Elvis has not quite left the building

While Elvis hasn't officially left the building yet... he is on his way.

My inspiration for the pose was the Song, "Walking In Memphis", so while he may not look exactly like the King, the impression is there.. enhanced by the Beale and Union Ave. St. signs.

I didn't want to do him all glammed up, but wanted to keep it subtle and everyday. Just a little glitz in the buttons and cuff links... and of course the Blue Suede Shoes.

I really love that song Walking in Memphis, the idea of following in the steps of the King... not that I'd want to follow the King exactly... I just love the hope and dream behind it. Kind of absorbing yourself in the moment as you travel, the sounds the smells, the taste... the energy. I hope I captured part of that here.

I worked all weekend trying to finish this piece, I hope my customer loves it! I'm happy with the way it turned out, I must admit I was terrified to take on the challenge of a well know personality.

Each time I do something like this I feel more confident in my abilities and in each case I learn something new about myself and my craft.

Hope you don't mind my sharing... and have enjoyed sharing a bit of the journey with me.

Elvis is retaining water...

Well, It sure looks like it. He's got some fat ankles there!
I finished giving him his muscle by wrapping him with poly batting and am just about finished skinning him.

All the while I'm sticking pins and sewing him up he's singin': "Don't be cruel to a heart that's true..." and I'm singing back: "I don't want to sew another, Baby it's just you I'm thinking of." Quite funny... but then I guess you gotta be me...

His ankles are a little heavy I think he's retaining water. I'm debating going back in there with some upholstery thread and really giving them a tug, but then they'll be covered with pants and socks anyways and there's always the chance his skin might break and run so I'd better not. I think it'll just be our little secret. I did give him a nice sized package and tight little buns though to make up for it... grin.

Elvis is still in the building

I've been continuing work on Elvis this week. I was really stuck with his hair until I came across Art Dolls by Nat's blog and her Cursalot with her paper ribbon twisted hair. I kept thinking about it and was almost out to look for some of that ribbon to try it out when I remembered I had some black twist pleated fabric. So along with my aha moment and some paverpol (powertex here in Canada)I started a wig for Elvis.

Here's a couple pictures.... still needs some refining.




Although the more I work on the doll the less he looks like Elvis.... I also found out today that Elvis's eyes were actually blue. All my reference photos showed brown eyes. Apparently he wore brown contacts that acted like sunglasses to keep down the glare on stage.... Who Knew?! Looks like he needs another paint job! Grin

Costuming Newsletter

For any of you follow me and haven't found it yet Adele's Fall 2010 Costuming Newsletter is ready for download. If you haven't you're in for a treat!!! Just sign up to receive it and you can download the file and back issues. It's wonderful, glorious, stupendous and all that!!