Sometimes More is MORE!!

Emilia Nieminen sets the bar a little higher - congrats on winning Challenge 3!



I can’t help but believe when each of us opened the pictures to view this designer’s vision, we knew immediately we were previewing something very special. Without knowing exactly what she meant to convey with her design, it was clear to the viewer’s eye that great care and thought was given in the presentation of not only the outfit but also the doll – who knew the base doll was really an Antoinette??

But it was in the reading of her description that we were actually allowed a little peek into the mind of this superb artist. How interesting that she would channel the surreal costumes of Eiko Ishioka to present us with a modern day Amazonian-type warrior whose outfit pushed the envelope all the way to haute couture!?! Fine corsetry with boning, delicate ruching, beading, and unique construction had all succeeded in pulling together the “epitome of perfect embellishments” this challenge demanded.

How lucky were we then that she not only chronicled her journey in her blog, but also found time to gift us with a tutorial for the sandals she made, and to provide us with a play by play pictorial in her Flickr album!

Thank you, Emilia, for reminding us of the wonderful, giving spirit of the talented artists in the doll community! And thank you to all the artists who presented us with eye candy this challenge – job well done!!

Back to reality….” do not play it safe, and don’t bore me!” Rob Thompson

By now we are about halfway into Challenge Four, a challenge mandated by our guest judge, Rob Thompson, demanding to see edgy fashion! He wants us to not only think out of the box, but to get out of it completely – yes, he wants us to go to that wonderful place of avant garde!

The challenge is to create a casual Avant Garde outfit – what the? Well, here in his own words he gives us some insight:

“I look at the word casual in this challenge to mean you don’t have to make a formal gown, I would focus attention on the edgy and avant-garde aspect of the challenge. The casual part opens the challenge up to everything from pants, shorts, blouses, dresses, coats, so you have tons of options...And don’t forget accessories, you can use hats, gloves, belts, amazing shoes and boots.”

But he cautions, “You can buy a Versace jogging suit, but it is still just a jogging suit. I think there are various levels of casual, from what you would wear to the grocery store, to what you would wear to a party…you can make anything work with imagination and creativity. So if you want to make a jogging suit, just make it interesting, edgy, and avant-garde. You will have to determine your own definition of edgy and avant-garde…Each designer is going to have to do some research to decide what avant-garde means to them….The other judges have their own definitions as well, so in the end make something you love and feel is interesting!”

Rob also SUGGESTED the stylings of Alexander McQueen as an EXAMPLE of avant garde work. But do not get caught up in this one designer if you are not comfortable emulating things from his style. Most of the major fashion houses do some form of avant garde – it will be your task to decipher which suits you best! Case in point are the beautiful fashions featured here from the 2008 Museo Capucci Collection presented in Florence, Italy.

My wish for all of us would be that we have as much fun creating our work as we see in this video of Leigh Buchanan presenting his Finale Collection for Project Runway Australia!


And, who better to take us down the Avant Garde path, than this OOAK doll artist and designer who makes small limited editions, Rob Thompson. He’s not only designed his own doll; Hana; and doll fashions for Dolly Style Dolls, a Japanese doll line, but he has also done limited edition Susie's for R&D Dolls; Manika, Momoko dolls for Tom's Toys and Goods in Japan; and Misaki doll for BIC and Dolly Style Magazine, both in Japan. He sells his dolls under his business name of Robsdolls through several Japanese doll shops as well as his own website and at different doll conventions and events. He is also looking forward to teaching a workshop at the 2010 IFDC on the “Japanese Esthetic – various street fashions and hair styles,” is busy producing his own how to DVD on rerooting, and will be opening an Etsy store soon featuring some of his newest fashions.

His work has been featured in numerous magazines including Dolly Style magazine in Japan, FDQ (Fashion Doll Quarterly), and Barbie Bazaar. Look for his feature articles to begin appearing in FDQ in the Spring. There he’ll not only be giving us some insight into how he creates, but he’ll also be doing articles and interviews with his friends who also happen to be doll artists.

Rob has already demonstrated his giving nature on the CDDC Board through his instructional posts. And his giving nature extends to charity auctions. Rob regularly collaborates with Randall Craig RTW for the IFDC convention charity auction, and with Steven from Dressmaker Details for the Barbie Convention charity auction. His love of the work is apparent, and these collaborations have produced some of the highest selling auctions at these venues!

You’d think with all these accomplishments Rob has always belonged to the doll world, but he only began his OOAK customizations in 2000. He originally attended Marshall University, majoring in broadcast communications and minoring in art.

He actually began his career as a radio DJ in college, and worked in various positions before settling on tech support at such companies as Xerox, Morgan Stanley, and GE.

But when he was diagnosed with sarcoidoisis and found himself physically unable to return to work in 2004, he still needed an outlet to support himself. The doll world got a great OOAKster when he turned his hobby into a business!!

For more information, take time to visit Rob's venues: Robsdolls,
Rob's Blog and Rob's Flickr Page.


A word from our sponsor..............

Lyn Waring Dress Forms and Hats
for Fashion Dolls

If you’re a Challenge winner, you are going to be getting an additional treat! Lyn Waring will let you pick out a sloper of your choice from her website to use in your designing! (Email Larraine to claim your prize.) Be sure to click the link above to see all the wonderful products she makes!!

Lyn has been making these slopers and other instructional items for dolls since 2001 when she had a chance "meeting" with Bill Jones online, and he asked her to make a dress form for Barbie. And she’s no novice to sewing; in fact her interest began as a child. As a teen she wanted to continue her education in dressmaking, but her lack of funds allowed for something a bit more practical at that time, Hartils Business College. Lyn hated that school, but over the years Lyn pursued education like an adventure, and here is her continuing educational background:

-Claremont, Perth & Bentley Technical College Western Australian institute of Technology
(Curtin University), 1980 Associate Diploma Art (Craft/Textiles)
-West Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University), 1990 Certificate Apparel Design Manufacture - Bentley College of T.A.F.E.

When she began her involvement with fashion dolls, 2001,Western Australia hadn’t heard of ‘fashion dolls’ except for Barbie and Ken. Lyn’s collection, other than Barbie, began with a trade for patterns with Bill where she received a Gene doll. But today she admits to having a few more. A girl “needs” dolls for making accurate patterns, doesn’t she? And could that have been her admitting, “It is too scary to think about all the dolls I have – fashion dolls are ‘contagious’”!

One of my favorite things Lyn has produced are her books about hats.Her love of pattern cutting and making hats led her to produce two books! Hats Made Easy, published in 1996, came first, and was actually a book for making hats for real life dolls (people).

But the book I found charming dollwise was the one she published in 1999, Hats in Miniature. This book was the result of her time spent actually traveling around teaching how to make hats. She began making smaller versions of different hats as samples because these would fit easily in her suitcases and would prove less a burden to her luggage costs.

From front cover to the back, it is a must have for doll sewers who like to make unique accessories for their dolls, but it is out of print. However, Lyn has reedited, extended and updated it in a self published EBook, Hats for Fashion Dolls. This EBook not only includes all the hat designs from her original book, but now is more fashion doll-oriented, and includes designs in 16 sizes! There is also an updated version available for people who previously purchased the original book.

Hats for Fashion Dolls and Update

Lyn’s love of all things pattern and textiles has continued throughout her career by her being awarded grants and working as Artist-In Residence in1981 at Gascoyne Region, Western Australia for the W.A. Arts Council , and in 1982 at Primary School for the W.A. Crafts Council.

Her awards include
-1988 Moora Wool Craft Awards - Award for Weaving

-1990 Young Designers Fashion Awards - Australian Wool Corporation - State Finalist "Most highly commended for expert use of hand woven woollen fabric."

-1993 New England Awards - Open Design - evening wear (2nd.) Supreme Award - runner up.

Today Lyn enjoys her doll work and swimming in the early morning; she is an ocean swimmer who keeps young with this exercise 365 days of the year. Thanks for participating, Lyn, and we hope this will keep you fit, healthy, and generally enjoying your dolly-influenced life for a long time!

Anybody seen my bedazzler????

Challenge 3 may seem easy at first glance. Magalie Dawson is our guest judge this challenge. Our clue is Embellished - Our guest judge this week is known for her fabulous embellishments. Use your creative skills to create an outfit that is the epitome of perfect embellishment.

Well, let's see how easy it is. After all, the dictionary explains both of the keywords quite simply:

epitome = typical or ideal example

embellishment = a decorative or fanciful detail that makes something beautiful

So all we have to do is add a detail that is the ideal example of something that makes a garment beautiful - right?? Could it really be quite that easy?? Somehow the word challenge doesn't suggest easy to me!

You see, fashion has its own unique considerations when defining things. Also, people differ by taste on what they would consider the epitome of anything - especially in fashion. Therefore, when designing garments, a designer needs to be aware of what dictates the proper use of embellishments. From my research embellishments are not just defined as adding design interest, rather they specifically are also defined as items NOT necessarily required for the proper construction of a garment. Case in point could be the use of a fly in a woman's trousers; it has no function; it is simply an embellishment.

And, I've found nothing to indicate that all embellishments are created equal. Embellishments vary in that some can be very nice, others can be quite bold, and an overabundance can be downright gaudy. Embellishments are truly the bells and whistles of fashion, but careful attention must be paid to avoid staggering over into the gaudy category. Sometimes the less is more rule needs to be factored in!

Embellishments can also give off different vibes. Some may subtly enhance a creation, while others can serve to contrast -- some providing vivid and even sharp contrasts. In using them we can be over the top or patently mild, working ever so carefully to achieve what the judges will be looking for. And so it is whenever one chooses to enter into a design competition. Guidelines must be met and specific tastes satisfied. Frustrating though it can be at times, the essence of this challenge is to add an embellishment that is not necessarily required for the garmment's proper constuction while also being interesting. Not to pay attention to these guidelines can be fatal!

We can use embroidery, bows, cord, rhinestones, and even designs actually overprinted on fabric as embellishments...and so much more. Beads, appliqués, fur and lace all come to mind as being marvelous embellishments! But, again, what distinguishes the equality (desire) to use a certain embellishment really relies on what we want the embellishment to actually do, and that is what will also be judged in this challenge.

Also, when choosing our embellishments we might want to look to items that are normally not considered embellishments; rather, they are generally considered notions. One may not think notions would NOT act as embellishments because their reason for being is usually to add an easier way for garments to function. However, well-known items such as zippers, buttons, bias tape, interfacing, and the very thread that holds the garment together, can cross over into the category of embellishments! Think of that well-placed zipper that doesn't function - it has been put in a strategic position merely to tease us in a manner that will make our garment more interesting.

In the final analysis, what is important is that we always keep in mind -- for both designing and this challenge -- is that embellishments are NOT required for the proper fit or construction of a garment; they are that extra gem that enhances its quality! Are you up to this task??

Now, here's a little insight into our guest judge this week, Magalie Dawson.

It's hard to think of Magalie Dawson without MHD Designs immediately coming to mind. Her love of dolls and creating beautiful doll clothes has been apparent in every eBay ad or item shown on her web page to date. Here is the link: MHD Designs

On her web page you will also find a wonderful Q&A interview that will tell you her background and other information I would normally include in a bio - so I won't try to improve on perfection; just go here: About Magalie Dawson

What I will elaborate about, however, is the experience I have had as her customer. The care Magalie puts into her pattern descriptions is as great as the care demonstrated in her pattern pieces. For one thing, you get step-by-step illustrated instructions! You also get direct access to the designer should you find yourself still having a problem understanding any phase of her work!

But what sealed the deal for my admiration was the fact that these patterns actually fit the dolls they are intended for. IBelieve me, I know of what I speak, having struggled too much with commercially made patterns for doll clothes - both modern and vintage - that simply do NOT fit!! When using Magalie's patterns, I actually felt her with me every step of the way. She was teaching and encouraging me with her attention to detail!! She was inspiring me not to fail; rather that I needed to at least try new things!!


So, I would simply say to those designers who really wish to do well in this challenge: all you need to do is look! Look at the designs she has given the doll design world for your clue, because no one really designs things they don't like! No one manipulates fabric quite like Magalie Dawson, either! Perhaps you may find an embellishment she's used for her style that might fit in with yours; or perhaps you may find a clue in another judge's choice of embellishments!?! Just as long as what you see fits into YOUR design esthetic also, it should work - so I encourage you to do just that - Make it work!!

Blogmeister's Observation: From comments I've read on the CDDC Board, it's apparent some of you are 'fraidy cats when it comes to actually cutting beautiful fabric you've collected. To you I'd offer some sage advice from one of my elderly Aunts: "What are you waiting for?? If you save it tooooooo long it just may end up being used by your significant other's NEW spouse.....you know, after you are gone!" LOL Seriously, you don't have to pay attention to my Aunt; just listen to these words from Magalie:

"I always use the type of fabric I intend to use for the finished design so I can see how it will fall, thus creating my prototype."

" It doesn't take yards and yards of fabric to sew for dolls, so mistakes are not too expensive, and you learn a LOT from each effort. Besides, I truly believe that there is always a way to turn a 'mistake' into a 'success'."

Enough said??

****Now A Word About One Of Our Sponsors****

We are happy to have FDQ, Tonner Doll Company, PB Factory, and Jude Designs as sponsors. Here is an announcement and some information from one of them

What does a personal trainer and a couture doll designer have in common? They are both professions of the talented Tamara Casey, owner of Designs by Jude. This fitness guru came into the doll world after discovering the doll market on eBay where she was selling videos and exercise equipment. With the support of her family - two sons and a husband - she began doing OOAK dolls; balancing her time between painting, sewing and drafting doll clothes patterns. Never had she imagined she would have spent her days playing with dolls! But her continued flow of return customers over the past six years have soldified her role in the doll business!

Tamara works under the company name of Designs by Jude, and has maintained both a doll store on eBay and a website presence. Here are the links:

Designs by Jude

Doll Stuff by Designs by Jude eBay store


In December of 2008, she really expanded to a full fledged pattern and notion business by acquiring the intellectual property rights to what had been The Fletcher Pattern Company, developed originally by designer Gary Fletcher. How fortunate was the doll world to have had her step in when Mr. Fletcher decided to move his career in a different direction! Today her website is a blend of both companies, and also features other doll items including shoes, jewelry and accessories. And, she continues her personal goal of providing great service, variety and quality products.

CDDC is proud to welcome Tamara Casey/Designs by Jude as one of our valued sponsors. And we'd like to take this opportunity to reveal the part her company will play in this competition.

BREAKING NEWS!!

Tamara will be providing a pattern in pdf format for each of the 8 challenge winners. Whether the winner receives their first pattern from this talented designer's stores, or if it will add to their collection of her works, we are sure this new prize will be a delightful surprise - and, hopefully, an incentive to push the boundaries of each contestant's talents even further in each challenge!

Look for further details about this new development on the CDDC website.

Clearing the cobwebs

Ready...........set.....................

Being chosen to compete is one thing; being ready to compete is another! We might expect the contestants to be busy clearing their workspaces and finishing up any projects in progress while anticipating the first clue being announced September 6. But it will take a bit more preparation to get ready for this event. Let me elaborate.

“We are looking for the point between commerciality and creativity”

-El Delgado Buil

1. Some may want to take a few moments to consider what they will actually do with these 8 challenge items when this competition is over…besides the possibility of having them featured in FDQ magazine! And, it may lead some to feeling they must compromise their creativity if they choose to produce either saleable clothes, or clothes geared toward getting high points from the judges. However, in this competition, to do that is to go away from the reason for such challenges.

Remember, this competition, by its very name, requires couture designs. Couture is often used as an adjective by fashion reporters when they mean haute couture; i.e. an exclusive design. However, a more definitive explanation of couture, for this competition’s purposes, is high-quality, often custom-made piece(s) of clothing. And, I think, it could also be expanded to embrace clothes that give us a sense that a particular designer has breathed their unique style into their well-made garments. This is a criterion that blends commerciality with creativity successfully!

What one really needs to remember is YOU are the designer of any article of clothing that carries YOUR name. Putting your design sense in first, then considering other possibilities will always get you in it to win it!! Stay true to YOUR creativity and the commercial acclaim YOU desire will surely come.

2. Next, let’s consider the doll(s) you may want to use as your muse. Whoever is chosen, one big consideration is that your design needs to be balanced by your model – in other words, you need to make the model match the design so she melts into it rather than makes her own pronounced statement – be sure she clearly enhances YOUR creation.

Of course, there are many of you who will simply choose to use your tried and true friends – Barbie, Fashion Royalty, Ellowyne, and Tyler all come to mind. But, just in case you might want to explore new possibilities, we’ll be looking at a few of the newer “models” we’ve recently seen on the doll runways.

First of all, how could we overlook the new mannequin or regular

version of Antoinette, Tonner gave us?

Antoinette has 14 points of articulation, an all-new face and body sculpt, and newly engineered joints which allow her to beautifully show off modern and couture fashions; she was introduced at IDEX 2009. She may be preferred as a blank-faced hanger by some; while others will embrace her because she has the ability to be transformed into a mini-me of a top model! To each their own – what YOU feel is right for YOUR designs is the correct version!

Gene and her counterparts, Violet Waters and Madra, became fully articulated when Mel Odom merged with Integrity. Recently, Integrity delighted little doll collectors by developing a 12” version of Gene for their Hollywood Royalty line. Information I’ve read indicated there will be 3 versions, but I was only able to find 2 of these beauties, which may indicate that one might be a W Club exclusive.

Jakks Pacific’s recently released their
Juku Couture line. According to their promotional fact sheet, the dolls are inspired by "the limitless possibilities and fashionable combinations that mismatching and layering pieces offers girls to express themselves," Juku, or Harajuku style, originated with fashion trendsetters in Harajuku, Japan, and is now favored all over the world, There are four dolls being releasedc- Audrina (preppy), Hayley (sporty and sweet), Kana (artistic), and Jun (eclectic, girly) – and the dolls have multiple points of articulation.

Wilde Imagination continued to delight us with their Ellowyne offerings including their new basic dolls, a line of Wizard of Oz dolls, along with a wonderful new vinyl Evangeline Ghastly. Yes, this new version is vinyl and reasonably priced, and comes with either rooted hairl or with interchangeable wigs. Perhaps this haughty diva will spark someone’s interest!

Horsman brought us Urban Vita; the doll they feel is more poseable than any doll in her category. With 19 points of articulation, 16” Urban Vita is available in the buff or dressed versions, and comes with either blonde, brunette, or red hair. Horsman says, “Ball jointed dolls are strung with elastic which tend to spring back, whereas the Urban Vita dolls have mechanical ball joints to ensure that the joints hold their position.” Will her painted eyes, rooted hair, or dual feet that can wear flat or heeled shoes, tempt you?

The Ashton-Drake Galleries offers up a preppy teen in Delilah Noir. This 16" collectible doll features multiple rotating and articulated joints, so she can be easily posed in almost any lifelike position. She is a wigged doll, has inset eyes, and appears comfortable in either her flats or high heeled boots. Yes, this doll comes with her own wardrobe, but is always ready for a new fashion.

Okay, I could look at dolls all day; but I think you get the picture. Whether you select a newer model, use your older version, or incorporate some of both – it’s obvious you have plenty of choices!

3. The next item is drawing your sketch, and won’t apply if you don’t want to draw one. Some people simply prefer to let a garment flow out from their thoughts or to drape and play with fabric till their designs are revealed. These techniques aren’t something I can explain. But if you are interested in making a drawing, and don’t want to start from scratch each time or have limited drawing skills, perhaps you’d like to try using a croquis. The original definition of a croquis is a rough sketch; but modern designers have come to know them as the human form already drawn – a drawing they don’t have to do; literally just add fashion and you’re done. There are many wonderful sites that provide free ones. Just type croquis into your search engine of choice, and you’ll find yourself delightfully surprised at your choices!

4. Slopers and patterns would then be your next logical choice to conquer. This next stage would include you putting together a sloper. A sloper is the most basic of patterns, used by apparel manufacturers to both style a garment and ensure the same fit for each piece made. What you will do is measure your doll’s exact measurements, then draft out some basic pattern pieces. Some of the most obvious would be a blouse, a pair of pants, and perhaps a very simple sleeveless dress. From there you will be able to develop patterns for each of your designs by using these basic pieces and adding items such as collars, cuffs, and other embellishments that are suitable. If you are concise, this basic sloper can carry you through making any items you desire to draft for that particular doll. And, remember, we can use several dolls if we desire in this competition – so each one will need its own sloper!

5. Next, it’s fun time! Let’s revisit our fabric stash and make some decisions! Of course, we don’t know what each challenge will bring, but we can still set some guidelines for what we might want to design. Will your collection have a Mod or Mandarin flair? Will you be featuring pastels or jewel tones. And do you have appropriate thread for the fabrics you “might” use? Yes, it’s also time to review your trims, buttons, embroidery, paint sticks, dye, or whatever else you usually employ to get a job done! Of course, your choices may change from your initial preview as the challenges are revealed, but isn’t it fun to actually know what you have collected??

6. Do what YOU do to get inspired. I don't know what inspires YOU; each of YOU are such true individuals! Go through your stash, look at the latest items going down real runways, watch design shows, catch up with fashions from doll companies, and even watch movies that feature fabulous designs - and these can be old or new! It's okay to treat yourself to all the fashion you can stand while waiting for the first challenge. YOU never know when the flip of a hem, a well placed button, or some fabulous nuance might inspire YOU!

Go forward, Fashionistas -- be brave, and don't let anything deter you. Take this opportunity to be critiqued by professionals in your industry, and use it to better perfect your craft. CDDC, by its very name, is a challenge, and to win it you must embrace it as one. Be ready for all the fun creating something uniquely YOURS will bring. And, most of all enjoy the challenge!!!

When size matters!

Yes, sometimes size matters - case in point, when entering your pictures with your application to CDDC. Please note: If you read the original version of this part of the blog please notes changes have been made to reflect accurate size of pictures to be submitted and kept for possible future use.

Also, one addendum – 4 clear pictures will be accepted and should be named as follows:

yourfirstname&firstinitialoflastnamefront

yourfirstname&firstinitialoflastnameback

yourfirstname&firstinitialoflastnameside

yourfirstname&firstinitialoflastnameextra

Below are some pointers to get this job done!

Before you do any changes such as resizing to a photo, be sure to make a backup copy. And, keep in mind, everyone needs to save a picture that is at least 1080 pixels high and 720 pixels wide for FDQ, just in case you’re a winner Remember, once you make a photo smaller, you can never go back to the original size without losing detail. And, it is always best to size down rather than sizing up; sizing up can cause distortion. But if you must size up, be sure to refocus (sharpen, or whatever term your software uses to make pictures clearer) after such a sizing. Ideally, however, if you take sharp pictures in the beginning, no refocus will be necessary.

Review these basic steps for editing photos no matter what photo editing software you use before you resize a picture!

1. Set your camera for highest resolution.
2. Make sure you have a backup copy (and a copy for FDQ in right size) of original picture.
3. Do any editing to your picture - crop, sharpen, etc.
4. Turn your picture if it's not going in the direction (horizontal, vertical) you want it.
5. Resize your photo.
6. Refocus if necessary.
7. Save resized photos with new name (and you can save a series of resized photos in an entirely new album for ease in locating).
8. Read the documentation that came with your software if this tutorial doesn't help you.

For entering pictures with your application for CDDC all you really need to know about picture size is that they are required to be 600 pixels high. The sizing techniques demonstrated here will automatically resize the width proportions in one easy step. They deal with two of the most popular programs - Adobe Photoshop and Corel Paint Shop Pro X, AND a program that most don't realize they have or can download for free, Paint.NET.

"Paint.NET is image and photo manipulation software designed to be used on computers that run Windows. It supports layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools. It started development as an undergraduate college senior design project mentored by Microsoft, and is currently being maintained by some of the alumni that originally worked on it. Originally intended as a free replacement for the MS Paint software that comes with Windows, it has grown into a powerful yet simple tool for photo and image editing." - Publisher's comments

Got your photos?? Let's go!

Adobe Photoshop
1. After you have opened your image in Photoshop, click on image in your menu bar right under Adobe Photoshop title

Pic 1

2. Menu drops down; on there, then click on Image Size. (Sorry you cannot see menu drop-down screen very well – look closely!)

Pic 2


3. When you see the image size box, make sure constraint properties has a check by it; and then change height 680 pixels (example) to height 600 pixels by retyping 600 where 680 now appears.

Pic 3


4. Notice the new dimensions in the image size box; width has automatically been changed to appropriate pixel size; the size that is the right proportion for this picture.

Pic 4


5. Then you will see your image at the new size. Click file, save image as, rename your newly sized picture

Pic 5


Corel Paint Shop Pro X:
This is basically the same; see bold type for differences. After you have opened your image in PSPX (any version), click on image in your menu bar right under CPSPX title. When drop down menu appears click on resize. When you see the image size box, make sure resize all layers box has a check by it; and then change height pixels to height 600 pixels. Notice the new dimensions in the image size box; width has automatically been changed to appropriate width pixel size which is just right for this picture. Then you will see your image at the new size. Click file, save image as; rename your newly sized picture. And that is it of PSPX!

Paint.NET
If you do not find this program in your program list, try doing a search on your computer. Simply click start, search, then in all files and folders type in paint.net – if a shortcut comes up simply click it and your program will appear. You can also make a copy of the shortcut to put on your desktop for ease in finding this program the next time.

But if you still do not find this program in your computer, you can simply go here and download it for free:

Get Paint.NET

Then, go here for an excellent tutorial on resizing in Paint. NET!

Resize Photos on Paint.NET

This tutorial deals with changing width of picture to 300 but it will also apply if you change the height of your picture to 600 height as required! And, check out the other tutorials on this page if you choose to continue to use Paint.NET.

Disclaimer: As always, information on this blog is intended to help, not harm, you or your computer. However, no liability will be assumed by this author or CDDC for any information contained here because we are not able to monitor how this information will be used. “Read thoroughly and follow steps exactly” is the best advice you could be given on using any programs on your computer or other hardware devices. Happy picture editing!

And so we begin!

And what are we beginning?? Only the edgiest, fashion forward doll fashion design competiton on the internet!!

Come along and join in as Larraine unleases her vision, to not only

~help doll fashion designers gain more knowledge of design with the help of leaders in the doll industry,

~but to also provide a place for everyone - designers and spectators alike, to enjoy interesting challenges and have fun.

So let's get ready to rumble!! And to help us, three special informational venues have been developed:

The official competition website ~ CDDC Website ~ The specifics of the competition are located there, and also where to enter. And, the preliminary rules have been posted, as well as the sponsors!

Next is the official CDDC Yahoo group ~ CDDC Yahoo ~ The place to go to talk with others, pose questions, and make nice comments about challenge related topics. Just click on the link, join the group, and give a little information about why you want to join, and approval should be quickly forthcoming!

And, here, where we are ~ CDDC Blogspot ~ the hub for fashion doll activities generated by the Couture Doll Design Challenge. This will be the place to come for tips, tricks, and tidbits ~ and definitely alot of inspiration.

Bookmark each venue and visit them often - you won't want to miss any of the fun!