Bliss in a Teacup for Tiny Eyes: She's Here!

I am so excited to announce that the Bliss in a Teacup for Tiny Eyes doll is here and she is a beaut! I am completely thrilled at how she has turned out, it's even better than I imagined and the hand dyed fabric worked exactly as I'd hoped. You can see all the dolls over here on the Tiny Eyes Facebook page and be amazed by Dee's handiwork. Seriously, so so clever. I am blown away by the level of detail that both Dee has worked at, as well as the various designers who created little accessories to go with their dolls. I can't even imagine sewing the mini brooch or stuffed cat that Rhiannon and Emma made, glueing up mini records was about enough for my limited patience for fiddly things. It's hard to pick a favourite, but I have fallen pretty hard for Melissa's Kapa Haka girl.

The dolls are on display at Walton Street cafe in Te Awamutu today and tomorrow if you're in the area, or if not you can always follow along at Dee's Instagram feed - the displays are pretty great. If you'd like to get your hands on one of these beauties, they're going up for auction this Friday over here. Make sure you join the event to nab one!

Living Doll

I'm running a little behind on my doll plans for the Tiny Eyes Winter Collaboration, mostly due to indecision and trying to edit down some of the many different ideas I've got mulling about. Even though I've been saying this same thing for a couple of days now, tonight I plan to sit down and do a final drawing out of my doll. I've got some fabric that needs dyeing and then it will be all bundled off to Dee - I can't wait to see her work her magic!

Once I moved past the theme of 'clothes I want' I decided to write down the things that motivate Richard and I as we design for Bliss in a Teacup, and how we want our work to be perceived. I found myself leaning towards natural materials, fibres and textiles. To tradition and handcraft that speaks of warmth and comfort. All with a modern simplicity. Of course there's a little hippiness, and a little witchy women in there, too. I've collected some of my favourite pieces of inspiration here to show you. Pop over to my board to see more!

sri threads // shabd // arts & science // an ambitious project collapsing // victor meeussen 

wiksten valentine dress // orchid grey // one mystery

Bliss in a Teacup for Tiny Eyes.

I'm really excited to let you guys in on a fun collaboration I'm taking part in this winter with doll making smarty pants Dee from Tiny Eyes. I've been a fan of Dee's dolls for awhile now, especially the custom ones she made of Emma and Tom as part of a Valentines giveaway she did this year. Emma's pink stole kills me, as does her sweet hairdo.

Dee has asked a collection of talented New Zealand designers to design a their own Tiny Eyes doll based around their brand and aesthetic, that she'll then create and you'll be able to purchase in her store this August. I am so honoured to be included in this great round up of creative people and looking forward to the challenge of working on something that is really different for me. I'll admit that I am a bit nervous and slightly overwhelmed by the choice of potential fabrics and accessories, but it's good to work outside your comfort zone so I'm up for the challenge. So far, I've mostly just thought of lots and lots of outfits that I'd like to have (and tried my best not to make it a doll that dresses completely in black...) so now I'm trying to think more of what kinds of colours, materials, textures, patterns and pieces reflect what we as Bliss in a Teacup love and build it around that. I can't wait to see what everyone else does, especially as we all have such different aesthetics!

I'll post inspiration and updates here on the blog for you to follow along, and you should definitely check out the other designers (Rhiannon, Melissa, Emma, Gillian, Erinna & Anya) and their processes on their blogs and websites. I'll be back here with some sketches soon!