Everyone Needs Playtime

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing.

When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

Featured post

Challenge Meme

Seven years ago I issued a challenge to celebrate 20 years of the modern BJD, that I had also done three years previously. As things have be...

Tuesday

Project: Cushions

Just a quick post today.
 
 
Although I was full of good intentions, I didn't have time to photograph these step by step with everything else running through my head. However, I thought I should show a photo of the finished articles (there are four) just so you know, I did actually finish what I started 10 days ago. :)

 
Down the bottom, to the right you can see a sample of the new flooring that has yet to be laid.
 
P.S. Check out these little guys that arrived yesterday!
 

Sunday

Inspired by Nature

Some of you may already be aware of my background in design and textiles, but not of my interest in Japanese Street Wear. I have long admired how these wonderful young people can adapt any period of European clothing wherever and whenever they choose to create a style of their very own. I love their ability to really enjoy the clothes they wear, regardless of what anyone else may think.

They have inspired me to produce a range of BJD doll clothes based on two of my current favourites . . . Natural and Mori.

Natural Kei is a much older style than Mori, dating back to the 70's. It has almost a pastoral, "Home on the Prairie" look to it, that is very close to nature. It tends to be slightly fitted with simple pinafores, aprons or long coats over long floral dresses. Colour and small floral prints are more noticeable and the multi layering and frayed edges which appear in Mori, are less apparent in Natural Kei.

Mori Kei takes inspiration from the forest, colours are very earthy and natural and the clothing is, for the most part, very loose almost A line in design. Mori girls like to dress in many layers using soft creams, shades of browns, very soft dusty blues, pastel pinks or pale moss like greens. Lace and boots play a large part in the overall look.

More recently, I have been looking at the mergence between Natural Kei and Mori Kei. A lot depends on your own perspective, there are some combinations that one person would call Natural, whereas another would refer to it as Mori. I like to think of my designs being an experimental combination of the two and have opened a new Etsy store to readily accommodate them . . .

https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MoriKe

 As each design in my head, becomes a finished garment, they will be posted.
Here's a little preview of what's to come.



Friday

Jumping Out of My Skin!

Yes, the old girl has ants in her pants and can't wait until next week . . . I finally received my shipping notice from Fairyland that my two tiny PukiPukis, Soso and Ara, are on their way. YAY!!
 
And here I was feeling all down in the mouth because they appeared to be behind with their deliveries, and of course Doll Zone's even more behind, so wasn't expecting anything before Christmas. Then low and behold one of my wishlist dolls was up for grabs on DOA . . . ah ha I thought to myself, I could have a new member of my family in my hot little hands by the end of next week.
 
 
Needless to say, I couldn't resist the temptation and this sweet, no longer loved Bisou is coming to live with me, where she will be very  much loved and spoilt. So instead of none, I now have three arrivals scheduled for the coming week. Funny how things always happen in threes around here. :)