I decided to make a new post for the progression photos of Elawin & Elin. If you would like to view my first post about them and the links to where you can buy kits, you can do so by clicking here.
I have been working on these 26" fairies for a couple of days now. Elawin is the kit with the bent knees and Elin is the standing fairy. Elin's head is slightly larger than Elawin's head, but pretty close in size.
They arrived blank in a gorgeous peachy color vinyl. I'll be painting them and bringing them to life just as I do my reborn babies. I want the skin tone to look just as realistic and 3D as possible, so I'll be using a mixture of Genesis Heat Set paints & LCD air dry paints. Genesis paint will be for the skin tone only. I'll have to do this first because once you start to use air dry paint you no longer will be able to bake your kit in the oven. If you do this, your paint will turn yellow if you have not waited the 3 weeks for the air dy paints to fully set in, if that makes sense. So as long as I am finished with all layers/bakes, I can add the air dry paints on top with out any problems.
For their face up/make up I will be using the LCD air dry paints so I can achieve a more dramatic fantasy look. I use LCD paints for my Victorian Gothic/Fantasy babies around their big eyes in half the time it would take with GHS. If you have used both paints before, you will understand what I am talking about. I'll explain the difference one day in a different post if you are not sure about them.
Here we have the blank kits (though there is 1 wash of titanium white over them- still looks the same). I'm sorry there are no eyes in yet! I generally don't like posting photos without them in because it's creepy. This is how they come- blank without eyes and not put together. I start out by giving them a warm bubble bath to wash off any factory residue and get off any oils from my hands.
In the photos above, you can see slightly the 3D build up of their skin tone. I like to really brighten and lighten my vinyl before I start to add any blushing or color. You will be able to see most detail on each forehead and cheeks. To get them this light, I have use straight titanium white thinned out with mineral spirits, sponged on for about 4-5 layers/bakes. Then for the next few I have used yellow orche and burnt umber mixed to start building up the 3d shaded effect giving them more life.
Today I started to lightly work on the ears, cheeks, lips, nose and creases of the eye lids. I would say I'm about 8 or 9 layers/bakes in at this point. I did pop an eye in each kit to see where I was at and there finally looking somewhat realistic! The faces on these girls are gorgeous. I can't wait until I get to the fantasy makeup! If you have followed my blog for a while, you'll know how much I love painting eyes especially on my fantasy dolls. I won't be painting any butterflies or tattoos on the foreheads or limbs like iv seen others do, I'm not a huge fan of that. However they will still look like a mythical creature of sorts, with beautiful gorgeous features. I haven't been this excited to work on a kit for a long time. It's something new and refreshing don't you agree?
I'll post more photos in the next few days, back to finish rooting my custom order....Stay tuned! :)
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UPDATE: 9/21
I have finished with the girl's skin tone and after many photos am pleased with how they look. They both look as though they have started breathing.
Elin's faceup started today (standing fairy) and have spent most of the day working around her eyes and on her pouty lips. She has really great eyelids and I can't help but give her a cat eye look. Elin asked me to stop showing her petty face without her hair, she is a little insecure at times. Of course I told her she is gorgeous no matter what, but I'll honor her request.
Elin has gorgeous lavender eyes that were custom made for her, she is a fairy after all. Elin's makeup at this point is only 40%finished. She needs lots of thin layers of paint so it won't look caked on. I'll start Elawin's face tomorrow so that I can let Elin's paint set in for a good 24 hours before I continue on. Hope you like her so far! :)
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UPDATE 9/24
Today I was able to finish Elin (Standing Fairy) and put her together! I was able to fit in a quick photo shoot before the sun went down today. Elawin is almost finished. I'm waiting for her eyes to dry so I can finish setting her eyelashes and proceed to assemble her. Elin will have a couple different stunning wigs that you can change out. Who ever is the lucky person to win her auction will have a blast recreating many different looks. Tomorrow Elin & Elawin will be able to post beautifully for their photos!
UPDATE 9/24
Elawin (sitting fairy) is finished as of today and both girls were able to be photographed together. I am so-so proud how they turned out! Exactly as pictured in my head and what fun I have had dressing them up in different costumes and wigs. This confirms what direction I want to be headed as far as my reborn art goes. Fantasy.
Elawin & Elin in their fairy outfits I made. They also have custom made reversible fair wings.
Elawin has these amazing rainbow eyes. Stunning in person.
Both girls will be up for auction starting September,Monday the 27th
at around 7:30 pst. A link will also be added once they are live.
Thank you so much for checking back to see how they came to life. I am very excited to show you all photos later tonight. I truly hope you love how they turned out!
