Conclusion

In this wonderful world of imagination and play that we adults have come to enjoy, I've reached the conclusion that these kids could be anyone I want them to be. After all they don't live in the real world, they live in an imaginary dolly world, and if I see them as kids with the ability to dress as they like and do anything adults can do, or as Chiriann so aptly put it "be more adult inside than outside", then so be it.

Lily, Ivy and Heather arrived on schedule and for now they are dressed in temporary clothes. As I mentioned to Mia, this brings my kids up to eight and seeing as I prefer to have uneven numbers in each of my groups of dolls, I ordered another one to customise.

Nine barefoot kids is something I prefer not to have, so I have an assortment of shoes and boots on their way. Hopefully, they will all fit.

Here's the gang patiently waiting for the new arrival ~

Still Waiting

I'm still waiting for Nili, she's stuck in Belgium (perhaps I should send Linda to get her LOL!).

I'm also waiting on another doll too. After reading Mia's posts (last one here) regarding the Monst dolls, I decided to add another to my own collection . . . Savage Knuckle Bear (I shall call her Primrose).

When I purchased my first Monst doll (White Cat aka Magnolia) she didn't have the same jointing as the ones Mia has. If I like her body, I may order a few new bodies, one for White Cat and another couple for my IxDolls, Violetta and Marigold.

Then today, while checking messages on MDBF to see if they had any news on Nili, I noticed this gal. The one Gotz face missing from my Happy Kidz collection . . . and she had RED HAIR!! So I immediately added her to my cart.

Then I noticed a little boy had been hiding in the Petitcollin section. His name is Emile and he too has RED HAIR! How lucky am I? Two redheads in one day! YAY!

Needless to say, there was still a little room in the cart for him as well. Of course it didn't take much to convince myself I would be saving on postage by bringing them home together . . . so another stretch of waiting time has been added to the list. 

Do you have any dolls arriving? Or am I the only silly ass who keeps crowding them into rooms with no space left? 

I Think I Have a Problem

I know I shouldn't, I kept telling myself I wouldn't . . .

then in a blink of an eye . . . I did!

I simply couldn't resist her!

However, there is NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FROM BELGIUM AT PRESENT so she's not coming home after all . . . do you think someone's trying to tell me something???

Well if they are I'm not listening . . . I bought this little one locally instead.

Not quite as lovely by any means, but she is kinda cute. :)
She is an IxDoll Hachichi Mui-Chan Paw Paw Monster (purple version) and with a little love and attention I'm sure she could look just a pretty as Souris, just you wait and see.

And just as I thought I finally had a handle on my impulses, this little squirrel jumped into my basket too!

Midnight Glimmer and Take the Picture

I have been really lucky and managed to find these two dolls nude, and in Australia! Both were a great price and come with fabulous faces! They should arrive by Friday with any luck.

Midnight Glimmer ~ Arrived February, 2019
Fairytale Collection ~ Item # 73007
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton
Hair Colour: Luxe Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Body Type: East 59th 1.0
Foot Sculpt: High Heel
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Doll Stand: Yes
Edition Size: 415
Suggested Retail Price: US$160.00







I know that "Midnight Glimmer: (above) was a 2017 Convention Exclusive. But don't know when "Take The Picture!" (below) was released. If anyone can help me with further details and also her hair colour, I would be most appreciative.

Take The Picture! ~ Arrived 28th February, 2019
The Funny Face Collection ~ Item # 14011
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Vanessa 1.0 (Vanessa Perrin)
Hair Colour:
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Body Type: Poppy Parker
Foot Sculpt: Kitten Heel
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Doll Stand: Yes
Edition Size: 400
Suggested Retail Price: US$150.00







Both dolls will eventually be dressed in completely different outfits to what they were dressed in originally and they may not even keep their hairstyles. Well that's it for today, I'm going to go play!
Happy Monday, and big hugs,
X

As 2018 Ends

Firstly, I'd like to thank all those who have visited my blog and have taken time out of their busy days to leave comments this year. I have enjoyed sharing the doll hobby with you and getting to know you all a little better. It's comforting to know, that no matter how crazy this world can be at times, there are still people who can enjoy a common bond through their love of dolls, teddy bears and toys.

Now it's time to see who I brought home this year ~

BJD's were way down on last year, but brought my total BJD's to 83.

1. Denise ~ Kaye Wiggs Mini Layla, Fair Skin, Arrived 22nd January 2018
2. Fifi Muffet ~ Liz Frost of Wizworx Mini Fifi, Light Tan Skin, Arrived 27th February 2018
3. Mia Mary ~ Liz Frost Of Wizworx Mini Mia, Light Tan Skin, Arrived 15th March, 2018
4. Lunette ~ Liz Frost of Wizworx Mini Lunette, Fair Skin, Arrived 11th December, 2018

So it seems, were my PLAY DOLLS, bringing them up to 43.

1. Cassandra ~ Dianna Effner Little Darling by Joyce Mathews, Arrived 10th January, 2018

2. Heidi ~ Rosemarie Muller "Wichtel " for Schildkrot-Puppen Lea, Arrived 17th May, 2018
3. Pippy ~ Australian Girl Matilda, Arrived 20th May, 2018
4. Bess ~ Robert Tonner, Tiny Betsy McCall, Arrived 28th December, 2018

FASHION DOLLS were something new for me this year, and eight came home. I think if I add any more dolls to my collection in the future, this maybe where you will see them. 

1. McKeyla ~ Project Mc² doll by MGA (1st release) McKeyla McAlister, Arrived 7th November, 2018
2. Adrienne ~ Project Mc² doll by MGA (1st release) Adrienne Attoms, Arrived 7th November, 2018
3. Bryden ~ Project Mc² doll by MGA (1st release) Bryden Bandweth, Arrived 7th November, 2018
4. Camryn ~ Project Mc² doll by MGA (1st release) Camryn Coyle, Arrived 7th November, 2018
5. Keyla ~ Project Mc² doll by MGA (2nd release) McKeyla McAlister, Arrived 7th November, 2018
6. Hatsuko ~ "Ruruko" CCSgirl 18SS doll by PetWORKs, Arrived 12th November, 2018
7. Holly Golightly ~ "50th Anniversary Commemorative Fashion Collection" (How Do I Look #5 in the series) by Integrity Toys 2011, Arrived 24th December, 2018
8. Alysa ~ Luxe Life Convention Exclusive (nude doll) by Integrity Toys 2011, Arrived 31st December, 2018

The total of sixteen, is just one and a third dolls a month, that may or may not sound like a lot to you, and to be honest it's probably more than I need, especially as space has really become difficult to find here. And so I may will have to curb my desires a little lot in 2019 . . . however, I have learnt from past experience to never say, never. :)

I did manage to complete a few projects this year, even attempted others, which sadly I did not complete, so I am hoping next year I can finish all the projects I have started and begin a few of the others floating around in my noggin.

MY WISH LIST FOR 2019 ~

2017 Industry Come Thru! Tulabelle True™ Dressed Doll ~

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Tulabelle
Hair Colour: Light-Auburn
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Body Type: The Industry 1.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Doll Stand : Yes
Limited Edition : 600
Suggested Retail Price: $125.00 US

I fell for this gal hook, liner and sinker, as soon as I saw her gorgeous red hair and I should have bought her then and there. But I didn't, and now I'm afraid I may have missed the boat. I shall have to keep my eyes wide open if I am to own her.

2017 Poppy Parker™ Welcome to Misty Hollows Dressed Doll ~ The Swinging London Collection

W Club Exclusive IT Direct Event ~ she was not available at dealers

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Hair Colour: Silver Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Doll Stand : Yes
Limited Edition : 1390
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

Although I really love this doll, I am not prepared to pay the second hand asking price for her, so I doubt if I will ever bring this doll home . . . but I can wish, can't I? And who really knows what tomorrow may bring?

2018 Poppy Parker™ Chiller Thriller Dressed Doll ~ Integrity Toys Convention Luxe Life Collection

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker 1.0

Hair Colour: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Body: 1.0
Foot Sculpt: The Industry High Heeled Feet
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Doll Stand : Yes
Edition Size: 600 Dolls

Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US

I was very lucky recently and spotted this one nude on eBay for a reasonable price and as her hair styling is like Misty Hollows Poppy, decided to bring her home. She should arrive sometime between the 10th and 16th January with any luck.

I'm never too fussed about not having the clothing that comes with the dolls as I really enjoy sewing my own. I'm even considering making some jewelry this year and perhaps some crowns or floral headpieces. I've made these items in the past for brides, so it will interesting and possibly quite challenging to make these items in a size which will fit these dolls.

Now, when I saw this next gorgeous gal, I felt this was one doll, where the elegant gown she is wearing, appealed to me as much as the doll herself. She actually comes with two gowns, but the second one did very little for me.

2017 Erin Salston™ Metamorphosis Dressed Doll Gift Set ~ The Heirloom Collection

W Club Exclusive IT Direct Event ~ she was not available at dealers.

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Erin 2.0

Hair Colour: Midnight Brown

Eyelashes:Yes, Hand-applied

Body: Nu Face 3.0
Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Hungarian

Doll Stand : ?

Limited Edition : ?
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US

Well that's about all I can foresee for now, but of course, as any doll collector knows, a wish list can change from one day to the next . . . que será, será.

Wishing you all the very best for 2019, may it be a happy and prosperous dolly year for you all!
Big hugs,
X

Critters!

Last Friday hubby and I took Coco (our fur child) to have him professionally clipped. We were a little anxious, as he can be quite aggressive when he doesn't want to do something. The groomer, Abby, never showed the slightest concern when we told her about his recent antics when we tried to groom him. So we left him in her capable hands while we shopped, waiting all the while for a call to ask us to pick the little biter blighter up.

While shopping we came across these little animals in a gift shop window . . . I couldn't resist bringing them home. They will be just the shot to create a few Christmassy scenes with my dolls.

My PukiFees thought they were simply divine and would make perfect pets for them to play with. :)

We did get a call, much sooner than we expected, but not to say there was a problem, Abby had managed to get him done without a hitch . . . even his feet and bum, which is where I had always had the most problem and had scars to prove it!

Needless to say this little pooch will be visiting Abby on a more frequent basis in the future and we'll put the clippers away until we rescue another dog . . . hopefully one that doesn't bite!!

I know, looking at him in this photo, you would think butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, but this face can change as quickly as his mood. :)

Have a lovely week, big hugs,
X

Helen Kish Dolls

I'm having real problems coming to a decision as to which of these dolls to purchase next. I have only seen photos of Helen's dolls and never held one or even seen one in real life.

L: 12"/30.5cm vinyl ... R: 12"/30.5cm BJD (Soom iMda 3.00 size)

There is something about each of them that I love, but if you own one I'd really like to hear your thoughts on the finish/quality of these dolls or perhaps you can share a link to a review.

L: 7.5"/19cm vinyl (FL RealFee size) ... R: 14"/35.5cm BJD (IH KID size)

Maybe a different perspective from you will help me bring one home soon . . . I hope so. :)

~oOo~

P.S. I found six more half price boxes at Knox Shopping Centre when we went to the cinema last week, so I have used one for the yellow, cream & white wool, and the other five for my fat quarter fabrics.

Top (which you cannot see) has all my shades of pink ~ pale to hot.
Then my red, burgundy and lilac.
Green, yellow, light tan.
Blue, aqua and grey.
Bottom is full of orange and black fabric ~ for Halloween!

When One Is Not Enough

For quite some time, I have been wanting to organise my wool stash, but have been in a quandary as to whether I should purchase a storage unit or just simple containers of some sort. It was important to me to be able to see the colours easily and for the wool to be protected from dust and hungry moths, so after some deliberation, I settled on containers. Finding a suitable size was the next challenge.

Then today while hubby and I were doing the grocery shopping, the answer came right out of the blue! Just as we turned the corner from the pet food aisle, right there before our li'l ol' eyes, was a shelf full of Systema containers in different sizes, all on half price special. I found three in a size that was perfect, but needed more . . . we looked around the store to see if there were any, but alas, it appeared the large sizes had sold very quickly.

That was until we hit the checkout . . . I could hardly believe my luck, sitting on top of the cash register was another Systema box just in the right size . . . needless to say I grabbed it. :)

I couldn't wait to sort my wool out into colours and most of my current stash fitted in the boxes nicely, except for my browns, yellows, creams and whites. So before I can complete the task I set out to do, I need to find at the very least, one more box.



A New Year, a New Day, a New Project!

A new year, is for me a time of reflection, not just about dolly stuff, but where my life path has taken me over the past year. Of course one also wonders whether there is a likelihood of any unexpected changes awaiting around the bend. I'm sure many of you are doing the same.

The new year is also when I find myself dreaming up lots of exciting new projects, all of which I have full intention of sharing with you.

However, summer is the season I adore, it's when hubby and I venture out and about more often than we aught, and we really let ourselves go! I admit, it's probably when my post writing time becomes scarce and everyone in the blogosphere gets a little neglected. So here I am, guilty as charged begging you to be patient while I finally get my act together. (To be honest, I sometimes I wonder if I ever will.)

All is not lost however, the sun was shining brightly this morning, so I thought to myself "what a perfect day for shopping". I knew hubby wanted to visit Bunnings (yes my 2nd favourite store) to purchase a couple of things and it's so very close to IKEA (my most favourite store of all) that I managed to twist his arm a little by telling him I only wanted a quick visit to purchase a set of mini drawers. (Mind you we left IKEA with more than just one thing as per the norm!)

These are the drawers (Moppe in Birch plywood AU$29.99) . . . I'm sure you have all seen them before.

Because they will sit in my Billy Bookcase, I shall paint them white. I am also wanting to add shiny gold card holders and tiny brass mushroom knobs, so the finger cut outs have to go! How? Easy peasy . . .  I'll just turn the drawers around, how simple a fix is that?

These are the card holders (eBay) and the brass knobs I chose (from Bunnings), which are in keeping with other brass trims I have on the rest of my doll room furniture . . . not exactly the same, but they were an acceptable option when I couldn't find the perfect match.

I will do my best to remember to photograph each stage of this project as it evolves and then show you what I intend them for in the coming week. So stick around if you can . . . there are many more projects in the pipeline. :)

Fabric Addiction

Sorry I haven't been posting much of late, I have been really busy shopping!

Hope you are all having a great week, will be back soon with some new things to show you. :)

Hugs to you all!

Tiny Accessories

Hubby and I went to our favourite shopping center yesterday and of course I dropped into Toys'R'Us and found the tiny Sylvanian Families sets on special. This one has lots of stuff, all of which is the perfect size for my Real Pukis.

Of course Misty has already claimed all the girly stuff ~ princess crown, headbands, bags, basket and jewellery, but not before Pocket found the red specs and bowtie!

He couldn't even wait to get dressed before trying them on. :)

Dollmore Dolls

I haven't intentionally been avoiding you all, but ever since I purchased my Narsha, I have been engrossed in Dollmore's website. There are soooo many beautiful dolls on there which I had never seen before. I think browsing there could have been a big mistake on my part, because now I think I will have to add their Kid Grammy to my wish list.

Photo Courtesy of Dollmore

At first I looked at getting the Memorial Box Grammy, which I thought was really nice, but I really like the basic Grammy's very soft face up more. I do need a blonde in my doll family and this face up is perfect for a blonde, don't you think?

If any of you have Dollmore dolls (I know Carolyn and Niina do) I would really love to hear what you think of their posing abilities and see what you have done with them.

It Arrived Today!

WARNING: PHOTO HEAVY!

Beechwood Hall was sent from Sydney, NSW, in a huge box.

Inside the box was another very tightly fitted box, and took me a good few minutes to pry it out.

Inside the second box, the house was in two pieces, but all securely packed.

The small box inside the second piece of the house had all the smaller pieces. The whole house is made from a very sturdy plastic.

Plus clear instructions, which made it very simple to put together. The pieces just slot in, there's no gluing or screwing (apart from one for safety reasons).

It didn't come with batteries for the lights, but I had some. The lights can be switched off and on inside the two rooms.

I had to unscrew the cover in the back of the chimney to insert the batteries.

Once all the furniture was installed, I received a complaint from Hollow. He was very adamant that he did not want to share a bed with Mossy.

Misty said her room was beautiful and was so pleased to have an en-suite bathroom..

Mossy never complains, he went straight to the kitchen, turned on the light and made himself a pot of coffee.

The lounge didn't have lights.

And finally the full picture of the house.

The measurements as you look at it corner to corner is 24 inches and the height about 14 inches. Currently the house is sitting on my kitchen bench, but I will have to go make some room for it on a permanent basis.

I am very pleased with this purchase from the Discount Toy Co, I ordered it on Sunday and received it today (Wednesday) which is pretty great service in my book! I'm even more convinced I will have to bring home the Mill, but not right now.

If you have any RealPukis at home I recommend Syvanian Families houses and furniture, it really is the perfect size!

We Bought a House!

Although I made a home for my three tiny elves, Misty, Mossy and Hollow in an Ikea green house, I have so much Sylvanian Families furniture it's made it extremely crowded. Hubby and I first thought to put in a mezzanine floor, but being made of glass, it really wasn't feasible.

So after discussing this for a time, we decided to make the glass house into a room box for three of my other tiny dolls and to buy a new home for the RealPukis.

We have been tossing up between this little Field View Mill, which would take most of the furniture, but unfortunately not all ...

and this cute not so little, Beechwood Hall, which has plenty of space for everything.

It has 2 working lights and opens up to reveal 5 rooms.

It has a balcony on the first floor and a reversible piece for the ground floor

to make more home space or a garden area.

The Mill certainly looked wonderful, but the Hall was a much better buy all round ... on special it was $20 less ... so with luck, it should arrive mid week.

Here are views of the outsides.