My latest addition (and first custom!) arrived recently and I hadn’t introduced her yet here. According to her previous owner (kittenvomit), the base is a Saffy Encore RBL and the face-up was done by Friends with Blythe. Her hair is a white mohair (with pink streaks down in Manic Panic) reroot done by Maya (kittenvomit).

Every month’s last Friday (almost every month…) is part of a feature on BlytheLife.com, Freebie Friday Five. Welcome everyone to this month’s instalment! I mention 5 things I love every month that’s free to do/read/see. It’s been renamed to Friday Five from Freebie Friday Five.

If you have any suggestions for next month’s Friday Five, please don’t hesitate to email me! Maybe you have a site you think that I should feature or a pattern that’s free and up on the web? Tell me!

For the month of July, I wanted to include blog posts that I loved reading and I think other people would enjoy them.

1. “Getting your doll out in public” from the blog My Plastic Fantasy – a great article about how to get out there and take photos of your doll in public, something that I still need work on.
2. A DIY tutorial on a Blythe Flower Crown from the blog Crafty Girl – a cute tutorial that shows you how to use ribbons and fake flowers to make a cute flower crown for your favourite dolly.
3. A post on a new project that’s being undertaken by a member of the Blythe community from the blog Doll House Studio.
4. Awesome tutorial on how to sew collars for Blythe dresses over at Oh Strumpets! Blythe too! that I highly recommend!
5. Over at 222am.org, there was a post about the restoration of a redheaded Kenner – and we all know how much I love a good restoration story!

If you know of a site, group or activity that you think I should highlight in next month’s Friday Five, let me know! Comment below or email me.

In preparation for one of the biggest events in the Blythe world, that’s happening in August, I interviewed one of the co-organizers for BlytheCon 2012. It’s happening on August 5th, 2012 in Dallas.

Hi Erica! What can you tell us about yourself and how you discovered Blythe?
Hi everyone! I am 30 years old, from New York City. I discovered Blythe by doing a simple Flickr search. I typed in the most random thing and she came about. Her beautiful big eyes caught my attention. When that happened, I need to learn everything and anything about her.

I know that Dallas is a bit far from home for you and Mara, your partner in organizing BlytheCon 2012. Why did you two decide on Dallas, Texas?
Previously, the last two BlytheCons were in Atlanta, GA, and Portland, OR. These two locations were on each side of the USA. We decided to do it in the smack center of the USA this time!

What has been the most challenging aspect of organizing a convention so far from home?
The challenging part is not seeing the space from our own eyes. Judging the limit in attendees was very difficult. We actually had to close registrations until we were able to figure out how to make more space for more than 200 people. Thankfully our good dolly friend Lauren (Cakewalk Queen) was so kind to take the time and scout the venue for us. She was able to give us some kind of insight on where things are. Lauren recorded a video for us and helped us see how we can make seating arrangements. Mara and I did some math and we were able to fit in about 60 more guests.

What’s one thing that’s new to the USA-based BlytheCon this year that hasn’t been done previously?
We are featuring demonstrations in 3-4 different categories. We wanted attendees to not only shop and socialize, but gain some knowledge in how to do basic customization, sew, knit/crochet and re-root. We are so thankful for the talented people who have donated their knowledge and time to teach our fellow dolly enthusiasts.

What has been the most fun part of organizing BlytheCon?
I think knowing all the details and seeing everything come together is the most fun part for me. I enjoyed designing the website! I also had fun setting up all of the artwork for stickers, post cards and other little things we will include in the goodie bags. Everything looks so cute, I hope everyone likes it!

How will people staying at home be able to keep up with the happenings during the event?
We have set up an Instagram account. You can find us there under @blythecon. We have an “instagram-otographer”, who will post photos before and during the event. We are trying to figure out a way to have a live stream/feed set up somewhere. We wont know much about that until probably day of or a few days before.

Logo designed by Effluo/Lirije.

What are you looking forward to most during BlytheCon?
Seeing all of our hard work come together! I think its going to be awesome. I am also looking forward to meeting everyone for the first time and shopping!

What kind of pre- and post- events are there for people to attend and take part in?
We have a few things planned! On Friday, I am inviting a few friends to my room for a slumber party. We’re just going to hang out and see how many dollies we can fit on the bed! Then on Saturday, we will have a big pool party in the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center. After the pool party, we will have a big dinner at Riverwalk Cantina (a restaurant inside of the hotel). After dinner, if anyone is feeling up for it, we may have another slumber party, part two!. Sunday is our main event. As for post-event we haven’t planned anything, as the event will pretty much be all day. The event ends at 10pm, and many people are leaving the day after.

What can we expect from you and your vendor space during BlytheCon?
You will find my shirts in every color for Blythe. I think my table might actually be boring compared to some. I haven’t put much thought into my vendor space as I’ve been so busy finalizing everything with the event. Hopefully this week I can put a final touch on my table.

Erica’s number one girl, Florence.

Thanks so much for doing this interview with me, Erica! What kind of advice do you have for someone who’s traveling with Blythe?
I would say never check in your bag with your Blythe dolls. Bring them on the plane with you. Don’t worry, TSA will not stop you, they don’t care really. The risks are higher when you check them in. You can also ship them ahead of time if you have a friend living locally. Personally I am bringing them on the plane, all 10+ of them! Just to make sure they are with me at all times!

Thanks for having me! It’s fun talking about BlytheCon! Hope to see you in 2013!

Back in March, I interviewed Kayla. She has just opened up an Etsy shop and I wanted to share it with you! Her shop is called Kitten Customs Threads and her specialty is, as mentioned in the interview, handpainted dresses.

From now until July 27th, 2012, there is a coupon code BKFRIENDS for 10% off your purchase.

When I’m going around local areas with just one or maybe even two Blythes, I use carrying bags (I have four carry bags from SewPixie!). When I did go around with three dolls (or more), I use a sturdy make-up case that I don’t use for cosmetics and I just recently picked up a vintage Samsonite case that I’m still cleaning up (but it’ll fit 4+ dolls!). I’m curious as to how others carry their dolls around and keep their Blythes protected.

How do you travel around with Blythe?