How to better your doll's proportions - Head Shrinking Tutorial

[@jellyfishwitch]

Head shrinking has truly become one of your signatures !! Love it when you do it !!!

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Head shrinking is life! :D

[@MoonMinah93]

THE QUEEN HAS COME BACK, I REPEAT, THE QUEEN HAS COME BACK

[@bryleebaggett7199]

YAAAAAYYYY!!!! my favorite customizer is backkk! love you catmeleon!

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Thank you! ^_^ And a new project is also almost finished! ^_^

[@bryleebaggett7199]

@@CatmeleonStudio Oooohhh cannot wait! I need a distraction from my own failed ooak project 🥲

[@CatmeleonStudio]

@@bryleebaggett7199 Step back, take a break and smash that project next!!! :D (I mean finish it successfully, not trash it XD)

[@bryleebaggett7199]

@@CatmeleonStudio XD Alright

[@renatabelikova5927]

I am so very happy you are back! Hope your and your husband's little project is happy, healthy and doing very well! Best wishes for all three of you!🫶💐

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Thank you!

[@ghostgirl6970]

I don't make dolls and have no other need to shrink heads but I like listening to your voice and I always enjoy a good doll head shrink. 🙂

[@CatmeleonStudio]

:D Thank you so much!

[@Mandavee]

Thank you for the tutorial and the comparison between fast and slow shrinking.

[@craftysean945]

Welcome back :) Clear and concise. Thank you very much for the tutorial.

[@fabianastacia3350]

Thank you for the tutorial, I hope you do some more in the future. You're so professional always! And thank you for the footages of your adorable kitties at the end of your videos, it always makes my day!

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Kitties are valid part of this channel! :D

[@MaryDayton-t1e]

You always make my day when you post! Definitely going to try shrinking a dolls head the next time I customize one. You're an inspiration and I absolutely love your dolls!

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Thank you so much! I definitely recommend this technique :) I just love the more natural proportions on those dolls!

[@CelestaPearl]

Your dolls really stand out because of how realistic they look (thanks headshrinking) but obviously you paint them so well too!

[@odalhawthorne]

Yeeees!! Another video to feed my Catmeleon addiction 😊

[@msk4795]

Great to see you. Very clear and informative tutorial, thank you. Sending you and your little family hugs and peace.❤

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Lots of hugs and peace in return from us! ^_^ Thank you!

[@Luke-uf3jw]

Good to see you again! ❤❤

[@debb5470]

Welcome back we missed you!!!!

[@amandae5165]

I never intend to customize a doll, but I LOVE watching you do it!! 💞

[@CatmeleonStudio]

So nice to hear that ^_^

[@mocadelite18]

Yay! Im so happy you are back😊

[@dyenahh]

Welcome back!

[@selinadudley8270]

So glad you made this tutorial. Definitely very helpful. Thank you! ❤ Also, if you like Operetta's face sculpt but not her scars, after the head shrinking you can cover the scars with apoxie sculpt. 😁

[@aleksandramikoajczak9602]

Super zobaczyć rodaczkę w tak świetnym wydaniu!. Dopiero Cię znalazłam i już jestem Twoją fanką! Go Girl! :D

[@marcwest7673]

Using the slow method you can keep the original factory painting too. Some colors may change a little, but still a good method if you don't plan repainting the head. Not to mention that you can keep the original hair too !

[@CatmeleonStudio]

I haven’t mentioned it because I never leave either hair or og faces, but yeah, I have heard of it :) Just another reason to always choose slow over fast method! :D

[@MrsTitina]

Yaaaaayyyy you’re back!!!

[@VondaInWonderland]

Thanks Marzena. I've watched you do it so many times but this is a little extra modavation. I'm totally going to try this next time. I hope that you and your family are well 🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Shrinking heads is life! :D Thank you! We are doing as good as we can :D The baby M is perfect ^_^

[@casolari92]

Welcome back we missed you!🥳🎉

[@LittleOwl2034]

I love your channel and the dolls you create are true masterpieces! I miss you when you have had a long absence ❤

[@Nico-zr1dv]

Yay welcome back we missed you!

[@alonachiong666]

Welcome back ❤❤❤

[@the__melonlord69]

I can't wait for your next fairy/or dark projects! I've been rewatching your videos, while waiting patiently for another video! Keep up the amazing work!! ❤😊

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Very soon! It's almost finished ^_^

[@prometheuse6318]

Yay!!!!!! A new video. I love it!

[@Lovebratnsfw]

Ainda bem q ela voltooouu, estava com saudades

[@AnomalousNormie]

I just discovered your channel today watching the Siren video, then I checked to see if you had uploaded this and I'm so happy you did! Thank you for sharing this!!

[@EstreLany_]

Your videos help me to learn english and I love your content 💛 kisses from Brasil 💚

[@wolkenschafchen3183]

You are back !!!! ♥️

[@AmandaRNeves]

Welcome back, love!!

[@indiecraft24]

Dear Marzena, thank you very much ❤ I love your dolls and always wait for a new video.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

You're welcome! The new project is almost finished ^_^ So there won't be another months of waiting for the next vid ^_^ I promise! :)

[@xr1028]

I missed ur videos! I love watching them when I’m sewing

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Thank you! Happy crafting! ^_^

[@bethsmith3421]

Great tutorial! Love the kitty bit at the end. I hope your little project is doing well. What do the kitties think of the new addition? Here's hoping all of you are happy and healthy.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Thank you!

[@charysdolls3615]

Thanks a lot for sharing this information with us!!! and welcome back I can't wait to see your next work of art❤❤

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Very soon! The new project is almost finished ^_^

[@charysdolls3615]

@@CatmeleonStudio YAY!!!

[@glenmurie]

I see Warhammer 40K Termigants in the background! One of us! One of us! Seriously, I've stolen so many good ideas from you and the other OOAK creators for my Turnip 28 and other wargames projects. Love your videos. Some day I may recreate one of my child's cosplays on a Monster High doll just to see if I can do it.

[@shantoyjackson3496]

Soooo excited for a new video from you! Hope that your family is doing well ❤

[@CatmeleonStudio]

We are! Thank you! ^_^

[@dwerenat1]

Hey, long time no see! I'm glad you're back.

[@brianahawkins8124]

This will be very helpful, see you on your next crafting video.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Soon! :)

[@brianahawkins8124]

@@CatmeleonStudio Take all the time you need.

[@mizzuzie3338]

This is an excellent reference video!

[@damadeferroartes1102]

Revealing your secrets, witch? Thanks for this satisfying video, greetings from Brazil

[@CatmeleonStudio]

I really want to see more shrunken heads :D

[@Melinated_queen]

Some ideas for your future projects is to remake some of your old dolls and seeing how you’ve improved from when you first made your dolls

[@theothertonydutch]

A cat in a box and not on the 500 (I exaggerate for comedic effecT) euro tower (that they may have had a paw in destroying) specifically bought to make them happy is the most cat thing ever.

[@Craziecory]

Welcome back. I see Nids in the background.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

My little buggies, waiting patiently for their mommy time XD

[@michaelsevereyns869]

Yeah new video 😊

[@murderycatdoll1380]

I hope you and your little one doing fine!!!❤

[@CatmeleonStudio]

We have a small allergy problem, but other than that she is just perfect, thank you!

[@tracybowling1156]

Hi Marsena! This is as interesting as I thought it would be! You explained everything very well. And it all seems like fun. P.S. How is that new baby? I hope very well! ❤

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Happy to hear it! The baby is just perfect ^_^ A little allergy problem at the moment, but we are on to it! Thank you!

[@z.vfx__]

I love ur videos sm, u should do a coraline and kakegurui inspired doll 😍💕

[@g1putii]

I miss you‼️

[@emzixd]

you make the best videos, thank you so much Marzena!!❤ (...is that how you spell your name??)

[@anajuliaa.deandrade6533]

Hi!!! ❤

[@lachauntiswashington231]

Very good

[@marina-christinaschnee6876]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@camifavi426]

I love your custom!, really usefull this tutorial, thank you so much❤. I have one question...after use the aceton in the shrinking of one head, we can use it again? or in another shrinking for the same head?, idk if this aceton can be funtional, or it have to be discarded.

[@Fuffydud]

Since the fast shrinking can distort the face, could you use this to your advantage? I don't like how wide and circular Ever After High heads are, but if I use the fast shrinking method and then put the head in some kind of vise to force it to be narrower when it shrinks, would it dry and set as a narrower, more human-looking head or would the structural integrity be damaged and ruin it?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

I would still recommend slow shrinking, cause squeezing the head while it is big, squishy and delicate may end with a disaster... But yes, reshaping the round heads of Ever After High dolls is possible :) You just need to put them into a V-shaped construction, made, for example, from two pieces of wood, after removing the head from the jar. Secure the head there and while it harden, the jawline will stay in a more V-shape :) I saw how it was made, but never made it myself, so I can only recommend experiment a little with it :) I guess Dirilli Dolls made a tutorial about this topic :)

[@VaporeAnne]

Thank you for a very informative video, more if you have them in you, please.

[@thummberland]

Thank you for sharing ❤ I have question 🙋‍♀️what if 90% acetone, and keep the head in there for 24 hours instead of 48 hours, will it shrink just less?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

You can try and tell me :D I would assume that.

[@jasonpatchen1912]

what else can acetone shrink?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

My lungs capacity XD With all seriousness - there's always room for experimentation :)

[@NinaLabar]

Hi❤❤❤❤

[@michelleguillemette5733]

So what would the procedure be if you were looking to grow the head instead? Do you start the same procedure but then cure the head in something else to harden the plastic? 🤔

[@karinasanchez3285]

👍 😃

[@Somethingsomethingidkk]

I have a build a monster doll that has hard plastic on some of the scalp area where wigs from the series can go. Is there a way I could shrink that head?

[@maddawg2002]

Thank you for this tutorial and I must say it will be a very useful resource for folk customizing. However I’m a little confused with the ace-ton and water mixture. How much would the measurements be in let’s say cups? 1/2, 1/3, 1/4? I want to make sure I get it right when the opportunity ever comes for me one day

[@flipnawesome5756]

Hi, its a concept of 9 equal portions of acetone plus 1 portion of tap water. So, if you use 9 oz of acetone you would add 1 oz of water. 9 : 1 Hope that makes sense.

[@maddawg2002]

@@flipnawesome5756 thank you very much 😊

[@CatmeleonStudio]

As it was already said: the measurements will always be 9:1 aceton to water (9parts acetone, 1part water). No matter how big of a container you have and how much solution you need :) I wouldn't recommend using cup though... It needs to have a lid, cause acetone just left in a cup would evaporate and it would surely effect the process (and stink all over the room). If it is a cup with a lid - remember that they cannot be plastic. Acetone eats through plastic. I can't say about metal ones. Think they may be ok, but I still prefer glass. You can find glass jars everywhere (mayo, jelly, etc.) :) Hope that helps! :)

[@Ksusha-RRB]

Благодарю ♥️

[@nicopadro4593]

Can we see the shelves set up for the dolls.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

They are not that spectacular, since majority of my dolls are at my parents house :P My mom seasonally display them in their dental office, so they are never just in one place :) One day I will update my "workshop tour" and show which dolls I still own and how I display them :)

[@Jolenecorn]

Hi update yes it works in me how ever the head so hard do you think it will soften by soaking warm water?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Yes. Warming it up will make it more squishy, but when it will cool down it will be hard again :)

[@Jolenecorn]

​@@CatmeleonStudio you think won't affect the repaint?? But already secured with Mr Clear spray

[@CatmeleonStudio]

@ Oh... I would never try to soften up the head with the repaint on! This is why I always reroot and put the head back on the body before face up. Always. You can try to do so, but on your own risk. The head won't get bigger from just warming it up, but as with any squishy head - the elasticity of the vinyl can destroy your work. This is a big bonus of head shrinking, that you won't squish the head and crack the face up accidentally. If you have to do it I would recommend hair dryer, but if you don't have that... well... I would put another layer of MSC on, just to be safe, before dunking it into the water, and try to be gentle :D

[@Autistic_Emperor]

Wait, I’m really sorry, but will there be an actual doll customization video this month or is this the only video you were talking about?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Sorry to disappoint you with this one. I said there will be new project video and a tutorial. The plan didn’t change, just the order :)

[@Autistic_Emperor]

@@CatmeleonStudio thanks for reassuring me! If I now know that there will be another video soon, then I won’t be disappointed!

[@alejandrovillalobos3354]

I have a question, Do I need to prepare a new solution each time I soak the head or can I use the same solution?? Would be great if you could answer, I'm so excited to show you what I'll be working on

[@CatmeleonStudio]

The truth is, with each soaking the solution will work less effectively, so it’s up to you how many times you want to use it. I usually do the second soaking in the solution from the first one. But if I make a third soak, I mix a fresh solution :) That works for me :)

[@Dorkshop]

With a smaller head starting out would you soak less time? I have a few to experiment with but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

You soak as many times as you think is needed. If the head to body ratio is better at the beginning (lets compare Barbie to Monster High) you would definitely need less shrinkage, or no shrinkage at all :) You decide how smaller the head must be to be to your liking. Remember though, that with some heads you will never get the natural proportions. I gave my G3 Cleo 5 soakings and the difference between original was still barely visible :/

[@skadoodle1076]

I have a question,, how much is 1 part of water? is there a specific measurement for one part or do you set your own?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Well… it depends on the jar you use and the amount of heads you want to submerge at one go. It’s always 1/10 of the amount of liquid in total, that you need to cover your head/heads completely. In milliliters it will be different for everyone. I even make the hole animation to show you how to know how much to pour, without making exact measurements :)

[@kitkatbar3809]

Do you know how this process would differ for doll heads of a larger size? I want to do this to a 1/4 doll head

[@CatmeleonStudio]

This process is hard to predict. It differs from the different dolls among same line. So the only option is to try it out. Worst case scenerio with the slow shrinking is that you will waste some time and acetone, but it shouldn’t damage the head.

[@kitkatbar3809]

@@CatmeleonStudio okay thanks so much for responding so quickly, I’ll try it!!

[@graven13]

Can one shrink the head keeping the hair?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

It is important to remember that acetone melts plastic, so if the hair is made from any plastic-like material it will melt into a mess. So you can try, but I would recommend making a test on a small strand first. Notice: I always do full custom, so I never had the need to leave the og faces or hair on my dolls.

[@Auhailbree]

its been years since i even thought about this but remind me, doesnt this make the head harder to reroot? impossible? or just harder?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Just watch the video :) There’s a section about rerooting :)

[@rae-kit92]

Is it possible to shrink the head without taking out the hair ?

[@CatmeleonStudio]

If they are made from any kind of plastic-like material - they will melt. So you can try putting a small strand of hair in aceton to check it, before putting there the whole head.

[@rae-kit92]

@CatmeleonStudio it's a monster high doll, but testing is definitely a good idea thanks!

[@Jolenecorn]

Wait after shrinking it's normal getting bigger head??

[@CatmeleonStudio]

Yes. It always expands. But you can’t keep it that way :) It will shrink when acetone evaporates :)

[@kevinjanfruto6008]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@cacti485]

how small can you get it? id like to see comically small head

[@CatmeleonStudio]

As I said, there are limitations and it depends on a doll. I never got to 100% realistic proportions, but even if I could, I am all for bettering them, not going from one extreme to another :)

[@Ai_Ayumi]

🐈‍⬛

[@Maya56862]

But i dont think im can do this becous im in nedeland

[@miraquler]

hej marzena

[@frogsong63]

I followed your head shrinking tutorial with 100% acetone and my heads didn't shrink at all.

[@CatmeleonStudio]

No one will guarantee you a success with that. As I said, in my experience, fast shrinking leaves you with worse results and the shrinkage depends on the base doll as well. I shrunk g3 Cleo’s head 5times (with slow shrinking) and it barely changed size. But there are heads that shrink spectacularly after just one soak. I can only advise you to repeat and experiment.

[@frogsong63]

@CatmeleonStudio Thank you. I went ahead and put them back in, but one of the heads split. I think I can fix it, though.

[@NancyJ238]

I have mixed feelings over someone saying they love head-shrinking.

[@crimsoncastles5114]

Thank you