The BJDC 2012 in Ausin had amazing doll artists and stylists, such as Valerie Zeitler, whose full-set dolls (dolls made by various companies, but customized and completely outfitted and wigged, etc.) were quickly sold... most before I got to her table in the seller's room. At the time, I was somewhat relieved that they were gone since they were expensive--but so tempting, even though I was trying hard to be on a dolly-diet.
Of course, after I got home, I was still rather longing I'd got one of those girls from her or from Connie Lowe / Marbled Halls. I hadn't thought the dolls were a style I liked... at all... but I've been attracted by some very odd things these days and suddenly I was looking longingly at Dollstown sculpts.
THEN... I happened to see a Dollstown (DT) Seola head for sale on Ebay--with a faceup by Val Zeitler. There wasn't any certificate of authenticity, but the seller is a well-known clothes-maker and artist, and I'd traced the doll to another owner before her who also knows what is what, AND the style was right on... in fact, just perfect, as far as I was concerned... So I snapped it up!
I usually dislike buying heads only. I like easy resin and body matches, and risking different resin batches or body matches just isn't my thing. I wasn't sure I liked the DT bodies that much, but it was the closest I could come to a perfect match for the Seola head. So I put a 13-yr girl body on layaway at the DT site. It was pretty easy. And with no problems, I finally got the body home.
#42
NAME: "Viola" (I need mnemonics these days. And it's a good Shakespearean name.)
COMPANY: Dollstown, Dolls Town (Korean based co.)
SIZE: Large.
HEAD SCULPT: Seola.
BODY SCULPT: 13-yr Girl Body
SKIN TONE: Fresh skin
MAKEUP (Faceup): Custom by Val Zeitler"
HEAD PURCHASED FROM: Ebay-- Phantomdolls
PURCHASE DATE: October 4, 2012
CAME WITH: Faceup by Valerie Zeitler, eyes.
BODY PURCHASED FROM: Dollstown
PURCHASE DATE: Layaway from 10/25/12 to 1/21/13. Arrival: Feb 1, 2013
CAME WITH: Body only (box, pillows).
From the "Box Opening" shots. Body in DT box with DT Seola head from Ebay.
Box Opening. Stringing was tight, so needed tools and hemostat to get the s-hook into the head. But that meant the body didn't seem all that kicky as some have reported, although the knees were liable to buckle pretty easily. I really liked the body. The resin felt solid, but not heavy, and it was lovely and matte--not shiny at all. And the joints did not feel slippery, but seemed to hold nicely. The shape was great for a young girl's body.
And you can see the lovely Seola head painted by Val Zeitler. The eyes, I think, are Masterpiece, and came with the head from the last owner.
Since I had a customized Val Zeitler head, I felt I should try and get a hold of one of Val Zeitler's ooak outfits for her. I was thinking this might be difficult, since they are not common and are pretty expensive (they were around $250 at the BJDC). Not hoping for much, I put up a Want To Buy (WTB) over on The Resin Cafe forum. To my surprise I had two people contact me--both with lovely outfits! ... heh... So I had to get both!
I have a Val Z. hat I bought ages ago, but am not sure where it is at the moment... This one was a banquet table gift from the BJDC.
Isn't this faceup just too perfect for the Seola head??? It's got that slightly shadowed/unhealthy porcelain-skinned looked, but softer than some. I love it!
This style seems to me to be so perfect for this sculpt and body. It fits perfectly. Lots of bits and pieces to the outfit--striped tube-shirt and sleeves, beige print dress with eyelets and lacing, off-black bodice with eyelets and lacing, short bloomers, black short tulle slip, two pairs of socks. There was also a little bird-cage (not shown).
The boots are by Horus Doll, bought on ebay. I also have some strappy black boots by Dollheart that I'll be putting on her.
Secondary Photoshoot, same outfit, but with the Bird Cage headdress that went with the outfit. I don't know why I didn't just put it on to begin with!?! I suppose I thought it was a bit wacky, but Val Zeitler is the artist for a reason! It's just AMAZING on her!
Secondary Photoshoot. She just glows...
Secondary Photoshoot. Nearly every shot was good.
Secondary Photoshoot.
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Secondary Photoshoot.
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Secondary Photoshoot.
Secondary Photoshoot.