Customer Reviews

Fashion Doll Makeovers Learn from 35 Artists Step-by-Step Guide by Jim Faraone (Vol 1)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I wasn't sure what to think of this book; I'd seen good reviews and bad ones. Ultimately this purchase was a leap of faith, and I'm glad I jumped. While this is not primarily a how-to volume, there is a good, basic starter section in the back which shows how to re-root and style hair, do basic face paints, construct accessories such as hats, purses and jewelry.

If you're looking for a project-based book, this sure isn't it, and you'll be bitterly disappointed by the fact that the bulk of the book is made up of photos of and information about the work of other doll customizers. However, if you're looking for inspiration along with enough information to get started on your own, then this is absolutely the book for you. It's a book to set you dreaming about what that $2.99 sale Barbie could look like with a little (or a lot) of work. It's a book that can provoke you to have fun as well as take on a lot of hard work.

Most of all, it's not going to lead you through cookie-cutter projects. If you want a doll that looks just like dozens of other dolls, stick with what's in the box. But if you want to think, to create something truly one-of-a-kind, then give this book a shot.

This book has great pictures, but is it seriously lacking in the how-to department. There is one small chapter on how-tos, however, the rest of the book showcases the creations of various fashion doll customizers. If you are not looking for much on the how-tos of fashion doll customizing and you want to look at pretty pictures and get some ideas, this book is for you. If you are looking for a book heavy on the how-to of fashion doll customizing, this is not the book for you. What little information that is in the book and more, can be found on the internet if you are willing to do the research. Trust me, I found it.

As a novice, I find the book inspiring and informative. Just looking at all the designs by other people and reading about how they got started gets me itching to dig out material for clothes. The instructions on rerooting, repainting, and reposing your doll are concise and well illustrated.

This book is divided into two separate parts. By far the largest section of the book is devoted to artist's biographies and full-color photographs of their work.

While this is interesting, it is hardly "learning from the artists". Instead, as one reviewer had the courage to admit, it is merely advertisement for these artists. While all are talented people, none shared any secrets and limited themselves to discussing why they began doing fashion doll make-overs.

Mr. Faraone includes a section where he generously gives out a few secrets and tips during the course of ONE make-over. His advice is sound, and his writing chatty and informative. However, this is only ONE doll. If you are looking for instructions on fashion doll makeovers, you are better off visiting an informative web-page.

However, if you would like to be inspired by the work of the current reigning fashion doll artists, then by all means, buy this book.

If you love one-of-a-kind fashion dolls, this is the book for you. Not only does it showcase some wonderfully talented makeover artists, but Jim also includes a great "how-to" section that encourages you to create your own makeover doll! It's a really fun book!

Every question is answered in this easy to understand book. Not only does it show you how to re-design Barbie into your own fashion creation, but shows you the work of other designers. Gorgeous photos allow the reader to pick up many ideas on thier own. A truly quality book!

I highly recommend this book if you are a beginner in customizing fashion dolls. Even if you aren't a beginner this book is great and you can learn from the artists!

It's truly wonderful to show interests for future artists, you want more, find Jim's second and third books thanks! ;o)

This book has lots of pictures of fashion dolls that people have purchased, modified, and made their own, like completely rerooting hair, making their own complex custom outfits, and repainting faces, anything from vintage Barbies to Malibu Barbie, and newer models, mostly more classic figures. There's a small section in the back with a detailed step by step on how to reroot and repaint figures, and things like making nylons for a doll, and all. It's really quite fantastic and very inspirational if you need ideas on outfits for making your own, and the step by step section is wonderfully detailed, showing little things like how to make a part in doll's hair and how to smooth it out or add curls, and all that fun little things a beginner wouldn't know and would have to figure out on their own. I really like this book, and for the price, it was really a fantastic bargain.

Jim's first book is very well done. He has a lot of doll artist's work throughout the book to motivate you. I like seeing what others do with the dolls. In the back of the book there is a very well done section on 'how-to' complete with descriptions and photos so you can follow along. I bought his 2nd book as well, and it is just as good!