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Barbie as Lois Lane

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  • Bizarro Amy
    Formerly known as Del
    • Dec 12, 2004
    • 3336

    Barbie as Lois Lane

    I keep meaning to post pics of this custom that I made as a Christmas gift. I'm kind of stuck on one of my Mego customs, so I've been on a Barbie kick. This was intended to resemble some of the designer Barbie packaging, where the box replicates a scene the character is in, or artwork they're known for. It was kind of inspired by the Fay Wray from King Kong Barbie Mattel made a while back, with the doll sitting in the giant gorilla's paw. I used artwork from the cover of Lois Lane, Supermans Girl Friend #1, where Lois is a witch. The box was supposed to be shrink-wrapped as well, but when I used it, the box started to buckle and I didn't know what else to do, so I called it a diorama instead. My sister-in-law collects Lois Lane comics, and when I thought about doing a project like this, I knew she'd love it, especially since this year she also decided to give her daughter HER first Barbie
    The Box:
    I don't have the capability to do high-quality printing like some of the packaging whizzes here, so I resized images from the comic with a little trial and error, printed them, then touched them up with paint and ink. I used craft foam to make the moon, and to raise some of the details. The skyline in the background is just a strip of posterboard I cut random building shapes out of.



    As soon as I gave my s-i-l the box, I started noticing things I could have done better. Ideally, I like like to make boxes like this out of something sturdier, so they'll withstand being shrink-wrapped. Either that, or find a source for the large clear plastic boxes that some of the newer dolls come in, so I can just make inserts to fit.

    The outfit was made from scratch, using old Barbie clothes as templates and modified patterns.


    The shoes were generic boots that I cut to the style I wanted, and roughed up with sandpaper so they'd hold the paintjob. Then I applied a topcoat of Mod-podge. I think I had posted that as a tip here before.



    I rerooted the head and made the hat from scrap fabric, plastic, interfacing, ribbon, and a buckle from the parts box.

    The broom is a piece of dowling with rattan glued on.(I'll have to check the spelling - it's that shredded paper that looks like straw.)


    I used fishing line to sew the doll onto the box insert, then duct taped the back. Here are a few photos of the doll up close and the finished display.










    Last edited by Bizarro Amy; Feb 18, '13, 10:52 AM.
    Hey! Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?

    Check out my customs!
    https://www.facebook.com/BizarroAmy
    http://www.tumblr.com/blog/bizarroamy
  • thunderbolt
    Hi Ernie!!!
    • Feb 15, 2004
    • 34211

    #2
    that's great, love the diorama, too.
    You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace. -Ernie Banks

    Comment

    • palitoy
      live. laugh. lisa needs braces
      • Jun 16, 2001
      • 59794

      #3
      Cool idea, you could have a lot of fun with some of the whackier covers.
      Places to find PlaidStallions online: https://linktr.ee/Plaidstallions

      Buy Toy-Ventures Magazine here:
      http://www.plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop

      Comment

      • Bizarro Amy
        Formerly known as Del
        • Dec 12, 2004
        • 3336

        #4
        There are a few I considered, but since this was my first attempt, I went for what seemed like the easiest to recreate, plus a fun costume. There are also some that would really require multiple dolls and a gigantic box.
        Hey! Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?

        Check out my customs!
        https://www.facebook.com/BizarroAmy
        http://www.tumblr.com/blog/bizarroamy

        Comment

        • madmarva
          Talkative Member
          • Jul 7, 2007
          • 6445

          #5
          Very cool. One of my favorite crazy Lois stories.

          Comment

          • Earth 2 Chris
            Verbose Member
            • Mar 7, 2004
            • 32977

            #6
            Hey, nice! Great, original idea to boot!

            Chris
            sigpic

            Comment

            • Meule
              Verbose Member
              • Nov 14, 2004
              • 28720

              #7
              Looking good Amy, reminds me of the Batman 3D wall sculptures
              "...The agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair..." - Edgar Allan Poe

              Comment

              • Bizarro Amy
                Formerly known as Del
                • Dec 12, 2004
                • 3336

                #8
                Question for the packaging artists: What do you use for your boxes? This was poster board, but it was a little thin. Perhaps the stuff sold at the dollar store is a different quality than you'd find at art supply stores. Does anyone know where I can get large, clear plastic boxes?
                Hey! Where's the waiter with the water for my daughter?

                Check out my customs!
                https://www.facebook.com/BizarroAmy
                http://www.tumblr.com/blog/bizarroamy

                Comment

                • sprytel
                  Talkative Member
                  • Jun 26, 2009
                  • 6662

                  #9
                  What a fun project! Looks great.

                  Comment

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