What Kind Of Paint Would You Recommend To Use On Calicos? I Found My Collection At My Nana And Papa’s

Perfect place for date

Finally finished working on the 1980s Barbie haul I got from Goodwill a couple of weeks ago (didn’t really have to do much work all but one were in really great shape). I had to use a flash for these pictures since the weather has been so gloomy lately so these pics aren’t optimal but the dolls still look beautiful I think.

First up, Beauty Secrets Barbie from 1979 ( I consider this an honorary 80s Barbie):

Then the fabulous Golden Dream Barbie from 1980. This doll has all her jewelry but the ring was missing its crystal so I replaced that - tried to get a good picture of that but only partially succeeded. I’m looking for the arm sleeve things right now but will probably end up making replacements for those:

1981 gave us gorgeous Pink & Pretty Barbie and Sunsational Barbie and Ken:

From 1982, which was a great Barbie year for me personally as I got all three of these dolls over the course of the year for Easter/birthday/Christmas - Twirly Curls Barbie, Dream Date Barbie, and Angel Face Barbie (poor Angel Face had a classic broken neck/knob stuck in head/head shoved down neck situation so I made a replacement neck section out of Sculpey and fished the knob out and stuck it back in the neck and glued the replacement part in place. It actually worked out great, and since the replacement piece is in the back of the neck I didn’t bother to paint it for now):

Everybody knows these two released in 1983, Crystal Barbie and Great Shape Barbie (who I personally think is so so pretty). Crystal Barbie was missing a jewel from her earrings so I replaced that, again not a great pick couldn’t get the focus on the earrings really well:

1984 gave us one of the most iconic of the 1980s Barbies, Peaches ‘N Cream. This doll had her beautiful gown and boa but was missing the belt/sash. I made a quick replacement from some chiffon I had on hand. It doesn’t look like the original belt but I think it works for now and has the same general spirit:

And finally, the other doll that really defines Barbie in the 1980s - Day to Night Barbie. The scarf was missing from this dolls outfit so I made a quick replacement from some ribbon I had on hand until I can get the real thing:

1960 Barbie magazine ad

to the doll customization community: any suggestions on how to get into doll customization?

what hair do you recommend for reroots? what is the best paint to use? what kind of finishing spray is the best?

i’ve been told that watercolor pencils are good for sketching out faces. eventually i would also like to get some kind of glittery powders to add some sparkle to some of my dolls skin. anything will be helpful!! 🧡

A set of spooky Sylvanian Families critters, just in time for Halloween!

I was working on making a whole haunted house for them like the other two custom houses I made but ran out of time to finish it. Maybe next year!

moments from this summer :)