Every custom doll is a little adventure that begins from zero.
This time, I poured my heart into creating a fluffy, cocoa-colored Labubu — from disassembling, sanding, and painting, to sewing the fur body and installing the joints — every step felt like giving it a soul. 💖
🎨 1. Preparation: Disassembly & Base Coloring
The first step of customization is to deconstruct the original figure.
I carefully removed the head, limbs, and eyes one by one, making sure each part could be painted separately.
Then, I softened the parts with steam to easily detach the joints (as you can see in the photo, the pieces are neatly arranged on the steamer tray).
Although simple, this step is crucial — it prevents the plastic from cracking due to forceful pulling.
Next, I tested three different skin tones: milky beige, caramel, and light cocoa.
After several rounds of spraying and sanding, I finally chose a warm-toned caramel brown — playful yet gentle, matching perfectly with the soft fur. 🌰
💫 2. Detailing: Features, Eyes & Gloss Finish
Once the base color was done, it was time to paint its soul.
I used pearlescent pigment as a base for the whites of the eyes, then layered coffee brown, milky white, and soft peach tones to create depth.
For highlights, I added tiny dots of white paint and sealed them with a glossy topcoat to make the eyes sparkle with life.
For the nose, I designed two styles:
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Silver nose: calm and mysterious
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Red nose: playful and warm
I decided to keep both versions — perfect for future outfit switches and moods.
The final touch was a clear gloss sealant, which not only enhanced the color but also gave the skin a porcelain-like shine. ✨
🧵 3. Fur & Outfit: Giving It a “Soul Skin”
This is the most fun — and the most challenging — part of the process.
I chose a long, curly faux fur fabric with a soft texture and natural flow.
After drafting patterns on paper, I hand-sewed the headpiece and body cover, using a linen base layer to secure the joint areas.
To make the look more organic, I sewed tiny golden horns inside the ears and reinforced the edges with yarn (you can spot the joint rods in the photos peeking out from the bottom).
Once sewn, I brushed the fur gently and used a styling spray to create a fluffy, natural volume.
At that moment, the doll seemed alive — as if it might blink and smile at any second.
👕 4. Styling & Accessories: Building the “Street Monster” Look
I dressed it in a custom-made racing jacket (Coca Cola Racing Club edition 😎) and loose white pants, then added a pair of vintage-style goggles — instantly turning it into a fluffy little adventurer!
The mix of soft fur and golden horns adds wonderful texture contrast;
the caramel skin and bright brown eyes glow vividly under the light.
Every time I take a photo, it seems to say:
“Look, I’m one of a kind!” 📸
🪄 5. Reflection: From Handmade to Heartmade
The entire customization took a few days — from late-night color mixing to early-morning stitching, every step was soothing and fulfilling.
This isn’t just a doll; it’s a little world I built with my own hands.
🧸 This Labubu’s nickname: “Cocoa Monster.”
It symbolizes warmth, wildness, and creativity.
It reminds me — with care and imagination, anything can become art.
🌟Tips for fellow makers:
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Always sand and wipe with an anti-static cloth before painting to avoid dust particles.
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When softening joints with steam, keep the temperature below 90°C.
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For sewing fur, use double-layer backing fabric to prevent shedding.
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When spraying the topcoat, apply in thin, multiple layers to avoid drips.
If you also enjoy doll customization and handcrafting, feel free to leave a comment and share your creations!
Let’s make more little monsters come alive together. 💕