Hi Pat, Even with the flaming red Ariel hair! Just let me know when you find that set! LOL
As far as time, my OOAKs average 10 to 15 hours, unless I reroot, then don't ask! Depends on what I am doing. Some dolls start with the face and hair and then get dressed and others get the clothes made first. I think it depends on where the idea comes from. Silk N Brocade got the clothes first, and the Copper Midge got the doll first. She actually sat around naked for a while even. It also depends on how many times I have to do things over. I had to do the midges eyes twice and make her top twice as I wasn't happy with the fit. First time was a pattern, and the second time was my own, but with the new body it fit better. I also make all outfits removeable and that can take some extra time.
I have often wondered the time it takes for a makeover, and so, depending on the complexity, 12 hours or 2, right? Have you got your customizing worked out to a formula and method to the steps you use or do each of your designs require their own set of steps, which can then vary the numbers of hours put into a customizing?
As far as the custom board. The one I am on is the one moderated by Rebecca Chulew. I don't have time for two, and Jims board occasionally devolves into scawbbling that I don't like to deal with. I have only had one dissapointing swap on the board, and I am not real sure what happened, but I chalked it up to an inexperienced customizer, and ignored it. In general on that board the swaps are very good, as each person is trying really hard to please the other as a matter of honor. Also, almost all the dolls get shown, so they better look good! Many of my last swaps were people who wanted contest dolls, so that was easy for me.
For anyone insterested in customizing, the boards are a wonderful resource. There are some amazingly talented people there, and most of them are super about sharing their secrets. We have people who are multiple winners in the BMAA, and other contests as well. Tess Barton, who designed the Gold Rush fashion for Candi is a member ( and super sweet too. you should see my swap from her!) as well as Bill Jones who was on this list and designed the wonderful Oberon and Titania that won BMAA a couple of years ago. Too many other talented artists to mention, so it is well worth your while. List is open by approval, and you can spend as much time as you like just lurking. For those interested here is a link.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CustomDolls/join
Also, you might like to take a quick look at our E-zine. This is open to anyone and has some great articles, also some cute pics of swaps etc. Look in there and you will find my swap from Tess, as well as one with Rebecca.
You can also view past issues from this link. I think you can even sign up to be notified when the new issue is up, as it can be sort of sporatic in the publishing.
And for anyone that has not died of boredom with these last couple of posts, here is a link to my Poison Ivy. This was only the second or third doll I had ever done, so be kind. LOL
http://www.frii.com/~mroczko/creation/poison.jpg
I can see a dozen ways I can make her better now. Glad I still have her, and no one else is forced to look! I still have most of the fabrics, so can still do that, but that repaint has got to go, and I need to do the cape neater as well. LOL my own worst critic.
Kathy M.
Frivolities Antiques Ft. Collins, CO