Creative Doll Collector of the Month: Betty of @allthelittledolls
Happy new weekend there, doll-lings!
What are you up to for this week's mini-vacay?
I hope you aren't one of those running around for Christmas presents, trying to complete the list during the remaining weekends before Christmas.
I have been there and it was always a mess.
The only solution was to do shopping months ahead!
But before I completely digress,
let's get back to the very reason of this post.
Today, I am so happy that this series is revived!
Thanks to this gal that I was so ecstatic when she said yes for our little interview.
I have been a fan of her work since I discovered her Instagram account, @allthelittledolls!
I love her Barbie doll repaints because they look like real people,
and her diorama sets are super cozy and fun!
I don't want to spoil your excitement so without further ado,
here's our interview with Australia-based custom doll artist and Etsy seller
Betty S from @allthelittledolls!
Please tell us something about yourself that we don’t get to find out in your social media channels.
Betty S:
I have a mild addiction to playing The Sims.
My current computer doesn’t like the game though so I make do by creating the doll dioramas
and different characters and families in doll form.
When did you start collecting dolls as an adult? As a child?
Betty S:
I’ve always had some sort of doll collection.
I’ve got about 15 Cabbage Patch Kids stored at my mum’s house
and also many barbies.
I’ve always had some sort of doll collection.
I’ve got about 15 Cabbage Patch Kids stored at my mum’s house
and also many barbies.
What type/s of dolls first interested you?
Betty S:
Definitely Barbies.
Definitely Barbies.
What is your current collection composed of?
Betty S:
My current collection is composed of a few “forever Barbies
and Barbie related dolls”
and 8 reborns/Ashton Drake Dolls.
My current collection is composed of a few “forever Barbies
and Barbie related dolls”
and 8 reborns/Ashton Drake Dolls.
What draws you to these dolls?
Betty S:
I enjoy the work that goes into creating them.
I also love to imagine who they would be if they were actual people
and style them accordingly.
I enjoy the work that goes into creating them.
I also love to imagine who they would be if they were actual people
and style them accordingly.
What creative pursuits do you currently have that are related to dolls or miniatures?
Betty S:
I’m always wrestling with the sewing machine to attempt to make clothing.
People do ask if I will sell the clothes I make but I’m no sewing mastermind
so only time will tell.
I also enjoy making small props to go with dolls
and would like to be able to create them as accessories to go with my regular sales.
I’m always wrestling with the sewing machine to attempt to make clothing.
People do ask if I will sell the clothes I make but I’m no sewing mastermind
so only time will tell.
I also enjoy making small props to go with dolls
and would like to be able to create them as accessories to go with my regular sales.
What makes these doll-related activities very interesting for you?
Betty S:
It’s something to do to relax and exercise my mind unless it’s sewing.
Sewing is evil.
It’s something to do to relax and exercise my mind unless it’s sewing.
Sewing is evil.
Aside from doll collecting and crafting, what are your other interests?
Betty S:
When I’m not doing doll related things,
I enjoy reading, drawing and watching movies or tv series.
When I’m not doing doll related things,
I enjoy reading, drawing and watching movies or tv series.
It has been a while since I starting becoming a fan of your work
and I notice that you are very vocal about a few social advocacy
like breastfeeding, and the LGBT community.
Can you tell us about why these have a special place in your heart?
and I notice that you are very vocal about a few social advocacy
like breastfeeding, and the LGBT community.
Can you tell us about why these have a special place in your heart?
Betty S:
I have many family and friends who are members of the LGBTQ community
and feel that their rights are just as important as my own so it’s important that I,
and others, stand with them.
I have many family and friends who are members of the LGBTQ community
and feel that their rights are just as important as my own so it’s important that I,
and others, stand with them.
As for breast feeding, I believe that it is a mother’s right to feed her child
when they are hungry and that no person should stand in the way of them doing so.
It is a natural and beautiful thing.
when they are hungry and that no person should stand in the way of them doing so.
It is a natural and beautiful thing.
Please tell us more about your girl Delilah and how she came to be as cool as she is!
Betty S:
Delilah has always been a favourite.
She was a happy sort of accident, if you can believe it.
The original doll was just a pink top MTM, and my first one,
so I wanted to see how far away from the typical barbie image I could push her look.
She was originally designed to be a bit of a tomboy but she evolved and became far more.
How do you think your art/creative pursuits contribute to your life, as a whole?
Betty S:
It has helped to give me a greater purpose.
Before, I was more focused on being a mother
but as my children have grown and started school,
I’ve needed a creative outlet.
What is your most favorite art/craft material?
Okay, you can give three. I know how we love them that much ;D
Okay, you can give three. I know how we love them that much ;D
Betty S:
Watercolour pencils, scrapbook paper, tacky glue
Watercolour pencils, scrapbook paper, tacky glue
How are you able to manage time between your family/work life and the miniature world?
Betty S:
My oldest started attending school 5 days a week this year
and my youngest goes to childcare 3 days a week
so it allows me to allocate 3 days of the week to errands, repaints and self care.
The school holidays start at the end of this week so I’ll need to reallocate my time ahhh
My oldest started attending school 5 days a week this year
and my youngest goes to childcare 3 days a week
so it allows me to allocate 3 days of the week to errands, repaints and self care.
The school holidays start at the end of this week so I’ll need to reallocate my time ahhh
Can you share some tips to those who are interested to learn repainting dolls
and the other cool things that you do?
and the other cool things that you do?
Betty S:
Research is key.
When I first discovered the doll repainting phenomenon,
I was seeking a cheaper alternative to ball jointed dolls
and found people repainting store bought dolls on YouTube.
Through their tutorials, I learned the key techniques I use
and which materials to buy to make them most effective.
Also, investing in good quality materials and finding the correct ones for you is very helpful.
I tried using acrylics but have never had the knack with those.
I much prefer pencil work.
Research is key.
When I first discovered the doll repainting phenomenon,
I was seeking a cheaper alternative to ball jointed dolls
and found people repainting store bought dolls on YouTube.
Through their tutorials, I learned the key techniques I use
and which materials to buy to make them most effective.
Also, investing in good quality materials and finding the correct ones for you is very helpful.
I tried using acrylics but have never had the knack with those.
I much prefer pencil work.
Other than repaints, diorama making as well as this latest one – miniature cat making, what are the projects you have in mind that we can expect from you and your Etsy shop?
Betty S:
One of the things I should have mentioned earlier about myself, I am a terrible planner!
I usually just take the ideas as they come and roll with them so I won’t make promises
but I would love to expand my store to include things for dolls someday if I can.
** end of interview**
And that's it, guys!
I hope Betty's story and tips inspired you to even be more creative with your doll collection.
If you are interested in owning one of Betty's artworks,
she runs a shop over at Etsy, too!
You can also check out her Facebook page,
if you happen to be there more often.
Thanks so much again to Betty for allowing us to share her art and story
to our doll community here.
And thanks to you for dropping by!
Chat with you again soon!
xoxo,
shasha
One of the things I should have mentioned earlier about myself, I am a terrible planner!
I usually just take the ideas as they come and roll with them so I won’t make promises
but I would love to expand my store to include things for dolls someday if I can.
** end of interview**
And that's it, guys!
I hope Betty's story and tips inspired you to even be more creative with your doll collection.
If you are interested in owning one of Betty's artworks,
she runs a shop over at Etsy, too!
You can also check out her Facebook page,
if you happen to be there more often.
Thanks so much again to Betty for allowing us to share her art and story
to our doll community here.
And thanks to you for dropping by!
Chat with you again soon!
xoxo,
shasha
Great and interesting interview! The mohair reroot looks awesome by the way, I didn't even know it was used for reroots, only for wigs!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, dear! Betty is such an inspiring artist - she gave me the confidence to try repainting with her helpful tips. I hope everyone who has read this interview are finally giving repainting a go ;) As for the mohair, I didn't know, too but her use of it is such a success, eh?
DeleteIt certainly is :-)!
Delete😉😉😉
DeleteVery nice interview! I do own 2 of Betty's repainted dolls!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! How lucky for you to own Betty's works of art, Phyllis! Congrats! ❤
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete