Dripping with Diamonds - My Project Runway Doll Fashion Project for Season 12 Episode 2

I am continuing my attempt to adapt the weekly challenges assigned to the designers on Project Runway for 18 inch dolls like American Girl or My Twinn dolls. The dolls I use for models are from the Madame Alexander collection and youthful in appearance so I try to keep my designs fashion forward but still representative of that age range.

This week the challenge on Project Runway was to create a design to be worn on the red carpet that would showcase some extremely expensive jewelry. On Project Runway they had over $30 million worth of diamonds! I don't have that kind of budget or collection so I called the one person I knew I could borrow some diamonds from, my mom. However the ones she had didn't work with the dolls proportionally.

So I went with option number two and picked up some doll sized bling at the thrift store. The grand total of jewels I used is a whopping value of 50 cents but hey, use your imagination.

I didn't have a big budget for materials (gotta save my money for the couture challenge) so I went the sustainability route and cut up a shirt that was headed to the thrift store and covered it with a sparkly sheer scrap I got for 75 cents. 

I had a lot of different ideas. I was thinking of doing a fancy pants suit or a jazzed up romper but after a consultation with my own personal Tim Gunn aka my husband, Ron. I decided I would never wear either of those so I scrapped the pants and changed direction in a make it work moment. 

Instead of pants I went with a puffy skirt, sheer on the shoulders and a peek-a-boo triangle on the back. Here's how it turned out.

It turned out to be quite an undertaking but I had to add pockets.

Does she look like a million bucks?

You be the judge... is it a winner, simply safe or sales rack? Would Nina think it's too ice skater? Would Zac say it looks Cinderella? Would Heidi want to wear it? Like, comment, share and come back  to see how I tackle next week's challenge.

My Project Runway Doll Fashion Project for Season 12 Episode 1

There are two thing I really enjoy doing to unwind in my free time... making doll clothes and watching Project Runway. Yes, quite often I do them simultaneously which is what gave me the idea to start my Project Runway Doll Fashion Project.

What I love most about the show, is witnessing the creative process and seeing how the designers interpret the challenges. I always think, "Well, I would have done this," or "I would do that." Since I'm probably never going to make it on the show I decided to do the next best thing. Each week I'm going to interpret the challenge (to the best of my abilities) and make a doll outfit based on the same criteria the Project Runway designers are given.

This week the designers were asked to reconstruct a parachute into a garment for the runway. They were given some supplemental fabric in black and white but told to make sure the bulk of the look came from the parachute. As hard as I tried I could not find a parachute, or a windbreaker or even a really ugly track suit. Instead I used the next best thing, a men's bathing suit (I tried to pic a garish color) and parachute cord from a survival bracelet kit. Like the designers, I gave myself two days to complete the challenge (Saturday and Sunday... since I work).

When designing for dolls it can be tough to get just what you want since they don't put on clothes the same way real people do. Their heads are extremely big and their knees and elbows don't bend so certain thins might look cute but are impossible to achieve without sewing the doll into the dress. I went through a variety of ideas and the outfit changed from a maxi dress to a romper to separates.

To find my focus I took Tim Gunn's frequent advice and asked myself, "Who am I designing for?" Since it's a doll I didn't want her to look too old so I pictured an adventurous young girl who is on an exciting outing with her family. Whether it's watching a sporting event, hiking through the woods or spending the day at a theme park she's ready to beat the heat and the moisture and still look stylish.

So if I was on Project Runway this week and they were designing for dolls with bathing suits instead of parachutes, this is what I would have shown the judges. What do you think? Would Heidi like it? Would Nina question my taste? Would I be in or would I be out? Let me know what you think in the comments below and check back to see what i can come up with next week!

Brodie's been Painting up a Storm...Literally!

We spent the Fourth of July in a painting frenzy! Brodie produced 3 awesome Acrylic on Canvas pieces that will be for sale soon. Here's a peek at what he's been working on...

Chinese Palace with Kites in Lightening Storm

Pyramid Message "You are more powerful..."

Boston Terrier and Bunnies in Field

Comment, Like, Share to let him know what you think!

Steampunk Space Pirate Illustration

Finally finished! I've been working on this poster for Bing for several months. Get a print of this poster or let me know if you would like a custom illustration of yourself or a loved one.

Original artwork by Heather Fairchild