Japanes Model Tao Okamoto is Taking Over

Watch out models, there’s a (not so) new face on the block.
Although she’s been around for some time now, Japanese born model Tao Okamoto is taking her over. Her career began in 2006 when she signed with Elite and made her runway debut that October in Paris at the Emanuel Ungaro and Martin Grant shows. Since then she has gone to be the face of Gap and Ralph Lauren, while appearing in several editorials which is why she is this week’s Model Monday feature. Known for her haircut and her voluptuous lips, Tao was recently featured in V magazine’s “Asia Issue” in the editorial titled “Girls on Top” (shown above). Shot by Terry Tsiolis, the the black and white editorial features a very serious yet sultry Tao.

From her ability to channel super street chic for Kenneth Cole to her seriousness for Kenzo, Tao Okamoto is definitely one to watch.

Japanese Model Sugimoto Yumi

Sugimoto Yumi is a Japanese model, actress, gravure idol and singer. No surprises there then. I think all these famous chicks from Japan just use the one standard C.V.The pictures are the usual assortment of bikini poses on the beach…

Mke Furnitur For AF Mini Doll

I discovered an amazing set of patterns from the Etsy shop Creations by Deevee . The shop owner Denise has two great furniture patterns that I highly recommend for any one who has a sewing machine and likes to create items for their dolls.

What makes this shop so special to me is that Denise has created two patterns – one for the 18 inch American girl dolls and the other for the mini 6.5 inch American Girl dolls that are made for the historical characters (you can buy them from American Girl).
I recently made the 18 inch sized doll couch and was thrilled with how it turned out. I love that you can easily sit three dolls on the couch. I used an old greeting card as a picture for the dolls living room.

The patterns are only $3.75 for the 18 inch doll size and $6.00 for the mini-pattern. The pattern for the 18 inch doll includes couch, two ottomans, throw pillows and rug. The pattern that fits the American Girl mini (6.5 inch) comes with the pattern for the bed, headboard, bedspread, chaise, chair, sofa, ottoman, rug and pillows. It gives instructions to make the table, floor lamp, table lamp, clock, vase & stacking pictures. The patterns are purchased through her Etsy store and emailed to you when you purchase the patterns. Love the bedroom set up below!

I am so excited to have found these patterns. So much so that I am ordering my own 6.5 sized American Girl doll!
The couch and pillows I made for my 18 inch dolls took me less then two hours start to finish and that included printing out the patterns, cutting them out and taping them together. I had only a few items to pick up and had a lot of the materials on hand. To create your own couch including the cost of the pattern and foam core, material and stuffing it cost $15 to create this entire 18 inch doll sized furniture pattern.
We are now 6 months from the gift giving season and I would highly recommend this pattern to anyone who is thinking about making their daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend or doll a handmade gift for the holidays. I look forward to sharing more doll play ideas with you next week!
- Karen