Help with doll makeover

OK - I'm about to start my OOAK DD look-alike project for my MIL. I have 2 dolls in need of TLC. One Samantha with a haircut (brown hair and eyes) and one Kirsten with a hair cut (Blonde hair and blue eyes.) I need to have a doll with the brown hair but the blue eyes. Anne(Kitchywoman) has been very helpful so far. What I need to know is how to get the wigs off and still be able to use it? (otherwise I will have to try eye transplants.)I then want to freckle her. I've saved several peoples albums who have done makeovers recently. THanks for posting those. I plan to take pictures thru out the process. Wish me luck. Any advice is welcome!

The best tools I have found for removing a doll wig is a butter knife and a spoon. Use the butter knife to pry up just enough to get the spoon started, then slip in the spoon under the wig and carefully pry it off. Start at the base of he neck and work your way forward.

I have found that your chances of getting the wig off without ripping the wig cap or ending up with dead elastic depends upon the age of the doll and the strength of the glue. Really new dolls and really old dolls are the most risky. The glue on new dolls is usually still really strong. On old dolls, the glue is weaker, but so if the wig cap. If you fail to get the wig off in one peice, you can buy nice doll wigs for under $10, and really nice ones for about $20. I recommend Audreys. She has a $25 minimum, but for that you can get two wigs and a pair of shoes (or other accessory) for your dolls.

Finally, many people swear by tacky glue for glueing on wigs. I will be have give the miniority report and recommend vinyl/fabric adhesive. It is a special adhesive for gluing fabric and vinyl together, which is exactly what you are doing. It is typcally used for repairing outdoor furniture cushions, tarps and camping supplies. Unlike tacky glue, once it dries, it is permenent and water proof. Yo have to be really carefull not to get any on the doll's face, and wipe up any spills immediately - because it will leave a mark if you let it dry. You can find it at most large hardware stores. There is also an online site, (think it's Prilly's) that sells basically the same thing as wig adhesive for about $4 plus shipping.

Ubarose - Thanks for the tips. I started with the Kirsten with a bad haircut because I was not really trying to reuse that wig. Things were great until I got to the top of her head. Then I just couldn't get it off without tearing it. Now I' afraid to try the other doll. The other alternative is to switch the eyes but that sounds scary. I just can't find a wig like I want. Something like Kit"s but brown hair. Any other tips? Anyone?
Edited to ask: What size wig should I buy?

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 22, 2005 06:09 PM: Message edited by: vew-tori ]</font>

The Monique Doris is a good choice for a bob cut with bangs. Taffy has a good picture of what it looks like.

No bangs is difficult to find.

I've looked all over for a Kit style wig in dark brown and no luck. I like Monique Stephanie as an alternative.

Quote:

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Originally posted by ubarose:
The Monique Doris is a good choice for a bob cut with bangs. Taffy has a good picture of what it looks like.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Monique Doris also has bangs. My favorite bob, with bangs of course, is the Global Dolls Suzi. It is available in both modacrylic and, for a slightly higher price, real human hair.

Taffy