Customizing 101: Finishing touches
Dateline: 07/30/98
We've done hair, and make-up... what's left? Manicures & pedicures of course!
Here is your "supply list" that you will need for this "lesson":
Required:
- One doll
- A clean absorbent towel.
- Paint brush (0000 or size of your choice. You can also use a toothpick, or even a straight pin!)
- Acrylic or fabric paints (I use the tubes, but any kind should be OK) (grownups only!)
- Water (for brush cleaning, and correcting boo-boos)
- Patience!
Suggested:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Lighted magnifier
Once again, this lesson is not for the faint-hearted, or children under the age of 16. Pick a doll (a cheap
pink box special, or a thrift-store find) to practice on, before you try this on another doll... Maybe your doll
from the previous lessons? 
Pick your paint -- and for this lesson, pick based on the lip color of your doll.
Since the dolls come with the fingernails "molded" in, it isn't hard to see where the paint needs to go, but getting it there is the trick! That's where the tiniest brushes come in -- take your time, and thin the paint. It's better to use two or three thin coats, so that the paint remains smooth.
If you make a mistake... wipe it off and start over! Water will do the trick until the paint begins to dry and set. Otherwise, you'll need rubbing alcohol to remove the paint. Cotton swabs come in handy for swiping off mistakes. Always clean your brush between colors!
Try the "glitter" fabric paint or pearl paints for a different effect!
You can also paint "toenails" in the same fashion, however, the toenails are not molded as the fingernails are (on newer dolls), so you'll have to estimate where to put the toenails. With just a bit of practice, you'll be amazed with the results!
If you are tired of the "rings" that many of the play line dolls have studded into their hands (and often get lost with play) then try glueing a pretty sparkly little glass bead or "pearl" over the hold in the dolls hand. You can also create "custom" earrings quickly and easily to replace missing ones -- simply insert a "pearl" headed hat pin into the dolls head just in front of the hole. If you are really feeling creative, then buy some seed beads, and create your own dazzling drop earrings! You can also create wonderful necklaces and bracelets to match any outfit -- string seed beads on fine elastic thread, and enjoy the results!
Have fun, and remember that practice makes perfect!
Congratulations on finishing "Summer School"! See you soon with another
new feature!
Have a comment or suggestion? Please let me know!
