When I am happy with the look i pick out the barbie to use for this project. Usally i have a couple barbies on hand, if i dont think any of the ones i have will work i go shopping. I check out toy stores and other stores for cheap barbies, and sales... i pick out a nice and cheap on that is to my liking. i have never spent more then 8 dollars on a barbie that i have made.
First i style the hair. I cut the hair 1st. At the same time styling it. If nessessary I use max hold hair gel. Then if i need to dye it that is what i do next. I use a variety of things to dye hair. I dont wanna give away my secrets but i use anything from farbic dye, to food dye. I also use those sprinkles that are like glitter. Once the hair is dyed, cut, and styled to my liking the barbie drys overnight. This may take 1 up to 3 days to do.
Then there is the outfit. Like when making my costumes i like to try to find things i can use instead of having to make them. I have a large selection of outfits i have collected that I may use. Most of the clothes come from the barbies that i have bought. I take there clothes off and save them. Most of the time I end up having to make the outfit from scratch. Depending on the difculty it takes me about 1-10 days to make the outfit. I buy left over fabric from Wal-mart and JoAnn Fabrics. I also use left over material from my own costumes. I make the base outfit and them decorate it with various things i may have. Like ribbon or lace.
Then the barbie gets fitted with her shoes. most of the time I find a pair that is perfect but i have to paint the shoes. and thats ok. ribbon or anything else is added at that time. If the barbie needs a prop I usally make it around that time too. i use ribbon and i knit it to make chain. chopsticks are great for weapons too.
Then there is make up. Yes i do the barbies make up. I use a mixture of paint, glitter, real makeup, and face glitter. I use a really small brush to apply the make up. At this time i also GLitter-fy the costume if needed. Props and other acessories are added.
Then I added any finishing touches i may want to add and make sure the hair is perfect. And after a few days or a week I Have finished another cute PursePal.