgown from the 'Shindig' episode soon :)


Holly xoxo

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Site fix...

I came to realise that having my dolls and outfits hosted only as JPEG files on my website meant that they weren't printing out at the correct size so some of the outfits wouldn't fit the dolls.


To remedy this I have converted all the files into PDF files which can be opened using Adobe Reader. If you don't have Adobe reader you can download it here: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html


Problem solved :)


A new outfit for Libby will be revealed tomorrow, as it's almost midnight and I'm too tired *yawn*!


Holly & the paper dollies xoxoxo

Dolly mail - Momoko goodness!

A day with dolly mail is always a good day! The dolly mail was not intended for me however but was the brand spanking new Momoko ordered by Little Miss P with the Christmas money she got from her Grandma (thanks grandma!)...


I still get to enjoy things vicariously though!
momokoface
momokolong


She's a 'Wild and Sexy Tune' Momoko, I got her via Mimiwoo's shop. She arrived super quick, excellently packaged and she even sent this cute little bag :)


mimibag


The only problem now is that I'm incredibly tempted to buy a Momoko of my own! D'oh! XD


Holly and the Momoko dollies xoxo

Ever wanted to hang Barbie?

Well now you can! And in the nicest possible way with these Hallmark Barbie christmas tree ornaments :)


I'm sure Little Miss P would approve, not sure about my husband though!

Monday 24 November 2008

Yet more incredibly limited and unattainable Blythes *sigh*

Yep, Blythes for the elite once again... and so cute too!


I'm loving Marigold's hair but as she's limited to a run of 1000 dolls available only to CWC Complete members living in Japan I guess she's a little out of my league!

The petite is LE also available only from the traveling event "Blythe Styling Situation", Junie Moon, Blythe official mobile site (Japan only) and CWC Group On-line Shopping.

Click on the pics for the full story... I don't have the heart to type... (and other assorted melodrama, lol!).

Actually, I'm only really annoyed because I have to wait until Christmas until I can open my own Primadolly Ashlette who is nicely wrapped and stashed in the wardrobe out of my reach.... why must my husband be so deviously tall!?

Holly and the outleagued dollies xoxo

Evanesence Amy Lee inspired new dress for plus sized paper doll

If I could own any dress in the whole wide world, it would have to be the tartan dress worn by Amy Lee from Evanesence in the video for 'Call Me When You're Sober'.




I love everything about it. Since I can't own the *actual* dress then, I decided to make one... in paper at least!


soberdressthumbnail


This dress fits my plus sized doll, Libby. You can get it by clicking the following link: http://www.dinkydivas.com/printablepaperdolls.htm


Whatever you're doing, have fun!


Holly & the dreamy dollies xoxo

Autumn Fairy new paper doll and story...

Hello, we've emerged at the far end of the weekend and yet again I have been neglectful in my posting!
I haven't been completely idle though, I have written the first short story that I have attempted in about 10 years... literally!


The story concerns magic and fairies so I was inspired to create this new Autumn Fairy paper doll. Her dress is also available in a pale skinned version to fit the Padme doll, also available to print or download on my site :)


The doll:
autumnfairythumbnail


The Story...

IN THE WILDWOOD

a story by Holly aka Dinky Diva

In the deepest woods, where your mother told you not to venture, magic is taking place. Not your common or garden magic that you see every day, not the magic of raising a loaf or catching the sun on your face, but real magic... wood magic.

Trees are funny things, standing to attention when you look at them, they like to whisper when your back is turned. The trees of the wildwood are not like the dozy, well mannered trees of the gardens and avenues. They chortle and grumble and fidget until their leaves fly in all directions like golden brown snowflakes.

It was among this wildwoods that I saw them that day. Fairies are not easy to spot, your eyes can pass over them in a snap without you ever knowing. To see fairies you must look with your mind...

First there is only the silent mist, chilling your feet and dampening the moss on the old trunks, but if you are patient, and if they want to be seen it can happen. It did for me...

It begins with a spark, faint at first and tricksome, like when you catch the glimpse of a star from the corner of your eye that somehow blinks out with a full on gaze. But, if your eyes don't try to hold on to it, the spark glows and brightens until it fills your eyes with its bonfire light.

Look away now and you'll lose it, but endeavour not to blink and nor will they... two bright eyes, like conkers, shining out from beneath a matt of autumnal, spiky hair twinned with a grin made for mischief and the fleetness of... ... she's gone.

In the wildwood magic is taking place. But don't go there... your mother told you not to.

THE END

Friday 21 November 2008

New paper doll - plus sized curvy girl Libby with leopard print dress

Leaporddressplussizeddolljpg


I have been busy making a new paper doll today. She's closer to my own shape than that of the Padme doll and is very sweet and sexy :)


She has a leopard print dress and shoes available seperately on my site.


You can print her out by visiting: http://www.dinkydivas.com/printablepaperdolls.htm


New outfits will be made available for her soon. I might have to rethink the hand positions though... hmmmm.


It frustrates me that they don't seem to make any really pretty plus sized dolls, but at least I can make my own paper dolls :)


Hope you like her anyway!


Holly xoxoxo

New Christmas dolls from Tonner

Auld Lang Syne Sidney Chase LE of 75 pieces

Winter Evergreen Mimi


Holly Red Berry Babette

Enter Promo Code 081575 at Checkout to SAVE $15 off Your Order of $75 or More.

Holly and the Christmas dollies xoxo

Amazing animation from the 1930s

I found out about this on the Just Dolls blog, and I'm so glad I did!


This is the best stop motion animation I have ever seen, the effects are amazing, and the characters instantly believable. It's definitely worth watching to the end, although it does get quite dark and creepy in places, it is also funny, touching and charming!


Watch it here: http://www.archive.org/details/The_Mascot_Complete


Holly and the animated dollies xoxo

Don't adorn your Barbie, let your Barbie adorn you!

As a dolly mom do you feel that we you are constantly serving your girls demands for new outfits?


Well now, with the help of designer Margaux Lange, your dolls can adorn you (although if your Barbie is watching you may want to cover her eyes now!).



I can completely relate to Ms Lange's experience of Barbie as 'An invaluable tool for the expansion of my imagination as a child, ironically, Barbie continues to be such for me as an adult.'

Although of course, in my case this applies to dolls in general although Barbie has played a major part.

It is not surprising then, that Ms Lange continues to find inspiration from her muse today in this beautiful, thought provoking and striking jewellery collection.

To see more (which I would heartily recommend) and to learn more of the artist please visit her site by clickong on the pic :)

Holly & the non-dismembered dollies xoxo

Sneak peek of new Neo Blythe Princess Milk BisQuit de Q-pot."!


Although she hasn't actually been revealed yet we can catch a glimpse of her on the Blythe news site:)


We can see her hand and her cute little bag at least!


Shame she's another limited :(


Release date: January, 2009
Price: 16,590 yen

Holly and the peeniless dollies xoxo

Tuesday 18 November 2008

New face mold for Blythe - who is the fairest of them all?

Hurrah, at last Takara have announced that a new face mold version of Blythe will be available soon! The new face mold will be called 'fairest' due to it's innocent and pure look and is meant to be more in line with the old EBL mold. It is also alleged to be more matte in appearance than the RBL girls.


Which upcoming releases will debut the new 'fairest' mold is yet to be announced...


Holly & the Blythe dollies xoxo

Rock on Barbie - 80's style!



Just before bed I heard the news and had to share, Mattel are going to re-release the classic 80s rocker Barbie!


I had this girl and some of her friends back in the day. Ace or what!?


Holly & the 80s dollies xoxo

New paper doll outfit - cinema usherette

Just lately I have been putting a lot of hours into a new(ish) time management game, Megaplex Madness. Today I'm celebrating because I finished the game in hard mode. I thought I'd finally be free of the game, but it turns out there's a new 'insane' difficulty mode unlocked now! Will I ever get my life back!?



Anyway, it's a really great game and to mark my modest achievement I have produced this Cinema Usherette outfit to fit the padme paper doll :)


http://www.dinkydivas.com/printablepaperdolls.htm


usheretteillus


Holly and the cinema star dollies xoxoxo