mademoiselle blythe

If you’ve ever wanted to know everything about dioramas, Cindy, aka Princess Di-O-Rama, tells it all today! She is not only an expert in creating fabulous decors and setups for her photos with Blythe, she also has a refreshing sense of humor. Each new image on her stream is always a gem in every way. I am very honored and pleased to interview Cindy, who was kind enough to give Mademoiselle Blythe exclusive new photos! Enjoy and have fun!

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Cindy and Arbus.

Hi Cindy! Can you introduce yourself?

Aloha, I’m Cindy Ellen Russell. By day I work as a newspaper photojournalist documenting human reality in Honolulu, Hawaii and at night I transform into Princess Di-O-Rama photographing doll fiction in Dollywood. At all times I am dedicated to my family and friends.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Fun at the office!

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Fun at work!

Photos: Princess Di-O-Rama. Chi’s Dream Lantern. Craft diorama project 2008. Battery operated tea light lantern “Sprite de Light”.

How and when did you discover Blythe?

I discovered Blythe by accident. In 2007, I was searching through Flickr for some home decor inspiration and kept coming across Blythe in photostreams that I was drawn too. After digging back into my personal photostream I found that the first individual Blythe doll that I “favorited” was Yvonne Stehle’s (aka Moline) Charlotte dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. This revelation has struck me with extreme significance since Yvonne is now part of a Blythe collaboration that I am currently involved with. I realize that I have come full circle with this hobby through the people who collect Blythe and it’s immensely gratifying.

Photo: Moline. Little Red Riding Hood.

When and why did you start your collection?

After seeing so many amazing photos of Blythe on Flickr I got curious and started to do some research. Like most newbies I was initially stunned by the sticker shock (how could people own so many?!!!) but was hooked and made the plunge. I decided that I wanted a doll that resembled my daughter and purchased a My Best Friend. At the time I was not a member of any Blythe forums and was completely unaware of the issue of “bonding.” Although I appreciated my MBF…I was in no rush to purchase another doll. She stood on display but my daughter and I kept a respectful distance from her, occasionally clicking her eyes and changing her limited wardrobe, and taking a random photo here and there. Alas, after spending more time on Flickr, the Blythes that I adored used their captivating gazes to lure me back in. I found myself buckling again and purchased a Dainty Biscuit (Princess) and Miss Sally Rice (Satu) in rapid succession.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Cindy’s first Blythe (My Best Friend) and first Blythe photograph. She is now a Marzipanda custom named G.B.

It was with these two girls that I became completely enamored with Blythe. I found them to be extremely photogenic and had an immediate sense of their “personalities.” The idea of having dolls with a distinct character delighted me and influenced my subsequent Blythe purchases. Since then, each doll that I have acquired has been made with a predetermined personality and occupation in mind for my dioramas. Some of the girls have surprised me with their own demands, but for the most part, I purchase dolls based upon character needs rather than their mold or stock. This criteria also encompasses other dolls such as Nikki & Odeco, Pipos, Pullips, et al.

Photos: Princess Di-O-Rama. Princess – Dainty Biscuit.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Satu – Miss Sally Rice.

What is the process in making your dioramas? And do you have any tips to share?

I have always loved dioramas. The first diorama I made was for a fifth grade book report on Stuart Little. I have vivid memories of the humble shoe box project. I remember using a tiny rabbit hair mouse doll, making the wee match box bed, the creative intensity I experienced while constructing it and the cheer from my classmates. It remains as one of my most cherished childhood memories.

As an adult I appreciate fabulous window displays as well as the painstaking detail that goes into museum taxidermy exhibits. When I was crafting I found myself incorporating dioramas into my projects. So, it was a natural transition for me to dive into doll dioramas with complete abandon.

Photos: Princess Di-O-Rama. Diorama Christmas ornaments made by Cindy for a charity auction in 2007.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Satu and Princess in the craft armoire.

The dioramas I construct are done on a tabletop using foam core as a supporting backdrop and decorated with the pieces that I have collected as props. Although I pine for a dollhouse, this system works best for my space constraints and allows for maximum flexibility and spontaneity. Sometimes I have very specific scenes that I want to portray, but the majority of the dioramas I create are done on a whim.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The Nook – Exterior view.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The Nook – Inside view – Where Dollywood comes to life.

The key to creating great diorama images, or any photo, is light.  I work during the day so I use one or two Canon 580ex flashes to light my dioramas indoors at night. I either use one dedicated onto my camera or employ a Canon ST-E2 transmitter to fire them both off remotely. I bounce the flash off of strategically placed foam core or the white walls of my workspace to obtain even lighting.  But fancy lighting is not needed to succeed. Natural daylight is beautiful and can be used by placing a diorama setting by a window. My advice is to use what you have and don’t fight with light. Look for it outdoors or indoors. And if you do use artificial light, such as tungsten or fluorescent, spend some time with your manual to change the white balance setting on your camera. Try to not to mix different temperature light sources. This will help eliminate unwanted color cast and help control low light grain.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Shooting in progress.

Standing and positioning the dolls is also key. I primarily use two stands, the Coolcat magnetic and a modified Takara standing ovation. Careful framing can help hide the support or Photoshop can be used to it clone out. I use clear elastic hair bands to manipulate limbs into different positions and to “hold” items. This is especially helpful with the stiff Takara arms that can bend when coaxed into it.

Of course props are another element that adds interest to images. Most of the play sets and furnishings I own I have acquired through thrift stores and eBay. To unify the variety of colored fashion doll pieces I use white Rustoleum plastic spray paint. One can of white will usually cover three furniture pieces but I buy two at a time just to be sure. Plastic spray primer can be used as a base for standard color spray paint and acrylic paint as well.

Photos: Princess Di-O-Rama. Rement tower and storage.

As for keeping props in place I use museum wax to secure Re Ment pieces from toppling over and Scotch Reusable Strips (a tacky putty most commonly used for posters) to hold items upon the walls. To hang the “wall paper” I use artist’s low tack tape or Scotch ATG transfer tape…the reusable strips can be used too.

For storage I keep my props in cupboards, cabinets, drawers and containers in my Nook. With so many delicate and small items –as well as large items such as playsets and vehicles– this remains an ongoing organization process. I seem to be magnet at thrift stores for doll furniture and playsets so I’m running out of space! At some point I will probably open a diorama Etsy shop to rotate out the goods and rehome the rescued finds.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Drawer storage.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Cabinet storage

There’s so much more I have yet to discover and learn. I will continue to share my knowledge with others as I go.

How many Blythe dolls do you have in your own collection?

I have a total of 26 Blythes. In no time I became one of those people who “owns so many”!

I own two BLs, two EBLs, seven SBLs, thirteen RBLs and two FBLs. Three of the girls have been professionally customized. I’m a hardcore thrift store shopper and hope that I will eventually find two, not one, Kenners during my rescues. I have nerve. When I dream, I dream big…

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The Blythe tribe. Please view larger here.

Where and how do you store them?

I store them laying flat inside of a chest of drawers. This way they are protected from light, dust and accidents. They are out of view but it is very satisfying opening a drawer lined full with Blythes. I also find that this system helps to control the clutter that doll collecting brings into a family home.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Blythe storage.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Blythe drawer: “The beautiful ones”

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Dolly wardrobe closet.

What kind of Blythe dolls do you prefer?

I love them all for different reasons. Kenners for the fact that they have lived full and previous lives in the imaginations and hands of children, BLs for their infamous kookiness, EBLs for their sparse beauty and knowing eyes, SBLs for their colorful tresses and Monalisa smirks, RBLs for their classic beauty, FBLs for their understated sweetness and customs for their unique personalities. But at the end of the day, I subscribe to Ana’s (Sugaroni) belief that any doll that is loved is beautiful…

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The girls with fantasy hair.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The Pastel RBLs.

Who did you ask to create the custom dolls you have and how do you choose your customizers?

I almost always want to keep my dolls stock but have found that a lot of my girls look better –or demand– to be customized. I tinker with customization myself but do not consider myself a professional and forward my dolls to the pros when they need to go the extra mile.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Elm, the puddle jumper. Candy Carnival customized by Cindy.

So far, I have had two Blythes commissioned. The first was, no surprise, my My Best Friend, who finally gained a soul with the work of Georgia Blackmore aka Marzipanda. For a long time I had admired Georgia’s signature style and was thrilled when she accepted the commission. The initial plan was to have her customized to look more like my daughter but in the end she found a distinct personality of her own as an adorable and hip nerd…which is actually a lot like my daughter! Lol!

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Studying hard! Georgia Blackmore – My Best Friend – Marzipanda custom.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. The need for speed. Georgia Blackmore – My Best Friend – Marzipanda custom.

The second commission was my Rouge Noir, Soma, who I purchased with the persona of being an art gallery owner and agent. I began to customize her myself but to no avail. The whole time I spent working on her GBaby’s name kept ringing through my head. I got lucky and was able to get her in before Gina stopped taking commissions. It is only fitting that she came to fruition through an artist’s hands. She is so bold compared to all my other dolls… a truly a one-of-a-kind doll.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Soma – Rouge Noir – G♥Baby custom.

Next in the works is a doll that will be an incredible honor to own: A “yarnhead” by my dear Flickr friend Juan Jacobo Vaz, aka Dr. Blythenstein. Juan does not offer these dolls for sale so I am extremely grateful that he has agreed to make one for me. In the meantime I will be the chaperone for his Cornelia Koosas as she attends summer camp at my home. I can’t wait. Thanks Juan!

I am also on the waiting list for one of Olga’s heavenly Vainilladolly customs and in the process of trying to decide between my Mademoiselle Rosebud or Dal Frara to go to her. There are so many other customizers whose work I admire greatly and would like to own. Now if I could only find openings with more of them!

Which Blythe is the last one arrived in your collection?

She is a Marzipanda, EBL, human hair custom named Liesel by Georgia (again). She’s the first custom that I have purchased without a commission and one of those dolls that I had to have.

Photo: Marzipanda. Liesel – Marzipanda custom _ EBL with human hair.

Which one would you like to have next?

My upcoming customs. I am very satisfied with my current collection. Right now I’m focused on developing the personalities for the ones that I own. But to answer the  question…an EBL Skate Date!

Did you send any of your Blythe dolls for adoption or do you still have them all?

I purchase my dolls for keeps. However, I have given two dolls to my best friends and plan on giving one more to a guy best friend who has shown real interest in owning a Blythe doll. I’m fortunate that my long time friends appreciate Blythe and that we can have fun talking about the dolls.

As far as adoptions go, I made one exception with a DIY Simply Lilac custom, Monet, for my Flickr friend Tania. Tania was so smitten to her that I knew that she would be going on to a good home and receiving a lot more love than I could possibly give. I was reluctant to let her go but I am so glad that I did. Tania truly adores her.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Monet is packing – Simply lilac – Customized by Cindy.

What do you like the most in collecting Blythe?

By far, I enjoy the people who I have met through collecting Blythe. There are only a couple that I have met in person but we literally clicked right away. We share the bond. The others I have yet to meet but look forward to the day that I do at BlytheCon 2011. See you there. I can’t wait!

A final word?

Thanks so much Fanny and much love to all who share the passion…

A huge thanks to you, Cindy, for sharing your Blythe love and expertise in photography, dioramas, crafting, decor, storage… and for making us dream through your Blythe stories. Your dolls are all gorgeous and they are lucky girls too. I am amazed at how you helped each one develop their own character. The Blythe world has reached a higher level with you, and I can’t wait to meet you IRL in Portland next year

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Story Time. Lil’ Maybelle – Enchanted Petal – Customized by Cindy.

Photo: Princess Di-O-Rama. Multitasking. Ms. Melona – Simply Peppermint.

Related posts:

1. Great Collector Interview #2: RockyMountainRoz
2. Great Collector Interview #10: Dr. Blythenstein
3. Great Collector Interview #1: Marie/RedFlynn
4. Great Collector Interview #5: Amélie/Amloro16
5. Great Collector Interview #9: Jenniferabe