it’s a small world indeed! This is the name of the blog dedicated to a wonderful project which I had intended to speak about since it started. Our Blythe community has forged strong ties between its members, even though many of us have never met. That is why the Traveling Blythes, Luka and Perrin, can move from one host to another, traveling the world throughout Europe, Australia, South America, Asia and America North.
Perrin, the brunette, is a Sammydoe custom and Luka, the blond girl, has been customized by Vainilladolly. Both girls will have visited 25 homes in 1 year! Their journey will end in November 2010 and a big raffle will be organized for all the participants to win the dolls and their numerous goodies! I can’t wait to know who are the lucky winners!
Now it’s time to talk to Shannon Taylor, one of the most talented photographer in the Blythe world, to know more about the week with her special guest, Luka.
Photo and design: Shannon Taylor.
Hi Shannon! Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Shannon Taylor. I live in Bristol, TN, United States. I work as a part-time graphic artist. So I get to work about 12 days a month & the rest of the time I’m home with my husband (Rob) and two sons (Robby & Oliver). I love to read & watch movies. I love scrapbook a lot too but I’ve been on a hiatus since I found Blythe dolls, but I do plan to go back to it. I’ve actually had tons of pages & projects published in various publications over the years.
Photo: Shannon Taylor. Some of her mini scrapbooking albums.
How and when did you discover Blythe?
I discovered Blythe when a fellow scrapbooker & acquaintance started posting photos of her Blythe dolls. At first I thought it was kind of odd that a grown woman would post doll photos but I kept falling in love with every single shot. I asked you a bunch of questions & took the plunge. Now I usually have about 10 in my house at once. EEEEKS! I blame Danielle Thompson (aka DanielleT). Thanks girl! 
Photo: DanielleT. Miss Sally Rice.
When and why did you start your collection?
I received my first doll, an Ashletina, in April 2009. My plan was just to have one, but I found I needed more dolls so I wouldn’t get bored with just one. Then I discovered custom dolls & I just about couldn’t control myself!
I know that you are a sucker for customs. How do you choose your customizers?
I usually just choose my customs by how much money I have at the time & which dolls I fall in love with. It’s fun to have dolls by amazing customizers.
Photos: Shannon Taylor. Left: Adelaide Lucille, aka Addie Loo – Morganorton custom. Right: Sparrow Blue – Happibug custom.
Who is your dream girl, or do you have her already?
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get my paws on a Gentle River!!!
What’s your background in photography?
My father bought me my first camera when I was about 20 years old but I didn’t really get into the hobby until I started scrapbooking. I really wanted to have some of my pages published so I needed to improve my photography skills. I did take one online class, but most of my training comes from just practice, practice, & practice. Plus I have learned a lot from practicing using Photoshop to improve the photos. There are so many fun actions that can create a mood you are looking for.
Photo: Shannon Taylor. Adelaide Lucille (Addie Loo). Morganorton custom. Another Blythe wants to travel the world!
Photos: Shannon Taylor. Left: Raining blossoms – Mango. Right: The fruity girls are on the go – Simply Guava and Simply mango – Featured in Dolly Snaps!
What do you like the most in collecting Blythe?
I guess I love the girly factor. I live in a house full of men. I know they think it’s odd, but my husband is pretty supportive. Since I’ll never have my own daughter, I treat this little creatures like they are my own. I LOVE buying ultra girly outfits. Plus I found that I really love customizing on my own as well.
Photo: Shannon Taylor. Matroyshka Maiden.
Can you tell us about Luka’s adventures?
Luka, the Traveling Blythe arrived August 13th and left August 23rd. She started in Austria and traveled throughout Europe. She then landed in Australia before heading to South American where she got stuck in Brazilian customs for 2 months. So she had to go back to Australia before making it to the United States where she will finish her travels. The last girl who had her before me was from Florida. She travels north to Maryland after me.
Photo: Shannon Taylor. Messy after playing!
What do you like the most about her, about photographing her?
Oh my goodness, where should I start? This girl is AMAZING!!!!!! I think this little one is real!!!!! She must move around at night like a real child. She has to because she just looks like a little girl! She is a DREAM to photograph. I swear her customized face has more expressions that any of my other dolls. Almost like her lips move
Photos: Shannon Taylor. Luka is wearing a dress by Melacacia.
A huge thanks to you, Shannon, for your time and dreamy pictures. I always enjoy the way you dress your dolls and make them look like little girls at play. Your creative, refreshing and beautiful pictures tell us lovely stories and make up memories of childhood. What a pleasure for the eyes and soul!
Photo: Shannon Taylor. The trio in tandem!
Photo: Shannon Taylor. Walkin’ the bear.
And many thanks to Sandra, aka Minkidynamite, for her hard work organizing everything to make the Traveling Blythe adventure a big success and overcome the scary moments with the customs in Brazil. Jayme, aka Cookie95, my Blythe friend in Halifax, Nova Scotia, had the idea and did all the designs for the project. I wish Luka and Perrin the best of luck to continue on their journey smoothly and have a happy ending with their permanent moms at the end of the year. I am also very pleased to announce that there will be a second edition of the Traveling Blythe in 2011. Get ready for the next round!
