photo courtesy of Libba South

 THE PASSION FOR BLYTHE

This is the first part of a series on the obsession passion for the big-headed doll known as Blythe.  

In it I will introduce you, through interview and photos,  to several collectors and artisans here in the states and abroad with extraordinary talent and a deep affection for this doll.

To help with some of the terminology of Blythe HERE is a link with fabulous information on these beloved dolls.

INTERVIEW #1: Libba South from Alabama.
Photo courtesy of Libba South
R: I feel like I am on my way to 'crazy' with six dolls at the moment, how many do you have in residence:


L: You are definitely NOT on your way to crazy!  When I first started getting overwhelmed by my doll collection (for some reason I always tend to adopt like, four dolls at once), a fellow collector told me that it was just part of being a collector.  If you collected coins or pez dispensers, you probably wouldn't stop at just ten, right?  And granted, there's a lot more to this hobby then sticking a bunch of dispensers on the shelf, but you get my drift.  
Photo courtesy of Libba South
I love Blythe.  I love the endless possibilities that come along with unwrapping a doll.  The fashion styles, the customization options, and I love how my personal preference for certain dolls has changed over time.  When I first started, I never thought I would own a customized doll.  I thought they were gross and creepy.  Then I fell in love with a Moofala custom because they were so natural.  I realized that a custom doll enhances the doll's personality instead of making the doll's personality.  So that's the direction my collection started leaning towards.  
Photo courtesy of Libba South
 Over the years I have purchased 38 different dolls, but when my collection gets above 10 I start sweating and have to purge.  It's happened three previous times, so I guess that ten is my sweet spot, although I'd actually prefer not to go above 9.  I have 7 girls at home right now and it is such a relief!  One for each day of the week!  I just love them all so much, and I feel bad for neglecting them.  If a month goes by and a certain girl has not had her photo taken once for my ADAD challenge, then something's got to change.  So I thought long and hard about the girls that I feel most guilty about not photographing, and those are the ones on the shelf right now.
photo courtesy of Libba South
R: What is your favorite Blythe mold?

L: As far as the molds, I've owned all of them besides Kenner at one time or the other (including ADG).  I prefer Takara RBLs for stock girls, and EBLs for customs.  I love the way you can swap the scalps on the RBLs, and I love the size of their eyes and the shape of their heads all in all.  I had an FBL shortly (like, a week), and she seemed like she would be very similar, once customized, to an EBL.  My BL is super cute, and Mondrian is one of my dream dolls.  I had an SBL for almost a year, but never could seem to bond with her.  Her eyes were too small for my liking.  EBLs, BLs, and RBLs really symbolize what I love so much about Blythe, which is the little girlishness of it.  Every time I get excited about a doll, I think about how it's the same thing I felt as a child on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to bring me a new doll.  And now I can have Christmas Eve feelings whenever my bank account allows!  Ha!

R: Which doll in your collection is your favorite?
L: Hmmm, I think my favorite would be Lucy. She was my 
first Takara and I adopted her in 2008. She's gone through some changes, but the name always goes with the hairs, and currently Lucy has a vainilladolly custom PDAA head and a licca body. She is full of sass and vinegar, and I love her because she has the complete opposite personality of me!


Photo courtesy of Libba South
I love how different clothes or hairdos can bring out different facets of personality!
Photo courtesy of Libba South
R: I think of my girls as being between the ages of 6 and 10, what age do imagine YOUR girls are?

L: I think of my girls as all being between 8-12.

I've had girls that seemed to be older before, but I can never
seem to bond with them and they eventually get adopted out. I don't like for them to be too mature, because, for me, this hobby is about preserving that wonder that went along with doll play when I was, myself, between the ages of 8-12 (before it became "uncool" to play with dolls.)

Thank you, Libba for the interview, for sharing your gorgeous photos of your dolls and for becoming a friend in this wonderful world of Blythe.  Your beautiful spirit is contagious.
You can see more of Libba's stunning doll photography on Flickr.  Look for 'Libbalu'

 

4 comments:

Cinderella Moments said...

This is such a good interview. I had no idea how much was involved in making these little dolls over. They are just precious!
I loved your comment on my blog. You actually made me laugh out loud! But you know how those computers and printers go, right? I think I'm printing the perfect piece and wham!! It's a disaster. I thought keep your sanity and go old school.
Have a super great weekend!
hugs,
Caroline

Suz said...

A whole new world, Rella. As Maija LePore taught me, they are creepy cute!!! I will follow along and learn!!!
Big hugs,
Suz

Awishdream said...

Hi Rella,
Looks like your collection is growing mysteriously! ha! what can I say mine is too! hee-hee
Wonderful interview! enjoyed reading about your obsession!
These dolls are amazing!!!
Hugs,
Melanie

roz said...

I love this interview of Libba! She is a darling! And you are a darling! I cannot tell you how happy that I am to know you, Rella! You make our lives a happy place. I love your interviews! xoxo