Greetings Fans,
It's been a while, and I haven't been feeling very fancy of late, but that is all about to change, I have a official Studio MJ has suggested a room to make my very own and I'm super happy about it. For my Birthday MJ even took me to Ikea to find a larger Expedit and Desk, it is quite fabulous and I can use the computer and the sewing machines on it. I'm going to be in organization mode soon (this weekend) We've recently discovered some empty plastic tubs that can be used to sort the various art supplies that I have collected over the years, I plan to find a place to donate the bulk of it, or one day I may sit on my stoop here in NYC and give it away. We'll see. I have way to much stuff sometimes. Anyway. Here is the desk set up, I do love this and I can keep my remaining supplies close at hand.

I also would like to report that I am now working full time at a Hospital here in NYC, the fabulous costume job (Much loved) wasn't able to bring me back soon enough so I had to go back to my medical job, yes it was a hard decision but in the long run, it will enable me to keep up my studio and still make stuff for you all to view. I also tried my hand at retail, I took a part time position at "THE" Disney Store in NYC lots of fun lots of work and lots more hours than a fancy lad could take, I loved working there but I had not time to sew and make fab dresses for everyone. Now with renewed energy (cuz I got some sleep) I can tackle my studio and get to making stuff. I've been thinking of late to try my hand at Etsy, I've had a view ideas and I plan to work them up and see how they fly. I'll post somethings here and when I do please let me know what you think. And if you have some ideas of what you'd like to buy let me know. Thanks and enjoy September.

Challange 6 Avant Garde for Lady Gaga

Well everyone the final challenge is finished, I scored a 70 on this one, I did not win, heck I didn't even come close, but I did learn a lot about myself and my abilities, I learned that I can do this I just need to explore my imagination a bit more, expand on my creativity and get out there and get it done. I've made stuff from scratch using my abilities to create patterns and take ideas and go with it. I actually loved this challenge as it inspired me to create this amazing bodysuit and corset for my Model Jax, I think that she is very Gaga inspired and even the judges said so, which I'm super happy about. I would actually do this again, now I know what to expect, what the judges respond to and how to get my ideas across. I plan to get a few more "models" and dress them all in my designs so that you can see my progression. I have to admit that using a different model helped my creativity. My first model, Prudence,who is great, inspired me to make cute clothing, Jax who is a bit more model like and a bit on the edge helped me explore more edge, which was a lot of fun. I have to thank my amazing photographer from http://web.mac.com/imagesbyfitz/Images_by_Fitz/Welcome.html  who has taken the best pictures of my model and fashions and http://www.couturedoll.com/ for giving me the opportunity to enter the competition, and have fun. Enjoy the photos and look for more designs from Fancy Lad. 

CDDC #5 The Kimono Challenge

Well here is my latest design, you can check out the scores and my progress here http://www.couturedoll.com, I have to thank my amazing photographer Images by Fitz http://web.mac.com/imagesbyfitz/Images_by_Fitz/Welcome.html again, He has done a super job of capturing my designs. I feel that throughout this experience I've been able to grow and find my own way, the Judges mentioned that this was a bit too classic had a 50's feel and to be honest I'm pretty OK with that. For this design I was very influenced by the 2007 Dior couture collection, I didn't copy but put my own spin on it and I'm so happy with the way this suit turned out, once I started to drape and cut the jacket, I knew that this was the perfect look for Jax. I gave her a pencil skirt and remembered how to correctly put in a zipper. I even made the umbrella sculpture. So enjoy the pics and check out the links. And have fun, Next time join me for a reporting of the last challenge.

the 4th Challange

Well folks here are the pictures of the most recent CDDC challenge. This was create a dress for a Hollywood starlet, using the works of Adrian, Irene and Edith Head. What a exciting challange, and it was fun to do the research. So let me introduce Jax wearing a dress by me. Also I'd like to thank Images by Fitz for the spectacular photography www.imagesbyfitz.com

CDDC 3rd Challange

Hey evertybody here is my 3rd submission for the CDDC challange, I was happy with the way she came out, I even tried some beading, I think I should have added more but wait till my next entry, same doll new dress. My model for this chllange was the Knave of Hearts from the 2011 Tonner Halloween Convention. I love her cuz of her dark hair and blue eyes. 

Second doll submission.

Well, here is my 2nd submission for the CDDC, my inspiration for this challange was Sonic the Hedgehog, I think the hat says it all, I didn't really do my best on the dress, but I'm hoping to make a much better impression on the judges. I'm also going to introduce a new model to my runway challenges, I like to call her Jax. Ok enjoy the pictures. 

 Prudence front view

Prudence running 

The Hat

Introducing  Jax!

CDDC 1st Entry

Hello Everyone!

I've joined a contest, it is the Project Runway of fashion dolls. It is called the Couture Doll Design Challange, we are entering 6 designs over 12 weeks. Our First Challange Sporty Couture! You can see my score here http://www.couturedoll.com/. I'm just going to show you a few pics here. Please enjoy I'll be posting the 2nd challange in a few weeks. 

Check this out

Ok Everyone, the Fancy Lad wants you to go to http://www.pmcdesigns.com/index.php or http://www.gallifilms.com/, this is Patti Medaris Culea's DVD. The reason I'm asking you all to check this out, one of my dolls is shown in the DVD. It's a wonderful DVD, Patti gives great information, alot is in her books but now you can see how she makes a doll, for me it is a great way to learn. She shares alot of information and she is nice to listen to and watch. 

New dolls, Old Movie

Ok, I just have to say The Tonner Doll Company surprised me this year with two dolls from my favorite Christmas Movie, White Christmas, I figured I would eventually purchase them for myself as I love the movie and the costume they were wearing, I could see making the clothing from the movie including the blue "Sisters" dresses. Well for Christmas I was surprised with them Yes both of them. Please welcome the Haynes Sisters, Betty and Judy to the house of Fancy Lad. And I have to say the attention to detail is amazing, they even have the right color eyes Betty has blue, and Judy has brown. The dresses are true to the movie as well, even down to the designs on the fabric. They move well and I can't wait for Betty to sing "Love You Did Me Wrong" I may even make the black dress from the movie, I think that would be awesome. Anyway enjoy the pics while I enjoy the dolls.

It's Been a while...

Greetings all, 2011 ended with many life changing events, first was a move across country, I am now a New Yorker. Yes I've given up life in the city by the bay for life in the big apple. It's a bit colder here and life is a bit different but so far it is working out.
I even have my first job in New York, I am working as a 1st hand in a costume shop, making costumes for different Broadway shows and dance companies all over the country, for example I'm helping to make costumes for the San Francisco Ballet, I had to move across country to work on San Francisco stuff go figure LOL.
I had two losses in 2011,
One my dear friend QC lost her beloved Roscoe, he was her dog, her four legged companion, he was my furry nephew and I miss him dearly. I was able to meet Roscoe the same day QC did, I held him in my arms that 1st weekend and a life long friendship was made. I always felt Roscoe's tail wagged just a bit more for me. I always felt that as long as Roscoe was around I didn't need a dog. He used to come and stay with us when QC was on a trip, he was always a welcome house guest, even when he needed a walk at 5:30 am on a Saturday. He always made me happy, cuz he was happiness and joy in physical form. Be at peace my dear friend, perhaps you are making my mom happy now too.
As many of my FB friends know my mom  passed away just before the end of the year, this came as quite a surprise to all of us as she was holding on pretty well. We lost a bright, talented lady that day. She was as my sister said the mom we needed. She allowed all of us to spread our wings and fly. And fly I did, she taught me to draw, to explore my talents and grow as a artist and as a person. I'm not sure if she ever knew this but it's because of her that I am the artist I am today. I think she always wanted me to be a actor, but as I got older I knew that my path lay in the fiber and doll arts. My mom also taught me to read, she gave me a love of books that I am so thankful for today. I remember she was always reading, I wanted to be able to do that too and she showed me how, because of this a whole world of adventure and imagination was given to me. Every time I pick up a book I think of her. I'm happy she knew I had moved to be closer, and that I was able to tell her that I was working in New York City.  I hope she has found all of her lost pets and I know she has found rest and peace.

So even though 2011 started a sad, 2012 is looking up, I hope to be working at the costume shop for a while, my sewing area will be up and going soon so that I can get back to sewing! I'm going to be having wonderful adventures in New York.

Happy 2012 everyone!


Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

Mom and I at Macainac Island in Matching sweatshirts

 Mom and I looking fab in our 80's sunglasses

 Mom just looking beautiful, my favorite picture of her

 Me and Roscoe on a visit to the bay area 

Just Roscoe being cute.