On Memorial Day.....

Monolithic Studios' film star Miss Gene Marshall

Let this be a day to remember our heroes who served to protect our country and our freedom.

A Simply Chic Corded Hat for Fashion Dolls

An Easy DIY Project

Actress/Director Ivy Jordan wears a stylish tilted hat of her own creation.  This versatile hat features a corded base that can be trimmed in a variety of ways.

Here's what you will need to make this smart hat:

• Lightweight cardboard.  
• 1/8" wide Butcher's String.  You could also use yarn.
• Circle template.  
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Glue.  I used Elmer's Multi-Purpose Glue for this project.  
• Fabric for lining (Optional).
• Assorted trims.

Fig.1

Step 1:  Trace a circle onto cardboard and cut out.  A 2-1/2" diameter circle was used for Ivy's hat.  However you can make it any size you wish.  Cut a slit to the center of the circle as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap 1/4" and glue in place.  Let it dry thoroughly.

Fig. 2

Step 2:  Apply a thin coat of glue to the top of the cardboard hat base.  I used a small paintbrush to apply the glue working a small section at a time.  Wind the string slowly into a spiral shape tucking the end under as shown on the right in Fig. 2 above.  Tip:  I found it easier to begin winding the string a couple rounds in my hand first, then center it on the base as shown above and continue winding until the base is covered.  To finish, glue the end underneath the base as shown on the left in Fig 2.  Let your hat dry thoroughly.

Fig.3

Step 3:  To line your hat, cut the same size circle out of cotton fabric and glue to the underside, darting it to fit as shown above in Fig 3.  I used Beacon's Fabri-Tac adhesive to attach the lining.  You are now ready to trim your hat as desired.

This stylish hat is also suitable for 1:6 scale size dolls such as Barbie.  A 2" diameter circle was used to make Barbie's chic tilt.  Jacket and scarf were borrowed from Buenos Aires Victoire Roux.  Gloves from Mattel.  Skirt and fur are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Additional Credits:

Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  Her "Smart Set" ensemble [Ashton Drake] is borrowed from her dear friend Miss Gene Marshall.

Hostess with the Mostest

At last, the always glamorous Barbie takes a moment to relax wearing a classic 1950's style hostess ensemble. 

Costume is from the I Love Lucy episode "LA at Last" by Mattel.
 Barbie's hair and makeup were customized by Kert Hoogstraat of Kertkraft.
 Barbie is from Mattel.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother.....Zookeeper

Have a purr...fect day!

May Seasonal Accessorizing

Add a fresh touch of white to a conservative costume with a jabot.  The traditional jabot is fashioned from white lace and either gathered or pleated into straight ruffles.  However, as you will see, a jabot does not have to be made of lace to give the same effect.

Madra Lord accents her tailored two piece ensemble with the lace jabot borrowed from Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress costume.  It has been updated with a new black bow and tiny black beads.  Top and jabot are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gauntlet gloves, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag is from Randall Craig.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

A unique pearl encrusted "jabot" dresses up Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress.  The "jabot" is actually a beaded applique with tiny magnets attached to the back.  A festive belt, white gloves, pearl jewelry, and detachable lace cuffs complete the look.  Dress, cuffs, and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag is from Robert Tonner.  Styling from The Couture Touch.  Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall (restyled) is from Ashton Drake.

And from the archives:

The original lace jabot from Miss Marshall's Little Black Dress is paired with the dress from Madra Lord's Dark Desire.  Both from Ashton Drake.  Wool herringbone jerkin and coordinating gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Shoes and belt are from Integrity.  Hat is from Robert Tonner.  J'Adore Gene Marshall, wearing a restyled wig cap from Phoenix Gene Marshall, is from Jamieshow.