I met Bethany via my Etsy post advertising ball jointed doll glasses, but she didn't actually have any ball jointed dolls...wait for it...

Bethany was in search of glasses to fit Bratz dolls, yes, those highly made up, overly large headed dolls. I said I didn't have any glasses sized to fit those dolls at this time, but was game to create some just for her.

When I asked a friend if her daughter had any I could use to help scale glasses there was a resounding, "NOOOO way! They wear way too much make-up!". So I found some at the local thrift store and together we were able to work over the internet, her in Australia and me here in Canada, to tweak the sizing to fit the dolls!

Bethany is quite the artist, taking those highly over processed dolls and transforming them into MUCH more kid-friendly, age-appropriate, adorable little dolls!

I needed to learn more about Bethany and her making, and I thought you would like to as well, so here is a little interview and some fabulous before and after photos of her work with Bratz dolls, some wearing the glasses we worked so hard on to fit their cute little faces!

What got you started?

My daughter was 4 and I had never bought her a doll. I didn’t like the options on the shelves in the shops. My husband came across a Lady who upcycled Bratz dolls.

They were beautiful but unfortunately, I could not afford her work. So I decided to make my own for my Daughter. I bought a second-hand doll and got to work. I found incredible satisfaction from scrubbing off the face and creating a new one.

My Daughter loved her and I got a lot of positive feedback from family and friends. I was encouraged to do more dolls. My mum then got on board with knitting the clothes. And from there Fairlight Dolls was created. My Mum and I work really well together and with skills combined, we were able to create a product worth selling.

Here are some of the clothes Bethany's mum creates:

What is the most challenging part?

Sometimes it challenging trying to find the time to work on the dolls with 2 small kids to look after.

Each Doll takes about 8-10 hours of work and so finding the time to create can be difficult.

What is the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part is the connections I am making with people. Either through my FB page or at the market stall, I love chatting with people about the message that these dolls put into the world.

I love the fact that my dolls challenge peoples ideas about beauty! I love conversing with parents who are so relieved and thankful that there is a different option out there for their sons and daughters. I love putting something positive and good out into the world.

 

Here are Bethany's answers to the 3 questions I ask all artists/makers:

What is your favourite colour?

Blues!!

What is your favourite medium to work in/on? Why?

Polymer clay. I find it therapeutic to soften it, mix colours and make molds. I always seem to relax while working on my Dolls shoes.

What was the first craft project you can remember making?

I have done crafts since I was very young but I have a very clear memory of learning to cross stitch when I was about 9. And I have had a love for cross stitching ever since. 

Where to find Bethany and her Fairlight Dolls online?

 

www.etsy.com/shop/fairlightdolls

www.facebook.com/FairlightDolls

Makers going to Make!

I can't wait to make more stellar glasses for all her fresh-faced dolls! I just love it when makers are able to get together to create something wonderful! I also adore how they are matched to the outfits.

Scroll down to see even more images of Bethany's wonderful before and afters! 

Do you wish to have something 3D printed for a doll?
It never hurts to ask! Feel free to contact me anytime.