Audra was unveiled at the 2004 IDEX in Orlando as a nominee in the DOLLS MAGAZINE 2004 Awards of Excellence - Makeover Category
"Manufactured dolls transformed into one-of-a-kind creations through a process of repainting and recostuming. This category is designed to recognize the artistry and talent of people who create these dramatic transformations."

Audra was honored and thrilled to be featured in the August 2004 issue of DOLLS MAGAZINE.

Thank you for looking and for the hundreds of E-Mails expressing your suppport and enjoyment of my work.

The old nurse glanced nervously at the odd little box. It seemed to squat there, among the snuff bottles, rouge pots, brushes, patches and powder as if a malignant force commanded one to pick it up. Yet it remained unopened and in the same spot where it had been tossed in a deceptively casual mood three days ago. She recognized the box and was almost crazed with curiosity. Indeed the entire staff could barely contain themselves. Her grace caught the youngest chamber maid reaching toward the thing and it was testament to her own complete distraction over the looming nuptials that she merely tapped her fan across the terrified girl’s knuckles. The household would return to normal after tomorrow. But would Madam never open it? Poor Monsieur. If only....The dulcet tones of her mistress banished the reverie, “Bertine, do not dawdle. I need my cloak. I shall arrive after the King and you know he frets when I am late.” She turned her head sharply and pinned the nurse with her magnificent blue gaze. “I expect all to be exactly as I leave it. What is past is done. Me comprenez-vous?” And she swept from the chamber. The door did not slam precisely, but it was a final gesture all the same.

As the candle flames flickered and then steadied the old woman sank into a chair. The truth seemed to slowly seep into her soul as the warmth from the fire did nothing to banish the evening chill. It would never be opened.

She would always remember the tall, scarred nobleman from Toulouse. Some said he was an alchemist. Surely such great wealth and power sprang from other worldly powers. Her precious Audra was to have married him on a stormy day seven years ago tomorrow. Bargained by a penniless father, rest his soul, to a man of immense power. It was certain the beautiful young girl would detest the dark lord on sight. But once met, the two seemed perfectly matched, as if each half had finally found the other. As the gentle, golden haired girl walked beside the tall lord, slowing her pace to accommodate his limp, they were surely soul mates. Then, on the eve of the wedding, the groom disappeared. His gift to the bride, a pair of black diamond ear bobs (surely conjured below in his secret chambers), was left on her pillow. Audra said nothing as she opened the odd little box, removed one ear bob, closed the box and threw it into the fire. As it blackened and scorched she slipped the remaining diamond onto the golden chain about her neck and never spoke of her love or that night again.

Instead, Audra, Marquise de Lombourg, steadily rose in station to become the King’s darling and a respected advisor to the court. She had all she desired. And now she was to be married on the morrow.

Her future husband was a mystery though it was said he was a great friend to the king and reputed to be one of the most powerful men in Europe. As Bertine watched from the shadows, her darling joined the groom at the alter. Through all the pomp and ceremony, the old nurse was the only one to notice how often Audra gently fingered the golden chain at her neck.

And as the newly wedded pair turned and began the long walk up the aisle, she barely contained a small gasp as Audra slowed her pace....to accommodate her new husband’s limp.

The Costume - Her gown is fashioned in the "pannier" skirt silhouette typical of the last half of the 18th Century. The lined over skirt and bodice are of a vintage black satin charmeuse. The center panel is a richly silver patterned black chiffon over a silver pin striped black satin. As black is very difficult to capture, the photographs fail to show some of the details. The detail shot of the skirt was slightly over exposed to try and show the silver pin stripe and silver flower effect in the panel. A pair of deep flounces cross the front of the skirt. Each side of the front panel is layered with entwined satin flounces and tiny black and silver twisted cording. The gown and bodice have been lavishly strewn with dozens of silk roses in three shades of mauve and pale pink, green silk leaves, glass "pearls" and pale pink embroidered French knots. Her "Pagoda" sleeves have three ruffled layers. The first is of English netting with appliqued black lace edges. The second is a chiffon with silver flowers and black lace appliques. The top layer is silver pin striped black satin. Her stomacher is the same silver flowered chiffon as the front panel and has been accented with black silk ribbon and silk roses, leaves and glass "pearls".

The Accessories - her hand painted fan with ornate gilded and beaded guard stick has a twisted, tasseled black and silver cord. The demi mask was fashioned from the black chiffon and black lace. It attaches to her hair with silver pins. Her jewelry was created from "pearl" glass beads and drops. A pink feather, silk roses, bows and tiny black glass beads are threaded through her upswept blonde hair. Lace trimmed black panties, ruffled black taffeta petticoat, black stockings and pink silk rosebud and silver trimmed black velvet shoes complete the costume.

Tyler as Audra - has been completely repainted. She has blue eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered brows, beautifully shaded pale mauve lips, a natural manicure, new wig and applied lashes.

- Tyler Before Her Transformation Into Audra -

Tyler's Gallery ~ Gene ~ Library ~ Home